Fake news is news created to deliberately misinform or deceive readers—to influence what we think, promote an agenda, cause confusion, or to make money. Some experts say we can often spot fake news if we take time to check the source, look beyond the headline, and use other sources to confirm a story or to check the facts. Getting facts is also critical when it comes to what we believe about God, about the Christian faith, and about our response to the data. The Apostle Paul was concerned about followers of Christ being misled by fake teaching. He wrote this in Colossians Ch 2, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” So today we should test teachings, philosophies, or news stories against the revelation God has given us. That’s how we gain confidence in what is true.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
