5 reasons why Christians should keep up with the news

Millions of people around the world are turning away from the news. Faced with gloomy headlines, diplomatic rows and political turmoil, they are shutting down their news feeds and rejecting updates and alerts. New research from the Reuters Institute shows a ten-year trend towards disengagement from online news, with interest in news falling and ‘news avoidance’ rising. Declining trust in news media is also a key factor. But I firmly believe Christians should be bucking the trend and keeping up with the latest headlines. I see it as part of our Christian discipleship.

Here are five reasons why:  

1. We need to be watching our world
   

Globally, nationally and locally – to see signs of God at work, and where we as Christians can be playing our part. Jesus told his followers to watch for the signs of his second coming (Matthew 24:42), but this also means looking out for God’s actions across the world, and on our doorsteps – to see where the Kingdom of God is advancing. It means looking out for where our sisters and brothers are facing persecution and where natural disasters – and humankind’s lack of compassion – are causing suffering and pain. If we keep up with the news, we can direct our prayers, and our actions and giving, to support those working to relieve suffering, and bring peace with justice. 

2.  We need to be praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4) 

This can only be done intelligently, and with insight, if we’re keeping up with the news. When world leaders are meeting in London or Washington, it’s important we know what’s being discussed. That doesn’t mean that we become ‘news junkies’ always devouring minute-by-minute updates, but it does mean that we seek out reliable news sources and read up on key topics impacting our world.  

3. We need to hear from people outside our echo chamber

If you get your updates only from social media, the chances are the algorithms are only serving up posts from people or sources that you agree with – the accounts you have chosen to follow. Make the decision to follow people and organisations with a range of views. That way you’ll hear perspectives that challenge your own, and make you think more deeply. It may even prompt you to take a deeper dive into issues that impact you.  

4. We need to speak truth to power

Just as Jesus spoke out against the authorities of his day, and the Old Testament prophets pointed out the shortcomings of their kings and societies, so Christians need to speak out, and act, for justice.  How can we challenge the decision-makers, locally or nationally, unless we know what they are doing? Intelligent, informed responses are vital, when we are questioning our MPs or council officials. Keeping up with the news is vital to this. 

5. We need to pray and support those bringing us the news

Reporting the news is becoming increasingly dangerous, with record numbers of journalists being killed or imprisoned around the world. The Journalists’ Altar at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London, is crowded with photographs of journalists, dead or missing. By paying for our news, and by praying for those who bring it to us, we are supporting a free press and pushing back against ‘fake news.’ 

Christians are working in a wide range of media roles, with organisations like Christians in Media seeking to support them and provide networks of mutual encouragement. Churches should be including the media in their regular prayers, and encouraging people in their congregations with media roles. 

Swiss author Rolf Dobelli has published Stop Reading the News. Billed as ‘a manifesto for a happier, calmer and wiser life,’ he encouraged people to turn away from the headlines. I can see it’s an appealing perspective, when the world seems increasingly unpredictable and chaotic. 

But, as Christians, we don’t have that luxury. We are called to be people who interpret our world. We are called to pray into and act to resolve our nation’s problems, support and challenge our leaders, and seek to be disciples of Christ in a dangerous world, with wars and rumours of wars all around. 

Turn our backs on the news? Sorry – we’ve got work to do, and that means keeping informed and engaged. Especially when it’s tough.