Tradition and propaganda.

1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

I don’t like the KJV translation of the Greek word “dok-im-ad-zo”(Prove). I think perhaps test or approve is more fitting here. This is Strongs definition of the Greek word for prove.

δοκιμάζω
dokimazo
dok-im-ad'-zo
From G1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve: - allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try.

With that in mind I want to go into belief, and why people practice and believe something. I’m going to get into propaganda a little bit, again here’s the definition I use, just so we are on the same understanding when I use that word.

The method of propaganda is essential to the word's meaning as well. A message
does not have to be untrue to qualify as propaganda. In fact, the message in
modern propaganda is often not blatantly untrue. But even if the message conveys
only "true" information, it will generally contain partisan bias and fail to
present a complete and balanced consideration of the issue. Another common
characteristic of propaganda is volume (in the sense of a large amount). For
example, a propagandist may seek to influence opinion by attempting to get a
message heard in as many places as possible, and as often as possible. The
intention of this approach is to a) reinforce an idea through repetition, and b)
exclude or "drown out" any alternative ideas. – Wikipedia

Ok with that in mind, you can see that pretty much everything is propaganda. However the definition I use doesn’t have a negative connotation like the typical use of propaganda. So when I use the word propaganda to define something good even a blessing don’t think that I am using the word in a negative way.

Propaganda is everywhere it influences the masses, from our beliefs to the way we dress is all propaganda and often the result of propaganda. What some may call worldly is propaganda often influencing the very manner of life of people in the world. Most of this propaganda is bad. Why? Because it is often untrue, and at large portraying a left wing (irreligious) view point, people take this propaganda in large amounts and add it all up as one big fact built on a lot of tiny lies and partisan bias. The same is true for right wing religious propaganda it can be as equally bad. I’m not saying all propaganda is bad but when you generally only get one viewpoint it tends to influence your belief and sense of security and makes you turn your head and focus on one perspective not even knowing what is going on behind you.

Sources of propaganda, television, radio, movies, signs, behavior, pictures, family, religion, books, dress everything you hear and see. Again not all propaganda is bad some may be a blessing.

The way someone dresses is a good example. For instance people associate certain dress styles with certain people, this is simply based on propaganda or stereotypes. If all your friends and family who are good people all wore a bow tie, and you always wore one too. One day one of your friends came to work or school with just a normal tie.
Hey what’s with tie guy, who does he think he is some sort of rebel wearing one of those long floppy ties, look its blowing in the wind, often on his shoulder. What a dumb looking thing its all-long and silly looking. By this time the tie guy would probably feel quite out of place. Really though what is the reason? Their really isn’t anything wrong with wearing a tie, its just that after time through tradition and family influence these people have become comfortable with a bow tie. You could say at this point the bow-tie people have turned the bow tie, something very trivial into a religious emblem or tradition. They have basically come to the point where the bow tie holds some sort of moral significance.

You have to be aware of these influencing messages. You have to test the propaganda to see if it’s true. If you are not willing to test it then don’t hold on to it like it’s some sort of reality or that it holds some moral or spiritual weight. The Bible doesn’t tell someone to believe what his or her parents believe, or what the world believes, or to believe what your friends or mentors believe. Influence from your friends your associates your religion the world can all lead to a false sense of security.

Some people like to use melodramatics irrelevant statistics or just plain repeating of “fact” to try and influence their point of view. The sad thing is people fall for it thinking some how that any other viewpoint is immoral or just plain wrong with out testing the facts.

Why do I think this is important? The Bible says to test all things hold fast to that which is good.

1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Propaganda is often half true or bias. Testing all things and holding fast that which is good, is a very good way to defend ones self from influence of bad propaganda. By not doing this, you’re only leading your self to cults, traditions, false religions, myths, false sense of reality, persecution and just plain ignorance.

Ask questions and if you can’t get a good answer then you should start testing further.

Truth does not fear questions.