Conspiracy theories is not a new phenomenon. In fact, you can make the case that the Original Sin was a direct result of a conspiracy theory put out by Satan:
Genesis 3:1-5 – Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Yup, the first lie, the first deception was put forth to Eve as a conspiracy theory. “Hey, Eve, you want to know why God really doesn’t want you to eat of that Tree? He’s trying to keep something from you. He doesn’t want you to know the truth. He wants to control you. He wants to keep you as an ignorant pawn in His schemes.” Sound familiar?
The year of 2020 was one of the most unusual years my generation has ever lived through. But it produced an unusual number of conspiracy theories, and unfortunately, many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ bought into them hook, line, and sinker. It amazes me how Christians are so susceptible to these theories, how gullible we are when it comes to spreading disinformation, fear, and mistrust—all qualities that are as anti-Christian as it gets.
This has become even more prevalent in the age of social media, where truth doesn’t have to be checked or sourced; you merely need state your opinion as if it is truth. The lack of accountability with social media is staggering, and Christians are by far major contributors to the conspiracy theory growth. Toss in a few Scriptures that seem to fit, bend a few verses to make them fit, and with a bit of scriptural gymnastics, we have a seemingly scripturally backed conspiracy theory that permeates into the Christian collective consciousness and poisons people’s minds instead of bringing honor to Jesus Christ.
No wonder Christianity is becoming toxic to unbelievers. We are doing more harm to our future than good. I admit I am on a bit of a rampage with this one. I’m tired of watching good men and women be taken in by these conspiracies and then elevate absurdities to the same level as Christian doctrine. The world is beginning to associate Christianity with these conspiracy theories, and it is doing damage to the cause of Christ.
So, here’s my take.
Satan Loves Conspiracy Theories
I most certainly believe this to be true. As pointed out, the first conspiracy theory in history was one Satan gave to Eve. This theory was not a complete lie. It was one part lie and two parts truth:
- You won’t die.
- Your eyes will be opened, and you will become as gods (judges).
- You will know good and evil.
Only the first one was a lie. Once Adam and Eve at of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Bible says their eyes were opened. They did know good and evil. They made a judgment on their nakedness, becoming as gods (judges) and deciding for themselves what was right and wrong. But they did die, and they were cast out of the Garden. Two truths. One lie. But it was the lie mingled with the truths that created the whole deception, the conspiracy theory that Eve believed and that became the downfall of mankind.
I’m not saying there isn’t some truth in any particular conspiracy theory. But there are always lies mixed in with them, and it is the lies that will poison your mind, create fear, and build mistrust—all goals of Satan. The whole becomes wrong when the truth is mixed with lies, and Christians should have nothing to do with these theories—either believing them or disseminating them.
Conspiracy Theories Create Mistrust and Fear
One of the goals Satan has is to create a bubble of mistrust and fear around each believer. If you ask the average Christian who believes these conspiracy theories—whether it is around the Covid-19 virus, the events surrounding 9/11, modern medicine and vaccinations, the 2020 presidential elections, or even the flat earth theory—they all have one thing in common: you must believe that national and global conspiracies exist with the sole purpose of deceiving the masses (and especially Christians) to keep us under control. In other words, they are all liars and not a word they say can be trusted, because all they want to do is control us for some nefarious (and vague) purpose of the Devil.
This mistrust is unsustainable for a Christian whose mind should be focused on Christ and on all things honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, worthy of virtue, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). The Christian who so surrounds himself or herself with this level of mistrust will descend into paranoia, discover a penchant for believing even the more absurd conspiracies, and open a doorway for Satan to influence them through fear.
Because that is the only thing these conspiracy theories accomplish: fear.
Fearmongering is a common tactic among politicians, heads of state, parents, and religious figures to drive those in their sphere of influence into a state of pliability—or control. Throughout history, it has been the weapon of fear that leaders have most used to keep their followers in check.
A great example of this tactic can be found in political mailers. These mailers do not lift themselves up so much as they tell you that their opponent wants to take your money, wants to destroy the economy, wants to control your life, or wants to destroy our country. It is about creating fear. If they can get you fearful of the other guy, then you’re more apt to vote for them instead.
Fear is the opposite of love, and the Bible has much to say on the subject. We are not to have the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), making fear a spiritual doorway for demonic influence. Fear has torment (1 John 4:18), also a sign of demonic influence. Fear is a form of bondage (Romans 8:15), most certainly a sign of satanic influence. Indeed, conspiracy theories will hold you in bondage of fear and mistrust. That is no way for a Christian to live.
By buying into these conspiracies, your mind has settled on earthly things instead of things above (Colossians 3:2). There is nothing good in this.
Conspiracy Theories Blind You to Truth
Much like Satan did with Eve, conspiracy theories are meant to blind you to the truths that will do you the most good. They lead you down the rabbit hole by holding your mind hostage. In such a state, you are blind to the simple, elegant truths already revealed to you. Instead of focusing on these theories, instead of being so caught up in them that you surround yourself with mistrust, fear, and even anger, why don’t you follow the pattern set in 2 Peter 1:3-9?
In this pattern, we are to seek to be partakers of the divine nature. How? By adding to ourselves certain virtues:
- Faith
- Virtue
- Knowledge
- Temperance
- Patience
- Godliness
- Brotherly Kindness
- Charity
If these eight things be in you, then you will not be blind. You’ll be able to see afar off and be fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:8-9). Conspiracy theories do not lend themselves to a single one of these virtues and so blind the believer.
Christian, if you want your eyes to be truly open, stop buying into these conspiracy theories. Stop making a mockery of Christianity in front of the world. And stop tarnishing the cause of Christ with baseless facts.
Instead, focus on sharing the good news of the Gospel. Spread hope, not fear.
