Theologian and cultural commentator Albert Mohler this week warned of a “flood of disinformation” surrounding the US presidential election, saying the Christian community has a responsibility not to spread it.
“I think our Christian reputation could be at great risk in this case,” Mohler said on Monday's podcast. briefinghis daily podcast about the news.
Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, warned of a “flood of disinformation and manipulation” surrounding the election pitting Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for the White House.
“I'm not blaming either side,” he said. “All I'm saying is there's going to be a lot of disinformation being put out. Some of the disinformation that we know now is about Russians trying to destabilize American democracy. It was planted by operatives and other international motives.”
He said social media is often not a reliable source of news.
“People can post anything on social media,” he said. “…So I want to urge you in a slightly more urgent way than at other times, be careful to get something before you're sure of it or take it for granted or true. Please.”
“If the source of the information has no influence in the game, no threat to its reputation, and frankly cannot be traced to anyone with authority or responsibility, then nothing should be taken as truth,” Mohler said. I suggested.
“I'm not saying just trust the mainstream media,” Mohler said. “I think you know me better. I'm telling you to be very careful. I don't want an unusual report from a source written by someone who can't be fired even if it's wrong. I don't believe it. As you already know, anonymity comes with no liability, so I don't intend to address anything reported by anonymous posts.
“There is so much at stake in a situation like this. [and] We all need to take responsibility for what we receive and what we pass on,” he added. “That applies to all nations, but especially to Christians.”
Photo courtesy: ©Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in the Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
