Good gets called “evil” and evil gets called “good.” Some people need to repent and abandon a sinful idea, but do not even understand they are defending evil and calling it good.
There is a correlation between hearts becoming hardened and unavoidable contention. When men become filled with arrogant pride, they assume they are right, even when they are very wrong. It is impossible for hardened society to have a give-and-take discussion because they refuse to consider other viewpoints. If a false idea is allowed to be set out, and then is denounced and the error exposed and explained patiently, it will not yield any result for the hardhearted.
We will not be able to persuade everyone. The number of humble searchers who are willing to hear a matter before judging it are decreasing.
As the Nephite society drifted toward constant internal and external conflict, the record explains: “And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually. Yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come.” NC Helaman 5:21
People are influenced by the perception that an opinion is widely held. There are studies that confirm that the great majority of people can be manipulated to adopt an answer, even when they know it is incorrect, if others in the study group agree. The study of human behavior in the social sciences has been used to help advance political agendas and get the public to accept political outcomes. Social media outlets are not ignorant of these studies. They base their agenda on them.
The “twiter-verse” and Instagram are dominated by a tiny number of activists who urge constantly for their causes. Despite their insignificant numbers, they are made to appear to be a great majority. This influences decisions by corporations, governments and even churches.
Facebook censors opinions to control topics. Ideas are not allowed to be considered, because they are not given the opportunity to be heard.
The “great chain” Enoch saw Satan had that veiled the whole face of the earth, was made of lies. Enoch reported that, “he beheld Satan, and he had a great chain in his hand, and he veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he looked up and laughed, and his angels rejoiced.” NC Gen. 4:15
We should be able to recognize that same pattern today. Politicians and businessmen have learned that the ‘popular’ lie can overcome the truth. Even if the lie is unpopular, all that is needed is for it to seem to be overwhelmingly accepted. The media outlets know this, and dispense propaganda to make bad ideas seem to be the common view held by the great majority. Churches are being swept up in this same foolish and vain imaginings.
To guard against it there are a handful of things I try to do: Study the scriptures, particularly the New Covenant or Restoration Edition. Pray in private daily. Do something deliberate for God every day, to bless someone else–even if they do not appreciate it or recognize what motivates you.
There were a few people who were not deceived in Enoch and Noah’s day. And some few will not be overcome by the growing multitude of lies we face daily. I hope to be one of them. There are still great things to be done by believing and faithful people. And therefore great things for us to look forward to, and rejoice.