Stan Posted July 17, 2015 Posted July 17, 2015 An Embarrassing Week for Christians Sharing Fake News Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. You embarrass us all when you do. | Ed Stetzer So, here is the deal. We are too gullible. I've done a bit of a series on the "Faux Christian Controversy of the Week" and it just keeps happening. This week, two “news” stories made the rounds. Pastor Arrested for Refusing a Same-Sex Marriage So, what should you do it you see a story like this? Well, first, if pastors are going to jail for a ruling from last month, you should be suspicious. OK, not really, you should be totally incredulous. But, let’s say it is a couple of years from now. If that were the case, it would be EVERYWHERE. It would be on the nightly news. Did you check ChristianityToday.com? How about WORLD, the Christian Century, or Charisma? They'd all have it on their front page. But, you say, “It was at NBC.” Well, if something sounds crazy, check the URL. This particular story was on NBC.com.co. Did you notice the extra .co on the end? That means it's not really NBC.com. Also, click around to the other stories, which literally have text that reads "adfasf weoogsdre gawerags." You just make us all look gullible when you don’t do simple steps like that. By the way, if you are a pastor you should already know that no one can make you officiate anything. In fact, you can refuse to officiate an interracial marriage. You'd be an idiot and a racist, but you wouldn't be arrested. Bible Lawsuit Then, as if we don’t look silly enough, there is the Zondervan lawsuit. Just Google to see how many websites ran recent stories about a guy suing Bible publishers because the verses on homosexuality are offensive. One “news” source includes a column from Rev. Austin Miles. Here is the opening of his “breaking news” story. I’m leaving everything exactly as it was published. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (7/10/15) – When the Gays accomplished their Supreme Court Ruling and ran out dancing in the streets and planting their rainbow flags of victory atop city halls, municipal buildings and the White House, it showed the accuracy of the rest of the story we predicted. My column had been published immediately after that ruling, stating that for homosexuals, this victory would only be the beginning, that they would never be satisfied. They would next demand that the Bible be declared a Hate Book and abolished. Today a sodomite ex-con turned author, Bradley La Shawn Fowler (39 ) sued Thomas Nelson and Zondervan for publishing the Bible, which has references to homosexuality as a sin. He referred to 1 Corinthians 6:9. (?) This lawsuit could not be the result of the Supreme Court ruling (or President Obama’s polices) because it happened in 2008, while President Bush was still in office and seven years before the gay marriage ruling. The reason you did not hear much about it then is because the courts quickly dismissed it as a ridiculous lawsuit. At five different points in the ruling, the court asserts that Fowler’s claims fail and should be dismissed and rejected. That didn’t stop Christians from sharing this story as if it were new and potentially dangerous. Miles has since retracted his article. It is YOUR job—yes YOURS—to check the facts. Yes, these websites should do that as well, but most are more concerned with gaining your page view than growing your credibility. Remember, Snopes is your friend. Go and check out these stories before you share them on social media. There are real issues about religious liberty right now (and more coming). Posting links to fake ones just makes all of us look (rightly) gullible. How To Fix the False Rumor You Spread So, if you posted the fake story about the pastor, let me ask you to do three things: 1. Post a retraction. Really. Do it. It's not that hard. It will sting a little bit because you'll have to admit you were wrong, but it's good for you. I promise. Just something like this would suffice: "Hey friends, I posted a story about _______ this weekend, and it turns out it wasn't true! Be on guard and don't believe everything you read out there! I’ll be more careful next time." You can both admit you were wrong and look out for your friends, telling them to be alert for more fake stories, because these weren't the first and I’m sure they won’t be the last. Integrity is important for the Christian. The Scriptures are clear, especially in the Proverbs. Proverbs 2:20-21 says: So follow the way of good people,and keep to the paths of the righteous.For the upright will inhabit the land,and those of integrity will remain in it; Later, Proverbs 28:18 says: The one who lives with integrity will be helped,but one who distorts right and wrongwill suddenly fall. Do the right thing. Protect your friends from being tricked like you were. 2. Don’t excuse it by saying, “Well, it might be true.” Or, “Well, there is something like that." "Or, well, it will be true soon." No, you were wrong. You fell for a hoax. Say it and move on. You were deceived. It's ok to admit that. You don't have to try to cover your tracks and make some sort of lame excuse to make yourself look better. Have some humility, be willing to admit someone fooled you, and move on. Posting a link to a story about a for-profit wedding chapel on public land won't make it any better because even that was resolved—just say you were wrong and move on. Seriously... 