Two years ago, I posted about the confusion and lack of confidence in our news sources. In this election year, the issue deserves to be revisited.

In our information-dense culture we are constantly bombarded with information; every source claiming to have the true take on every topic. With wildly conflicting versions, no wonder we don’t know what to believe. This is a real problem and one we can’t simply ignore. 

What we believe guides our actions, for good or ill. 

We are often told to believe in ourselves, that if we only believe strongly enough in achieving our goals we can make them happen. The inference is that the power of belief is the important value in life’s equations, without regard to what is being believed.

The dictionaries say that belief is an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof.

If we are to believe without definitive proof, how do we know what to believe? Are we to remain entangled in a morass of conflicting information, never knowing what is real and true?

We can, and should, refer to a variety of sources to try to confirm what we are being told, and we should test differing claims against what we have seen for ourselves, whenever possible. This can filter out some of the more obvious misinformation, but not all.

Ultimately, as a Christian, I must place my trust and belief in God’s Word, the Bible.

When battered by storms of confusion, I cling to His promises, knowing that upsetting events, dramatic headlines, and extreme rhetoric cannot shake my firm belief that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 

John 8:32 (CEV)