|
3. Propaganda & Persecution Many words change in meaning as part
of the natural progression of language. However, men sometimes purposely change the meaning of words to further their own selfish purposes and agendas. That is what has happened with the English word gay
. In this case, the word was adapted to create a better image of the homosexual in the mind of the populace. Propaganda is defined as the deliberate spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the
purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person. [10]
Perhaps the best illustration of propaganda is found in the Bible. There we see how, through propaganda, the people were caused to view the most innocent and righteous individual who ever walked
the face of the earth as a criminal worthy of death. "But the chief priests stirred up the multitude to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. And answering again, Pilate was saying to them,
'Then what shall I do to Him whom you call the King of the Jews?' And they shouted back, 'Crucify Him!,'" Mark 15:11-13. In this example of propaganda for the purpose of persecution, words were
used to create an image that was contrary to reality. The reality was that Jesus Christ had infringed upon no one's life, liberty, or property. He was no criminal. He was--and He remains--the Truth,
i.e., truth personified, John 14:6. Those who hated the truth used words of propaganda in an attempt to destroy truth. But it was to no avail, for Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. Truth
will ultimately get out. Those who love truth are willing to face persecution in order to get it out. "But you follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,
persecutions.... And indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," II Timothy 3:10-12. |