3. Be less gullible next time. Wisdom is valuable: Get wisdom—how much better it is than gold!And get understanding—it is preferable to silver. (Prov 16:16) "But," you may think, "I'm not wise. I get fooled by this stuff all the time." That's okay, Scripture accounts for people like us. James 1:5 says: Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. Finally, the Bible makes it clear: You must not steal. You must not act deceptively or lie to one another. (Lev 19:11) Lying is wrong. Don't lie, even if you don't mean to. And make it right if you do. Don't Post What You Can't Confirm You may say, "But what if I can’t tell if the story is fake or not?" I've given you several ways to check the veracity of a story, but if that does not work, there is just one solution: don't post it. If you have not, will not, or cannot confirm a story, do not share it. As Christians, we have a higher standard than even the journalist. We aren’t protecting the reputation of an organization or a website, we bear the name of our King. If our friends and families cannot trust us with this type of news, many will not listen when we seek to share the good news of the gospel. Gail, pierrepaul, CoAspen and 1 other 4 Quote If you receive benefit to being here please help out with expenses. https://www.paypal.me/clubadventist Administrator of a few websites like https://adventistdating.com
Outta Here Posted July 17, 2015 Posted July 17, 2015 I don't know what to make of this. Is it okay to spread false "news" stories that might confuse people, or is it not okay? Stan 1 Quote
LifeHiscost Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 An Embarrassing Week for Christians Sharing Fake News Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. You embarrass us all when you do. | Now I need to ask if anyone has noticed or can point to the said indiscretion from this source? God is Love Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted July 18, 2015 Members Posted July 18, 2015 I've had to send messages to a number of my Facebook friends who've posted those stories to let them know they're either hoaxes, or way out of date... Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Administrators Gail Posted July 18, 2015 Administrators Posted July 18, 2015 I only saw the one posted here but it didn't make sense to me. The claim was that the word, "homosexual" was in the Bible but that was new information to me. Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
LifeHiscost Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 Just in case anybody cares, here's some comments from the snope's page after finding the story from the web page indicated. http://tinyurl.com/naacx46 xxxxxx xxxxxxxxdxx Works at Retired I'm proud of my American passport and always show them mine, even on domestic flights. As a naturalized U.S. citizen, but still speaking with my Swiss accent, a friendly, Boston based TSA agent noticed that in my passport and greeted me in my native Swiss language! xxx xxxxxxxxxx How about the greater point that your government wants to electronically tag you like cattle and your bending over backwards to comply... Like · Reply · 1 · Jun 28, 2015 11:19pm xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxIf you have a social security number, you're already tagged. Another piece of ID isn't going to matter. Like · Reply · Jul 6, 2015 5:40am xxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx-xxxxxxxx So having a biometric ID, with microchip that tracks every time you use it, and everywhere you go, is the same as having a paper card from social security? And is your reasoning supposed to make us all feel better about your desire to jump through every hoop put in front of you by authorities?? It's attitudes like yours, that empower tyranny... It's sheep like you who can be convinced of anything...like turning your picture rainbow to support sterile marriage... God is Love! Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Aliensanctuary Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) I was "conned" by the Bible lawsuit article. Will be more wary with the original poster now that I am aware of fake "news" reports. Edited July 18, 2015 by Aliensanctuary JoeMo 1 Quote The Parable of the Lamb and the Pigpen https://www.createspace.com/3401451
LifeHiscost Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 I was "conned" by the Bible lawsuit article. Will be more wary with the original poster now that I am aware of fake "news" reports. God is Love! Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Lauralea Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 Sometimes people go off on the same kind of tangents about nutrition things also, and I tell them if they read it on the Internet and it seems new different and unlike anything they have heard before, (when they already know what a basic healthy diet looks like) it is probably wrong. phkrause 1 Quote Behold what manner of love the Father hath given unto us.
