Torch, Spring 1996

DISCERNMENT IN THE INFORMATION AGE by David Mills continuing challenge for Christians living in today's information age is to be discerning consumers of our relativistic market culture. Ours is a world in which ideas are marketed, sometimes very subtly. The constant repetition and glamorous presentation of ideas has the power to make us either numb to or passively accepting of certain products, lifestyles, and ideologies. While it is easy and at times tempting simply to relax and be entertained and informed by the many voices of today's 10 Torch culture, it is essential to exercise discernment in order to be on guard against the subtle influences of the market culture. One who discerns is one who is able to make clear distinctions between one thing and another. The discerning Christian in any age is one who possesses the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. What is required is the ability to think critically or analytically. So, the question of how we can be discerning consumers of today's culture becomes the question of how can we think critically, and how can we learn to distinguish the true from the false. Our thinkin1~g---~:::.:~ should be critical in relation to externals. But our first task as discerning Christians is to be discerning in regard to our own beliefs. This requirement goes beyond simply knowing what we believe; we must also know why we believe what we believe. In a day where too often lies are cleverly marketed in a package of truth, it is essential for us as discerning Christians to have a proper understanding of the foundations of truth, and not simply believe what we believe because of tradition, culture, or human authority. As Paul says,