We live in very confusing times and it seems to be getting
worse rather than better. I have to
admit that am becoming more skeptical of everything every day. I have stopped watching the news. I once thought it was important to stay
informed but now it seems as if each network or program has a very different
version or presentation of what is going on in the world. Each one appears to try to make things more alarming
to keep viewers tuned in to their program or I get the impression that they are
simply seeking to sway viewers to their agenda or point of view. I remember growing up listening to Walter
Cronkite to find out what was happening in the world. He was a liberal Democrat who went sailing
with the Kennedys but one never could discern that from his broadcast. You could trust a more objective presentation
of the day’s important events as he concluded with, “And that’s the way it is”.
I don’t even trust the weather forecast anymore. When they predict storms I think, “it may rain…or maybe not.” I go back to my dad’s ‘rope method’ of discerning the weather. You hang a rope out the window and when you
pull it in you can know the weather. If
the rope is wet…rain. If the rope is
warm or cold, so is the weather outside.
If it is white…snow! I know, I
know…but it was his sense of humor.
I remember watching a forgettable movie but was captivated
by the following dialogue between a college professor, Coleman, and his friend,
Nathan, who was a burned out author isolating himself in a cabin in the woods after
becoming disillusioned with everything; NATHAN: “What's the moment called in Greek tragedy, you know, the one where the
hero learns that everything he knows is wrong?” COLEMAN: “Peripeteia.” NATHAN: “That's
me. I've come to the woods to lick my wounds.”
PERIPETEIA (Also
spelled peripetea is the Greek term for "sudden change") is the
sudden reversal of fortune in a story, play, or any narrative in which there is
an observable change in direction. In tragedy, this is often a change from
stability and happiness toward the destruction or downfall of the protagonist. I have to admit that the scene stuck with me
as I often find myself questioning everything I know and things I have learned
in the past. Perhaps I was too innocent
and naïve in the past or else the world around me seemed to have been less
volatile and more understandable. Now
almost everything seems to be questionable, unclear or ambiguous. How can you know who or what to trust?
I have heard famous and eloquent preachers say things that
sound convincing but I have also had enough training in that area to know that
what was just proclaimed was not necessarily scriptural truth. As happens with many news programs sometimes preachers
also can become more interested in advancing their program, ego, and agenda
than proclaiming the unvarnished truth. Whether it is a famous newscaster, preacher or
even your local meteorologist, it is hard to know who to trust. (you can’t say weatherman anymore without
being considered sexist but that is another discussion for another day). So, again, the question how can you know who
or what to trust? It is the age old
question asked by Pilate 2000 years ago as he faced Jesus; “What is truth?”
(John 18:38)
Don’t fret, I think it is good to question and not be too
easy to trust anyone and everything.
Scripture tells us to “examine everything carefully and hang on to
what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
When I was a pastor I told my listeners to be careful with everything
they hear. Just because it sounds good
and seems to be coming from a reliable source, it is still wise to question and
examine everything carefully for yourself.
I offered the following; “If you
hear something from me that sounds questionable. Search it out and research it for
yourself. If you find out that I am
wrong call me up and we will go to lunch.
Show me my mistake and I’ll pick up the check!” I was, and still am, interested in the
truth…even if it changes what I always thought or believed. I have always been wary of anyone who is not
open to a challenge to their thoughts or opinion. I prefer being open minded, always ready to
learn new things rather than the stubborn closed minded thinking such as;
“Don’t bother me with the facts. I have
my mind made up!”
Be a very careful listener to everything. Notice the subtle ways that ‘truth, facts and
ideas’ may be presented and don’t be afraid to have some healthy skepticism. I have noticed a term that has become popular
but I consider dangerous as people now want to tell “my truth” or “their truth”. Truth is not possessed or owned by any
individual. I know what they are really
presenting is their version of the truth but phrasing it in such a way grabs my
attention because once someone becomes fixed in ‘their truth’ they are no longer open to the actual truth, which
may oppose or differ from ‘their truth’.
A younger pastor in a small rural church asked me to come
and help with a controversial issue in his church. I told them we were going to look at the
teaching in its original language, cultural and historical context and discern
the truth that it is conveying to us today.
Immediately a lady on the front row closed her Bible and crossed her
arms showing a scowl and body language revealing, “I am closed off to anything you are saying.” After presenting and explaining the actual
meaning of the verses I gave time to reflect.
In a few minutes an older gentleman who had grown up in the church
leaned forward and said, “You mean we may
have had it preached to us wrong all these years?” I smiled and welcomed his openness to seeking
truth and said, “Maybe so.” That same Bible the lady with the scowl closed
tells us to “examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.” (1
Thessalonians 5:21)
We live in confusing times indeed. Be careful with everything you hear and
see. It is good to have healthy
skepticism and do your own homework before accepting anything as factual. No matter what “you always heard” or “always
believed” or where it comes from, don’t hold on to anything that is not
helpful, harmonious or good.
