The Root of the Problem

  For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,      –  2 Timothy 4:3  

Among the various “isms” running amok through today’s America, denialism is one seldom referenced.   It is at the root of many divisions in this nation. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “the practice of denying the existence of truth, or validity of something, despite proof or strong evidence that it is real, true, or valid.” Dr. Richard Sennett, a professor of sociology at the London School of Economics, claimed that a certain amount of denialism is necessary for humans to live together in a civil way. He said, “In practicing social civility, you keep silent about things you know clearly but which you should not and do not say.” He suggests denialism is a necessary private self-deception, even though it could be harmful. 

Historical events, such as Astronaut Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, have begun to be questioned. Both sides of the climate change issue have engaged in denialism. There is even a trend developing in some academic circles that suggests the genocide of Jews in the Nazi Holocaust did not actually happen.  

It is vital to cling to the truth of God’s Word. Theologian John Piper warns, “The root problem with those who reject sound teaching and wander off into myths is not intellectual, but emotional, and even physical.” People tend not to want the truth when it does not match with their own ideas. They search out those who “suit their own passions.” It is basic sinful human nature to want things your way, not God’s way. For that reason, you must carefully seek and hold fast to the truth. While you may not persuade those in denial, your responsibility is to stand for Scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for Christian members of Congress to stand firm for biblical values.