[Greek] ψεύδομαι (pseudomai), [Latin] dicipiere: to lie, to utter an untruth, to deceive by falsehood; Mt.5:11, Acts 5:3,4, Rom.9:1, 2Cor.11:31, Gal.1:20, Col.3:9, 1Tim.2:7, Heb.6:18, Jam.3:14, 1Jn.1:6, Rev.3:9
The Death of Ananias: painting by Raphael (1515-1516)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used in various ways, means to be false, to deceive, to deceive about something, to be deceived, to deceive oneself, to speak falsely, to play, to lie, and to feign. Lying can be a statement of an untruth or a false judgment of reality. Perjury is the worst form of lie. Calumny involves making false and defamatory statements in order to damage one’s reputation. The aristocratic order demands that one should not deceive those to whom one is owed respect. On the other hand, gods may deceive. Lies for social or political reasons are permissible when some aim, need, or result is desired. Sophists can uses deceptive (clever) arguments to justify their positions. Sophistry often blurs the line between objective and subjective reality. Deception is allowed in art. In tragedy deceit and cunning are often employed as a means to effect just punishment.
Literature:
Homer’s Illiad 5,635: Lying about art coming from Zeus
Homer’s Illiad 10,534: Failing to speak the truth
Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 628: The gods deceiving
Plato’s Republic 413a: Being deceived about the truth
Xenophon’s Memorabilia 4.2.26: Refraining from what one doesn’t understand
Xenophon’s Memorabilia 4.2.19: Comparing intentional deceptions and unintentional deceptions
Xenophon’s Anabasis 1.3.10: Failing to inform others
Plato’s Meno 71d: Being a victim of a falsehood
Xenophon’s Anabasis 1.3.5: Not wanting to be known as disloyal
Old Testament: This term means to lie, to deceive, to be deceived, to deny, to feign, and to be a false witness. Lying and deception involve three spheres: legal, wisdom and morality, and religious. These three spheres are united by the common assumption that God does not deceive. In the legal sphere, lying, the worst offense against God, brings a curse upon the offender. With wisdom and morality, lying and liars are generally condemned. Distinctions are made for calumny, action, and silence. However, lies of necessity are often permitted or condoned. In the religious sphere, unfaithfulness against God, apostasy to god, and false prophecy occur. In His Providence God may send a lying (or vengeful) spirit in His judgment, condemnation, and retribution.
I said in my alarm, “No one can be trusted!” (Psa.116;11). And you be exposed as a deceiver (Prov.30:6). God in not man that He should speak falsely, nor human, that He should change His mind (Num. 23:19). You destroy all who speak falsely (Psa.5:6). Your enemies fawn upon you (Deut.33:29). It shall be a witness against you, should you wish to deny your God (Josh.24:27). I have never you! (Job 8:18). Because she was afraid, Sarah dissembled, saying, “I didn’t laugh.” But he said, “Yes you did.” (Gen.18:15).
New Testament: This term essentially means to lie, to bear false witness, and to speak and act falsely. Blessed are those who are persecuted, insulted, and falsely accused of evil things. Paul bears a true witness in speaking the truth of Christ. Paul exhorts the Colossians to stop lying to one another in not being faithful to the teachings. Lying to the Holy Spirit becomes a grave matter, resulting in death. Since God is both truth and light, it is important that one speaks and acts truthfully. Otherwise, we treat God as a liar.
Scripture:
“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart so that you lied to the Holy Spirit and retained part of the price of the land?” Acts 5:3
As of result of lying to the Holy Spirit, Ananias falls dead.
“I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness.” Rom.9:1
Rather than lie, Paul speaks to the truth in Christ.
“If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do no act in truth.” 1Jn. 1:6
God is light and truth. If we say we do not sin, we call God a liar.
Conclusion:
Psuedo-science (and other pseudo-???), deceive
It is not surprising that this term is used in many ways and contexts. It is important to note that this term can mean to lie (deceive) and to make a false representation of reality. Although an aristocratic class may not still exist today per se, it still sounds like a good idea not to deceive one’s superiors. In fact, this could even apply to your parents or even your manager. Lies for political or social reasons easily become fodder for government scandals and juicy novels. Just like with human nature, exception are permissible under certain circumstances and situations. Perhaps this is not that much different than the proverbial “white lie.”
Sophistry becomes the precursor to relativism, blurring the lines between objective reality and subjective reality. (“I can believe whatever what I want to believe”). This leads to the relativity of belief systems and creation of new rights. Or (“Whom am I to say… Although, I do not believe in that… that person has the right to do that”). These situations can often be found in contentious social issues (abortion, contraception, gay marriage, etc.) that often intersect with (and clash against) Christian teachings.
This term is illustrated in both positive and negative ways in the New Testament. Those who are falsely accused or persecuted because of God will be blessed. Lying to the Holy Spirit is serious and deadly. It interesting to note that 1 John presents God in black and white terms. We walk in light when we are in fellowship with God. On the other hand, we walk in darkness when when we lie and do not act in truth.
I am not going to lie to you (see what I did here…) Upholding these teachings in 1Jn can be very difficult for all of us in our current age of multitudes of Catholic, Christian, non-Christian, secular beliefs and practices. Unfortunately, this situation is not as “black and white” as we like to think.