4 Reasons Christians Need to Quit Sharing Hoaxes

[Stan]

http://reasonforchange.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/4-reasons-christians-need-to-quit-sharing-hoaxes/

4 Reasons Christians Need to Quit Sharing Hoaxes

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Jayson Bradley

From Christians to atheists and beyond, my Facebook friends run the ideological gamut. I’m blessed to have thoughtful and deep friends from all walks of life.

But after spending years on Facebook, I’ve seen a trend that’s both interesting and troubling: If I find a hoax in my news feed, chances are it will have been shared by an evangelical Christian.

I know that sounds like a terrible thing to say, but it’s true. In fact, it’s so typical and intriguing, that I’ve been keeping track of the phenomenon for quite a while. I’ve often wondered why mainstream Christians (not my high-church friends, not my Catholic friends, etc.) are so quick to pass on news stories and testimonials that are untrue. But that’s a discussion for another time.

Today I want to talk through some reasons they need to stop:

1. They’re credibility killers

The Christian message is one that requires a certain suspension of disbelief. I mean, come on, we believe in a man who turned out to be God and was resurrected after he was crucified. What do you think it does for our credibility every time a Christian shares something that they could easily disprove with a simple Google search?

Paul calls the message of the cross foolishness to the gentiles (1 Cor. 1:23). I have a hard time expecting people to wrestle with the claims of Christianity if they have to overlook the fact that we’ll obviously believe anything. We can’t afford to let our gullibility be the obstacle between people and Christ.

2. They spread fear

The message of Christianity isn’t that the world is a scary place where everything and everyone is a potential threat—but you wouldn’t know that on Facebook.

From CFL lightbulbs which will burn down your house to Obamacare requiring the implant of RFID microchips ushering in the mark of the beast, there’s plenty of hoaxes to wring your hands over. Sometimes it seems like evangelicals are so enamored with end-times scenarios that they’re actively looking for stories to legitimize their paranoia.

The Christian message to the world isn’t, “Hey, look how bad things are!” It’s “take heart, He has overcome the world!” We don’t have to share every sensational and scary story—especially when their truth is suspect.

3. They engender phony activism

I cycle through many of the same fake or outdated stories in my feed—sometimes with the most horrifying and heartbreaking images. Whether I’m supposed to keep sharing a story to ensure a child’s heart transplant or keep sharing a story because Facebook will donate $3 for each share to help a burned infant, my sympathies are being played upon to solicit some kind of response.

The problem is not just that these stories aren’t true, it’s that there are people in hospitals in every city who need legitimate financial and moral support. We could be encouraging real philanthropy instead of the fake humanitarianism and concern generated by these bogus statuses.

4. They elevate emotion over accuracy

Recently the story of Pastor Jeremiah Steepek was making the rounds. In the story a new pastor pretends to be homeless when he visits his new church and uses the experience as a lesson to the congregation. No one can find any proof of this pastor, and even the picture that accompanies the story is a fake.

In one discussion on Facebook, a Christian stuck up for this story because Jesus used parables to teach lessons too. But the difference is that Jesus didn’t try to pass his stories off as true when they weren’t. We cannot afford to pass off questionable stories as true just because we appreciate the message.

Knowing the truth is quick and simple

When I see a story shared in my feed, I’ll usually check the source. If I recognize the source’s legitimacy, I’m more likely to trust it. Then I’ll Google the first sentence. This will usually tell me in moments if it’s a hoax.

It really doesn’t take too much work to figure out if a story is trustworthy or not, and knowing the truth is priceless.

[Hair]

Is this a hoax??

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

t really doesn’t take too much work to figure out if a story is trustworthy or not, and knowing the truth is priceless.

Recently I had my email hacked and my list of contacts were all sent a URL, ostensibly from me. You may have been one of the contacts. Luckily it was not a very damaging URL, just selling a health food product, but there is no telling what virus might have been picked up and my computer does some extra curricular activity that is at the least, quite annoying if not damaging.

Hopefully you're OK Stan, and any others that might have been an unfortunate recipient of the intrusive hacking.

BTW, my security system did not register or respond to the intrusion and I did change most all my passwords and financial records that access anything important. I have become somewhat paranoid re: society in general and wonder if there is any place in this world that has any privacy left.

Even so come, Lord Jesus!!!!!!

God cares.

[Gail]

Thanks for sharing this! Besides the gossip aspect these were good arguments against doing this. It's amazing what people will feed on.

[Hair]

Recently I had my email hacked and my list of contacts were all sent a URL, ostensibly from me.

