Spiritual Direction in an Age of Misinformation: Spiritual Practices for Discerning What’s Real
Propaganda use is rampant in our society and culture. What role can spiritual directors play in grounding our hearts and minds to recognize what is real?
Propaganda is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a particular cause, doctrine, or point of view. Using selective facts, half-truths, or outright lies and rumors presented through various media (posters, speeches, news, film, and social media including AI), it manipulates people into thinking or acting in a certain way.
Explore the history and origins of propaganda, examining how it is used to influence or persuade audiences and discover practical strategies for recognizing propaganda techniques and strengthening your critical thinking skills.
As spiritual directors we have much to offer. Self-awareness is key. Propaganda is manipulative and subliminal, but it does not have soul. AI does not have soul. Contemplative spiritual tools—such as discernment, mindfulness, centering prayer, MBIT, the Enneagram, Lectio Divina, self-compassion, examination of conscience (Examen), SoulCollageⓡ, and the power of silence—all point to deeper awareness of self and the Holy within that is stronger and deeper than AI and propaganda.
Rev. Peggy Thompson, BCC, MFA, is a spiritual director, artist, and semi-retired chaplain who has had a strong interest in subliminal manipulation in mass media for 45 years.
Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality and Loyola Spirituality Center look forward to bringing you this next installment of our online Spiritual Directors Development series.
We will meet by Zoom Thurs. Nov 19, 2026 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (central time).
Cost: $20 (Scholarships available upon request.)