Fake News Risen

When someone shares information or a story, it can be considered news. However, if that information is false, exaggerated, or manipulated to make the subject look bad or create a false impression, then it falls into the category of fake news. The term “fake news” has become widely used in recent years, especially by those who claim that mainstream media reports are biased or inaccurate towards them. Essentially, fake news is equivalent to lies and propaganda.

The term “fake news” is not found in the Bible, as there were no media organizations at the time. However, falsehood and propaganda have been present since ancient times. The Bible strongly condemns the spreading of lies disguised as truth: “Do not spread false reports” (Exodus 23:1). In the story of Adam and Eve, the serpent presented them with “fake news,” convincing them that they would not die if they ate from the forbidden tree, but rather, their lives would improve (Genesis 3:4–5). This has been a recurring issue since their fall from grace, as people continue to spread misinformation and deception.

Inside the temple in Jerusalem, Hananiah made a prophecy that within two years, Babylon’s supremacy would be overthrown and the exiles would return to Judah with all…