Truth examines the heart and hears what is said. — Wisdom of Solomon 1:6*
Conspiracy theories have always been popular. Religious authorities thought Jesus wanted to overthrow them. Political authorities have been quick to cast blame on perceived conspirators, such as what Hitler did with the Jews. In a contemporary context, conspiracy theories explain why vaccines are being pushed, critical race curriculum is being taught, UFO information is being kept under wraps, and the Chiefs won so many close games last season. There are various and nefarious powers at work behind the scenes.
Why are they so appealing? I think there are three reasons.
They explain evil. Believing the world to be black-and-white seems to be the default setting for some. There’s the good and the bad, the sacred and the profane, the light and the dark. Like the serpent deceiving Eve, evil is embodied in corrupt people deceiving us and we need to expose it.
They make us feel righteous. If evil is out there, then we’re not the cause of it. We’re more righteous, at least compared to those sinister forces.
They bond us together. Us victims want to stick together. We empower each other as we complain about the lurking evil. In other words, we like reinforcing the craziness in each other.
I used to think the antidote to conspiracy theories was critical thinking–looking at the bigger picture, asking objective questions, etc. However, buying into them is an expression of the soul. The true antidote is “examining the heart and hearing what it says.” If we look at the world believing the worst, then we see satanic powers around every corner. If we believe in God’s kingdom of compassion, healing, and justice, then the world becomes a brighter, more hopeful place. Conspiracy theories, along with the power of evil, shrink in the light of love.
For Christians, there is only one true conspiracy theory: For God so loved the world that he gave his only son.
*The Wisdom of Solomon is a book in the Old Testament apocrypha.
Thank You Rev. Weeks for Your Wisdom that you share with us. I look forward to each of your messages.
Totally agree. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Thanks, I’m sharing this with others.