WAR AND THE BATTLE FOR TRUTH

THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA

For even the casual observer of geopolitics the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran was inevitable. This was made crystal clear when several weeks earlier there were confirmed reports of the massacre of thousands of Iranians who opposed the regime. Soon after, US Naval Fleets steamed to the region followed by a vast buildup of airforce squadrons throughout the Middle East and Europe, this was always going to end in war.

Iran has been very clear over the duration of the rule of the Ayatollahs, it is their primary ambition to wipe Israel off the map. This imperative in Shia Islamic ideology is premised by the idea that Israel is an illegitimate state and a “cancerous tumour” that needs to be cleansed from the land.

As the internet now swirls with fake news and AI content, it has become apparent, to me at least, that we have entered a new age of deception. Fake social media accounts are proliferating at a rapid pace promoting war propaganda and fake news. The AI technology for producing relatively high quality fake images quickly and easily is now accessible to the masses and it is shaping people thinking faster than ever before.

It is not just the fake news about the war that is flowing through the social media, with the wear also giving reason for those who hate Israel to show their true antisemitic colours as well.

In the past week I have noticed an increasing amount of antisemitism online. What appears at times to be mere surface criticism of the nation of Israel for their part in the war with Iran, actually reveals much deeper ideological hatred that is very disturbing. For instance, one (former) friend of mine on facebook shared a post from his “christian brother” who has very clear antisemitic views. Old ideas such as “the Jews control the world”, and especially America, that “all Jews are paedophiles” and “they are a synagogue of Satan”. That Israel is a “Rothschild creation” and has no legitimacy. Not only are these age old antisemitic tropes, but they are flowing from the mouths of young men on social media with vitriolic tones reminiscent of the 1930’s. This particular individual also promotes Martin Luthers book, “On the Jews and their Lies” where Luther encourages Christians to burn the Jewish synagogues and schools, cast them from their homes and commit violence against them. Anyone who knows this work would know it was a contributing influence in Germany for sympathy towards the aims of Hitler and the Nazis.

 SEEK THE TRUTH

I wonder how well you could recognise antisemitism when it is presented on social media or in conversations. If you have studied the history of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel, both biblically and throughout history you will likely know more than most. If you haven’t and want to learn more about this important subject, check out some helpful information through the links below.

https://antisemitism.adl.org/?_ga=2.1823538.2031301919.1773430854-286668751.1773430854

https://www.foiequip.org/courses/antisemitism-past-present-future

Antisemitism Throughout History

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Proverbs reminds us it is a righteous thing to speak truth and it is something we should seek out along with wisdom and understanding. “He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17, NASB95) “Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23, NASB95)

Quoting the prophet Zechariah, the Apostle Paul exhorted the Ephesians to put aside lies and speak truth to those around us. “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25, NASB95).

Paul went on to say to the Ephesian Church, that as part of the full armour of God they were to “stand firm” having “girded your loins with truth”. “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” (Ephesians 6:14, NASB95)

The Apostle Peter similarly encouraged believers to “prepare your minds for action” (1 Peter 1:13) which like Paul emphasises preparedness in the fight against the enemy who wages war in our minds seeking to sow lies that will deter our faith and bring great spiritual harm.

Jesus prayed that His followers would be “sanctified in truth” through the word of truth, (John 17:17) and he told his disciples they would receive the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17). So being filled with truth, seeking truth, and standing in the truth means the Christian life ought to reflect truth in every way.

As the world descends into deception and chaos, may our minds be focused on the truth so as not to be deceived and distracted from the race set before us.