The fight to control truth in a post-truth world
During a time of war, it's an encouraging tale. In an air combat on March 13, a Ukrainian fighter pilot known as the 'Ghost of Kyiv' valiantly shot down more than 40 Russian planes before he was sadly killed. As recently as March 11, "Ghost" was seen sitting in his cockpit with the message, "Hello occupier. I'm coming for your soul."
Aside from that, it was all a lie. A video that purportedly showed the Ghost of Kyiv appeared to be from a computer game, but the Ukrainian government insisted that he was real.
"The ghost of Kyiv is a superhero-legend, whose persona was created by Ukrainians!" wrote the Ukraine's air force leadership on Facebook.
There is a #GhostOfKyiv. That's the collective attitude of the Tactical Aviation Brigade's highly qualified pilots defending #Kyiv and the surrounding area.
In the past, Ukrainians have admitted to fabricating their own stories. It's true; they're masters of the craft. As far as social media battles are concerned, they've won.
Truth is said to be the first casualty of battle, according to an old proverb. Does it really matter whether the Ukrainians are better at lying than the Russians? This is exactly the kind of tale the resistance needs right now, whether it's true or not."
Even so, of course, it's important It isn't up to us to create our own facts. Everything becomes up for grabs once you give up on the concept of truth. What do we have to fight for if our motivations, actions, and values are founded on deception? The problem is that we give folks a cause to question what we say by lying about some topics. Furthermore, the Russians who want to ignore the horrors committed by some of their own citizens have the pretext they need. Post-truth society means that everyone has the freedom to choose their own facts.
In the United States, Vice President Joe Biden plans to establish up a Disinformation Governance Board to combat the spread of disinformation online. Many have pointed out the resemblance to the Ministry of Truth depicted by George Orwell in his dystopian classic, 1984. Winston Smith, the protagonist of the novel, is a member of The Ministry, an organization tasked with monitoring and regulating all forms of media, including news, entertainment, the arts, and education.
Ministries of Truth are common in authoritarian regimes. Yes, we should all strive to counter misinformation, but is a government ministry the most effective method to do so? Hunter Biden's laptop tale, according to Jankowicz, was a ruse-inspired ruse, as was the Russian disinformation operation in general. The sarcasm isn't lost on anyone.
According to our political and philosophical viewpoints, we now live in a world where Microsoft Word and Google are attempting to control our language so that we don't use objectionable phrases like "mankind" or "landlord," and where making lies for the sake of truth is considered acceptable.
The powerbrokers can readily reject inconvenient truths as MDM (mis-, dis- and mal-information). Truth is whatever you want it to be if you run the Ministry of Truth.
We are in a time where so many people are struggling to discern between fact and fiction. Our haste could lead us to believe, as the Psalmist did, “that everyone lies” (Ps 116:11). We may accept Jesus' claim that the devil is the parent of lies, or we could reject Jesus' claim that the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). We might make a commitment to always express the truth with kindness (Ephesians 4:15). We may be known for our honesty and fairness.
As society has become distrustful of the media, wouldn't it be amazing if people believed that we were telling the truth, even if it was bad to us?
Too many churches and Christian organizations have their own version of the "Ministry of Truth," which is unfortunate. We can twist, distort, and disregard as much as anyone else in the 'world' to defend the brand.
However, there is a better path, the way of Christ, which we claim to be our guide and inspiration. As Jesus promised, we will be made holy in the truth by His word and Spirit (John 17:17). Truth should be our belt (Ephesians 6:14). We are aware that the Lord hates those who speak lies with their mouths (Proverbs 12:22). We know that love is gladdened by the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). As Christians, we are confident in the veracity of the Bible. Because of this, we are confident that the truth we seek can be discovered in one person: Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
The world requires freedom, but it cannot be obtained through deception. It's pointless to arouse people's imaginations with myths. Disney and Hollywood will not free us. Only the reality of the risen Christ can release us from our slavery to sin. He is not a phantom. He's the real deal. He truly is the pinnacle of reality. Christian ministers of the truth are sorely needed in the world today.
