Having grown up in a Christian home and having attended and taught Sunday School for decades, I know the 10 Commandments, those “Thou shalt nots” that I have tried throughout my lifetime to faithfully obey. Ranking right near the top of the list for me is “Thou shalt not bear false witness”, often interpreted “don’t lie” (interesting that it is listed second to last in Exodus). Honesty has always been a priority value for me, and at the risk of overlooking a plank in my own eye, one that has been relatively easy for me to maintain. (OK, In full disclosure, I do occasionally avoid telling the truth (lie) when asked by a friend for my opinion on whether something looks good, tastes good, sounds good, etc.) Given my background and personal values, it is not surprising that I have struggled with the upside-down current climate in the US, where truth is fake and lies are truth. I love my country, I love the way the founders put in place safeguards to ensure that our democracy would stand and become stronger, the way our elections have been certified as free and fair (unlike the ones I’ve observed in other countries), the way our Constitution and historical traditions have been highly valued, the orderly, consistent, normal, healthy way of life we have enjoyed over the decades. I lament, no, I hate what happened to all of that when Donald Trump came on the scene, The Liar in Chief, who is “credited” with making 30,573 lies during his dishonest presidency. I hate that the ugly underbody of American society (that I naively never imagined existed) was unleased, applauded, celebrated, exalted, and manipulated to believe and support everything that comes out of his vile mouth. And then, the most insidious, dangerous untruth, THE BIG LIE. Supported not only by the MAGA Trumpsters but by church leaders and members of our Congress…and sadly, by friends, relatives, and neighbors. Proven time and time and time again to be totally false, the BIG LIE gave rise to an armed insurrection and continues to divide our country, threaten our Democracy, irreparably affect relationships, and enable other BIG LIE proponents to get elected to office. It is far past time for all Americans to seriously ponder the question Pilate asked Jesus centuries ago: “What is truth?”. We can start with this inarguably simple statement “all the definitions [of truth] have in common the sense of being consistent with reality and in agreement with the facts.” Jesus stated, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free”. May it be so. Lord, hear our prayer.
— cmshingle
— cmshingle
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