Challenging Narratives

It’s interesting to see the shift that has taken effect over the last few decades. As a child, I was always taught that the sciences and specifically the scientific method were a means of looking at things in search of truth or what could be known. I was taught that it was a process of coming up with a hypothesis, testing that hypothesis, and then hopefully arriving at a solution.

Yet, even coming to a solution or theory, that even that could be challenged for further analysis. There are very few things in the sciences that are held as absolute law, and even they are still being challenged. How is it, that today, we’re told to not question experts, science, or the government when it comes to laid-out narratives that do nothing but raise questions that beg to be answered?

When it comes to government, Former President Ronald Reagan was known for saying that “the nine most terrifying words are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help!” This statement was not only a reminder to question government because of its size and power but also to know that people can become corrupted and will use the power of government to the benefit of the government and not the people it was designed to serve.

Malcolm X was a radical voice in opposition to systems of oppression. He is quoted as having said, “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” How amazing it is to be seeing how relevant that statement is in the present day.

What is it about our present-day society that has led to this radical shift where nothing can be or should be questioned? Why is it that the halls of academia have become so intolerant of diverse thoughts and debates? How is it that we’re now required to believe only what is reported by media conglomerates, scientific/medical/pharmaceutical professionals, and government agencies? What becomes of a society where genuine inquiry becomes no longer tolerated? It used to be that the only place where “blind trust” was considered a thing was in reference to finances.

Challenging narratives are now labeled “conspiracy theories,” domestic terrorism, or worse. It is combatted through cancel culture. Cancel culture can take many forms and includes things such as banning activity in the public sphere, social media spaces, and even silencing academic/scientific contributions. It can go as far as making a person incapable of earning a living. The current move towards a social credit system will only embolden these actions.

In spite of this assault on those who dare to challenge narratives, there is hope. What you will find in the coming days and years will be people who will be slandered by being labeled as fools and they will confound the “wise” ones. These rejected ones will rise up to prominence because of their difference. A spotlight will be on them because the things they speak and do will become as undeniable truths and successes as was seen by Daniel and the Hebrew Boys who dared to not partake of the king’s meat but hold fast to the dietary practices that were their custom (Daniel 1:8-21).

The audacity of Daniel and his friends to challenge the narrative that eating the food that was offered to them by the king’s chief of staff not only worked to their benefit health-wise, but it also positioned them with favor above the others who did what they were told.

There are times when challenging the narrative will become essential to unfold deception and lies regarding health, safety, and freedom. The lies being told are designed to oppress people both in the natural and in the spirit. Challenging the narrative has become the standard since Christ began his ministry. He challenged the narrative of his day in relationship to what and how the people thought and believed about God and His heart towards them. Jesus challenged the Scribes and Pharisees in regard to the law of Moses and the Kingdom he came to present. He challenged the narrative of what it truly meant to love.

Are you willing to challenge narratives that are being propagated? Are you willing to raise questions and seek truths that are being covered up? We are living in challenging times and it will require people of great courage to dig deeper to discover what is being hidden and denied. True freedom will be the reward of those who will pursue the true narrative and not what is simply placed before the public for general consumption. Challenge the narrative.