By Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu
Recently, there have been some rumours circulating online about the Catholic Church in Hong Kong, which left me quite taken aback upon hearing them. A friend who is somewhat familiar with the Church also inquired about the reports, and when I told him that I was unaware of the situation, he retorted with a hint of scepticism, “Don’t pretend you don’t know!?”
In today’s age of information overload, the Internet has become a vital channel for acquiring knowledge and information. However, amid this ocean of information, discerning the truth has become an essential challenge for every believer. As Catholics, how should we maintain a clear mind and make wise choices under the guidance of our faith when faced with online information?
First, let us remember the core belief of Catholicism in this regard: Truth comes from God. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was incarnated as man, stated, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” [John 14:6]. This statement not only reflects our understanding of Christ but should also serve as our guiding principle in seeking the truth in the online world. When confronted with various messages, we must first consider whether they align with our faith and whether they can guide us closer to God, the source of truth.
Secondly, Catholic doctrine emphasises the combination of reason and faith. When facing the plethora of information online, we need to use reason to analyse and understand. St. Thomas Aquinas noted that faith does not exclude reason; rather, they complement each other. Therefore, we should cultivate critical thinking, being cautious not to accept any unverified information, particularly when it pertains to significant matters of faith or moral concepts.
However, discerning the truth of information is not easy. The Internet is rife with false news and misleading content, which requires us to choose reliable sources for our information. The teachings of the Church and the writings of the Church Fathers are essential references, and we should also verify the authenticity of information from official websites. Through these traditions, we can find profound insights related to faith, ethics, and human life, helping us make choices consistent with our beliefs when faced with real-world issues.
At the same time, we must recognise the influence of social media. When sharing information on these platforms, we should carefully consider whether the content is truthful and whether it may mislead others. St. Paul reminded us in his letter to the Ephesians to speak truthfully to our neighbour for we are members one body [Ephesians 4:25]. This statement reminds us to take responsibility for our speech and actions when conveying information and to treat others with love and sincerity.
In this challenging age, we must also learn to listen. Hearing various perspectives enables us to gain a more comprehensive understanding of issues and avoid narrow viewpoints. As believers, we should maintain a humble heart, be open to differing opinions, and seek consensus in discussions. This not only promotes healthy dialogue but also strengthens our faith. However, we must discern what constitutes “personal opinions,” “comprehensive analyses,” or even “hearsay”; these forms of information do not represent the complete truth and may be mere speculation. Just as Jesus once asked his disciples, “Who do others say that I am?” there were varying opinions in the community; while Peter got it right, it still required Jesus himself to confirm.
Moreover, our faith life should be reflected in our words and actions. When we engage online, we should always approach it with a heart of love, allowing our speech and conduct to be a blessing to others. This is God’s call to us and our responsibility as Christians. In summary, in this intertwined era of information and facts, as Catholics, we should let our faith guide us, use reason to discern the truth, share information prudently, and treat others with love. Let us support one another on this journey in search of truth, grow together, and become the salt and light of the earth, enabling others to recognise God who is with us through the information we share.
