How can I stop myself being addicted to conspiracies ?

[Apple Sky]

Preach Jesus. Ask a non Christian what they think about Jesus, whether he was God, whether they believe he died for their sins, whether they are going to heaven etc.
THAT is what will save people.
THAT is what the devil wants to prevent Christians talking about.

To an atheist or non Christian this is the first thing that would put them off.

Simply say "God created the world and made YOU in his image. You have sinned but he still wants a relationship with YOU. What are YOU going to do about it?" And then tell them about Jesus who has done what we could not do, and reconciled us to God.

This is the second thing I would talk about when I have gained their attention.

My conversation would start something like this;

Who do you think created the earth, moon & all the stars that we see every night ?

Always ask a question, this is what many good books do in their chapters.

Then I would take them through Gen1, gain their interest first. Then the rest comes later.

 

[Strong in Him]

To an atheist or non Christian this is the first thing that would put them off.

Doesn't matter.
If they don't believe, and don't want to believe, they won't engage in discussion anyway.
But at least you would have witnessed - "Jesus is alive and has done this for me." You will have planted a seed that might well be watered by others, and grow.

This is the second thing I would talk about when I have gained their attention.

Up to you. But it's best to get to the point, rather than risk getting bogged down, distracted by a non essential matter.

My conversation would start something like this;

Who do you think created the earth, moon & all the stars that we see every night ?

If they don't believe in God, don't want to believe or get into debate they may walk off, or say "I don't want to talk about it". You have then gained/achieved nothing.

Always ask a question, this is what many good books do in their chapters.

"What do you think about Jesus?"
"Do you know that God, who made you, loves you very much?"
"Do you believe you'll go to heaven?"
Are all questions and lead to, or focus on, Jesus.

Then I would take them through Gen1, gain their interest first. Then the rest comes later.

Up to you. Like I said, you run the risk of being distracted - especially if, in your case, they get onto the shape of the earth.

If you wanted to have a discussion with someone, take a friend out or whatever, would you say:
"What kind of tea do you drink: standard, Earl Grey, fruit teas, decaff? Do you prefer coffee? If so, what kind; instant, black, latte ...? What about the container? China cup? Mug? Paper cup (take away)? "Do you drink tea at any time, or only at breakfast?" "What about hot chocolate - only at bedtime?"
Or would you say "shall we go out for a coffee?"

If you were taking someone out for the day, would you describe the route to them, the possibility of roadworks/accidents, the benefits of driving v taking the train? Would you describe all the scenery you may see when you get there; or would you say "shall we go to the seaside/zoo/a certain town tomorrow?"

If you were on holiday and writing a postcard home, would you describe what the hotel was made of and how long it had taken to build? Would you describe the colours in the hotel, the furnishings, where they got their food from and so on?
Or would you say, "Having a great time. Hotel is lovely and has a pool; the food is amazing"?

If you would be direct and clear in other areas of your life, why start the most important conversation ever with "who do you believe made the moon? Let me show you how this universe was made" and then - possibly much later and if they are still listening - get to the main point?

It's the other way around - Jesus comes first; creation, which for you would include the shape of the earth, comes later.

 

[Apple Sky]

Up to you. Like I said, you run the risk of being distracted - especially if, in your case, they get onto the shape of the earth.

I remember being in church & this women was giving a tutorial & she asked the question 'what do you know about Joshua ? when she got to me I answered, 'he stopped the sun' from there on everybody was all ears.

I'm not saying this would happen to non Christians, I'm just trying to relay how questions can stir up interest.

If I were to ask 'You do know that Jesus is returning' This too would stir up an interest.

So the question doesn't have to always relate to F/E.

 

[Strong in Him]

I remember being in church & this women was giving a tutorial & she asked the question 'what do you know about Joshua ? when she got to me I answered, 'he stopped the sun' from there on everybody was all ears.

I'm not saying this would happen to non Christians, I'm just trying to relay how questions can stir up interest.

And so can personal testimony.
"Jesus healed me and answered my prayers" can provoke interest, and questions, too.

That woman didn't ask a question to get your interest. You were in a tutorial/seminar and had chosen to be there.
She doubtless wanted to know what you already knew before she began teaching you.

