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I know that you know that words can be deceiving. When I was a kid, we had a rhyme to thwart something somebody might say about us. It went like this: “Sticks and stones might break my bones, but words will never harm me.” But people are even meaner these days. And they have more complex weapons.And words can be deceiving you in spite of what you “see.”
Or they can at least attempt to do that. Here’s an example from a website I won’t mention. Because I don’t want you to support them with a single click. Check out this deceitful blurb:
“A new video is causing controversy in the Christian community. It was released by a group of alleged “woke” Christians, and it reveals a long lost Biblical secret. The secret challenges 1,635 years of Biblical teachings. And some say it has changed what it means to be a Christian — forever. The video, which has now gone viral, has caused a clear divide among Christians. Some are calling it a ‘Must watch’ while others are petitioning to have it removed from the internet. As of now, it is unclear how long the video will remain online. Viewer discretion is advised.”
Yeah, that’s deceitful because it claims factual information. Like the first sentence, “A new video is causing controversy in the Christian community.” No facts or stats to back it up. Just states it like it’s true. Then, they say the video “reveals a long lost Biblical secret.” And that it “challenges 1,635 years of Biblical teachings.”
Balderdash.
Then, The Blurb (sounds like a 60’s sci-fi monster) says “some say it has changed what it means to be a Christian — forever.”
No. It hasn’t.
And it won’t. Because it can’t change what it means to be a Christian. That’s impossible. Because humans don’t get to determine what it means.
Final point I’ll make is the click bait finish. “Viewer discretion is advised.” People see that and almost immediately are drawn to the click button. Because it’s human nature to do what we shouldn’t. Go where we shouldn’t. Especially when “discretion is advised.”
But here’s the real kicker to The Blurb. A quick check at the bottom of that same page, in a much smaller font, reveals this message:
“The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.”
So which words are deceiving?
The Blurb? Or the disclaimer about The Blurb? Or are my words?
How can you know anything is true?
Is there any way to know at all?
Maybe there is when you rightly divide
With discernment and wherewithal.
Stay tuned,
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