By Chula Goonasekera –

I thought of compiling this after reading a leading editorial: “We live in a world of lies, damned lies, and AI hallucinations. A US publication calculated that Donald Trump told 30,573 lies in his first term as President. A lie, they say, travels halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on. Today, truth might as well stay in bed” (BMJ Editorial, 20th December 2025). Lies—in the form of fake news, videos, messages, and even telephone calls—try to lure us into traps that can cost us our assets, belongings, or even cash, often leaving the perpetrators untraceable. Faiths and religions face similar threats.

Faiths and religions contribute to social harmony by providing shared values and moral frameworks—such as compassion, forgiveness, and justice—and by fostering community through worship, rituals, and charitable work. These practices encourage belonging, trust, and cooperation. Religious leaders often mediate conflicts, promoting dialogue and stability, while diverse traditions enrich culture and cultivate tolerance.

However, these same frameworks are increasingly misused to distort doctrine, promote hatred, incite violence, and even justify killings, sometimes leading to wars of utter destruction. Our moral obligation is to safeguard our faiths—including respecting those who do not follow any faith, as that itself reflects a belief system—by understanding the threats we face, recognising them, and keeping a safe distance, while primarily focusing on deepening our own faith or religion through personal experience.

What Is Faith?

Faith is more than belief—it is trust, confidence, and commitment. Often associated with religion, faith can mean belief in God or in spiritual teachings without proof. It also applies to trust in a person, dedication to an idea, or loyalty to a cause.

* In Islam, faith (Iman) includes belief in God, angels, holy books, messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree.

* In Christianity, faith is confidence in what is hoped for and assurance in what is unseen.

* Outside religion, faith can mean unwavering trust in someone or something, or a commitment to principles, as seen in expressions such as “keep faith” or “break faith.”

Understanding Religion

Religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and ethics that connects people to the spiritual or supernatural. It offers meaning, answers life’s big questions, and guides conduct. Common elements include moral codes, rituals, sacred texts, holy places, and community traditions.

Religions may focus on gods, spiritual concepts, or ethical teachings. Practices such as prayer, meditation, or moral observance help followers navigate life, build community, and explore the mysteries of existence. Major world religions include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism, while countless indigenous and alternative spiritual practices thrive worldwide.

When Faith Is Exploited

Sadly, faith and religion can be misused. Individuals seeking personal gain may manipulate trust and devotion. These include:

* Charlatans: claim false spiritual knowledge.

* Con artists: promise spiritual rewards in exchange for money.

* Opportunists: exploit religious beliefs for financial, social, or political gain.

* False prophets and spiritual abusers: manipulate followers under the guise of authority.

In everyday terms, they are hypocrites, scammers, or manipulators. Protecting oneself requires discernment and relying on personal experience rather than blind trust.

Safeguarding Our Faith

Maintaining genuine faith can feel like navigating an obstacle course. The wisest approach is to keep faith personal, practice sincerely, and follow a spiritual path informed by your own experiences. True faith thrives in authenticity, reflection, and mindful practice. In a world of easy exploitation, faith is strongest when quietly lived and genuinely felt.