Guarding the Truth
Dear Church,
This year’s Nobel Peace Prize goes to two journalists who fought their Goliaths. Maria Ressa in the Philippines did not back down against the current government as she continued to expose President Duterte’s executions of thousands of people in the name of the war against drugs. Dmitry Muratov, who founded the Russian newspaper “Novaya Gazeta” in 1993, saw six of his journalists assassinated since the newspaper’s beginning. Muratov has been a fierce critic of the warlord-like Putin and his cronies, all in the name of freedom of speech.
The Philippine press is rather quiet about Maria Ressa’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition. The newspapers show headlines that seem trivial compared to what Ressa has accomplished. It is at least consistent with the government’s claim that Ressa has hurt the reputation of the president by spreading false news. Ressa was convicted last year of libel. She appealed her case, but if she loses, she faces six years of prison time. I find it interesting that the president who does not want people to exercise freedom of speech, is somehow concerned about his own reputation.
Putin is a very dangerous person, much more so than Duterte. He is a master at extending his absolute rule while totally shutting down his opposition. Muratov’s determination to continue his fight for freedom of speech under Putin’s ruthless rule is truly inspiring.
The international community recognized two journalists’ death-defying work. Awarding them with the Nobel Peace Prize is one definite way of saying, ‘We will never forget what you have done.’ I am sure there are many other unsung heroes around the world who go to their offices every day wondering whether or not today will be the day their oppressor will harm them. My hat is off to them. We must guard truth at all costs because once the truth is compromised, we stand to lose everything and we know that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Truth.
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Minho Song