And I didn't say that the question had to relate to a flat earth - for most of us it wouldn't anyway.
I said that if you started discussing creation with a non Christian, sooner or later you would get onto the shape of the earth - because it's something you're passionate about. That would be distracting.
Whereas if I were talking about creation with someone, I'd say, "the Bible is not a science textbook. Genesis 1 is tell us that God created the world and made man in his image - Genesis 3 tells us how man messed up and disobeyed God. But Jesus died to reconcile us to God. If we trust in him we are his children, new creations and have a fresh start."

 

[Apple Sky]

And so can personal testimony.
"Jesus healed me and answered my prayers" can provoke interest, and questions, too.

Yes this would work as Jesus has truly healed me & given me a second chance.

Whereas if I were talking about creation with someone, I'd say, "the Bible is not a science textbook.

Why would you want to tell a non Christian this ?

Genesis 1 is tell us that God created the world and made man in his image -

So you wouldn't tell them that God created the sun, moon, stars & the firmament with water above it ?

But Jesus died to reconcile us to God. If we trust in him we are his children, new creations and have a fresh start.

I strongly believe this & the only way one can be saved is to repent & have faith in Jesus as he will always come through for you.

BTW have you been baptized ?

 

[The Liturgist]

@Apple Sky - Are you serious about wanting to overcome your addiction to conspiracy theories, or not?

 

[Daniel Marsh]

study logical fallacies of all kinds. those make no sense to critical thinkers.

 

[Apple Sky]

@Apple Sky - Are you serious about wanting to overcome your addiction to conspiracy theories, or not?

Yes I am, I also want to be a better Christian as I have a tendency to backslide. I was bought up church of England by good parents so I don't know why I've always rebelled against Authority, maybe this is where my conspiracy addiction comes from as I really enjoy joining all dots especially about the elite.

 

[The Liturgist]

Yes I am, I also want to be a better Christian as I have a tendency to backslide. I was bought up church of England by good parents so I don't know why I've always rebelled against Authority, maybe this is where my conspiracy addiction comes from as I really enjoy joining all dots especially about the elite.

Then respectfully, I suggest you stop posting in this specific forum and instead focus on reading the Gospels and the Psalms and on prayer, such as the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on Me, a Sinner), and the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father, Who Art in Heaven…).

There are other members of the forum who have been articulating the conspiracy theories you post about for much longer such as d taylor, and do so without resorting to ad hominem fallacies against NASA employees, for example.

Also consider this: in embracing these conspiracy theories, you are really just trading one secular authority for another.

By focusing on prayer, and discernment, and also making a point to attend Sunday services and partake of the Eucharist, and also Choral Evensong if your local C of E parish has it, that would be spiritually profitable.

One thing you might really want to consider is a retreat to a monastery, which is a thrilling experience and also rather blissful, because at the monastery, one is cut off from the distractions of the world. There are several good ones in the UK (I myself suggest the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, which is Eastern Orthodox but has its services primarily in English, and is known for a focus on prayer, being founded by Elder Sophrony, memory eternal).

The real answer to conspiracy theories is to develop the extremely healthy Christian value, which the Orthodox Church has always emphasized, and which I believe we also see in traditional high church Anglicanism, of spiritual nepsis and apatheia.

Apatheia would be particularly helpful in your case, and I have a follow on post which will explain it in greater detail.

 

[The Liturgist]

This post is intended for my blog, but I figure I might as well post it here for your edification:

Understanding Apatheia in Eastern Orthodox Theology

In Eastern Orthodox theology, "apatheia" is a spiritual state of being free from emotional disturbances and disordered passions, which allows a person to focus more fully on their relationship with God. It is not to be confused with the modern English term "apathy," which typically implies a negative indifference or lack of care. Instead, apatheia is considered a virtue and a sign of spiritual maturity.

Biblical Foundations of Apatheia

1. Peace and Tranquility:
- "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27, KJV)
- Jesus speaks of a peace that surpasses worldly understanding, suggesting a state of inner calm and tranquility that aligns with the concept of apatheia.

2. Freedom from Passions:
- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV)
- The virtues listed here, especially peace and temperance, reflect a life led by the Spirit, free from the tumult of unruly passions.

3. Focus on the Eternal:
- "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2, KJV)
- This verse encourages believers to prioritize spiritual over earthly concerns, embodying the essence of apatheia by focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary worldly matters.

Apatheia in Practice

Achieving apatheia involves the practice of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and meditation on the Scriptures. It requires a conscious effort to detach from the passions and distractions that can lead one away from God.

