Unmasking The Myth: The Critical Need for Testimony Regulation In Christendom

BY ISAAC ASABOR *

Almost every aspect of human endeavour, from education to healthcare, governance to entertainment, is regulated to ensure authenticity, transparency, and accountability. However, within Christendom, many religious activities appear to operate outside of such scrutiny, often being regarded as sacrosanct and untouchable. This unregulated environment has encouraged some Christians to embellish or outright fabricate miraculous testimonies, leaving congregants vulnerable to their claims.

While testimonies are a powerful way to share faith experiences, there is a growing trend among Christians to tell stories that appear to be far from reality. From accounts of riding on the backs of lions to escape kidnappers to disarming AK-47-wielding armed robbers with nothing but a prayer, or even claims that a computer audibly spoke to its operator saying, “Here’s the document you have been looking for,” these stories frequently push the boundaries of plausibility. However, in many congregations, they are unquestionably accepted.

The Bible values truth highly. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), demonstrating that truth is central to the Christian faith. A testimony is designed to reflect the truth of what God has done in a believer’s life. Unfortunately, as Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “The time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine. Instead, to satisfy their desires, they will gather a large number of teachers to say whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and towards myths.” Some testimonies in the church today appear to have shifted from authentic witnesses to fantastical myths designed to pique the interest of the audience.

Faith and miracles are central to Christianity, but the Bible also cautions against lying, even in the name of good intentions. Exodus 20:16 explicitly states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour,” which includes bearing false witness about God’s works. By embellishing testimonies or fabricating stories, such individuals not only deceive their fellow Christians but also dishonour God by presenting lies as divine interventions.

Scripture repeatedly warns believers about the dangers of falsehood. Proverbs 12:22 states that “the Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” However, some Christians, to gain attention or validate their faith, tell grandiose stories that have little to no basis in reality. They overlook the spiritual and emotional impact that exaggerated accounts can have on believers, particularly new or vulnerable Christians.

When someone shares a testimony that appears miraculous but lacks credibility, it has the potential to mislead others or sow seeds of doubt in their hearts. For example, how can one rationally accept the story of riding a lion to safety from kidnappers or the claim that a computer spoke audibly to an operator? While we know that with God, anything is possible (Matthew 19:26), there is a fine line between believing in divine intervention and fabricating stories that undermine the very foundation of faith.

The Bible is full of moving accounts of God’s power and grace. From Moses parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44), these accounts are undeniably miraculous, but they are also historically accurate and witnessed by many people. Even the apostles were cautioned to ensure the credibility of their testimony. In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira were killed for lying about their contributions to the church, highlighting the gravity of deception within the body of Christ.

In contrast, some contemporary testimonies appear to be designed to amaze rather than edify. However, as Christians, Ephesians 4:25 warns us to “speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of the same body.” False testimonies not only undermine an individual’s credibility but also jeopardise the church’s overall integrity.

Given society’s gullibility, particularly in religious settings, churches urgently need to implement a verification process for testimonies before they are publicly shared. Just as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs us to “test all things; hold fast to what is good,” the church should ensure that testimonies are consistent with biblical truth and reality. This process is not intended to silence genuine accounts of God’s intervention, but rather to protect the church’s integrity and prevent the spread of falsehoods.

Faith requires believers to accept the unseen and miraculous. However, it also requires a commitment to the truth. Church leaders must distinguish between genuine testimonies that glorify God and fictional stories that may mislead and deceive congregations.

There is a distinction to be made between sharing a faith-based story that inspires hope and fabricating an account that calls into question credibility. In 1 John 4:1, believers are encouraged to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Similarly, churches should establish mechanisms to ensure the veracity of testimonies shared within the body. The church has a responsibility to ensure that what is presented as divine intervention is truly God’s work rather than the product of overactive imagination.

When Christians testify to God’s power, their testimonies should be truthful, encourage others’ faith, and glorify God. Stories that appear to be works of fiction benefit no one and may eventually harm the church’s witness to the world.

In an already sceptical world, the church cannot afford to promote questionable testimonies that blur the line between reality and fantasy. The credibility of the Christian faith is dependent on its commitment to truth, as Jesus stated, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Regulating testimonies is not about limiting faith; rather, it is about ensuring that the truth of God’s work is presented accurately, without exaggeration or fabrication. By doing so, churches will protect their congregations from deception while also maintaining the integrity of their witness to the world.

Faith is a powerful force, but it must be based on the truth. It is time for the church to embrace accountability and ensure that the testimonies it shares reflect the reality of God’s power rather than the imagination of man.