FAKE news has almost celebrity status.

It floods our papers, social media feeds, and conversations on a daily basis. Be it politics, food, fashion, education, travel … no topic is beyond the scope of this phenomenon — and no person is, either.

Fake news is nothing new. Wherever there are people, there will be rumours and gossip — often spurred by the lesser parts of our nature: by envy of others, a willingness to stir people against each other, or delight in causing division that justifies ourselves at the expense of those who aren’t like us.

Especially in this age of mass media and technological wizardry, we know that we can’t believe everything we read, see and hear. We have to practise discernment — asking questions about what is in front of us, to decide whether or not it is trustworthy and merits our time, effort or belief.

The Christian faith encourages us to practise discernment in everything, faith included. Just as we should carefully weigh our options before casting votes in an election — refusing to be stirred up by rhetoric and bias — so we should weigh and challenge what we believe.

In calling us to follow Him, God does not trample upon questions of doubt and scepticism. Rather, like doubting Thomas who was invited to see the resurrection for himself, the Christian faith encourages us to look — and look closely — at the evidence.

The Bible has withstood centuries of investigation and scepticism. Jesus' claim to be "the way and the truth and the life" would be meaningless if not true. Again and again, Biblical writers call upon us to look into this for ourselves, confident that their message will withstand whatever scrutiny we can muster. God can handle our tough questions, our doubts and fears. He remains steadfast — the ultimate source of truth, whatever the trending news.

Anna Thayer, Andover Baptist Church