Letter to the editor: We should be devoted to eternal truths

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I have heard from more people than ever before that they are tired of the news, tired of conflicts in and over the news, and tired of the partisanship with which the news seems to be covered nowadays. In fact, some tell me that they have stopped watching or listening to the news altogether except for what affects their local communities.

I understand this sentiment completely. It has long been a maxim in the media that “if it bleeds, it leads,” which means that negative news gets more coverage than positive news.

Our hyper-partisan era is clearly reflected in the media, with less distinction than ever between opinion and reporting. Some outlets obviously seem to have recast their mission as promoting particular political parties, candidates and agendas. There, I said what most have been thinking. It’s hard to know what to trust or why to trust it.

I want to encourage all to pray not only about how to respond to the day’s news but even your choice of the news you consume.



God’s word instructs us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The “everything” about which we are to pray includes the news we consume and how we respond to it, especially if it makes us “anxious” as a result.

Modern news organizations double as lifestyle brands where we get our news signals and shape our identity.

Instead of looking to the news to create better communities, we should be looking to strengthen communities so that they can create better news. We all should be wary of being caught up in the trivia of the day and should be devoted to eternal truths. God Bless America.