A bit of bias

Certainly you must have noticed that we’ve been having some robust discussions recently within the WORLD family, focused in part on the general theme of journalistic bias. It’s easy, even among thoughtful considerations by serious Christians, to forget our ultimate goals.

So let me be as transparent as I know how and acknowledge some of our biases and prejudices. We’d like you, committed readers that you are, to be developing and growing what have sometimes been called Christian minds.

Sometimes, WORLD News Group will seek to help you in that development and growth in a somewhat abstract manner. You join us in what feels like a classroom setting, and our faculty will step you through that issue’s curriculum. Even when we’re abstract, though, we try to be practical.

Most of the time, however, we’ll help you in the development and growth of your Christian mind by pointing out examples of Christian minds at work in real-life situations. Because those real-life situations are timely, they come to us on a schedule typically shaped by the day’s news. That’s why WORLD—on its several platforms (magazine, children’s magazines, podcasts, and so forth)—is a news organization.

Some abstract content, some real-life examples.

We almost certainly won’t know from week to week where the emphasis will be. We do know the package will look like and sound like news.

And we know that a growing number of readers and listeners like this very practical approach to what many people call a Christian mind, a Christian mindset, a Christian perspective. We hear from more and more of you along the way.

John H. Stuart of Winthrop, Maine, for example, writes: “The honesty, creativity, humanity, and individuality of your staff comes through and is much appreciated in today’s world more than ever. I get the sense that I am getting an honest take on the news, without the sensationalism that drives other media outlets. In addition, analysis from a Christian worldview helps me think about the news in like manner, not being pushed to and fro by worldly ideologies and vaporous enthusiasms.”

And retired missionaries Larry and Linda McAuley chime in: “Thank you for your vision and work in creating a publication that helps so many to understand God and His world. I devour each new issue and pray over the people and situations you feature. We have also ordered the various children’s magazines for our grandchildren.”

Sonja Ingram of northern Wisconsin says: “Thank you for answering your call to start WORLD magazine. I was forced to read it when I attended a small Christian school, but never enjoyed it then. Now I read every issue cover to cover. The reporting that is done with God’s redemptive plan in mind brings such joy and peace to my heart, I eagerly await every issue.”

And this good summary from Mari Doerr, who calls herself a longtime reader in Lafayette, Ind.: “I appreciate so many good things about the magazine—but especially the cogent writing and varied story lineup. It’s been challenging to learn about the suffering of so many fellow believers in other countries who don’t have the freedom to worship God like I have. Thank you for your vision, and developing a strong team to publish the magazine and now the podcasts that I enjoy listening to each day. And thank you for God’s World News for children, that my family enjoyed while they were growing up.”

So whatever you and your family’s news needs might be, keep this in mind: We don’t call ourselves “World News Group” for nothing!