By Dr. Anne Davis

Here are a few popular conspiracy theories. Have you bought into any of them?

• The Kennedy assassination was conducted by the CIA, Fidel Castro, or the KGB.
• The Chinese created the coronavirus as a biological weapon.
• UFOs exist and an alien spacecraft landed in Roswell in 1947.
• Barack Obama is a practicing Muslim.
• Jewish control of the media is influencing government policy.
• When we get a coronavirus vaccine, Bill Gates will use it to inject trackers into everyone’s bodies.
• The FDA is withholding a cancer cure so drug companies can continue making money by selling cancer remedies.
• A new world order is the goal of a group of powerful people who are secretly maneuvering to control the world economy and political affairs.
• The requirement to wear masks in public is a plot to sow fear and intimidation among Americans. 

Conspiracy theories are based on false assumptions and a lack of supporting evidence. They appeal to strong emotions of fear, insecurity, stress, anger, loneliness, and impatience.

I suggest three reasons why there are so many conspiracy theories floating around today.

1.The desire for certainty in the face of the unknown. In the world today, our biggest uncertainty is the coronavirus pandemic that has been amplified by conflicting information. Conspiracy theories can help overcome our fears by giving us a false sense of security and control.

What does the Bible say?  “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim 1:7). We learn in this verse that “fear” is a spiritual force from Satan. President Roosevelt warned the American people that “the greatest fear is fear itself”.

How do we overcome fear that is caused by the unknown? Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” Fear of the unknown can send us into places of darkness and distress that can make us susceptible to the damaging effects of conspiracy theories. So, what is the solution? “Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus” (Heb 12:2) and trust in the Lord that He is in control despite what appears to be chaos.

2. Relying on what we see or hear. It takes a sincere commitment and considerable work to uncover the truth behind popular conspiracy theories. Proverbs 18:2 warns us that “a fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.” In these troubled times, it is essential that we humble ourselves and seek God’s truth in the teachings of Yeshua and Scripture.

What does the Bible say? Yeshua tells us to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). In ancient Israel, “yoke” referred to God’s instruction and commandments. We must continually pray for discernment as we wade through the sea of conspiracy theories spiraling around us on a daily basis. This can only be achieved through the diligent and consistent study of Scripture and the teaching of Christ rather than relying on ourselves and what we hear from others.

What is the consequence of failing to learn?  “Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23). If we, as Christians, refuse to humble ourselves to listen for the quiet discernment offered by the Holy Spirit, we will only foster quarrels, and quarrels are symptomatic of chaos caused by Satan that destroys the peace and love of God.

3. Boredom. Let’s face it, conspiracy theories are fun, can relieve our boredom, and they often reinforce what we want to hear.

What does the Bible say? “Wise men store up knowledge, but with the mouth of the foolish ruin is at hand” (Proverbs 10:14). “Wisdom” refers to more than knowledge but expects knowledge to be followed by demonstrating the ways of God. The key word, however, is “foolish”. Who are the foolish? They are the immoral ones who do not follow the ways of God. And, in our boredom, we must be careful not to allow ourselves to be deceived into believing half-truths and lies that are spun to look like the ways of God.

How do we alleviate boredom? Social media seems to be broadcasting the ruin of the foolish. Posts are filled with anger, complaints, opinions expressed as truth, and criticism of the thoughts of others. Where is the comfort promoted by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Co 1:3-6)? Do we “encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)? Are we witnessing to “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind” (Luke 14:13)? These are important questions that we should be asking and willing to answer honestly.

Conspiracy theories are based on false assumptions and a lack of supporting evidence. They appeal to strong emotions of fear, insecurity, stress, anger, loneliness, and impatience.

Now is the time to live the Christian walk. We must face the unknown and what is frightening with confidence that the Lord is with us. Take time to slow down and learn the facts before drawing a conclusion. Become active in comforting others, and make compassion on their fears and concerns a priority. Finally, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He will lead you to the peace and love of God.

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