Why Do Christians Believe in Conspiracy Theories?

[Michie]

Biblical & Practical Guidance for Competing Narratives​

“Democrats along with other global elites and deep state operatives are running a child sex trafficking, Satan worshipping ring.”

“The 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job planned by the United States and Israel to justify the invasion of Iraq.”

“COVID vaccinations contain tiny nanochips to track our movements.”

These are all entirely false claims that are believed by tens of millions of Americans including many evangelical Christians. If you are a follower of Jesus and claim to believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, then truth matters to you. Or at least, truth should matter to you! After all, the word for truth is used 224 times in the Bible.

Virtually every book in the New Testament warns followers of Jesus to be on guard against false teaching and lies. This is not a marginal concern to New Testament writers; rather combatting false teaching and holding on to the truth is central to our Christian faith. So why have so many of us been swept away by conspiracies and rumors that are unsupported by an objective assessment of the evidence?

Why Do Christians Believe in Conspiracy Theories? ​

First, belief in conspiracies tend to spike during times of crisis, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, times of rapid societal change, or war. Psychologists tell us that conspiracy theories are driven by our desire for understanding. During times of rapid social change, it’s hard to make sense of seemingly random events. A conspiracy helps people “connect the dots.”

Second, conspiracy theories enable people to regain a sense of control. Social scientists tell us that people who feel powerless are more likely to believe in a conspiracy theory than those who feel a part of the power structure.

Third, conspiracy theories appeal to our pride. A believer in a conspiracy is now an “insider” and “a holder of privileged information.”

Fourth, as Michiko Kakutani, a Pulitzer Prize winning literary critic for The New York Times, pointed out: We are living in a period of “truth decay.” She wrote, “The term ‘truth decay’ has joined the post-truth lexicon that includes now familiar phrases such as ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts.’” Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan once observed: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” That is not the world that we live in today. Today we not only wrestle over values and moral judgments, but also over “facts.” No matter what you assert, a person can immediately find 10 videos contending the opposite.

Fifth, institutions have suffered a crisis of credibility, and we have lost “gatekeepers of truth.” From the U.S. government to the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical megachurches, almost no institution is trusted by a majority of our
fellow citizens.

Sixth, social media has “democratized” the publication of information. We no longer listen to the news on one of the three major networks. One no longer needs to vet information or get past an editorial board in order to publish information on YouTube or elsewhere.

Seventh, we suffer from the disease of “both side-ism.” We have fallen prey to the idea that to be fair, one has to listen to both sides even if “both sides” do not have equivalent credentials, expertise or access to the facts.

How Can Christians Combat Truth Decay? ​

Continued below.

Clinging to Truth

“Democrats along with other global elites and deep state operatives are running a child sex trafficking, Satan worshipping ring.” “The 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job planned by the United States and Israel to justify the invasion of Iraq.” “COVID vaccinations contain tiny nanochips to...

www.nae.org

 

[d taylor]

-​

Satan is the god of this age. So satan is a liar and deceiver, most everything now in this age is a lie. Even many conspiracy theories are satanic deceptions (aliens, etc..).

This is in contrast to the future rule on earth by The Messiah, The Kingdom of God. Which will be a rule of perfect truth and justice. Even in just the few verses that speak to the up and coming Kingdom. It is seen people living into the 100's some may not die, no birth defects. Complete peace throughout the earth.

 

[Richard T]

Biblical & Practical Guidance for Competing Narratives​

“Democrats along with other global elites and deep state operatives are running a child sex trafficking, Satan worshipping ring.”

“The 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job planned by the United States and Israel to justify the invasion of Iraq.”

“COVID vaccinations contain tiny nanochips to track our movements.”

These are all entirely false claims that are believed by tens of millions of Americans including many evangelical Christians. If you are a follower of Jesus and claim to believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, then truth matters to you. Or at least, truth should matter to you! After all, the word for truth is used 224 times in the Bible.

Virtually every book in the New Testament warns followers of Jesus to be on guard against false teaching and lies. This is not a marginal concern to New Testament writers; rather combatting false teaching and holding on to the truth is central to our Christian faith. So why have so many of us been swept away by conspiracies and rumors that are unsupported by an objective assessment of the evidence?

Why Do Christians Believe in Conspiracy Theories? ​

First, belief in conspiracies tend to spike during times of crisis, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, times of rapid societal change, or war. Psychologists tell us that conspiracy theories are driven by our desire for understanding. During times of rapid social change, it’s hard to make sense of seemingly random events. A conspiracy helps people “connect the dots.”

