Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the late Democratic Senator from New York (a moderate who, prior to serving in the Senate, served in both Democratic and Republican presidential administrations), once remarked, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but no one is entitled to his own facts.” I wish I could say that the sensibility of such a statement is patent, but the postmodern movement has removed that from society. Certainly, there has always been room for disagreement about whether certain data met the status of a “fact,” as well as debate over the interpretation of those facts, but we have not seen anything quite like the recent statement from President Trump’s senior advisor, Kellyanne Conway. In responding to a question on one of the Sunday morning political news programs about the press secretary’s assertion that Friday’s inauguration audience was the largest in history (something that the real facts did not bear out), Conway said that the press secretary was simply giving “alternative facts.” Needless to say, this statement has left many of both sides of the ideological aisle scratching their heads.
As believers, though, what are we to make of such a statement? How should we respond? I want to share two considerations (though there are many more). First, we must be willing and able to put our faith above our ideologies or our politics. That is, where clear Scriptural principles and commands exist, they must always take the preeminent position in our thoughts, words, and actions. We must resist the common notion, “My country, right or wrong,” instead choosing to always pursue what is right and just – according to God’s standards, of course. If our country strays from those, then we must be willing to speak truth to power with the love of Christ (cf. Eph. 4:15). Blind patriotism is no more worthwhile than blind friendship, nor is it a truly loving position (cf. Pro. 27:6).
Second, we must be willing and able to stand firmly for the truth over “alternative facts.” I cannot help but to think that those purveyors of “different’ gospels in Galatia would have been thrilled with this kind of language. I can hear them now: “We know what Paul told you, but we’re offering you ‘alternative theology.’” We who stand for the truth – indeed, for the Truth – must resist slipping into such slippery language just because it happens to be used by the leaders of the political party or ideology that we find ourselves most in line with. Doing so reduces our credibility across the board, but most importantly it reduces our credibility when it comes to our Christian witness. If we’re willing to abide “alternative facts,” why are we unwilling to abide “alternative theologies?” Charges of hypocrisy will rightly be leveled against us. It is hard to call people to the truth when we ourselves are willing to accept “alternative facts.”
As important as politics are, there are still more important things. Yes, elections have consequences, but so do the positions we take. Before we take a position, we ought to carefully consider that position in light of our faith first and foremost. How does it square with the core of the Gospel? Does our position point people to the amazing grace of God? If it does not, change your position. Just as you would not accept “alternative theologies,” do not accept or support “alternative facts.” Stand firm for the Truth. Just something to think about…
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