Summations Only

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And yet, despite the fact that nothing says ideological extremism more than forcing nuns to entangle with abortion and nothing says blind to the political environment like refusing to back off, the Obama administration is refusing to back off. No doubt there are some Democrats shifting very uncomfortably in their seats -- as they are headed right into an election cycle where they will have to explain to their constituents why they oppose the Little Sisters of the Poor in a religious liberty lawsuit. That’s because the mandate is still very much alive and well, and the Little Sisters of the Poor are having to spend time away from the impoverished and dying elderly people they serve to fight off bureaucratic bullies who refuse to take these nuns at their word that something violates their faith; instead, these bullies would rather drag in a judge and engage in a full-court press.

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It is YOUR jobyes YOURSto check the facts. Yes, these websites should do that as well, but most are more concerned with gaining your page view than growing your credibility.

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Remember, Snopes is your friend. Go and check out these stories before you share them on social media.

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There are real issues about religious liberty right now (and more coming). Posting links to fake ones just makes all of us look (rightly) gullible.

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How To Fix the False Rumor You Spread

1. Post a retraction.

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Really.

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Do it.

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It's not that hard. It will sting a little bit because you'll have to admit you were wrong, but it's good for you. I promise.

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Just something like this would suffice: "Hey friends, I posted a story about _______ this weekend, and it turns out it wasn't true! Be on guard and don't believe everything you read out there! I’ll be more careful next time." You can both admit you were wrong and look out for your friends, telling them to be alert for more fake stories, because these weren't the first and I’m sure they won’t be the last.

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Integrity is important for the Christian. The Scriptures are clear, especially in the Proverbs.

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Proverbs 2:20-21 says:

So follow the way of good people,
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those of integrity will remain in it;

Later, Proverbs 28:18 says:

The one who lives with integrity will be helped,
but one who distorts right and wrong
will suddenly fall.

Do the right thing. Protect your friends from being tricked like you were.

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2. Don’t excuse it by saying, Well, it might be true. Or, Well, there is something like that." "Or, well, it will be true soon."

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No, you were wrong. You fell for a hoax. Say it and move on.

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You were deceived. It's ok to admit that. You don't have to try to cover your tracks and make some sort of lame excuse to make yourself look better.

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Have some humility, be willing to admit someone fooled you, and move on.

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Posting a link to a story about a for-profit wedding chapel on public land won't make it any better because even that was resolvedjust say you were wrong and move on.

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Seriously...

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3. Be less gullible next time.

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Wisdom is valuable:

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Get wisdom
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding
it is preferable to silver. (Prov 16:16)

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"But," you may think, "I'm not wise. I get fooled by this stuff all the time." That's okay, Scripture accounts for people like us. James 1:5 says:

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

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Finally, the Bible makes it clear:

You must not steal. You must not act deceptively or lie to one another. (Lev 19:11)

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Lying is wrong. Don't lie, even if you don't mean to. And make it right if you do.

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Don't Post What You Can't Confirm

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You may say, "But what if I can’t tell if the story is fake or not?"

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I've given you several ways to check the veracity of a story, but if that does not work, there is just one solution: don't post it.

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If you have not, will not, or cannot confirm a story, do not share it. As Christians, we have a higher standard than even the journalist. We aren’t protecting the reputation of an organization or a website, we bear the name of our King.

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If our friends and families cannot trust us with this type of news, many will not listen when we seek to share the good news of the gospel.

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you present the facts and they call you fake news

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