HATE IT when that happens... and its usually something embarrassing and everyone is wondering if you've lost your mind for sending that to them. Usually, if they open it, then they are caught up in it and it will send it to all of their contacts. HATE IT! HATE IT! HATE IT!

I know your feeling.

[Bravus]

I'd suggest that the *real* credibility killer is what happens when the hoax is revealed.

If something is shown to be a hoax, and the response is "Sorry, I forwarded it in good faith, but I see now that it wasn't real. Sorry about that", or words to that effect, credibility can be salvaged.

If the response is to double down, credibility is shredded. The strong impression is that the poster simply does not care what is true, as long as it agrees with his/her views.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I've got one FB neighbor who always shares the dopiest things. The latest is a photo of Bill Gates holding a [obviously photoshopped] sign saying he will give anyone who shares the photo $5000...

And how many of you tried saying "gullible" slowly, because it sounds like "oranges"? :)

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

"everyone is wondering if you've lost your mind for sending that to them."

Not that the inadvertent communique would be of any less damage, at least as followers of Christ we can be assured we're in good company.

"Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:

‘In the last days,’ God says,

‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy.

Your young men will see visions,

and your old men will dream dreams.

In those days I will pour out my Spirit

even on my servants—men and women alike—"

Acts 2:14-18 NLT

God cares!

[Naomi]

Originally Posted By: LifeHiscost

Recently I had my email hacked and my list of contacts were all sent a URL, ostensibly from me.

HATE IT when that happens... and its usually something embarrassing and everyone is wondering if you've lost your mind for sending that to them. Usually, if they open it, then they are caught up in it and it will send it to all of their contacts. HATE IT! HATE IT! HATE IT!

I know your feeling.

The last time that happened to me one was sent to our Union President with very obvious sexual connotations he sent me note which read, "Are you sure this is for me" LOL

[Stan]

and....

[Ron Bakker]

The same goes for conspiracy theories. I have been trying to explain to fellow believers how the incorporation of these ideas into their speech confuses the gospel of God. With one voice they say that the US Government was behind the 9/11 attacks, and then speak of a risen saviour... and then they are dismissed as fools on both accounts.

This sensationalism is destructive to the honest work that God gave us.

BIBLE:

Isaiah 8:12-13 (NIV) "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread."

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ...

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJ) But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak...

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NIV) So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 (Wey) Guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge'; of which some have spoken boastfully in connection with the true faith, and have erred.

Lamentations 3:40 (NIV) Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

EGW:

God calls upon His people to walk with sobriety and holy consistency. They should be very careful not to misrepresent and dishonor the holy doctrines of truth by strange performances, by confusion and tumult. By this unbelievers are led to think that Seventh-day Adventists are a set of fanatics. Thus prejudice is created that prevents souls from receiving the message for this time. When believers speak the truth as it is in Jesus, they reveal a holy, sensible calm, not a storm of confusion.--Manuscript 76a, 1901. {Ev 612.3}

Give the people present truth. Talk the truth. Fill their minds with truth. Build up the strongholds of truth. And do not bring Satan's theories to minds that should not hear in regard to them. What the people need is not a representation of the seductive arts of Satan, but a presentation of the truth as it is in Jesus. Remember that the devil can be served by a repetition of his lies. The less we handle these objectionable subjects, the purer, cleaner, and less tainted will be our minds and our principles. . . . {Ev 624.2}

In 1844 we had to meet fanaticism on every hand, but always the word came to me: "A great wave of excitement is an injury to the work. Keep your feet in the footprints of Christ." Under great excitement, strange work is done. There are those who improve this opportunity to bring in strange and fanciful doctrines. Thus the door is closed to the proclamation of sound doctrine.

Sacred Truth Dishonored by Excitement.--We need to be thoughtful and still, and to contemplate the truths of revelation. Excitement is not favorable to growth in grace, to true purity and sanctification of the Spirit.

We need to be on our guard, to maintain a close connection with Christ, that we be not deceived by Satan's devices. The Lord desires to have in His service order and discipline, not excitement and confusion.

[Stan]

Amen and AMEN. We need you here more often, THANK YOU.

[phkrause]

[phkrause]

The same goes for conspiracy theories. I have been trying to explain to fellow believers how the incorporation of these ideas into their speech confuses the gospel of God. With one voice they say that the US Government was behind the 9/11 attacks, and then speak of a risen saviour... and then they are dismissed as fools on both accounts.

This sensationalism is destructive to the honest work that God gave us.