- Prayer: Regular, heartfelt prayer helps to cultivate a sense of inner peace and reliance on God, fostering the state of apatheia.
- "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6, KJV)

- Fasting: By denying physical appetites, fasting helps to train the soul to focus on spiritual nourishment and control over bodily desires.
- "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:17-18, KJV)

- Meditation on Scripture: Reflecting deeply on God's Word helps to align one's thoughts and actions with divine will, promoting inner tranquility.
- "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2, KJV)

Conclusion

Apatheia is a cherished ideal in Eastern Orthodox spirituality, signifying a heart and mind at peace, untroubled by earthly passions and focused on God. By striving for this state, believers can experience deeper communion with God and greater spiritual fulfillment.

 

[timewerx]

Well it's not really a problem untill you sell all your belongings and go sit on a mountain waiting for the sky people to come and get you and take you back home to planet such and such.

Haha, not so far-fetched.

Hebrews 11:37-40
They were put to death by stoning;[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

 

[Apple Sky]

There are other members of the forum who have been articulating the conspiracy theories you post about for much longer such as d taylor, and do so without resorting to ad hominem fallacies against NASA employees, for example.

@d taylor tells the truth, he knows & understands.

One thing you might really want to consider is a retreat to a monastery, which is a thrilling experience and also rather blissful, because at the monastery, one is cut off from the distractions of the world. There are several good ones in the UK (I myself suggest the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, which is Eastern Orthodox but has its services primarily in English, and is known for a focus on prayer, being founded by Elder Sophrony, memory eternal).

Thanks Liturgist, I'd love to do this, do they except women ?

 

[The Liturgist]

@d taylor tells the truth, he knows & understands.



Thanks Liturgist, I'd love to do this, do they except women ?

Most monasteries will accept female guests. There are also some very good Orthodox convents, which have not had the kind of problems that have unfortunately impacted Roman Catholic nuns in recent years, and which also lack some features of cloistered Catholic convents I find off-putting (like grills to separate the nuns from everyone else, including male clergy). Indeed there is a very good Orthodox convent near where I live, whose nuns visit the local Orthodox churches to receive the Eucharist, and manufacture various ecclesiastical goods to sustain themselves, and so I have on several occasions had the pleasure of encountering the nuns, and their convent, like many Orthodox convents, accepts female guests and plans to accept male guests in the future but does not yet have the facilities for it (usually guests of the opposite sex stay in a different building, and some monasteries also have a third building which can be used by married families who may have their children with them).

Hospitality is a requirement of Orthodox monasticism: every visitor is received as though they might be an angel or Jesus Christ, although some monasteries and convents for obvious reasons do not have the ability to accomodate guests of the opposite sex.

Would you prefer to visit a men’s monastery or a female monastery (convent)?

 

[Apple Sky]

Would you prefer to visit a men’s monastery or a female monastery (convent)?

I'm not sure, what would you suggest, as this will be my first time ?

 

[Michie]

Conspiracy Theory Addiction

Conspiracy theory addiction often causes long-term negative effects on a person's life. Focusing on personal goals and how to achieve them can help.

www.addictioncenter.com

 

[Michie]

Conspiracy Theory Addiction | Improving Lives Counseling Services

Conspiracy theorists find propagating misinformation and belonging to groups who spread conspiracies calming and often euphoric.

improvinglivescounseling.com

 

[Techo]

Ever since I was a kid I've rebelled against authority & I love to join all the dots.
I was only 10 years old when I tried to join the dots concerning the book of Revelation.

As I grew older I would buy any conspiracy book I could get my hands on & even joined forums such as 'David Icke' which was wrong as most members on there are far from being Christians.

It was only when I discovered that earth is flat that I truly became a Christian & have read the Bible numerous of times, & the fact that I should be dead right now if God hadn't give me a second chance.

I have truly prayed about my addiction but God has truly laid it on my heart heavy about the shape of the earth.

So... back to basics... it seems like you have been raised in a Church, or at least, religious environment... especially if you have tried to comprehend Revelation at such a young age. I was a teen before I read it and now, 50 years later, I've still not got that book worked out.

