Further Issues with the Definition of a Lie

As already noted elsewhere, the problem of identifying lying starts with the right definition.  For example, appealing to two different sources will give two different results.  Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines a lie as an untrue statement with the intent to deceive.”  Baker’s Dictionary of Christian Ethics defines lying as “the intention to deceive when we are bound to speak or do the truth.”  When exactly are we bound or not bound to tell the truth?  Are there circumstances that allow the use of deception?   When the second definition makes a distinction related to the circumstances of the lie, the definition recognizes times when we are bound to speak or do the truth and other times when we are not bound.   Depending on which definition,  one might not consider a lie was told that another would not so conclude.    Most people claiming to be Christians would not consider any circumstance to allow for lying.  Yet, surprisingly, the majority of them would show toleration and less condemnation in certain cases.   The reason is not clearly explained.   There is so much inconsistency and some of the biggest critics that condemn others for lying are worse liars than those they condemn.  They live by different ethical rules.  Some are such great manipulators that they can convince others to believe their lies while condemning their neighbors or own family members for that which is no lie.  Consider these circumstances in determining the identity of lies.

1. Lying During War – The very nature of war positions two nations against one another so that all kinds of strategies are used to deceive the enemy.  Call it what you will, these strategies are intended to deceive others, and using the first definition can not be anything other than lies.   Whether this is applicable to warring nations or extends to personal enemies is debatable.  That it was used in times of war among different countries is prevalent.   In connection with this is the example of private homes during WWII that hid Jews from the Nazis and lied about harboring them on their property.  A few would conclude that these were lies, while others would make an exception to it.
2.  I remember when my mother was home alone in the country miles from anyone and two men drove up our private lane, opened the corral gate to park their truck, walked up to the front door, and knocked.   When my mother came to the door, the two men asked, “Is your husband home?   Feeling very uneasy, she said with confidence, “Yes, I’ll go and call him.” She went to the back door and yelled for him as loud as she could and when she returned to the front door, the men were getting back in their truck.   It was a measure to protect herself, but given the definition of the first one,  she lied.  Some would say, “She should have told the truth and trusted God to protect her.  The reason for her lie was not the presence of evil men but the failure of faith.”
3. Homeowners sometimes put the lights in their houses on timers when they leave, for the purpose of deceiving burglars into believing that they might be home.  By some definitions, this would be a lie.

The second definition does take into account some clear circumstances wherein one is bound to speak or do the truth.  It assists in defining the word by helping us determine when we must always tell the truth.  The husband-wife relationship is such a union that always requires the communication of truth.  They are “one flesh” and are bound together by God.  Another clear circumstance wherein one is bound is the spiritual family of God.   Paul writes, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (Ephesians 4:25).  The problem with the approach that uses deception to help another is that we may be lying to ourselves.  Extreme caution should be used to justify lying to protect another person.  These can be self-serving while thinking that we are helping others.

The positive side is that we should be truth speakers because we serve a God of truth who cannot lie.  Just remember, he does use deception on occasion toward the enemy.  Regarding His word and the revelation of the Spirit, however, He is consistently true.   We can depend on His word is true because he is trustworthy.   Clearly, those who put their trust in Him, will never be forsaken.  He is our exemplar of faithfulness.     Consequently, if we are truly servants of God,  then we must be men and women of truth. This should represent our character.