Considering the effects of art upon the human spirit, movies are often underrated as an art form. For instance, many of us likely remember various movie moments that are etched in our memories or moved us to the depths of our emotional core.

One of the most powerful and memorable moments I can remember is in the movie “Amistad”, a film based on the true story concerning events surrounding the Spanish slave ship La Amistad and its “cargo” of captured Africans, and subsequent legals battles concerning whether if, and by whom, the Africans were “owned”. Cínque, portrayed by Djimon Hounsou, began to rudimentarily discern English, and rose unbidden in the courtroom crying out: “Give. Us. FREE!” A truly moving moment. Like so many historical events, the La Amistad case is a mix of tragedies and triumphs; you can read more about it from the National Archives.

But freedom relies on truth. Ending slavery relied on the truth that no human being is chattel or “livestock” to be owned and exploited by the strong. But as we all know, exploitation of our fellow human beings encompasses much more than the extremes of slavery; every purposeful untruth is in some way exploitation to some degree … exploitation by deception. It is the swaying of opinion and ideas by false information.

Perusing legacy and social media these days, it seems that we are inundated by such false information—whether by purposeful deception or by mistaken or incomplete perception by the authors. But we’re faced with the question: Is this one right, or is the opposite story right?

With the explosive growth of AI (artificial intelligence), there endless opportunity for another AI—“alternate information”. Indeed, like science fiction which has frequently predicted in future developments in technology and sociological arenas, having a false world woven for public consumption becomes increasingly a possibility. The future is now, for good or evil.

As AI increases, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the real from the fabricated. And if (when) quantum computing becomes viable, it is conceivable that a virtual world—at least socio-politically—may become our 24/7 reality. After all, whence comes the bulk of our information about the world but from electronic means? Even print media for the most part regurgitates it in physical form. For example, did country A really attack country B, or is it just a means to whip up support for a leader and/or raise taxes or collect bribes from the military-industrial complex? Did this leader really get assassinated, or was he quietly removed in a coup? Endless are the possibilities, all distortions or even eliminations of truth.

But we remember Jesus’ words, often emblazoned upon university facades and court interiors: “You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32)—words that have resounded in human hearts since first uttered by Him.

This, of course, was spoken initially in religious context—that Jesus was announcing His coming as the Savior and Redeemer long promised and prophesied to come. But those words ring true in secular context as well, as might be applied in the cursory examples above, especially now as we come into election season and charges of ballot fraud, bribery, deceit assault us daily. Did announced events really occur? Or did some occur that were glossed over or even quashed?

It’s very sad—tragic even—that this mental burden must be endured. Yes, yes … obfuscation and deceit has always been in politics, but it grows by bounds as time passes and technology advances. In this nation founded on “the will of the people”, election fraud seems one the vilest of treacheries—not against a person or group, but against a whole nation—the third most populous on earth, no less, and often perceived as a beacon of freedom to many around the whole world. As some proclaim: If not here, then where?

So, how does this affect the religious sphere? In general morality for one, but also in myriad ways. For instance, those who undermine religious faith can conceivably weave “facts” that contradict supports of faith. Or, on the flip side, it may facilitate creation of novel religions buttressed by ostensibly real, but actually fictional, supports. After all, even now there are those who at least claim a religion based on “the Force”—the product of the imagination of a Star Wars screenplay author. What’s next—prayerful petitions to the queen of the Borg?

Such indicates the vital importance of demanding and supporting truth in media, in interpersonal communications, and most especially in government, while simultaneously not quashing free exchange of dissenting or opposing voices. Nowadays is a push for diversity, and such free exchange of ideas and debate, supported by the success or failure in historic precedents (learning from experience) are necessary for moving humanity forward toward truth, which is the goal of any religion established for good and for the benefit of all.

Christians, of course, believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. And what is His teaching in a nutshell? To love God with all heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love neighbor as oneself. This IS truth. This IS life. Jesus tells us that Satan is the “father of lies”. So … do we want to be brethren of truth, or progeny of the Liar. It’s the choice for each of us … every day.

“Sanctify them in the truth. Thy word is truth.”

(John 17:17)

“…if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

(John 8:36)