Compiled by Daniel Dammir Laar a.k.a DaDamLaar
In the context of Ghana’s politics, propaganda has been a common characteristic of elections, with parties using various tactics to influence public opinion. Understanding the difference between truth and propaganda is crucial for making informed decisions and promoting good governance.
The positions of truth and propaganda in both opposition and in government can be understood as follows:
Truth
- Serves to educate and inform the audience, bringing them to the same level of knowledge as the informed
- Exposes mistakes and flaws, promoting transparency and accountability
- Essential for informed decision-making and good governance
Propaganda - Aims to create and maintain a favorable image by any means, often hiding mistakes and flaws
- Used to influence public opinion, shape narratives, and sway decisions
- Can be used by both governments and opposition parties to further their interests
Key Differences
Intent: Truth aims to educate and inform, while propaganda seeks to manipulate and influence
Method: Truth is based on facts and evidence, whereas propaganda often uses biased or misleading information
Impact: Truth promotes transparency and accountability, while propaganda can lead to misinformation and manipulation.
The Bible provides guidance on discerning truth from propaganda in governance, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s truth and being aware of deceitful tactics.
Warning Against Deceitful Governance
Satan’s Deception: “The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19)
False Prophets: “False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24)
Lying Wonders: “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
Discerning Truth
God’s Word is Truth: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17)
Knowing the Truth: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32)
Test Everything: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Government and Authority
Submit to Authority: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1-2)
God’s Government: “God is government” – the ultimate authority and ruler over all creation (Colossians 1:15-17)
Christians’ Response
Seek Justice: “The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment” (Psalm 9:7-10)
Be Peacemakers: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good” (Titus 3:1-2)
Trust in God: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:24-25)
Additional Guidance
Warning Against Propaganda: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1)
Resisting Propaganda: “Do not be fooled by Satan’s lies! Listen to Jehovah and trust in him in all that you do” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Test Everything: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Hold to the Truth: “Continue in the things that you learned” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)
