AMA: Is writing under a pseudonym the same as lying?

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Is it sinful to write under a pseudonym? Whether it be a book, or an anonymous social media account, would it be consider a “lie” to fail to disclose your name, or have a pretend name (like many authors do)?

Anonymous

As with many “is it a sin” questions, the answer may not always be a “yes” or “no,” but more often the correct answer turns out to be: it might be.

In Exodus 20:16, God provides a moral standard of honest: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This commandment is repeated quite often throughout the Old Testament and quoted numerous times in the New Testament.

Proverbs 19:5 & 9 both tell us that “a false witness will not go unpunished.” A “lying tongue” is also listed as one of the seven abominations which the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:17). Clearly, deceitfulness and dishonesty are never acceptable to God.

So, when we look at whether or not it is sinful to use an alias, pseudonym, nickname, or other “false” identity, we need to keep in mind our motive. Are we aiming to deceive others? Or would a reasonable person intrinsically understand that the name under which you are writing is not real?

In the case of authors using a pseudonym, byline, or other fictional name, the general population is already well aware of the practice. I would not view that as being inherently deceptive in and of itself. That is just a common practice that is already well established. The same could be said for actors, who regularly take on a temporary identity as someone else. I do not think many would assume they’re being inherently deceitful.

The question gets a little more complicated when we start looking at social media and other online account personas we may take on. Again, however, the first test is within our own hearts, our motives. Are we intending to deceive our audience into believing we are someone we are not? Then that is a deceptive practice and ought to be avoided!

However, the internet is always not new anymore, and it can be quite dangerous to publicly expose your true identity to the masses online. Most internet users understand this and have for decades; this truth gave rise to the use of screennames, handles, and made-up account names. As with pseudonyms, I believe the general public has a general sense that whomever they’re communicating with online may be using a different name than what is found on their birth certificate. Though, in 2024, I wouldn’t be surprised if some misguided parents had named their child CoolDude69 or CatLady14.

So, do I believe using a pseudonym or false identity is always sinful? No. But if it is done with the intent of convincing others that this new persona is authentic, you have strayed into the territory of deception which God hates. And in the case of online accounts, if you hide behind an anonymous name or alias so that you can behave sinfully without revealing your true identity, I would question whether you know Christ at all, to be honest. That would never be acceptable as God hates the “double-minded” (Psalms 119:113, James 1:8)

Examine your heart and your conscience. Pray about why you feel the need to hide your identity in any given situation, and pray that the Lord will expose any sinful motives you may have for doing so.