As I write this short article, I am listening to the White House press secretary take questions from the press about the various issues facing our nation. She is very good at what she does. Favorable questions allow for the touting of the administration’s successes. Unfavorable questions are reframed, evaded or explained away. It is called spin, and it is a process that is common in our nation, regardless of party or circumstance.
While many if not most are aware of what happens in these circumstances, it doesn’t change the fact that such spin moves needles. It shapes, assists, and even changes perceptions to the benefit of the one who is being defended.
Religiously, the same things happen. Sophistry is defined as “the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intent of deceiving.” As it is the truth that makes us free (cf. John 8:32), sophistry makes slaves of us all, (Colossians 2:1-10). This is why the deceptive efforts of the false teacher is condemned in such strong terms.
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16).
Condemnation comes to the religious sophist. But, it comes to those who allow themselves to be deceived by their efforts as well (cf. 2 Peter 2:2,18).
“Beware brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
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