JoeMo Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 Hmmm. The Sabbath School teacher brought this up as an example of how the end times are upon us. He's gonna be a litttle more careful about news he brings to the class next week ... next week. God must have led me to this post. I was just about to email some friends about this story. Quote
GayatfootofCross Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) yeah the word homosexual is not in the original bible. But that would wreck EVERYTHING # a few clobber verses are more against pagan sex rights and practices and the importance of propagating the Israel tribe than monogamous Homosexual Relationships Edited July 18, 2015 by GayatfootofCross Quote For all Eternity God waited in anticipation for You to show up to give You a Message - YOUR INCLUDED !!! { a merry dance }?️? " If you tarry 'til you're better You will never come at all " .. "I Will Rise" by the late great saved Glen Campbell If your picture of God is starting to feel too good to be true, you're starting to move in the right direction. "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite." Romeo and Juliet
GayatfootofCross Posted July 18, 2015 Posted July 18, 2015 I only saw the one posted here but it didn't make sense to me. The claim was that the word, "homosexual" was in the Bible but that was new information to me. Quote For all Eternity God waited in anticipation for You to show up to give You a Message - YOUR INCLUDED !!! { a merry dance }?️? " If you tarry 'til you're better You will never come at all " .. "I Will Rise" by the late great saved Glen Campbell If your picture of God is starting to feel too good to be true, you're starting to move in the right direction. "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite." Romeo and Juliet
B/W Photodude Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 OK, since I was the poster of the gay lawsuit against the Bible article, I will add these comments. This story showed and made its way to reportedly several websites. When I saw the article and all the comments were very close to the date I saw it, I concluded the article was current news. Gregory Matthews pointed out it was an old story. OK, so, I drop it. No reason to comment on it and bump it back to the top of the current article feed.. In checking the article again, the date was light grey and easy to miss. I have noted before here at C/A that sometimes even C/A articles are difficult to read. It seems that the default type color is grey! What is up with that? What is wrong with black type? I would even suggest that this is not polite to default things to colors/sizes that are difficult to read. Again, no attempt was made to bring an old story out as current news. So, if this is still an issue, beat me with a stick! Quote >>>Texts in blue type are quotes<<< ***************************************************************************** And therefore as a stranger give it welcome. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. --Shakespeare from Hamlet ***************************************************************************** Bill Liversidge Seminars The Emergent Church and the Invasion of Spiritualism
Aliensanctuary Posted July 20, 2015 Posted July 20, 2015 ...beat me with a stick! Where's that darn stick...I lost it again. I need to use it more often...on myself. We might suspect that someday Bibles will piled up and burned, maybe with a few Christians thrown on top of the pile and some naked God-haters beating drums, chanting, and dancing around in a circle. DreamWeaver 1 Quote The Parable of the Lamb and the Pigpen https://www.createspace.com/3401451
Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted July 21, 2015 Moderators Posted July 21, 2015 Photodude: I have no desire to beat you with a stick. If you seriously think that you need to be beaten,I will suggest that it be with a wet piece of pasta. DreamWeaver 1 Quote Gregory
Aliensanctuary Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 We should all be thankful that the rest of us have never been misled by websites that have published fake news. Actually, I thought the article about e-coli being found in men's beards was true until I later saw another article claiming that it was fake news. How much news do we hear that is fake, and what is the purpose of publishing fabricated stories? To me, fake news is disconcerting because now I don't know whether to believe a story or not. Maybe it's better just to stop looking at the news. It's all bad news, anyway. Just in case, I'm not going to grow an e-coli-infested beard, anyway. Quote The Parable of the Lamb and the Pigpen https://www.createspace.com/3401451
B/W Photodude Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Actually, I thought the article about e-coli being found in men's beards was true until I later saw another article claiming that it was fake news ... Just in case, I'm not going to grow an e-coli-infested beard, anyway. Well, you live with a diverse collection of micro-organisms and your health is partly a result of the health of your colony or your "personal micro biome". In fact, without your colony, you could very likely get sick and die (gut bacteria are heavily invoked in vitamin production and you would become deficit without your gut bacteria.) Some sources such as the links will tell you that you are more your collections of bacteria and other lifeforms than you are your self! Have a nice day! http://genomemag.com/change-your-microbiome-change-yourself/ http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/09/09/219381741/from-birth-our-microbes-become-as-personal-as-a-fingerprint Aliensanctuary 1 Quote >>>Texts in blue type are quotes<<< ***************************************************************************** And therefore as a stranger give it welcome. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. --Shakespeare from Hamlet ***************************************************************************** Bill Liversidge Seminars The Emergent Church and the Invasion of Spiritualism