Second, conspiracy theories enable people to regain a sense of control. Social scientists tell us that people who feel powerless are more likely to believe in a conspiracy theory than those who feel a part of the power structure.

Third, conspiracy theories appeal to our pride. A believer in a conspiracy is now an “insider” and “a holder of privileged information.”

Fourth, as Michiko Kakutani, a Pulitzer Prize winning literary critic for The New York Times, pointed out: We are living in a period of “truth decay.” She wrote, “The term ‘truth decay’ has joined the post-truth lexicon that includes now familiar phrases such as ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts.’” Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan once observed: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” That is not the world that we live in today. Today we not only wrestle over values and moral judgments, but also over “facts.” No matter what you assert, a person can immediately find 10 videos contending the opposite.

Fifth, institutions have suffered a crisis of credibility, and we have lost “gatekeepers of truth.” From the U.S. government to the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical megachurches, almost no institution is trusted by a majority of our
fellow citizens.

Sixth, social media has “democratized” the publication of information. We no longer listen to the news on one of the three major networks. One no longer needs to vet information or get past an editorial board in order to publish information on YouTube or elsewhere.

Seventh, we suffer from the disease of “both side-ism.” We have fallen prey to the idea that to be fair, one has to listen to both sides even if “both sides” do not have equivalent credentials, expertise or access to the facts.

How Can Christians Combat Truth Decay? ​

Continued below.

Clinging to Truth

“Democrats along with other global elites and deep state operatives are running a child sex trafficking, Satan worshipping ring.” “The 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job planned by the United States and Israel to justify the invasion of Iraq.” “COVID vaccinations contain tiny nanochips to...

www.nae.org

Seems the elite were running a sex trafficking ring. Not just democrats though. Jeffrey Epstein’s elite circle was huge. What do the documents show about his lifestyle and $580m fortune? Some conspiracy theories turn out to be true. The Wuhan lab was likely though the denials were planted. It is well known that governments lie. Some say it is their duty to lie, an idea dating back to Plato. So it is hard to tell the truth with natural understanding. God let's you discern though if you pay attention. There is evidence now that Christians were right to not take the jab though I doubt this issue is settled. Thank God for those that question the status quo. One of my favorite was the Australian Dr. who was ridiculed for his thinking that antibiotics could cure some types of ulcers. The Doctor Who Drank Infectious Broth, Gave Himself an Ulcer, and Solved a Medical Mystery The problem though now is that some are purposely trying to bring fake news and science to the table. I imagine that this will only get worse. Alternative views (except those clearly against God and the word) are fine, but the line is crossed when someone uses those to manipulate others. Similar to a snake oil salesman, they know it is wrong and don't care.

 

[d taylor]

-​

A complete opposite to this age and the way the earth and people of the earth is rule by man. This age corruption, murder, lies, aborted babies, babies born with birth defects or babies dying at or after birth. The treatment of the animals God has created and the treatment of the earth.

The list could go on and on, as to how our current age is a complete opposite life. To the up and coming 1000 year rule of The Messiah, but even then Jesus will not try to rule His kingdom. With satan present, satan is locked away for the 1000 year rule. Only released at the very end of The Messiah rule. Even then it is seen how satan quickly acts to deceive unbelievers, into a revolt against God.

 

[The Barbarian]

Satan is the god of this age. So satan is a liar and deceiver, most everything now in this age is a lie. Even many conspiracy theories are satanic deceptions (aliens, etc..).

I think most of the people peddling these fantasies are deceived, not deceivers. Which doesn't mean that they aren't dangerous.

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
attributed to George Carlin

 

[BelieveItOarKnot]

Biblical & Practical Guidance for Competing Narratives​

“Democrats along with other global elites and deep state operatives are running a child sex trafficking, Satan worshipping ring.”

“The 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job planned by the United States and Israel to justify the invasion of Iraq.”

“COVID vaccinations contain tiny nanochips to track our movements.”

These are all entirely false claims that are believed by tens of millions of Americans including many evangelical Christians. If you are a follower of Jesus and claim to believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, then truth matters to you. Or at least, truth should matter to you! After all, the word for truth is used 224 times in the Bible.

If your alternative narrative is to only believe the official government narratives, I can't help but laugh, uproariously

And I'm sure L.H. Oswald acted alone. wink wink

Some of us learned our lessons permanently, from that single act.

