Popular Opinion

During my visit to the dentist with my younger daughter, we experienced a minor earthquake. Strangely enough, the Great North American Eclipse was to occur the following Monday. This sparked a conversation between the dentist, her assistant, and myself.

As we talked, they shared they were believers but had concerns and speculations about the events unfolding before us. One said, "I've heard people say that the eclipse might be the beginning of the end." Another added, "They say there are so many connections between the eclipse and the fall of America." I couldn't help but notice the frequent use of phrases like "they say" and "I've heard."

I explained that these were all speculations that seemed to be Biblical. However, when studying the scriptures, I found connections that differed from those suggested by popular opinion. They seemed surprised by the scriptures I brought to their attention.

In our society, the influence of popular opinions is significant and often goes unnoticed. Experts refer to it as herd mentality. This influence is so strong that many people, including those who claim to be religious, form their views on what the majority of the crowd thinks. They conform to the crowd by changing their beliefs or behaviors to align with the majority.

Ironically, many of these opinions are based on religious beliefs. Although popular opinions often attempt to predict the future, they rarely accurately represent the truth.

People who lack a personal relationship with God's Word are likely to be influenced by popular opinions, especially religious ones.

In the New Testament, Pilate is an example of how people can easily be swayed by popular opinion. A large crowd of religious people came to him, condemning Jesus. 

Just a short time ago, the same crowd shouted "Hosanna" and wanted to crown him king. Popular opinions do sometimes align with the truth.

Although Pilate found no basis for condemning Jesus, he was influenced by the crowd and set aside his personal beliefs. He conformed his thinking to popular opinion, which eventually led to sentencing the truth to death.

And Pilate, desiring to do that which was satisfactory to the crowd, …, delivered Jesus that He might be crucified. (Mark 15:15 BSB)

The truth is absolute, but it can be compromised when we allow popular opinions to shape our beliefs. To avoid this, we must go straight to the source (God's word) and actively seek the truth ourselves. Only when our beliefs are grounded in the truth itself can we avoid the ever-changing influence of popular opinions.

When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.   -C.S. Lewis

Supporting Texts

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,... (Ro. 12:2)