Protect Yourself from Propaganda

With people apparently becoming paranoid about what will happen in 2012 in fulfillment of Mayan "End of Times" prediction possibly with the earth being torn apart as depicted in the movie 2012 it is good to keep in mine what King Solomon said at Proverbs 14:15: "A fool will believe anything." Don't let yourself become a gullible believer of "end of the world messages – or other issues.


 
It is good to keep open minded about things but don't let your mind be like an open pipe that lets everything flow through it – even sewage. When presented with information – whether it is promotional or supposedly factual news reports or educational material urging you to take some action scrutinize everything you hear carefully before deciding what to accept and act on.


 
Use discernment, the ability to analyze and make accurate decisions after testing the validity or what you are reading or being told. One good way to do this is make good use of the reporters" "five W's" who, what, why, where, when (and how). When confronted by persuasive message ask yourselves things like:


 

• What is the motive for this message?
  
• Is the presenter showing any bias?
  
• Is the language loaded with emotions designed to stir up my emotions?
  
• What proof or facts am I being given?
  
• What is the source of the evidence and arguments being given?
  
• What are the merits of this message – aside from its emotional appeal?
  

Above all don't go along with an idea just because large numbers of people have accepted what they hear. History is full of cases of popular opinion being proved wrong – often with disastrous results.