Sensationalism refers to content that is intended to provoke a strong emotional reaction, often at the expense of accuracy or contextualization. This type of content plays on basic human emotions like fear, anger, and excitement in order to drive engagement and attention.
The Bible does not explicitly use the term “sensationalism,” as it is a modern concept. However, there are principles and examples in Scripture that relate to this practice.
Principles from Scripture
The Bible promotes truth, accuracy, and integrity – values that are often compromised by sensationalism:
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25)
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Jesus rebuked those who distorted or exaggerated the truth for dramatic effect:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15)
Paul warned against those who would manipulate emotions or deceive others through slick arguments or flattery:
“For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17)
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them;” (Ephesians 5:6-7)
The Bible condemns exaggerating, embellishing, or distorting facts to provoke a reaction:
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” (Proverbs 19:9)
Overall, Scripture promotes conveying truth with grace, integrity, and care for how it impacts others:
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
Examples of Sensationalism
In the Gospels, the Pharisees tried to sensationalize Jesus’ healings to turn people against him:
“But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. But when Jesus learned of it, he withdrew from there. And great crowds followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known.” (Matthew 12:14-16)
Herod’s curiousity was piqued by sensational stories about Jesus’ miracles:
“King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘He is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’” (Mark 6:14-16)
In Acts, sensational rumors spread that the apostles had somehow miraculously broken out of prison, distorting the facts:
“Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, ‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.’” (Acts 5:21-23)
Paul had to dispel wild speculation and sensationalized accounts of his conversion experience:
“And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.’ But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.'” (Acts 26:24-25)
Overall, these examples illustrate how sensationalism can distort truth and create confusion. Scripture consistently upholds the importance of clear, contextualized, and accurate communication.
Dangers of Sensationalism According to Scripture
The Bible warns that sensationalism is dangerous because:
1. It can distort truth and mislead people:
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” (Proverbs 19:9)
2. It can stir up sinful emotions like fear, anger, lust:
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12)
3. It can create confusion and chaos:
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
4. It can damage reputations and relationships when rumors spread:
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” (Proverbs 11:12)
5. It can lead to rash judgment and wrong conclusions:
“None of you shall go out from the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you.” (Exodus 12:22-23)
6. It can provoke sinful anger and violence:
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” (James 1:19)
7. It can exploit tragedy or suffering for gain:
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1-2)
The Bible clearly emphasizes values like truth, accuracy, integrity, grace, and care for how communication impacts others – values which sensationalism often compromises or disregards entirely.
How Should Christians Respond to Sensationalism?
When confronted with sensationalized content, Christians should respond with discernment, grace, and care for truth. Here are some principles from Scripture to guide reactions:
1. Check sources and verify facts before repeating claims.
“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17)
2. Give the benefit of the doubt and avoid speculation.
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)
3. Correct false information gently.
“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
4. Avoid sensationalism and exaggeration in your own speech.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
5. Focus on conveying truth with integrity, grace and care for how it impacts others.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
Christians can respond to sensationalism by exemplifying the biblical values of truth, grace, integrity and care for others even when reporting factual information.
How Should Christians Avoid Promoting Sensationalism?
As communicators, Christians should take care to avoid falling into sensationalism by:
1. Emphasizing truth and accuracy over provoking reactions.
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25)
2. Providing context and nuance even in emotion-driven stories.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
3. Minimizing unnecessary graphic details or language.
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)
4. Avoiding hype, clickbait and misleading headlines.
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)
5. Fact-checking thoroughly before sharing unverified claims.
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
6. Considering how news may impact or exploit others.
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10)
7. Seeking to build up rather than stir controversy.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
With care, wisdom and integrity, Christians can share truth in a way that avoids fueling the sensationalist impulses so prevalent in today’s media landscape.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible promotes values of truth, grace and care for others that sensationalism often compromises or disregards. Scripture warns of the dangers of distorting facts and provoking sinful emotions that this practice often involves. As communicators, Christians should emphasize accuracy, provide context, verify claims, and consider how information impacts others. With discernment and integrity, Christians can model biblical principles even when reporting factual news stories. By focusing on truth-telling with grace, we can avoid contributing to the exploitation and confusion often associated with sensationalism.