DAY FOUR: What Should Christians Do With Conspiracy Theories?

Do you roll your eyes at conspiracy theories? Or do you think the Moon landing was not in space but in a movie studio somewhere outside of Phoenix? What’s the big deal, you might say? Does it matter if a few people indulge in far-out ideas? 

It does. For several reasons. First, even if speculating about the Kennedy assassination or sending an email that insists your most reviled politician is a tool of the Russian mafia seems harmless, as Christians, we should be committed to the truth. Paul urges the church at Philippi to think on “whatsoever is true and whatsoever is honest” (Phillippians 4:8). 

Sadly, some followers of Jesus who claim to so boldly stand for truth are willing to create, spread and post misinformation about people with whom they disagree, or indulge fanatical tales about our ideological foes. Often we are the most gullible, the most willing to believe things that are not true. Perhaps this is why Paul often warned the early church against “silly myths or fables” (1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7). 

Christians need wisdom to discern between what is true and what is false. While we should hope that “unfruitful works of darkness” are exposed, we should avoid the rabbit trail of conspiracy theories because they both distract us from pursuing what is true and good and beautiful and because untruths damage the witness of the church. And while most crazy ideas from the Internet are harmless, there are many conspiracy theories that, when spread, cause real harm. They spread misinformation, stoke fears, and can even lead to violence.

To indulge in these kinds of ideas is not harmless. It’s corrosive to the soul, damaging for our public witness, and it hurts neighbors we are called to love. In the church, this kind of fear-mongering conspiracy causes unnecessary division.

We also need to examine the motivations that lead us to fall prey to such wild theories. Conspiracy and intrigue gives us a sense of control, of knowing all things and being able to keep our fears in front of us. God calls us to a quiet peace, fueled by both trust in him and the mystery of faith.

Our connecting of unconnected dots is a cheap substitute for believing the ultimate story that explains the world. The Bible tells us that Satan is the ultimate master conspirator, and sin is the virus that has woven its way into every human heart. But we believers know that the man behind the curtain is on a leash, limited in power, and was defeated when Jesus uttered those agonizing words from a Roman cross: “It is finished!”

The dots, for us, have been connected. And Jesus, the victor, has triumphed over the enemy. So while we participate with him in renewing and restoring the world, we can rejoice when evil is exposed without indulging dark and false fantasies.

READ:

Philippians 4:8

1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7

PRAY:

Heavenly Father, guard my heart and mind so that I may not indulge conspiracy theories. Give me a passion for your truth and help me to trust in you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.