The Viet Nam war and Richard Nixon didn't help the cause of believing our .gov leaders much either come to think of it

Central control always has a control problem

 

[Jipsah]

And I'm sure L.H. Oswald acted alone. wink wink

AS it turns out, pretty much everybody in Dallas, and maybe even everybody in Texas was in on it.

 

[The Barbarian]

AS it turns out, pretty much everybody in Dallas, and maybe even everybody in Texas was in on it.

Donald Trump says Ted Cruz's daddy was in on it.

 

[Jipsah]

Donald Trump says Ted Cruz's daddy was in on it.

Well there ya are, then! Everybody in Tejas really was in on it.

 

[mourningdove~]

Why Do Christians Believe in Conspiracy Theories?​

Because Christians have brains, just like everyone else in the world.

We are told in Scripture ... "to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16).

To be in the world and to not be paying attention to significant world events is not what I would consider to be 'wise' ... and especially not in the days in which we find ourselves now living.

Many 'conspiracy theories' are more than just 'theories' ...

 

[Fervent]

Shared conspiracy theories bond groups and serve as a filter for what is a trustworthy source of information reinforcing the conspiracy theory and further isolating the believers. Why are Christians susceptible to this? Because many Christians engage in a form of tribalism that creates an "us" vs "them" mentality and are part of a shrinking demographic in Western democracies which creates a hotbed for conspiritorial thinking to spread, and the conspiracies that develop are obvious when compared to the wider public because they are subculture specific. And it's not that the general public doesn't believe spurious conspiratorial stories, it's that if a conspiracy gains consensus it's no longer treated as a conspiracy. Conspiracy theories are often the social glue of groups whose primary bond is a common confession of belief when they become an ostracized minority. It is especially egregious in evangelical circles because the changed social dynamics from a powerful political voice to being more and more irrelevant every day must be explained by some malevolent group suppressing their voice through illicit means rather than there being a genuine rejection of their hegemony.

 

[Jipsah]

Many 'conspiracy theories' are more than just 'theories' ...

Most are just rubbish.
We suppoed to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves, not dumber than stumps.

 

[mourningdove~]

We suppoed to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves, not dumber than stumps.

(Lol. That's funny. Thanks for the chuckle! )

So really, if the Lord has put it on your heart to avoid any sort of involvement with conspiracy theory talk ...
if you believe He is cautioning you against any of that ...
then of course that is what you should do.
Yes, obey the Lord.


But please do not take that to mean that for all Christians it is wrong ... a sin ... to research and investigate conspiracy theories for potential truth. I do not believe that it is. The Lord has not shown me that it is.

The way I see it, for anyone to strongly criticize or mock Christians that are interested in conspiracy theories comes across as scolding and shaming. As one of many who has been set free in Christ, I'm not comfortable with that kind of behavior.

But I think what concerns me more is that such criticisms come across as an attempt (consciously or not) to shut down freedom of speech. And as an American, I'm definitely not comfortable with that.

So, be well, don't be 'dumber than a stump' ... lol ... and rejoice in your freedom in Christ to do what He tells you to do!


p.s. And I'll try not to be 'dumber than a stump', too!

 

[Jipsah]

But I think what concerns me more is that such criticisms come across as an attempt (consciously or not) to shut down freedom of speech.

I'm all for freedom of speech, even if the speech is goofy (Flat Earth? Seriously? Sure, why not. ) And I'd never be the guy who insists that conspiracies haven't had significant effects on history. (If you'd like to see an example of a very credible conspiracy that had a very frightening impact on history, watch a movie called "The Russian Woodpecker". Scary stuff indeed!)

The stuff I object to are "conspiracies" that would have to have hundreds, or even thousands, of knowing conspirators, any of whom could blow the whole game. Humans simply aren't capable of that kind of discipline on any grand scale. A good example is the kind of conspiracy envisioned by 9-11 "truthers" that would require huge numbers of people who were "in on it" to have kept the thing secret. Ain't happening.

Another is a conspiracy that has no apparent reason to exist at all, which is where "flat earth" springs to mind. Flerfers believe that a Globalist Conspiracy has included millions of conspirators and/or accomplices, over many centuries, for no other reason than to deceive into believing that the earth is a globe simply because it isn't true. No othe reason, it's just fraud for fraud's sake. Why would anyone conspire to acheive a goal so utterly pointless? Well, fact is they wouldn't. Cui bono? Nobody. Nah, ain't happening.

