Simon Cox Blog: Michael Flynn Isn’t the Only Guilty One

Friday, 1 December 2017

Michael Flynn Isn’t the Only Guilty One

Michael Flynn, fake news, and an opportunity to ask why Christians are often the target audience

This morning, news broke that flooded the internet. Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor to President Trump, pled guilty to lying to the FBI regarding his interactions with the Russian government prior to the 2016 presidential election. Flynn has been one of the key figures at the center of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election.

While this investigation is likely far from over, Flynn’s guilty plea is a vindication of those who have long voiced their concerns against those who have responded to the Russian investigation by stubbornly insisting that it is all “fake news.”

Mike Flynn just told you it is not fake news.

Now, that does not mean that everything is true, but it does raise the question again: Why are Christians so often the target audience for fake news?

Let me explain.

In a sad twist of irony, even as we have claimed to be the true ‘discerning ones’ of honest media, Christians have been quick to fall for genuine fake news. I see, over and over, the Twitter feeds of some Christians blasting fake news at every story they don’t like.

And, it appears that some who do spread fake news have also caught on to the willingness of some of those Christians.

Last month, the House Intelligence Committee released a sample of ads purchased by Russian hackers to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election. As Christianity Today reported, among the demographics they targeted were American Christians. Accounts such as “Army of Jesus” regularly posted disturbing images blending spiritual themes and the election.

This past week, an undercover employee of Project Veritas—which, according to its own website, ...