In Exodus 20:16 we are given the 9th Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This verse entails numerous applications, but one of them includes purposefully misrepresenting the position of another. It is not uncommon for opponents of a given position to construct what has come to be known as a “straw man”: a caricature of the opponents’ position which does not accurately represent their views, but which is relatively easy to refute.

While the “straw man” makes an easy target, we should realize that not accurately representing the position of the opponent is bearing false witness! That “straw man” you constructed is not what they believe! We need to beware of this temptation. Just because you oppose the philosophy or actions of a person or group, does not justify ANY means to discredit them. Christians do not follow the philosophy of “the end justifies the means.” This applies to debates over theology (the contemporary debate over Calvinism is a prime example!) and yes, even politics. We are to conduct even our arguments with righteousness and honor – and that means representing even those who oppose us with fairness and integrity.