{"id":7804,"date":"2020-09-03T13:43:45","date_gmt":"2020-09-03T18:43:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.holytrinityweb.com\/weekly\/?p=7804"},"modified":"2020-09-03T16:03:10","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T21:03:10","slug":"youre-a-liar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.holytrinityweb.com\/weekly\/youre-a-liar\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cYou\u2019re a Liar.\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Growing up there were a few words or phrases that, when spoken, were sure to cause raised voices or sometimes physical confrontation. Words like \u201ccheater\u201d or \u201ccoward\u201d or \u201ctraitor\u201d were sure to bring a vigorous response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one that really started things down a bad road was to call someone a liar. The word carries such a condemnation that, spoken in anger, can completely define a person. Think of it. You\u2019re not \u201cmisinformed\u201d, or \u201cignorant\u201d or \u201cna\u00efve\u201d . . . no, you\u2019re a LIAR! <\/strong>It\u2019s like being slapped in the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re hearing this word used daily in the political and cultural debate going on in our country. So let\u2019s examine the nature and purpose of a lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Catholic Catechism defines a lie as, \u201cspeaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving.\u201d (2482<\/a>) <\/strong>\u201cTo speak or act against the truth IN ORDER TO LEAD IN TO ERROR <\/strong>someone who has a right to know the truth.\u201d It is a sin against justice and charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So what do we do when we\u2019re not sure what we\u2019re hearing is the truth? Cry liar, liar, pants on fire!? Maybe if you\u2019re 9. But a Christian might first ask the person for data (facts) to back up their statement. OR, <\/strong>viewing the facts, asking how they\u2019re being interpreted (persons can honestly come to different conclusions) OR <\/strong>respond with different facts and state perhaps a different conclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is called honest discussion. It requires patience and listening to each other and moderating our tone. Unfortunately these days we don\u2019t seem to be mature enough to handle this kind of dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basic presumptions necessary for life together are being challenged. And what are those?<\/p>\n\n\n\n