Christians and Conspiracy Theories

Summary

Summary prepared by Acts 2:38 Life from the transcript below — the preacher’s words follow in full.

Where conspiracy theories come from — and the first answer

• The question posed (in the host's frame): the frame opens with a list of popular conspiracy theories, found on the internet — the moon, the flat earth, a pandemic, a secret power actually running the world, among others. Of course (as the frame says), these are popular conspiracy theories, that seem like they've gained a lot of traction, online. Conspiracy theories have been around, for a long time. It does seem like — at least, from many people's point of view — that since the internet came into widespread use, they've just spread faster and faster. Now, obviously, we're not going to ask you today to respond to all of those conspiracy theories. But in general: how do you think christians should respond, to conspiracy theories? Are they harmless? Or is there something more, that christians should think about, with all this? The answer: you know, I read an interesting article, that really helped me understand what was going on. And here's what it said. The origin of a lot of conspiracy theories is this: when people feel like their life is out of control — usually because of world events, such as a pandemic ('such a pen such as a pandemic', as the letters stumble), or a war, or something that threatens their life, that they can't control — then they grasp for something, that will help explain it. Because then that makes them feel like they're in control again. And it helps them manage their fears. So I really believe a lot of conspiracy theories originate, with this desire: to make sense of something, that is horrifying, or out of control. So that we can somehow feel like we're back in control. We know what's really going on. So we can pigeonhole it. We can label it. We can put it in a box. And maybe we can take some steps, that, you know — and most people are ignorant, but we know. So that gives us a sense of power. A sense of control. And a sense of order, in our lives. And now, I will say also: some conspiracy theories — most of them — usually have a grain of truth. And some of them have a lot of truth. And when you have evil things happening, in government — and sometimes the conspiracy turns out to be true — and then that validates. So one thing turns out to be true ('turns about to be true', as heard), so that validates a hundred things. So: how do we address this? Well, first of all: we have to have a strong relationship with god. That's how we control our lives, and our fears — is turn it over to god. So instead of relying upon conspiracy theories, and so-called secret knowledge, superior knowledge — where we know something that 99 of the world doesn't know (the percent as he frames it) — that's not the answer. But our relationship with god — which perhaps 99 of the world wouldn't have — that helps us, in a positive way, to gain control of our lives, and our emotions, and our thoughts. So I would, first of all, say: build a strong relationship with god ('build a strong relation with god', as heard). Being full of the holy spirit. Trusting in the lord. Turn your fears to him. And the bible is full of statements: cast your cares upon him, because he cares for you. You know: don't be anxious, for anything. You know: you let the lord give you peace. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof. You know — tomorrow: don't be planning for tomorrow ('don't be playing for tomorrow', as heard). But don't be worried about tomorrow. Put it in god's hands. That would be my first statement.

Study the Word — and read widely, from credible sources

• My second statement is: study the word of god. So a lot of conspiracy theories are just going to be ruled out, by being firmly grounded in scripture — in the word of god. Now, I will say: the bible doesn't try to teach about modern technology, or science, or so on. So don't look at the bible as some sort of secret code book. Some kind of scientific textbook. So some theories — some, what I call, think of as crazy theories, like the flat earth — is based on people that just don't know how to understand the bible. Or they put the bible the wrong place (in the wrong place, as the sense runs). So: the bible talks about the corners of the earth. So: the earth must be flat. Well, that's not even what the bible is trying to say. It's just using normal speech, that people would use. Descriptive speech. But it's not meaning to teach some scientific theory ('it's not many meaning to teach', as heard). And to me, the flat earth theory — so, I guess, a side note would be: depending on what you're prone to. But do some study of history. Do some study of science. Do some study of politics. And do broad, well-rounded study, with credible sources. And if it relates to science, or medicine: go to reputable journals, that are peer reviewed. And you kind of have to read widely, to get a sense of a subject. So if you really want to delve into some aspect of science, or medicine, or history: don't just go by one theorist. They can be very convincing. They may have a doctorate behind their name — at least, the internet says they have a doctorate behind their name. You know, they may be very well spoken. They — you know — ten people, who, as far as you know, maybe their relatives, may extol them. But if you really want to know the subject: you have to read broadly. Who are the recognized, knowledgeable people? And look at the critics of that person. And study their point of view. If you're really going to delve into it: do wide reading. And then read credible books, with bibliographies. And then go check those bibliographies. And if you can see: some people just depending on the same little circle. Whereas other people are depending on a broad spectrum ('are pinning on a broad spectrum', as heard). And you start reading the broad spectrum: you start getting a well-rounded view. And so, like the flat earth theory: if you just do a little reading, I can disprove that, very easily. Go to a harbor. Go to the ocean. Watch boats leaving. And what you'll find out: like a sailing boat, as it disappears over the horizon — the hull disappears first, and the mast disappears last ('the mass disappears last', as heard). Why? Because the curvature of the earth is already starting to play. If the earth were flat: you should see the whole boat, completely, until it goes beyond your sight. And it should disappear. And so that's a simple example. If you just do a little reading, of a variety of sources: then you could easily dispel some of those. I think the same thing, about people going to the moon. And if you read a variety of sources, look at a variety of photos: I think you can have a sense, of what's right, and what's not right. So: if you're really going to get into that, you need to read widely, and deeply, and broadly. Credible sources. Check the sources. Don't take anything for granted. And certainly don't just let one person, with some clever-sounding scheme, just convince you.

The main focus — the gospel of Jesus Christ

• So, but to me: those are secondary. And I think the main thing is: if we put our faith in god. And we put our faith in the word of god. And then, when it comes to practical application — here's where I get concerned. If — whether it's a preacher, or a saint — if their main subject of discussion is trying to push this theory on you. And they're trying to convince everybody, to believe it. What's going on there? You should be having that passion, for the gospel of jesus christ. And it really doesn't matter, if somebody believes in a flat earth, or a round earth ('or around earth', as heard). Or even various other theories. If you can get them to the gospel of jesus christ. And full of the holy ghost. And pursuing holiness. And bearing the fruit of the spirit. And taking charge of their life, in a positive way. I think these other issues are going to be minor issues, or non-issues. So I would be very cautious, of somebody's jumping on a theological bandwagon, to try to prove some, you know, minority view. And that becomes their main focus. Then they're not putting their main focus, on the gospel of jesus christ. And to me: that's what's most important of all.