Why Do So Many People Believe in Lies? A Catholic Perspective on Truth and Deception 02-11-25
In an age of misinformation and division, it can be deeply troubling to see good, intelligent people fall for obvious falsehoods—whether in politics, the news, or even within the Church. We may ask ourselves: Why do so many people, including faithful Catholics, believe in things that are clearly untrue?
As Catholics, we are called to be seekers of truth, for Christ Himself said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Yet, we live in a world where lies spread faster than truth, where deception is profitable, and where many prefer comforting falsehoods to difficult realities. Understanding why this happens is the first step in learning how to resist deception and remain firmly grounded in God’s truth.
1. The Power of Repetition: How Lies Become “Truth”
One of the most powerful tools of deception is simple repetition. Psychological studies confirm that when we hear something over and over again, we start to believe it, even if it was false the first time we heard it.
Throughout history, propaganda has worked this way. Dictators, corrupt leaders, and even the devil himself have used repetition to make falsehoods seem credible. Think of how Eve was tempted in the Garden: Satan didn’t directly deny God’s words at first—he simply questioned them repeatedly (“Did God really say…?” - Genesis 3:1). By sowing doubt and confusion, he made the false seem plausible.
Today, social media and 24-hour news cycles amplify misinformation, making even absurd claims appear believable simply because they are loud and constant. These platforms prioritize sensationalism over accuracy because controversy drives engagement. While they can be used for good and evangelization, they can also create echo chambers where falsehoods are endlessly repeated.
As Catholics, we must be vigilant about what we consume and share. Before embracing any claim, we should ask: Am I forming my beliefs based on what is true, or simply what I have heard most often?
2. Emotional Manipulation: Lies That Play on Our Fears
Many falsehoods spread not because they are logical, but because they are emotional. Fear, anger, and outrage override reason, making us react impulsively rather than critically analyzing what we hear.
Jesus warned us about this. In Matthew 24:24, He said, “False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” The devil and his agents know that fear is one of the easiest ways to manipulate people.
Consider how misinformation exploits fear today: • Scapegoating entire groups of people for national or personal problems. • Sensationalist news stories designed to stir up outrage rather than provide real facts. • Fear-based conspiracy theories that make people distrust even honest sources.
While fear can be a natural response to danger, it can also cloud our judgment. If something immediately triggers anger, anxiety, or panic, we should pause and ask: Is this appealing to my emotions rather than my reason? Is it leading me to truth or simply reinforcing fear?
3. Confirmation Bias: Believing What We Want to Be True
People naturally seek out information that confirms what they already believe while ignoring evidence that contradicts it. This is known as confirmation bias, and it is one of the biggest reasons people believe in lies.
The Pharisees in Jesus’ time fell into this trap. They refused to believe He was the Messiah—not because of a lack of evidence, but because He didn’t fit their expectations. Even after seeing His miracles, they still sought ways to discredit Him. They believed what they wanted to believe.
Today, we see the same dynamic in politics, social issues, and even within the Church. People dismiss uncomfortable truths because they challenge their worldview. This is why it is so important to seek the full truth—even when it is difficult.
As Catholics, we must humbly ask ourselves: Am I truly open to truth, even when it challenges my beliefs? Or do I only seek information that reinforces what I already think?
4. Social Pressure and Tribalism: The Fear of Standing Alone
We are social creatures. We want to belong. But when this desire for acceptance leads us to embrace falsehoods, it becomes dangerous.
The Crucifixion of Jesus is a perfect example. Just days before His death, the crowd shouted “Hosanna!”, but when public opinion shifted, they cried “Crucify Him!” instead. The same people who welcomed Jesus one day condemned Him the next—not because the truth had changed, but because the crowd had changed.
Today, people feel pressure to conform to the views of their political party, social circle, or online community—even when they sense something is wrong. Fear of being ostracized leads many to remain silent or go along with deception.
Jesus warned us that standing for truth would not be easy:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
As Catholics, we must have the courage to speak the truth—even when it’s unpopular. Our allegiance is to Christ and His Church, not to any political ideology or social movement.
5. The Christian Response: Seeking Truth in a World of Lies
So how do we, as faithful Catholics, guard ourselves against deception?
First, we must stay rooted in Scripture and Church teaching. God’s truth never changes. If an idea contradicts the Gospel, no amount of repetition, emotion, or social pressure can make it right.
Second, we should pause before believing or sharing information. Ask: • Is this true, or does it just confirm what I want to believe? • Am I being manipulated emotionally? • Is this causing division rather than unity?
Third, we should seek out multiple perspectives to ensure we are not trapped in echo chambers where only one side of a story is told. Engaging with diverse viewpoints helps us see the fuller picture and avoid bias.
Lastly, we should pray for discernment. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13). If we ask for wisdom, God will guide us to see through deception and stand for what is right.
Conclusion: The Truth Will Set You Free
We live in an era where falsehoods are louder than ever, but as Catholics, we are called to something greater. Christ said:
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)
To follow Christ is to follow truth—even when it is uncomfortable, even when it is unpopular. In a world that encourages blind belief, tribalism, and fear-based thinking, let us be people who seek wisdom, challenge deception, and stand firm in God’s truth.
In the end, our faith is not built on slogans, propaganda, or human ideologies—it is built on Jesus Christ, the unshakable Truth. Let us walk in that truth with courage, humility, and love.
Prayer for Discernment and Truth
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In a world filled with confusion, deception, and noise, help me to seek Your truth above all else.
Give me a heart that loves wisdom, a mind that questions falsehood, and the courage to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. Free me from the temptation to believe what is easy or convenient, and fill me with a hunger for what is good, just, and holy.
