What Is Misinformation? Should We Censor Misinformation?

By Mike Edwards

This is more of a spiritual than political blog, but these two arenas share commonalities. Both suppress freedom of speech or open dialogue. Try claiming God doesn’t condemn gays. You are called a heretic in religious places, despite disagreement among scholars what the Bible claims. Dare to argue Covid vaccine have risks and you are called a mis-informer or conspiracist. The problem is condemnation of expression of opinions. The solution is encouraging civil discussions, Certainty is a myth except in the eye of the beholder!

Misinformation isn’t contrary opinions to what a supposed Divine inspired Book says

Ancient literature subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive word on truth. Even if the writers understood their God perfectly, which we can’t prove, we can’t claim our interpretations are perfect. The truth is biblical scholars who have a deep respect for the Bible don’t agree what God thinks about gays, women, hell, and other moral issues. See here. See here. See here. Gays are condemned and women’s leadership roles are limited in God’s name, despite their gifts. Supposedly, a fiery torturous afterlife awaits infidels! How do we pursue what is true about God? A Creator surely loves the way creatures intuitively think they ought to love. Perfect Godly and human love must be the same. Such knowledge is a discussion, not one claiming to know the truth.

Misinformation isn’t what Government or Health Officials claim to be false

It has been declared in the past that the Covid vaccines prevented infection and transmission of the disease. That was the purpose of mandates. Scientists and doctors who declared otherwise were censored, but it turns out that weren’t the mis-informers. Those who claimed masks didn’t prevent the spread of a virus were called mis-informers. Turns out a review that dug into findings of 78 randomized controlled trials discovered wearing masks made little or no difference in stopping the virus. See here. Even during a pandemic, we must be open what we can’t be certain about to respect individual choice/freedom. Dictatorships don’t of course!

Misinformation isn’t based just on feelings

One may argue truth isn’t objective. I understand why one may take such a stance. Many claim they know the truth and then proceed to lord that opinion over others as if they stand on higher moral grounds. The truth is uncertainties surround what we believe to be true. But I don’t think we can afford to suggest there aren’t objective truths. If truth is determined just on feelings, a murderer or sexual predator could claim innocence because they felt their actions were justified. Laws aren’t possible if there aren’t differences between good and evil actions. Truth isn’t always certain for sure; they is why free speech is critical in the pursuit of truth.

Free speech is necessary to allow the battle of ideas when certainty doesn’t exist

A preacher can’t claim God condemns gays because the Bible says so. Many of us don’t believe the Bible says any such thing. See here. Most of us believe except true racists that all humans are created equal, not that one’s skin color determines superiority. Yes, the KKK is allowed to state their hate speech on public platforms. I like my chances of winning that argument in the free market of ideas. I enjoy racists being exposed for their ideas. The only free speech that should be censored is that which encourages others to commit violence on others. You can’t say “any Jew you see should be killed.”

Imagine a world that openly pursed truth

• If religious leaders didn’t always claim their biblical interpretation is correct and at least acknowledge literature requires interpretation despite supposed divine inspiration? What are religious leaders afraid of discussing if they have the truth?
• If we listened to everyone’s opinion civilly and sought to discern together what was the most loving action according to the circumstances
• If we closely guarded one’s freedom to choose when the possibility exist you could be wrong, rather than calling others heretics or conspiracists
• The best way to resolve a disagreement is to have both parties talk of their views openly to be evaluated by individuals listening

“When you tear out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” ― George R.R. Martin

What Is Misinformation? Should We Censor Misinformation?

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com