Does the commandment "Thou shalt not bear false witness" include not spreading lies about public figures?

Question

So who's your neigbor? I always figured it meant your fellow man, anybody, anywhere, friend or foe. So, therefore, does this ninth commandment apply to what we say about prominent public figures as well? Is it alright to make statements that you know are false about people such as Bush, Kerry, Gore or Hillary? Does a person have a responsiblity to question things that sound like they might be too incredible to be true before spreading them as being the truth? Is a lie really a lie if we believe what we're saying? When an error is pointed out to us, do we have an obligation to tell those with whom we shared our false claim or at least be a little embarrassed or ask for forgiveness? Does this include presenting stories a truth when there is no actual person being lied about, such as a fictitious testimonial?

I recieved a bogus claim about a prominent American political figure in an email. After disproving it and pointing it out to the person who sent it, He simply said, "Oh well. I just never have liked that person" and felt no emabarrassment for it.

I read two very obvious fictitious testimonials on http://www.tencommandments.org/,... a site run by a fanatic Christian who wants to create a Christian theocracy in America. I asked him why, if the Bible were in fact the divine word of God, he felt that it couldn't stand on its own merit without his obvoius lies and fabricated stories. Is it alright to lie in order to spread the "truth" that one believes when lying violates the very rules you are trying to teach? Hell No!!

Answer 1

Yes, it does.

Answer 2

It would be interesting if lying were punished on the spot, our last election where a decorated war hero was made to seem be lower than the draft dodger we now have in office, is a good case in point. People who spread lies about others deserve to be lied against in turn, don't you agree? I was in Viet Nam at the time Senator Kerry was there and know for a fact that our participation was not limited to just Viet Nam, we chased the enemy to wherever they hid and those who claim otherwise are the liars. So your point is that somebody needs to not lie? Yeah right. I bet your a conservitive who imagines there is a higher moral ground somewhere so far undefined and all we need to do is believe that other conservitives don't lie because Watergate never happened. lol

Answer 3

Who cares? The Ten Commandments is an overly simplistic list of rules that don't really apply to the modern age. You should lie about people, but not because some old book says so. Your character built upon how people view you. Being honest builds trust. Also, spreading lies about people, including politicians, tells others that you have a deep insecurity and are unwilling to listen to other's views. That damages your character.

Answer 4

Yes, "neighbor" refers to all of your fellow men, including prominant figures.

Answer 5

It means anyone, but that's only in court. Leviticus 19 has the prohibition of gossip, even if true.

Answer 6

It basically means it is wrong to lie...period, end of story. It conveyed a very simple and basic truth.

Answer 7

Yep

Answer 8

Spreading lies is bogus and you will lose reputation for not being accurate in your speech.

Answer 9

NO!!! If you know in your heart that it is wrong, then follow the commandment as stated. GOD examines everyone's heart. Don't pollute your heart with justifications, either.

Answer 10

We are not to bear false witness against ANYBODY.