Grant me the grace to listen with humility, to speak with love, and to live as a witness to Your eternal truth. Guide me by the light of Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk always in Your ways.
Amen.
As Catholics, we are called to be seekers of truth, for Christ Himself said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Yet, we live in a world where lies spread faster than truth, where deception is profitable, and where many prefer comforting falsehoods to difficult realities. Understanding why this happens is the first step in learning how to resist deception and remain firmly grounded in God’s truth.
1. The Power of Repetition: How Lies Become “Truth”
One of the most powerful tools of deception is simple repetition. Psychological studies confirm that when we hear something over and over again, we start to believe it, even if it was false the first time we heard it.
Throughout history, propaganda has worked this way. Dictators, corrupt leaders, and even the devil himself have used repetition to make falsehoods seem credible. Think of how Eve was tempted in the Garden: Satan didn’t directly deny God’s words at first—he simply questioned them repeatedly (“Did God really say…?” - Genesis 3:1). By sowing doubt and confusion, he made the false seem plausible.
Today, social media and 24-hour news cycles amplify misinformation, making even absurd claims appear believable simply because they are loud and constant. These platforms prioritize sensationalism over accuracy because controversy drives engagement. While they can be used for good and evangelization, they can also create echo chambers where falsehoods are endlessly repeated.
As Catholics, we must be vigilant about what we consume and share. Before embracing any claim, we should ask: Am I forming my beliefs based on what is true, or simply what I have heard most often?
2. Emotional Manipulation: Lies That Play on Our Fears
Many falsehoods spread not because they are logical, but because they are emotional. Fear, anger, and outrage override reason, making us react impulsively rather than critically analyzing what we hear.
Jesus warned us about this. In Matthew 24:24, He said, “False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” The devil and his agents know that fear is one of the easiest ways to manipulate people.
Consider how misinformation exploits fear today: • Scapegoating entire groups of people for national or personal problems. • Sensationalist news stories designed to stir up outrage rather than provide real facts. • Fear-based conspiracy theories that make people distrust even honest sources.
While fear can be a natural response to danger, it can also cloud our judgment. If something immediately triggers anger, anxiety, or panic, we should pause and ask: Is this appealing to my emotions rather than my reason? Is it leading me to truth or simply reinforcing fear?
3. Confirmation Bias: Believing What We Want to Be True
People naturally seek out information that confirms what they already believe while ignoring evidence that contradicts it. This is known as confirmation bias, and it is one of the biggest reasons people believe in lies.
The Pharisees in Jesus’ time fell into this trap. They refused to believe He was the Messiah—not because of a lack of evidence, but because He didn’t fit their expectations. Even after seeing His miracles, they still sought ways to discredit Him. They believed what they wanted to believe.
Today, we see the same dynamic in politics, social issues, and even within the Church. People dismiss uncomfortable truths because they challenge their worldview. This is why it is so important to seek the full truth—even when it is difficult.
As Catholics, we must humbly ask ourselves: Am I truly open to truth, even when it challenges my beliefs? Or do I only seek information that reinforces what I already think?
4. Social Pressure and Tribalism: The Fear of Standing Alone
We are social creatures. We want to belong. But when this desire for acceptance leads us to embrace falsehoods, it becomes dangerous.
The Crucifixion of Jesus is a perfect example. Just days before His death, the crowd shouted “Hosanna!”, but when public opinion shifted, they cried “Crucify Him!” instead. The same people who welcomed Jesus one day condemned Him the next—not because the truth had changed, but because the crowd had changed.
Today, people feel pressure to conform to the views of their political party, social circle, or online community—even when they sense something is wrong. Fear of being ostracized leads many to remain silent or go along with deception.
Jesus warned us that standing for truth would not be easy:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
As Catholics, we must have the courage to speak the truth—even when it’s unpopular. Our allegiance is to Christ and His Church, not to any political ideology or social movement.
5. The Christian Response: Seeking Truth in a World of Lies
So how do we, as faithful Catholics, guard ourselves against deception?
First, we must stay rooted in Scripture and Church teaching. God’s truth never changes. If an idea contradicts the Gospel, no amount of repetition, emotion, or social pressure can make it right.
Second, we should pause before believing or sharing information. Ask: • Is this true, or does it just confirm what I want to believe? • Am I being manipulated emotionally? • Is this causing division rather than unity?
Third, we should seek out multiple perspectives to ensure we are not trapped in echo chambers where only one side of a story is told. Engaging with diverse viewpoints helps us see the fuller picture and avoid bias.
Lastly, we should pray for discernment. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13). If we ask for wisdom, God will guide us to see through deception and stand for what is right.
Conclusion: The Truth Will Set You Free
We live in an era where falsehoods are louder than ever, but as Catholics, we are called to something greater. Christ said:
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)
To follow Christ is to follow truth—even when it is uncomfortable, even when it is unpopular. In a world that encourages blind belief, tribalism, and fear-based thinking, let us be people who seek wisdom, challenge deception, and stand firm in God’s truth.
In the end, our faith is not built on slogans, propaganda, or human ideologies—it is built on Jesus Christ, the unshakable Truth. Let us walk in that truth with courage, humility, and love.
Prayer for Discernment and Truth
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In a world filled with confusion, deception, and noise, help me to seek Your truth above all else.
Give me a heart that loves wisdom, a mind that questions falsehood, and the courage to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. Free me from the temptation to believe what is easy or convenient, and fill me with a hunger for what is good, just, and holy.
Grant me the grace to listen with humility, to speak with love, and to live as a witness to Your eternal truth. Guide me by the light of Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk always in Your ways.
Amen.