World renowned author and philosopher George Orwell correctly noted that, “During times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” In this statement he was referring to the social/political realms of human life. This becomes glaringly evident when we listen to the political statements of politicians and would-be national leaders as they compete for attention, money and followership of the electorate. The news media send their declarations into American homes on an around-the-clock basis. The United States is not alone in this situation. Every nation in which political elections are allowed suffers through the same verbal onslaught periodically. During these times one will notice that the first thing to disappear from the scene is truth. This phenomenon is so common that people listening to the candidates denigrate their opponents and exalt themselves assume that at least some, and probably most of what they are hearing are “half-truths,” innuendoes and out-right lies. These lies involve not only the wonderful things the speaker/writer will do if elected, but also the terrible things that their opponent will do if elected. And they do not stop there. They also bring up aspects of their opponent’s personal life, his past failing, etc. And much of what they say and write are lies. This, as we know, is political business-as-usual.

This type of character bashing is so common and expected that people being lied about do not bother to sue their accuser for slander and libel which, under normal circumstances, they would most likely do. Why does the lied-about not sue the liar? Because the lied-about is guilty of lying about his lying opponent. Sadly, WE EXPECT POLITICIANS TO LIE.  Universal political deceit is rampant, even within so-called “Christian nations.” When a man or woman stands in front of a camera with a cross pinned to his lapel or hanging around her neck, the public knows that wearing the symbol is a ploy to garner the religious vote. And in that some 70% of Americans claim to be affiliated with God to some degree, it is hard to win an election without the church vote. This has proven to be true in all Christian nations.

Politically, speaking and writing the truth can cause an aspiring politician to lose an election. I use the word “can” euphemistically. The fact of the matter is that truth is the last thing the majority of voters want to hear. TRUTH IS WHATEVER MAN WANTS IT TO BE. This spiritual disease is also found outside the political realm. It has infected social thought and actions throughout all areas of our global society. MAN ACCEPTS ONLY WHAT HE WANTS TO HEAR. Rarely does one find an individual who will listen to information that contradicts his concept of truth. Which brings us to the focus of this series–DECEIT VERSUS TRUTH WITHIN PROFESSING CHRISTIANITY.

To deceive means to pass off a fake item or untrue idea as real and true respectively. To accept a fake as real or a lie as truth is to be deceived. One who is deceived does not know he is deceived, otherwise he would not be deceived. The ONLY cure for or defense against deception is truth. Incredibly, in the vast majority of cases, the deceived, upon realizing that he has been deceived, will cling to the lie and reject the Truth. Not only will the deceived reject the Truth, he will come against the Truth to the degree that social law allows. In most areas of the world aggression toward the Truth is manifested in religious, and sometimes social ostracism (separation). I have had this happen to me when an acquaintance has hidden from me rather than to be seen speaking with me. People would rather be seen talking to a prostitute or dope addict than to be seen talking to me. In times past this bothered me. But then God reminded me that thought His Son did nothing but good for 31 years, He was rewarded with hostility, rejection, beating and death on a cross. And it was the religious community–God’s chosen people–that caused Him to suffer such terrible treatment. That reminder put my puny persecution in perspective. I still marvel when I think about how Jesus responded to His beating and crucifixion: “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.” We are commanded to “walk as He walked.” Not only that, but we are to “count it all joy” when people come against us. Admittedly, this is much easier said than done. Let us all develop Christ’s mind-set.

I long ago learned that the last thing the religious community wants to hear is God’s Word. Throughout the centuries-long spiritual war following Adam’s fall those who have spoken and written His Truth have been labeled revolutionaries by those who claim to believe His Truth, which Jesus identified as His Word in John 17:17. Those who dare to proclaim His Truth find themselves stepping on numerous spiritual toes. Those connected to those toes reject some 90% of God’s Truth. The question is why? In the following postings we will use the Holy Bible itself to determine why those who own a Bible–God’s will and testament–reject most of it. People will hold up a science or history book and proclaim that what is written therein is true. God’s Word does not enjoy an equal level of acceptance, though Its contents is of eternal significance. L.J.