The first question then is 'How did you become a Christian'? To elaborate... what was it you did to become a Christian... were you a Christian, of sorts, before you came to believe the Earth was flat... why did that belief caused you to 'truly become a Christian'... how did that differ from how you were before... how did your life change when you became a Christian? Perhaps you could share your testimony. The reason I ask this is to establish that there is, in the first instance, correct relationship with Jesus. Without that then we cannot be certain that what we believe is from God is truly from Him rather than some sort of counterfeit.

As has been mentioned by others here our first priority as Christians is Jesus Christ (which is why we are Christ-ians). We may get caught up in all sorts of other things but we need to constantly come back to Jesus, who He is and how we are to serve Him. The next question, then, would be 'How does belief in a flat earth (rather than a spherical earth) help in us in coming to know God and to become like Jesus?" Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us that the process we, as Christians, go through is to bring us to a unity, teach us about Jesus until we become like Him. God has set in place certain ones to have leadership (Heb 13:7, 17), authority of sorts, so when you say you have rebelled against authority that does create some concern.

It's been many years since I studied the Bible in search of what it says about this world we live in so most of that has sunk back into the recesses of my mind. Perhaps as you read through it you might want to jot down notes to support the idea of a flat or round earth. If it's not specifically stated within the Word of God then it just comes down to man's opinion which can be pretty flaky at times.

There is danger in getting caught up in some ideas...

From American Standard Version:
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
2Ti 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

and from God's Word Version
1Ti 1:3 When I was going to the province of Macedonia, I encouraged you to stay in the city of Ephesus. That way you could order certain people to stop teaching false doctrine
1Ti 1:4 and occupying themselves with myths (substitute here 'conspiracy theories' - Techo) and endless genealogies. These myths and genealogies raise a lot of questions rather than promoting God's plan, which centers in faith.
1Ti 1:5 My goal in giving you this order is for love to flow from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith.
1Ti 1:6 Some people have left these qualities behind and have turned to useless discussions.
1Ti 1:7 They want to be experts in Moses' Teachings. However, they don't understand what they're talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.
1Ti 1:8 We know that Moses' Teachings are good if they are used as they were intended to be used.

Such things distract us from what is important for us to address. We need to desire God's will within our life and to receive His empowerment to walk in that path.

 

[Apple Sky]

The first question then is 'How did you become a Christian'? To elaborate... what was it you did to become a Christian... were you a Christian, of sorts, before you came to believe the Earth was flat... why did that belief caused you to 'truly become a Christian'... how did that differ from how you were before... how did your life change when you became a Christian? Perhaps you could share your testimony. The reason I ask this is to establish that there is, in the first instance, correct relationship with Jesus. Without that then we cannot be certain that what we believe is from God is truly from Him rather than some sort of counterfeit.

First of all I became a Christian whey before the fact that the earth is flat, flat earth has only cemented my faith in God.

I cannot remember a time when I didn't believe, although when I were younger I half & half believed, this was a time of my rebelliousness, I would shun all teachers, get into fights, hang out with the wrong crowds, get in trouble with the police. I once had a report from school which read 'Her attitude needs a lot to be desired'.

In my teens I became in a situation where I would begin to not believe in what Governments or Politicians say ( & I stll don't ), all this has led me to becoming an ardent conspiracy theorist & has led me to all sorts conspiracy sites.

But having found this Forum is helping me tremendously to overcome all this & how to be a better Christian.

So may God bless you all

 

[prodromos]

First of all I became a Christian whey before the fact that the earth is flat, flat earth has only cemented my faith in God.

I cannot remember a time when I didn't believe, although when I were younger I half & half believed, this was a time of my rebelliousness, I would shun all teachers, get into fights, hang out with the wrong crowds, get in trouble with the police. I once had a report from school which read 'Her attitude needs a lot to be desired'.

In my teens I became in a situation where I would begin to not believe in what Governments or Politicians say ( & I stll don't ), all this has led me to becoming an ardent conspiracy theorist & has led me to all sorts conspiracy sites.

But having found this Forum is helping me tremendously to overcome all this & how to be a better Christian.

So may God bless you all

I just wanted to say how impressed I am that you have managed to break from all those flat earth threads you've been involved in up until recently.
May God give you grace and strength to continue in self discipline.

 

[Apple Sky]

I just wanted to say how impressed I am that you have managed to break from all those flat earth threads you've been involved in up until recently.

I will never allow myself to break free of the flat earth truth, as I believe with all my heart it is true.