The concept of borders, walls, and lockable gates has existed from the beginning of organized society. They were meant to keep enemies intending to harm at bay. Biblically, the idea of borders can be traced back to Deuteronomy 32:8 and even earlier, when the gate to the Garden of Eden was closed to Adam and Eve for disobedience before God.
(Acts 17:26)1NIV New International Version Translations – “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Due to limited literacy, oral communication was key for spreading news. The gates served as society’s “watchmen.” The role of watchman, one who was granted the responsibility of being stationed in a watchtower, kept watch for any approaching danger, such as enemy forces or natural threats, and alerted the community to take necessary actions. In rural areas, they protected crops from thieves and wild animals. Watchmen were part of the city’s defense system, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants. They represented a state of readiness and alertness, often symbolizing spiritual vigilance in religious texts.
While physical watchtowers are not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, the concept of spiritual vigilance is prevalent. Jesus urged His followers to be alert and prepared for His return, echoing the function of watchtowers as places of alertness and anticipation (Matthew 25:13). An interesting question might be: Who are today’s watchmen? Who are those assigned within our society to be on guard, vigilant, and be first to warn of an impending catastrophe? Can we make an interesting comparison today? Has the role of watchman evolved into what we call the media?
Both roles, the watchman and the media, share the core responsibility of vigilance and informing the community, but they operate in different contexts and with other tools. Media outlets gather, verify, and disseminate information to the public, telling people about local, national, and global events using electronic communications. They claim to monitor and report on government actions, corporate behavior, and other powerful entities to hold them accountable and ensure transparency. Media educates the public on various issues, from health and safety to social and political matters, helping people make informed decisions. This role is critical and must be done without bias, with truth. Why? Media reflects and shapes cultural norms and values, influencing public opinion and societal trends. Media changes more than opinions; media changes minds!
Both roles required the watchman and today’s media to be constantly vigilant to detect and report essential developments. They serve their community by providing crucial information that can protect and benefit the public. As a result, God has historically held those who take upon themselves the role of watchman to a high standard of truth.
(Ezekiel 33:6) – “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.”
Watchtowers also carry symbolic meanings in the Scriptures. They represent vigilance and the duty to watch over God’s people. Prophets like Habakkuk spoke of standing at their watch to receive and convey God’s messages (Habakkuk 2:1). Both watchmen and media are accountable to the people they serve, whether it’s a city relying on watchtower keepers or the public relying on the media for accurate information. Watchtower keepers used physical observation and signals, while today’s media uses advanced technology and a wide range of platforms to gather and share information. Watchtower keepers focused on immediate physical threats, whereas the press addresses a broader spectrum of issues, including political, social, economic, and environmental concerns. While the contexts and methods have evolved, the fundamental responsibility of vigilance and serving the community remains a common thread between the two roles.
Both watchtower keepers and the media are tasked with vigilance. A watchtower keeper’s primary goal is to provide an unbiased alert to threats, whereas biased media may present information that aligns with specific agendas. Both roles are accountable to the public. However, bias can undermine trust and credibility, making it harder for the public to rely on them as an actual “watchtower.“
Just as God-held watchtower keepers to communicate threats, the media should strive for transparency in reporting. Bias can obscure the truth, making it difficult for the public to discern accurate information. Political bias, sensationalism, and selective reporting can influence how information is presented and perceived. Biased news shapes public opinion by emphasizing certain viewpoints while downplaying or ignoring others, potentially leading to a skewed understanding of events and issues. Maintaining objectivity is challenging, as media organizations may have inherent biases based on ownership, funding sources, or editorial policies.
Vigilance vs. Bias
While both watchtower keepers and the media are tasked with vigilance, bias can compromise their roles. A Watchtower keeper’s primary goal was to provide an unbiased threat alert. In contrast, biased media may present information that aligns with specific agendas that may threaten society or even a nation to external and/or internal threats.
- Accountability: Both roles are accountable to the public. However, biased media can undermine trust and credibility, making it harder for the public to rely on them as an actual “watchtower.”
