This article explores the pervasive nature of lying in modern society, fueled by political rhetoric, social media, and even personal relationships. Drawing on historical examples, psychological studies, and spiritual wisdom, the author argues that truth-telling is essential for individual well-being, societal progress, and the creation of a more just and equitable world.
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We’ve been reporting the news of the day from a Black perspective since 1909, and we inaugurated the 47th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump. An indicted criminal. A pandemic swept across the globe, forcing individuals into isolation and sheltering. Why? In a 1996 study, it was discovered that in their everyday life, people tell one to two lies a day, lies they don’t consider harmful. As people desperate to leave isolation and sheltering sought to re-enter their former lives, researchers noted the rate of lying increased. Questions about symptoms and exposure to someone who has tested positive, when answered dishonestly, could have catastrophic effects. Yet this dishonesty was documented. Robert Feldman, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, suggested that the fact that we’d been through a tough period with COVID-19 with no end in sight gave people permission to be less honest. Called, “Thou Shalt Not Speak Alternative Facts: Religion and Lying,” Kimberly Winston at Religion News Service wrote about religious leaders and the importance of truth. Speaking about the damage lying does to the speaker, the victim of the speech and the person who hears it, Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb said, “The potency of such speech is almost mystical because of the potential implications of such speech. If I overhear the president of the United States say a U.S. judge of Mexican ancestry is unfit for the bench and then I say or do something to heed that nativist, anti-Mexican sentiment, it can have life or death implications for myself and others.” Whether lying about the number of American citizens dead in Puerto Rico after two storms, or about how COVID-19 would disappear over the summer or presenting alternative facts about how voting by mail would increase fraud in elections, lying became a national disease with the help of Mr. Trump, infecting politics, social media and the news with too many lies to count. In the context of this moment, catastrophes like the wildfires in California have afforded more opportunities to lie about how budget cuts and a lack of water fueled the fires. This nation was built on lies about power, manifest destiny, and the superiority of some over others. Yet, as Howard Zinn wrote, “But I suppose the most revolutionary act one can engage in is to tell the truth.” Truth can dismantle the lies at the foundation of our nation and create a new America. Truth can free us and those around us to live without being shackled to the energy lying requires of us — lying, being caught, and making up more lies to cover our tracks. Mother Teresa wrote, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Telling the truth creates many ripples that change the world. When I think of the dying, the mourning and grieving and all who need a word of hope to get them through these difficult days, I’m drawn to the truth more than a comforting lie. The truth is death is terribly hard and we are living in times so difficult, they take our breath away. The truth is, fear and doubt are totally understandable responses to times of crises. But for as long as we have truth, it can light our way to freedom. The truth makes a personal, spiritual, ethical and moral demand upon us. It wants to be said, known and told. It smarts, it hurts, and it’s inconvenient. But it is essential to our well-being. It cleanses our spiritual pallet and it restores our souls. Truth is a drink of water to a parched traveler. It liberates us from bondage. It builds trust and connections. It is the beginning of authentic living and joy. Truth eludes us at times, but we must pursue it. Truth is a spiritual practice that requires practice. And as Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote, “Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” As children, we are often taught to keep our mouths closed to avoid conflict or getting in trouble. Well, that doesn’t work! What is unsaid is still there, just hiding in the dark, waiting to pounce. The pressure to keep the peace causes adults to fail at being honest and there is no such thing as a white lie
Truth Lying Society Politics Ethics Religion Honesty
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