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Believable But Wrong

By Phil Robertson

If you really want to believe something, you will.  For example, consider all of the forwards that are sent via email.  Some seem so real, we gobble up the accusations without considering they could be tainted with misinformation. A forward currently scurrying through the internet promotes an alleged discourse by astronaut legend and former U.S. Senator John Glenn.  He supposedly promoted the war against terror.  It is titled “Worth Reading” and dated January 26, 2004. It claims Glenn voiced his approval for military action in Iraq.  Granted, it was a beautiful lecture and it was something someone who favors the war would really want to hear.  However, it was not necessarily “worth reading” because it was untrue.

After doing a little research, I found the context of the quote was inaccurate.  Glenn’s monologue was delivered 23 years ago in Ohio, not Washington D.C.  He was not voicing approval for the Iraq war, he was combating a political attack fired by an opponent.  Glenn resigned from the Senate six years ago.  Also, according to the Washington Post, he has been campaigning for a candidate who is strongly opposed to the Iraq war and the actions of the President (Washington Post 7/31/05).

Although this may not seem like a big deal, this same pattern of misinformation can be found in how we view many religious institutions today.  How often have we listened to someone condemn a church or a religious body without asking where they got their information?  Even when they give a source, do we seek to confirm the accuracy of the statements?

Why do we believe things that are not true?  May I suggest a few reasons?

1) We like the source.  The person who presented the message is credible in our opinion. Therefore, our confidence in the message is tied to our feelings for the messenger.  Jesus warned of this dilemma in Matthew 10:34-36.  He said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.”   Keep in mind, even sincere messengers can present a perverted message.  Luke said Apollos was a gifted speaker but did not know about baptism into Jesus.  He was “taken aside and explained the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:25-26).  Paul warned the Corinthians to be careful of “preacher envy” (1 Cor. 1:10-11).  If the preacher takes prominence over the validity of the message, we become vulnerable to false teaching. Instead, we must be like the Bereans who scrutinized even an apostle’s message with God’s word (Acts 17:11).    

2) We want to believe the story. Unfortunately, this desire can often be so strong, it refuses to hear truth.  Paul warned Timothy that many in the church would soon grow tired of his preaching.  They would seek out fables and speakers who would satisfy their “itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The figurative language gives a precise indication as to why so many false words are believed.  The “itch” represents a physical desire. What better way to deal with an itch than to scratch it?  False tales are a scratch to ears eagerly hoping the story is true.

3) We do not search for truth.  Hosea said the children of Israel were destroyed because they lacked knowledge (Hos. 4:6).  Lack of knowledge may be the main reason so many false teachings are believed.  It is also the reason Paul pleads with all men to establish their own faith.  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness” (2 Tim. 2:15). 

If you are like me and are flooded with many forwards daily, may I suggest you clarify the information at www.snopes.com especially before you forward it.  It is a great site dedicated to analyzing the validity of many internet stories.  But, if you are questioning the doctrine of a church or a group of believers please, get first hand information.  Find out exactly what they believe and then measure their actions and doctrine by the infallible word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  May God’s mercy and grace help us seek truth in all things.  “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Pro 8:17).   

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