Aliensanctuary Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 http://genomemag.com/change-your-microbiome-change-yourself/ Great article. Germs are OK unless they find themselves in the wrong places. Working in the healthcare field, though, I can see firsthand how quickly those out-of-place microbes can be shared with usually not-so-pleasant results. I wish the labs would stop testing for MRSA since it's everywhere, anyway. I think that in the Kingdom there will be bacteria, but they will be harmless to those eating fruit from the Tree of Life. Maybe it's impossible for us to filter out of the news what is true and what is false. I suppose Jesus wouldn't have wasted time watching CNN, or any of the others if available back in his day. Quote The Parable of the Lamb and the Pigpen https://www.createspace.com/3401451
JoeMo Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 These days, even though not all news is false, almost no news is totally true. I believe it is censored and dumbed down by the powers that be; and the "real" stories are supressed in favor of reporting the world's reaction to Caitlyn Jenner and the Blake/Miranda divorce. Plus, bad news is reported in favor of good news. "If it bleeds, it leads". Even the "real" news that gets reported always has a political "twist" to it. Surf back and forth between CNN and Fox; and you'll see what I mean. DreamWeaver 1 Quote
Members phkrause Posted July 21, 2015 Members Posted July 21, 2015 These days, even though not all news is false, almost no news is totally true. I believe it is censored and dumbed down by the powers that be; and the "real" stories are supressed in favor of reporting the world's reaction to Caitlyn Jenner and the Blake/Miranda divorce. Plus, bad news is reported in favor of good news. "If it bleeds, it leads". Even the "real" news that gets reported always has a political "twist" to it. Surf back and forth between CNN and Fox; and you'll see what I mean. I can agree that the news is probably not the whole truth, etc. As far as dumded down, not sure I agree with that, but its definitely being spun on most stations and even more on fox. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
B/W Photodude Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 I wish the labs would stop testing for MRSA since it's everywhere ... Funny thing is ... hospitals do not test staff for MRSA! Probably everyone working in a hospital is colonized with it! But here is something to brighten everyone's day. MRSA simply means methicillin resistant staph aureus. Which mean one of the antibiotics that used to be used to treat is no longer effective for a staph infection. There is another bacteria known as enterococcus. And it can be resistant to Vancomycin, and those bugs are referred to as vancomycin resistant entorcoccus (VRE). Now when MRSA bugs gather round the water cooler with VRE, they gossip with each other and trade information like how to avoid antibiotics. The fear is that staph will become resistant to Vanocmycin and then will be known as VRSA. Problem is, Vancomycin is one of the last available antibiotic and most used for MRSA. When VRSA becomes widespread, some infectious disease docs feel it is all over because there will be no remedies left. There has been several known cases of VRSA. Quote >>>Texts in blue type are quotes<<< ***************************************************************************** And therefore as a stranger give it welcome. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. --Shakespeare from Hamlet ***************************************************************************** Bill Liversidge Seminars The Emergent Church and the Invasion of Spiritualism
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted July 21, 2015 Members Posted July 21, 2015 tea tree, lavender, and many other pure essential oils can kill those bacteria... the bacteria can't develop an immunity to them because every growing season produces a slightly different chemical constituency to the oils. There are places in Europe where the essential oils are diffused throughout medical rooms to combat the infections... that was one of the medico-chemical aspects of essential oils that I was investigating for my doctoral thesis... I've often wondered why the oils are not diffused via respirators to fight pneumonias and other respiratory infections in hospital settings... (actually, I think I know the reason -- the pharmaceutical companies have diligently worked to prevent the use of essential oils, in favor of using artificially-made antibiotics) Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted July 21, 2015 Moderators Posted July 21, 2015 The following quote is the conventional wisdom and is logically correct. However, when a staff person becomes an inpatient, that staff person will likely be tested for MRSA. Sometimes those staff people will be found to not be colonized, as happened to me the last time. Shaking my head. It surprised me. Funny thing is ... hospitals do not test staff for MRSA! Probably everyone working in a hospital is colonized with it! Quote Gregory
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.