Opinions are shaped by how we interpret evidence. Sometimes, though, different opinions can arise from the same factual evidence, as in the case of two witnesses to a car accident. Witness credibility comes into play. Suppose one witness was not wearing their prescription eyeglasses; they did not lie, but did not see clearly. It would be quite a different story if a lie was told, or evidence falsified.
Academic journals have the reputation of presenting trusted evidence for topics ranging from agriculture to history to medicine to zoology. Recently, some have come under fire for publishing articles based on falsified data1. One publishing firm will shut down 19 journals because of research fraud. In the past two years it had to retract about 11,300 published studies because of compromised data.
How much harm can be caused by fake data? Falsely yelling “fire” in a crowded theatre? Buying the wrong fertilizer to put on a cornfield? Switching medications to one based on fraudulent research? Hiring a new employee who submits a doctored resume?
When it comes to matters of faith, many opinions exist. For instance, Methodists have differing views on salvation than Baptists. Baptists interpret scriptures on baptism differently than Catholics. Catholics disagree with the church organization of Quakers. Though all might find common ground on the fundamentals of faith, diverse opinions likely remain on how to achieve the fundamentals.
In the secular world, you will find groups opposed to anything connected with organized Christianity. They have infiltrated politics, governments, schools, families, and even churches. Their opposition is based on evidence purposefully extended beyond the point of truth, to become a lie. We are warned to guard against such false prophets and teachers (Matthew 24:11; Revelation 2:14, 20).
False religions, like fake science, are very real and harmful. Some change scriptures to turn the truth into a lie. Replace the definitive article (the) for word in John 1:1 with the indefinite article (a), and Jesus (word) is no longer God. Likewise, fraudulent teachers claim the plural form of heavens (Genesis 1 & 2) is evidence of multiple levels we can attain in God’s dwelling place. Others attempt to have us believe the Big Bang theory and organic evolution replace creation, or that everyone is created in the image of God with transgender preferences.
We all need to have one or more individuals with the reputation of telling the truth about life, especially about the revelation of God. Maybe it’s a pastor, a parent, a teacher, or a friend. Someone who proclaims the truth, and encourages you to study all of God’s Word in order to differentiate opinions of the secular world (John 17:17).
Don’t take my word for it. Examine the evidence in your Bible, and see if it is truly the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. You will find the truth that sets you free.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6…
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