In an age of internet access, Google searches, and AI research tools, asking for sources is both fair and necessary. As a preacher, I’m committed to teaching truth, so I spend hours studying Scripture word by word for sermons. But this commitment extends to everything I say, often requiring extensive research.

We tend to repeat trusted teachers without verifying their sources. Recently, while researching the origins of the name “Easter,” I found numerous explanations with few citations. As I dug deeper, I discovered people were simply repeating something they had heard from someone else, resulting in widespread misinformation.

Here’s a simple guideline: treat all information as opinion until you can verify it with a reliable source. Until it is verified, that’s precisely what it is.