The Risk of Conspiracy Theories to Christians:
by J.D. Rucker
There’s a saying: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” It’s an idea that consciously or unconsciously pulls many Christians into the world of conspiracy theories.
For most, it’s not even an issue. Christians who are rooted in their faith and focused on their family likely do not get involved with fringe, alternative news or conspiracy theory websites. Part of it is because many conspiracy theories get debunked, but that can’t be the whole of it. There are many conspiracy theories that turn out to be absolutely correct.
Had you told Americans just a few years ago of a conspiracy theory that their government had complex and universal methods of collecting data on them as well as peoples and leaders from around the world, the majority would have dismissed you as a "tin-foil-hat-wearing loony". Then, Edward Snowden demonstrated that it was happening in June, 2013.
The other part of the reason that most Christians don’t get involved is that the phrase “conspiracy theory” has such a negative connotation in modern society. There are so many insane conspiracy theorists out there being guided by their delusions to do crazy things that association becomes unwanted. Still, we are told to fight for the faith and many of the things that oppose the faith are also opposed by conspiracy theorists. This creates the conundrum.
Conflicting Doctrine
There is a perceived disconnect that many will point to in the New Testament that can confuse believers as it pertains to conspiracy theories. Let’s take a look at each:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 2:2
This tells us, in essence, that we should NOT be mindful of this world but of the Kingdom of God and the Will of our Lord. There are many verses that echo the same sentiment and tell us that we shouldn’t concern ourselves with the deceptions and evil forces that are against us. However…
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12
This chapter of the Bible details persecutions, challenges that were faced at the time, and problems that we face even today. It is, in many ways, a call to fight against the powers that are against us and could be used as a call to action for Christian conspiracy theorists.
In reality, there’s NO contradiction at all. Part of the doctrine to NOT be of this world means we must fight the temptations, distractions, and manipulations that surround us. Unless someone has the complete and bold faith to let completely go of this world and to be nurtured ONLY by our Father, we have an adversary that can ONLY be defeated by the Armor of God. And that’s the whole point.
Awareness versus Action versus Addiction
You must be aware. There’s no way to get around that. It’s possible to live a proper life as a good Christian without ever having looked into or even known of the existence of conspiracy theories, but things are changing. Unfortunately, there are things happening in the world today that could influence a person’s or family’s ability to properly discern the truth from the deceptions that are coming forward every day.
That doesn’t mean that you need to start reading alternative news sites or hanging out at conspiracy conferences, but it means that knowing at least a little bit about the deceptions that are here and the potential deceptions that are coming is a prudent move...
For some, the calling will be to take action. Between action and awareness, there is an extremely important warning that must be issued: DON’T get caught up in it. Focus strictly on what is important to you as a believer.
Conspiracy theories are a "rabbit hole" that can take your focus away from things that are truly important. They can become an addiction. This is where remembering Romans 12:2 becomes so important for all of us.
There’s another reason to avoid getting wrapped up in them. The adversary (Satan) uses them. Many of the most prominent conspiracy theory buffs of the world have a conspiracy theory wrapped around them, that they’re promoting a concept of truth and freedom while actually participating (willingly or unwittingly) in the evil efforts of the forces they claim to oppose...
This isn’t a black and white issue. There are different degrees of culpability and deception that are at play.
Focus on your faith, your Father, and your Lord and Savior and you will be prepared for whatever the enemy throws at you.
- Pax Tecum