I have never seen the phrase “conspiracy theory” as much as I have the last couple of months in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
All I need to do is hop on social media for five minutes and I will find videos, articles, and long comment threads that go back and forth, calling people out for spreading conspiracy theories. Even in the Christian community, there are many articles on the topic of “Christians who believe conspiracy theories.”
Christianity Today recently released an article warning Christians that “gullibility is not a spiritual gift.” The Gospel Coalition also released an article saying that “all slanderous conspiracy theories originate from Satan.”
So, what is a conspiracy theory?
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines conspiracy theory as “a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators.”
According to that definition, I don’t know if everything I see debated fits the category of conspiracy theories. I know friends who are wary and suspicious of government overreach. I know friends who are fearful of strict government regulations overriding constitutional freedoms.
But I also see many Christians slandering others and calling their opinions on the current situation “conspiracy theories” because they disagree with others’ views on government solutions or medical interventions.
While I don’t believe Christians should be spreading fear-filled information (2 Timothy 1:7) or setting their minds on useless things on this earth (Psalm 119:37), I do believe we should be cautious and discerning. I’m not qualified to sniff out conspiracies, but I am wise enough to know that the church has a history of division.
Where is your hope?
What can divide the body of Christ? Anything and everything.
We should be reminded that we have a silent enemy. An enemy of deception who will use whatever form…
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