Christians use lots of quotes. Pastors use them in their sermons constantly. Writers illustrate their points with them. Nothing wrong with that. They are quite helpful and encouraging in making a point. But what if the famous quote has no basis in fact?

Evangelicals who claim we are committed to truth sure can be good at spreading falsehood, even if unintentionally. We can do better, and we should. One very clever and popular quote we often knock around among ourselves is …

“Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”

It is always attributed to Francis of Assisi — founder of the Franciscan Order — and is intended to say that proclaiming the Gospel by example is more virtuous than actually proclaiming with voice. It is a problematic quote for two reasons. First, it seems to create a useless dichotomy between speech and action. Besides, the spirit behind it can be a little arrogant, intimating that those who “practice the Gospel” are more faithful to the faith than those who preach it. After all, Scripture tells us clearly about the necessity of speaking the gospel so all can hear it.

“And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? … As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” … So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:14-17, ESV).

Michigan State University students Nathan Barbieri and Nolan Radomski are suing a professor and school officials after being forced to fund “The Rebellion Community,” a leftist organization dedicated to “smashing the patriarchy and building a better, kinder world by unlearning toxic expectations” (their emphasis). The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Barbieri and Radomski by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), alleges the students’ funds were used to finance the professor’s “political advocacy and to support external groups — including Planned Parenthood — that engage in political speech that is antithetical to the Plaintiffs’ deeply held beliefs.” Professor Amy Wisner taught MKT 250, “Business Communication,” a requirement for every student at the University’s Broad College of Business, with about 600 students a semester.

Since the lawsuit was filed, Fox News reported that MSU has removed Wisner from the classroom. She no longer appears in the school directory. Barbieri told Fox that he was upset to find out his money was supporting abortion and political activism he disagreed with: “How can I, ethically, not fight against that, because my money is in the hands of Planned Parenthood. So, that’s why we’re here. We’re fighting to get that back. I hold true to my beliefs. So anybody forcing their beliefs against you, especially coming from a power or the government … it’s not something to take lightly. And for me, as a Christian, it’s our calling. We’re supposed to expose the bad things that happen and not just sit back and … be abused. That’s our job.”