- Transparency: Just as watchtower keepers were to communicate threats, the media must strive for transparency in reporting. Bias can obscure the truth, making it difficult for the public to discern accurate information.
- Ethical Journalism: Media organizations can mitigate bias by adhering to ethical journalism standards, such as fact-checking, providing balanced perspectives, and being transparent about potential conflicts of interest.
- Critical Consumption: The public can also play a role by critically evaluating media sources, seeking diverse viewpoints, and being aware of potential biases.
In summary, while the media has a crucial role as a national watchtower, bias can hinder its effectiveness. Striving for ethical journalism and critical media consumption can help balance these responsibilities. But why do people tolerate bias?
- Psychological Comfort: People naturally seek information confirming their beliefs and opinions. This is known as confirmation bias. Consuming news that aligns with one’s worldview feels more comfortable and less challenging.
- Information Overload: The sheer volume of information available today can be overwhelming. It’s easier for people to stick with familiar sources rather than sifting through multiple outlets to find the truth.
- Established Trust: People tend to trust sources they are familiar with, even if those sources are biased. This trust can be built over time through consistent messaging that resonates with their beliefs.
- Echo Chambers: Social media and online communities often create echo chambers where people are exposed primarily to similar viewpoints. This reinforces their beliefs and discourages them from seeking out diverse perspectives.
- Authority Figures: If a trusted authority figure or community leader endorses a particular news source, individuals are more likely to accept that source as credible without questioning its bias.
- Ease of Access: Consuming news from a single, familiar source is more convenient than actively seeking and comparing multiple sources. This convenience often outweighs the perceived benefit of getting a more balanced view.
So How Do We Fix this Issue?
Critical Thinking: Encouraging critical thinking skills can empower people to question the information they receive and seek the truth. Some might call it “Common Sense.”
Balanced News Platforms: News from multiple perspectives, helping readers see different sides of an issue. (Proverbs 18:15) – “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Truth and Honesty: The Bible emphasizes the importance of truth and honesty. For example, Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” This principle can guide individuals to seek out truthful and reliable information.
Discernment: The Bible encourages discernment and wisdom. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This can help individuals critically evaluate the information they receive.
Love and Respect: The Bible teaches love and respect for others, which can counteract the divisiveness often found in biased media. Ephesians 4:29 advises, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.“
Prayer and Reflection: Taking time to pray and reflect on news and information can provide clarity and peace, helping individuals to process information more thoughtfully.
Comparing with Scripture: Evaluating news and opinions against biblical teachings can help identify biases and align one’s understanding with God’s truth. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) – “But test them all; hold on to what is good.“
Faith Communities: Engaging with faith communities can provide support and guidance in discerning truth and navigating biased information. Discussions and studies within these communities can offer valuable insights.
Conclusion
In today’s world, it’s all too common for people to dismiss or ignore the opinions, experiences, and expertise of others, resulting in a limited understanding and a reluctance to embrace different viewpoints. As Proverbs 12:15 reminds us, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” This powerful verse underscores the importance of being open to advice and considering diverse perspectives. It draws a clear distinction between the wisdom of those who welcome input and the folly of those who stubbornly cling to their own beliefs without question.
By being open to the wisdom and experiences of others, we can broaden our horizons and make more informed decisions. Let us strive to be wise, listen to advice, and learn from the perspectives of those around us.
(Proverbs 18:2) – “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
Contemplations
- What are the potential consequences of news media failing to provide accurate and unbiased information?
- Ideas to Explore: What were some of the consequences of biased news in the past? How do you feel about media that does not uphold the standards of Truth? How do you know what you hear is true?
- How can individuals and communities effectively hold news organizations accountable for the content they produce?
- Ideas to Explore: Would you consider changing to neutral sources? How do you feel when you hear something contrary to what you think is true? Do you investigate or reject it?
- What role do media literacy and critical thinking play in evaluating the trustworthiness of news sources?
- Ideas to Explore: How do we educate our nation and children in thoughtful analysis of what they hear in a world of social media where it is short and often contrary to common sense?
- 1NIV New International Version Translations