By: Brendi Wells
Raw intelligence is often raw in every sense—unpolished, incomplete, and requiring discernment. For Christians, analyzing this information requires not just critical thinking but also faith, prayer, and reliance on Biblical truth. This guide will help you interpret raw intel responsibly, avoid “knee-jerk” reactions, and remain steadfast in God’s truth during confusing and tumultuous propaganda messaging and media gaslighting.
Understanding Raw Intelligence
Raw intelligence is not a definitive answer. It is unverified, speculative, and open to interpretation. Treating it as absolute truth or dismissing it entirely can lead to errors in judgment. Instead, we must approach it with discernment and understanding.
The Nature of Intel
- Probabilistic, Not Absolute
Many people expect raw intel to predict the future with certainty. Instead, it works as a likelihood that requires evaluation:- Events within 3 weeks: 70-90% chance of accuracy.
- Events 3 weeks to 3 months out: 50-70% likelihood with timing variability.
- Events beyond 3 months: 25-50% likelihood, often vague or misinterpreted.
- Context is Key
Misinterpretations often arise from vague or misunderstood language, emphasizing the need for careful analysis. For example, a report referencing “corona problems” was initially interpreted as solar phenomena but later aligned with the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, phrases like “a storm is coming” have been taken literally as weather-related events, only to later signify political or social upheaval. Another instance is the term “black swan,” which is used to describe rare, impactful events. It has been misread as a specific catastrophe, such as financial collapse, when it could also refer to unexpected breakthroughs or geopolitical shifts. Understanding the context and potential metaphoric use of language is crucial to avoid unnecessary alarm or missed insights.- Words matter. Understanding language and context prevents jumping to the wrong conclusions.
- Avoid Binary Thinking
Intel is not a simple “yes” or “no.” It operates in probabilities, and those probabilities must be carefully weighed. Jumping to extremes—either fully believing or completely dismissing it—can lead to errors in both analysis and action. - Synthesize Multiple Sources
No single source has all the answers. A well-rounded analysis considers multiple inputs while discerning their reliability and bias. This is true whether the intel comes from a trusted friend, alternative media, or mainstream sources.
The Emotional Trap: Weaponized Reactions
In today’s media-saturated world, emotions are weaponized to provoke thoughtless reactions. Christians are called to exercise self-control, resisting fear, anger, or confusion.
1. The Gaslighting Effect
Both mainstream and alternative media manipulate narratives to elicit panic or outrage. These emotional responses cloud critical thinking and make us susceptible to lies.
- Emotional manipulation drives impulsive reactions, distracting us from thoughtful analysis.
- As believers, we must resist this manipulation and seek clarity through prayer and God’s wisdom.
2. The Truth Movement: A Mixed Bag
Even within the truth movement, infiltrators spread disinformation, creating confusion and weakening the fight for truth.
- Consider this: How do certain “independent” voices gain millions of views despite systemic censorship? Who funds and promotes them?
- True independent voices often face severe opposition, while infiltrators mislead by blending partial truths with lies.
Clear Teaching on Thinking and Analyzing
To avoid being misled, it’s essential to develop discernment. This process involves the following steps:
- Pause and Evaluate
- Don’t react immediately to sensational claims. Step back and assess the source, context, and likelihood of the information.
- Weigh Probabilities
- Treat raw intel as a spectrum of possibilities rather than certainties. Ask, “What are the odds this event will happen?”
- Apply Discernment
- Seek God’s guidance to interpret information accurately. Pray for wisdom and clarity to understand what is true and relevant.
- Contextualize and Verify
- Always cross-check information against reliable sources, while maintaining an open mind to emerging truths.
You Are Not a Number: Breaking Free
The classic Prisoner series declares, “You are not a number.” In today’s era of mass programming, the system seeks to reduce individuals into data points. Christians must reject this depersonalization and reclaim their God-given identity.
Critical Thinking: A God-Given Ability
The Bible calls us to wisdom:
- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Thinking critically helps us discern truth amidst confusion and avoid being swept away by deceptive narratives.
Individuality in Christ
Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Truth is found not in media personalities or institutions but in Christ alone.
- Avoid idolizing media figures or movements. Follow Jesus, who is the ultimate source of truth.
Faith as a Filter for Intelligence
Using Biblical Principles
The Bible is a practical guide for interpreting the world:
- Historical: The Bible is reliable and accurate.
- Inspirational: It offers hope and clarity in times of confusion.
- Doctrinal: It equips us to discern truth and reject deception.
Pray for Discernment
Prayer is essential in filtering raw intel. As James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Think, Pray, Discern
In this age of confusion, Christians must rise above the noise. When analyzing raw intelligence:
- Think Critically: Pause, evaluate, and avoid emotional reactions.
- Pray: Seek God’s wisdom to interpret information clearly.
- Discern Truth: Measure everything against Biblical principles, trusting God as the ultimate source of truth.
You are not a number or a statistic—you are uniquely created by God to think and act with purpose. Reject the mass programming of this world. Stand firm in your faith, seek truth in Christ, and hold fast to the promise: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32) – Remember, You are highly favored, deeply loved, and greatly blessed. Romans 8:38-39
Very good… thank you. Two thumbs up!
YES!
This is a clear demonstration of rational analysis. It is akin to chiaroscuro of art, a clear comparison of light and dark with a critical eye…
We are in a grip that will require the fortitude of our forefathers. As the article intimates, we must turn to our Divine Creator and his son our Savior; we must pray for intervention and not be fatalistic and believe that all is futile…it is not.
Totally agree, people are used to being told how to feel for too long.
With the push to believe lies, propaganda, the spin on data, psyops, and the desire of the global syndicate to pervert or block or confuse one’s Christian faith, it is important to strengthen your relationship with Jesus to avoid
being deceived. The Bible provides the principles for interpreting one’s journey through this fallen world.
With that being said, there are ways of assessing data. Brendi clearly outlines a check list to weigh the data as we ask God for help with discernment. Not all is what is seems.
Thank you, Brendi! To make things simpler for people, they can compare Intel to a weather forecast: the further out it goes, the less likely it’s accurate. God bless, and keep up the good work!
The liberal crusade against so-called misinformation in social media is disturbing not only in the direct sense that they are trying to censor people, but also, perhaps even more disturbing is that they know so many tens of millions of liberals are so dense, so unthinking, totally unable to apply the concepts mentioned in this article, that they just read and believe whatever it is they see in the media at face value. People like that are truly to be pitied.
How much damage have liberals done to our civilization by changing academia from teaching people how to think [critically] into telling people exactly what to think?