Of course, the whole "science is a conspiracy against Christianity" rubbish simply ignores that some of the greatest scientists in history, and possinly the greatest scientist in history, who were motivated in their work to understand the nature of God's Creation. It is in large part from the rise of Protestantism and later the rise of "fundamentalist" anti-intellectualism, that distrusts research and scholarship and generally seems to feel that anyone who's "too smart" has to be pulling a fast one of some sort. It's the Bible, as read in the most literal and bone headed way, vs pretty much anyone who's Too Educated, reads Too Many Books, and generally Big For Their Britches.

p.s. And I'll try not to be 'dumber than a stump', too!

Ditto. I don't promise to succeed in that, but I'll give it my best shot. Although I've spent a lot ot time, effort, and money raising young'uns who make me feel like I'm a certifiable dunce a lot of the time.

Best to you!

 

[Bobber]

One can't say conspiracy theories are true or bunk....all depends on what is being said and claimed. To suggest there's no such thing as a credible conspiracy is to be dumb and to have one's head stuff way down in the sand.

 

[Michie]

One can't say conspiracy theories are true or bunk....all depends on what is being said and claimed. To suggest there's no such thing as a credible conspiracy is to be dumb and to have one's head stuff way down in the sand.

They’r pretty much bunk. The definition of conspiracy theory proves that.

 

[B Griffin]

Biblical & Practical Guidance for Competing Narratives​

“Democrats along with other global elites and deep state operatives are running a child sex trafficking, Satan worshipping ring.”

“The 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job planned by the United States and Israel to justify the invasion of Iraq.”

“COVID vaccinations contain tiny nanochips to track our movements.”

These are all entirely false claims that are believed by tens of millions of Americans including many evangelical Christians. If you are a follower of Jesus and claim to believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, then truth matters to you. Or at least, truth should matter to you! After all, the word for truth is used 224 times in the Bible.

Virtually every book in the New Testament warns followers of Jesus to be on guard against false teaching and lies. This is not a marginal concern to New Testament writers; rather combatting false teaching and holding on to the truth is central to our Christian faith. So why have so many of us been swept away by conspiracies and rumors that are unsupported by an objective assessment of the evidence?

Why Do Christians Believe in Conspiracy Theories? ​

First, belief in conspiracies tend to spike during times of crisis, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, times of rapid societal change, or war. Psychologists tell us that conspiracy theories are driven by our desire for understanding. During times of rapid social change, it’s hard to make sense of seemingly random events. A conspiracy helps people “connect the dots.”

Second, conspiracy theories enable people to regain a sense of control. Social scientists tell us that people who feel powerless are more likely to believe in a conspiracy theory than those who feel a part of the power structure.

Third, conspiracy theories appeal to our pride. A believer in a conspiracy is now an “insider” and “a holder of privileged information.”

Fourth, as Michiko Kakutani, a Pulitzer Prize winning literary critic for The New York Times, pointed out: We are living in a period of “truth decay.” She wrote, “The term ‘truth decay’ has joined the post-truth lexicon that includes now familiar phrases such as ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts.’” Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan once observed: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” That is not the world that we live in today. Today we not only wrestle over values and moral judgments, but also over “facts.” No matter what you assert, a person can immediately find 10 videos contending the opposite.

Fifth, institutions have suffered a crisis of credibility, and we have lost “gatekeepers of truth.” From the U.S. government to the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical megachurches, almost no institution is trusted by a majority of our
fellow citizens.

Sixth, social media has “democratized” the publication of information. We no longer listen to the news on one of the three major networks. One no longer needs to vet information or get past an editorial board in order to publish information on YouTube or elsewhere.

Seventh, we suffer from the disease of “both side-ism.” We have fallen prey to the idea that to be fair, one has to listen to both sides even if “both sides” do not have equivalent credentials, expertise or access to the facts.

How Can Christians Combat Truth Decay? ​

Continued below.

Clinging to Truth

“Democrats along with other global elites and deep state operatives are running a child sex trafficking, Satan worshipping ring.” “The 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job planned by the United States and Israel to justify the invasion of Iraq.” “COVID vaccinations contain tiny nanochips to...

www.nae.org

LOL, this reminds me of the movie, "Conspiracy Theory". I need to see if I can get it on demand.

 

[Michie]

LOL, this reminds me of the movie, "Conspiracy Theory". I need to see if I can get it on demand.

That film was just tedious. Much like a lot of these conspiracy theories.

 

[pgp_protector]

LOL, this reminds me of the movie, "Conspiracy Theory". I need to see if I can get it on demand.

On Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/1172103