Faith and Doubt

in a Culture of Disbelief

  • Home
  • About
  • Milestones
  • Contact

Three Signs You’re Watching too much news

October 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Share this post:

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Email

During a debate I heard someone object to the word truth. “Truth is in the eye of the beholder,” he said. Someone else shot back, “Is your statement true?” Especially before elections, people feel entitled not only to their own opinions but also to their own facts. Here are three warning signs you need a break from the news.

You’re talking out loud to the TV 

During an interview, a famous author came under fire, accused of being callous toward refugees. He asked the host, “Did you know I’ve raised over $15 million dollars to assist refugees in crisis?”  She had no idea. Unrepentant, she continued framing every question for fireworks. Fights sell the news. Hidden agendas don’t always get exposed like this.  Is your news consumption only affirming your biases? Is it creating blind spots?

You are becoming your opinion

Churchill’s said:  “If two people agree on everything then one of them may be unnecessary.” Agreeable disagreements are healthy. They can function like an immune system rooting out falsehood in others— or in us. If you’re offended by any opposing point of view, it’s time to start distinguishing between your current opinions and your enduring identity.

Groupthink seems normal 

People who cave to groupthink often struggle to disagree agreeably. Groupthink feeds on us vs. them.  It puts loyalty to a tribe ahead even of loyalty to truth. Conscience can get lost in the mob. If you find yourself organizing around the loudest or most anxious voice in the room, it’s time to distance yourself from the herd.  

Scripture teaches the why, what, and who, of doing justly and loving mercy. It does not always get specific about how.  Politics often divides over the how.  In the coming month, let’s remember we all have blindspots. We cannot always see the common value under someone else’s HOW.

“…do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Related

Filed Under: Tough stuff

Subscribe to Faith and Doubt

Subscribe to Faith and Doubt today and receive a free copy of Milestones.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Who is Behind Faith and Doubt?

Tim FilstonTriplets+1 Dad. Smokies trout stalker. Spandex warrior. Comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.
More about Tim.

FacebookLinkedInTwitter

Get updates from Faith and Doubt by email!


Subscribe to Faith and Doubt today and receive a free copy of Milestones.

Main Topics

  • Personal Growth
  • Relationships
  • Leadership
  • News & Culture
  • Tough Questions
  • Great Reads

Latest Tweets

  • Great research on GenZ and distrust of institutions by @WeAreSpringtide. @EPChurch

    June 23, 2022 4:47 PM

  • What is Juneteenth? Read here: buff.ly/3kpZRWr

    June 19, 2022 11:15 AM

  • Bad week? Maybe you could use a couple magic words... www.faithanddoubt.com/personal…

    June 17, 2022 11:54 AM

Facebook

Facebook

RSS Featured Links

  • Finding Rest for Your Soul
  • Breaking Bread with Calvin and His ‘Institutes’
  • How Social Media Use Can Rival God
  • Gospel Light in the Red Light District
  • When the Mob Shows Up the Monday After Roe

Latest Tweets

  • Great research on GenZ and distrust of institutions by @WeAreSpringtide. @EPChurch

    June 23, 2022 4:47 PM

  • What is Juneteenth? Read here: buff.ly/3kpZRWr

    June 19, 2022 11:15 AM

RSS Leadership tips from Tony Morgan

Recent Posts

  • “Just Because.” Magic words.
  • How to win people, not just arguments
  • Earning the right to be heard

all content © 2022 by Tim Filston | Design by Robin Cornett