Ask any seventh grader, and he could probably tell you the technical difference between opinion vs. fact. It’s common knowledge, taught to children at a young age. For example, “Lava lamps are cool” is an opinion while “Lava lamps were invented in 1963 by British entrepreneur Edward Craven Walker” is a fact.
Merriam-Webster defines opinion as “a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.” Fact is defined as “the quality of being actual.” By definition, the difference between an opinion and a fact is where it exists.
An opinion is actual only in the mind while a fact remains actual everywhere, regardless of what you think. Your feelings about lava lamps won’t change who invented them and when.
The problem is our tendency to state opinions as facts.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Opinion vs. Fact: When the Lines Are Blurred
Consider these statements:
“Opera music is lame.”
“Soccer is the best sport in the world.”
“Michael Jackson was the greatest performer of all time.”
“You haven’t lived if you haven’t [fill in the blank] at least once.”
Fact or opinion? These are all opinions, but they’re presented as statements of truth. We as a culture have a bad habit of stating opinions as facts. Instead of saying, “I personally am not a fan of opera music,” we turn it into a declaration with an implication:
“Opera music is lame, therefore you’re lame if you like opera music.”
I love opera, and that’s a fact. But it would be wrong of me to say “People who don’t like opera music are uncultured.” In both cases, we are stating opinions as if their actuality existed everywhere, meaning anyone who doesn’t agree is wrong.
And therein lies the danger of confusing opinion with fact.
What Happens When You State Opinions As Facts
While it may seem obvious that you’re stating an opinion, the truth is statements like these have a divisive effect. When we don’t like something (or, conversely, we love something), we tend to make others feel that there’s something wrong with them for not feeling the same way. In this way, opinions are misused.
When we don’t like something, we tend to make others feel that there’s something wrong with them for not feeling the same way.
“Anybody who cares about others will get vaccinated.” (Hmm, where have we heard that one recently?)
“You’re not for women if you’re not pro-choice.” (Yes, that’s an opinion, not a fact.)
“Only a fool will believe in God.”
You might strongly believe something, but that doesn’t make it true. As Dr. Paul Kelm says in his book, Truth in Our Time, “you are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.”
The Real Danger of Confusing Opinion With Fact
An opinion is actual only in the mind while a fact remains actual everywhere, regardless of what you think.
For Christian teens, the danger of confusing opinion with fact goes beyond disgruntled friends. You’ve been called to be the light in a dark world, the telescope that zooms in on God’s glory. Your words, when spoken in love and kindness, can amend the soil of the heart and make it a fertile ground for God’s word to take root, and you cannot do that if you start mixing opinion with fact.
“Jesus died for all people” is a fact supported by 1 John 2:2, which states, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Saying “All Christian women must cover their ankles at all times” is an opinion (even if it is grounded in biblical standards of modesty).
“All governments are under God” is a fact from Romans 13:1 (“The authorities that exist have been established by God.”) but saying “You can’t be a [Republican/Democrat] if you’re a Christian” is an opinion (regardless of which one you choose to fill in the blank).
Let’s get this right: Opinions are not facts, and that’s a fact!
Separate Opinion From Fact, Become a Leader
Be encouraging, even to those who don’t share your viewpoint. Think first about whether your opinion is needed at a given moment because, frankly, the world is in need of more truth, not more opinions.
The world is in need of more truth, not more opinions.
When the time comes to give an opinion, be thoughtful in how you state it so you can’t be found guilty of confusing opinion with fact.
“Opera music isn’t my thing, but that’s cool that you like it.”
Not everyone will share your opinions, but if you exercise a little wisdom in determining when and how to state your views, you will become a safe haven for those seeking refuge from the storming opinions that cloud our news outlets and social media feeds. True leaders are born on fact, not opinion.
And let me leave you with a positive note from John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Now that’s a fact!
More Resources Encouraging Leadership in Christian Teens
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Love the facts!! ??♥️✝️ Good explanation on how to comment on opinions. Thank you, Lauren!
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