BIBLE:

Isaiah 8:12-13 (NIV) "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread."

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ...

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJ) But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak...

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NIV) So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 (Wey) Guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning irreligious and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely called 'knowledge'; of which some have spoken boastfully in connection with the true faith, and have erred.

Lamentations 3:40 (NIV) Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

EGW:

God calls upon His people to walk with sobriety and holy consistency. They should be very careful not to misrepresent and dishonor the holy doctrines of truth by strange performances, by confusion and tumult. By this unbelievers are led to think that Seventh-day Adventists are a set of fanatics. Thus prejudice is created that prevents souls from receiving the message for this time. When believers speak the truth as it is in Jesus, they reveal a holy, sensible calm, not a storm of confusion.--Manuscript 76a, 1901. {Ev 612.3}

Give the people present truth. Talk the truth. Fill their minds with truth. Build up the strongholds of truth. And do not bring Satan's theories to minds that should not hear in regard to them. What the people need is not a representation of the seductive arts of Satan, but a presentation of the truth as it is in Jesus. Remember that the devil can be served by a repetition of his lies. The less we handle these objectionable subjects, the purer, cleaner, and less tainted will be our minds and our principles. . . . {Ev 624.2}

In 1844 we had to meet fanaticism on every hand, but always the word came to me: "A great wave of excitement is an injury to the work. Keep your feet in the footprints of Christ." Under great excitement, strange work is done. There are those who improve this opportunity to bring in strange and fanciful doctrines. Thus the door is closed to the proclamation of sound doctrine.

Sacred Truth Dishonored by Excitement.--We need to be thoughtful and still, and to contemplate the truths of revelation. Excitement is not favorable to growth in grace, to true purity and sanctification of the Spirit.

We need to be on our guard, to maintain a close connection with Christ, that we be not deceived by Satan's devices. The Lord desires to have in His service order and discipline, not excitement and confusion.

Exactly Oh and lets not forget Gossip

[Naomi]

Quote:

We need to be on our guard, to maintain a close connection with Christ, that we be not deceived by Satan's devices. The Lord desires to have in His service order and discipline, not excitement and confusion.

[CFK1]

Excellent!!! I couldn't agree more. Recently a video showing a Pastor Gambetta talking about Pope Francis' SDA brother has been making the rounds (again), obviously the gullible passing it on. Unfortunately the disclaimer never seems to make the rounds nearly as fast or goes nearly as far and wide, probably because it's not nearly as sensational. I've found the best formula for dealing with these conspiracy theories is the little "delete" button on my inbox.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

#656773 - Today at 11:41

Excellent post.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."Philippians 4:8 KJV

OTOH,

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."1 Peter 5:8 NLT

God Cares!

[kailooa]

I agree so much with Stan and Ron. And I too have noticed that it's my evangelical friends who most often send that stuff around, which I hadn't unpacked until I saw this post. Thanks for your thoughts. It gets frustrating to see these things, especially when they are so easy to disprove. And most especially it bothers me that the focus seems to always be spreading fear, anger and hate.

[ChildofChrist]

Just tacking on. I know some that feel they have to 'spread the news' then they forward things, ritually wiping their hands off and promptly forgetting about it.

I remember one of those that I passed on to my nephew, 5 Mondays or whatever and it happens only once in 500 years. He called me on it and I think that only once in the last 6 or 7 years did I pass something along without checking it out first. Then I don't feel like I was born yesterday. Whew! But it is true, don't you think that we tend to be more trusting that everyone is being square with us?

Think this is where Wise as serpents and harmless as doves, comes into play.

[Victor]

Thanks for this article. I may reuse it within my weekly news. I do find it to be a major issue among too many of us. Recently even the GC had to put out a disclaimer on a false story that was doing the rounds regarding the Pope's supposed brother. It did us no service. http://adventist.org.uk/news/2013/2013-buc/the-popes-brother-and-other-adventist-myths

A strange world we live in when myth seems to make the rounds but simple compassion and truth get lost on the way.

[phkrause]

Victor, I'm thinking that many myths, hoaxes, etc., begin because of gossip! And that gossip gets bigger and bigger, until some find truth and than it starts looking more and more pausible as being truth. When in reality there is very little truth to it.

[Stan]

Just to remind folks, this was not my work, I have a link to the creator.

[phkrause]

[cricket]

Off topic, but did you see what Stan said?!!!!

I have a link to the creator.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

I have a link to the creator.

Which if remembered, would calm a lot of Babylon (confusion) which seems to emanate from top to bottom in the world arena.

God cares!