I’ve been asked how I read the news from time to time, and I’ve been asked how to discern trustworthy resources when navigating the wild ride we’ve all been on for the last year and beyond. I’ve recently noticed an uptick in Christian folks sharing dangerous misinformation at worst, and poorly-sourced content at best; this troubles me.
I’m not talking about COVID-19. You can read my approach to wading through scientific research here and here. I’m not even talking about race. You can find my book list here, and you can see the voices I trust by checking out my “following” list on Twitter or Instagram. Today, I want to talk about how I critically appraise Christian opinions on politics. Although I won’t pretend to get it right all of the time, I do feel a deep sense of peace about my relationship with the news and online content in general. I’m happy to share how I get there! To clarify, this is for those who identify as Jesus followers wanting to stay informed about current events and politics through a gospel lens. Also worth noting – I don’t have cable and have never consistently consumed mainstream television networks as a source of news.
Rules to read by:
Track record matters. How long has the source been in the game? This is not about age, as much as duration. Have they proven themselves for a consistent amount of time in the area they’re now trying to lead with authority? I’ve come across several voices in the last year who are captivating, thought-provoking, and very well-spoken. In addition, they love Jesus and make very strong cases for their personal views. However, they’ve only been doing their thing for a few months at most. There is nothing wrong this! But they cannot serve as a primary source for me. I will continue to weigh their content against more seasoned voices as the headlines continue, and I will also pay close attention to their process – how they obtain, synthesize, and share information. Additionally, I will be on the lookout for opportunistic content. People who find their online platforms growing rapidly will face temptation to capitalize on that, and not always for the greater good of their followers.
Education matters. Do they have a degree, or any formal training, in the area in which they work? Have they served as aides, interns, or volunteers on teams and projects that bolstered their experience and expertise? I really cannot over-emphasize this one. Although it feels sheepish to obtain a doctoral degree and then decide to talk about this, it matters greatly. I was led astray for years on various topics, from vaccines to Walmart’s employee practices to the food industry to the seeker-sensitive megachurch model, all because I listened to people who had no legitimate background in those areas. I recently came across a court case on abortion, where the sole expert witness called to testify was actually a podcaster with no formal expertise on the topic. It’s not that outside opinions aren’t valuable, but opinions do not make someone an expert. A communications degree does not make one a policy guru, any more than tithing to membership at a church that cares well for the poor makes one an economist.
Affiliation matters. Who claims them? Are they active members at a local church? Who shares their content? Have they published or presented on a panel for any large, respected organizations? Do they serve on any advisory boards? Do professional groups seem them out for advice? I have received quite a few messages over the last year, from people asking for help sorting out a resource only to find a link to an inflammatory YouTube video without any context, or content on a password-protected alt-right website. I cannot find any evidence that Jesus lead people to the light by way of rogue secrecy. Additionally, it’s important to me that the ideas folks espouse online be consistently lived offline in community. I find great comfort in knowing that my favorite online Bible teachers, especially the ones who talk a lot about politics, are already doing all of that in their local church. Accountability is an important element of integrity.
Character matters. Matthew 7:20 tells us we shall know people by the fruit they produce. Galatians 5 very clearly spells out the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. No matter the industry or political views or even the family to which people belong, Jesus followers should never look like the rest of the world. We are to be known for what we’re for, not what we’re against. When I find myself following voices who spend the majority of their time tearing things down (ideas, opposing parties, other people, etc.), it’s time for me to re-evaluate how much attention I give them. Jesus did not hesitate to speak truth to power or enter into a debate when needed, but he answered far fewer questions than he asked and he never, ever degraded the imago Dei in people.
I’ll conclude with a list of Christian voices I trust in the political arena. It’s by no means exhaustive; I’m sure I’m forgetting key people. But the following pass my test of track record, education, affiliation, and personal integrity of character. I believe these individuals have counted the cost of both following Jesus and discipling others, and I’m grateful to look to them as I sort through the news. Linking their Twitter profiles because it’s my favorite platform for this kind of work: Russell Moore, Sharon Miller, Rich Villodas, Shannan Martin, Carlos Whittaker, Beth Moore, Erin Moon, Karen Swallow Prior, Daniel Hill, Derwin Gray, Eugene Cho.
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