Was sharing yesterday’s blog post on Twitter when a Channel 4 video started playing.
I probably should have scrolled on, but was left like a deer watching approaching headlights.
Manchester.
22 dead.
“Terror” attack.
Despite having written a novel describing in some detail the ultimate “terrorist” attack on the UK, I find myself reluctant to share Fallen Warriors with that angle.
If the purpose of terrorism is to cause terror, then in that cause Channel 4 News, the BBC, Sky and undoubtedly most news organisations do the most to cause terror.
I replied to @Channel4News: “A horrific event. What evidence is there this may have been a “terrorist” attack?”
Perhaps I should have done more research before tweeting, but terrorism is a trigger word for me. I feel strongly that the media encourage terrorism through their reporting of it.
Someone responded, accusing me of burying my head in the sand.
I’ll ignore the insults and libel that followed that initial response and instead ask: is it healthy to fill our minds with fear all day, every day?
George Orwell warned of a world where the government kept us in perpetual war in 1984. A world where the population was kept in control through fear.
We have created a world where the smallest atrocity is beamed into our faces 24 hours a day whenever we pull out our smartphone.
In stark contrast to the media’s message is the message of Jesus: “Perfect love casts out fear.”
When I focus on the words of Jesus, on God’s word, I receive hope.
Hope for a future free of terror, a world free from fear. Now that is a message Channel 4 should proclaim!
