-Caveat Lector-
<A HREF="http://www.acts17-11.com/conspire.html">Christians & Conspiracy
Theories: A Call to Rep
</A>
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They're everywhere. . . . For y'alls edification.
Om
k
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Christians & Conspiracy Theories
A CALL TO REPENTANCE
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2 Corinthians 10:5 (Wey) For we overthrow arrogant 'reckonings,' and
every stronghold that towers high in defiance of the knowledge of God,
and we carry off every thought as if into slavery--into subjection to
Christ.
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1) Conspiracy Theory - Intro and Overview
Conspiracy Theory is more than just the belief in an occasional
conspiracy. Simply put, it is a belief system that asserts that world
events are being controlled in secret by a group of ultra-powerful
puppeteers behind the scenes. While nothing much can be done about this
overall conspiracy, at least we can have the satisfaction of being smart
enough to have figured it all out.
If viewed as fiction, Conspiracy Theory is compelling and fascinating.
If it were just a nightmarish novel meant to be unnerving and just a bit
beyond plausible, like Asimov's Foundation, that would be one thing. But
Conspiracy Theory projects its fiction onto real-life people, families,
groups, and organizations. It purports to be true... and here lies the
rub.
IF THE ROOT IS UNHOLY...
Conspiracy Theories are as old as politics. Hitler was a master at
weaving conspiracy tales. Nero concocted one to shift the blame to
Christians for the burning of Rome. Those who rejected the resurrection
of Messiah came up with a Conspiracy Theory to explain the empty tomb
and His many appearances. And so on.
The modern day mythology of conspiracy was brought into popular view by
Democratic candidate Lyndon LaRouche and his followers in the late
1970s. (You may remember the guys in the airports, right next to the
Moonies.) The LaRouchites would pass out "Executive Intelligence
Reports" (EIRs) that purported to inform us plebeians what was "really
going on" and why we should thus support Lyndon.
Ironically, the hobbyhorse of a Democrat has now made the shift from
airport "kook" fundraising to mainstream commentators and talk show
hosts on radio, both conservative and Christian.
REGURGITATED PROPAGANDA OR WISDOM?
The basic plotlines of Conspiracy Theory have a striking resemblance to
anti-Semitic propaganda manufactured in Germany pre-WW2, with only the
slight obfuscation of substituting "international bankers" for "Jews."
Indeed, many in the Militia and Patriot movements have no illusions
about this and have an open anti-Semitic message.
Lyndon LaRouche brought these ideas into widespread exposure by
sanitizing them of their obvious anti-Semitic ravings, and also wove
them together into a compelling whole. (Before this, John Birch Society
members often promoted them.)
Somehow, these tales inflame the fears and paranoia of people to the
extent that, even when the Jewish target is "removed," a residue remains
in the human imagination that is happy to attach itself to a more vague
target. For it must be admitted that some people get a perverse
enjoyment from wallowing in such "snits" of paranoia, bogus "insight,"
fear, discontentment, etc. that propaganda like this evokes. The genius
of LaRouche is that now we do not have to be openly anti-Semitic to
enjoy these effects.
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
With the common bond of being "upset" and discontent in general, the
modern co-belligerents of Conspiracy Theory are an odd group indeed.
Nowhere is the absurdity of this more stark and ironic than among Jewish
Christians who espouse it.
The sources of Conspiracy Theory notions are suspicious--to be generous.
But regardless of a dubious historical pedigree, is Conspiracy Theory
true or merely a paranoid delusion coupled with an active imagination?
Or is it just the human tradition of "ghost stories" taken to a new
level of story-telling believability?
These questions must be asked by modern-day Christians since Conspiracy
Theory concepts and assumptions are intertwined with modern
pop-eschatology "end times" teaching. This (unfortunately) being the
case--and Conspiracy Theory assertions are clearly extra-biblical--we
must "test all things" (1Thessalonians 5:21) by doing a thorough "fruit
inspection" of these ideas. For we are told to judge a tree by its fruit
(Matthew 7:16-20).
Unless we are ready to suggest that paranoia, delusion, slander, and
hatred are new "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23), we need to go
into this with the instinctive spiritual premonition that Conspiracy
Theory is likely to fail the test and with the view to let the Holy
Spirit lead us to repentance.
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2) Working in the Dark
The problem of testing the "theory" at the level of information is
stark. Conspiracy Theory is by its very nature impossible to disprove.
The revisionist history of Conspiracy Theory is based on "special
knowledge" that plays by different rules than normal history, since it
is dealing with "secret" history.
It is easy to spin these tales, but how can they be tested for being
true? If you attempt to do this and find the notions bogus, are you one
of "them?" As the joke goes, "Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean the
world isn't really out to get me!"
So the "theorists" spin yarns, and nary a soul will contest them. After
all, who is well-connected enough politically and economically to say
for sure that no long-running international conspiracy exists? Get it?
The deck is loaded.
The Conspiratist can go on and on without the need for any real
research, except to imagine how it might be in a dark fantasy that will
appeal to the paranoia and disenchantment of the intended audience and,
in general, fit in with the overall Theory.
But those who do not "buy it" have to try to prove that a nonexistent
group didn't have a supposed meeting at such-and-such a place, etc.; or
worse still that this or that real group or person has been wholly
misunderstood and misquoted. This second case is especially nasty, as
many of the real groups and people, whom we would be defending and
quoting correctly, have open (i.e., not conspiratorial) agendas we
disagree with! It is a perfect trap: to counter the Conspirators'
misrepresentation, exaggeration, and fantasy we will end up defending,
giving time, attention, emphasis, clarification, press, etc., to ideas
we loath!
It is not work to cheer the soul, so few have tried.
So the "theory" evolves and grows and goes on--largely unchecked. It is
not possible to comprehensively disprove ALL cases, and only an
impossibly long-suffering soul would spend time clarifying the SPECIFIC
bad ideas that have been made worse by overstatement, exaggeration,
alarmism, and fantasy.
The crowning beauty--or horror--of Conspiracy Theory is that conspiracy
is by its very nature secret and thus cannot be proven or disproved.
Of course, the conspiracy buffs claim special "insider" knowledge.
Should they be believed?
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3) The Theory Meets Reality
To start with, let us acknowledge straight off that there are people and
groups of people out there who have plots, plans, and ideas that are
secret, bad, even dangerous. The nature of these real conspiracies will
be addressed briefly in counterpoint to Conspiracy THEORIES.
That people in power and wealth tend to promote people who agree with
them or have some other common bond is no conspiracy, but simple human
nature. A president, for example, is EXPECTED to appoint judges who are
like-minded to him. Leaders in general form a liking for particular
schools, sources of talent, consultants, etc. based on past history of
success. If you are building a house, would you not favor a church
member or good friend as a contractor, all else being equal, especially
if you had received good service from them in the past? This may look
like collusion to outsiders, but is simple pragmatic management to those
involved. For Conspiracy Theory adherents to suggest that such normal
activities comprise a "conspiracy" is stretching credulity to the e
xtreme. We all know what a real conspiracy is, do we not?
Real conspiracies work best when small and short lived. They take
incredible energy and planning and are vulnerable to the light of
scrutiny. Every person brought in and every day that passes adds to the
risk of an ongoing conspiracy.
Occasionally people really do conspire: our American founding fathers
declared independence from England some 200 years ago. But the
"conspiracy" in that case was just the means used, not the cause. It was
needed momentarily, then dropped as a technique. The real and lasting
causes were well known, even by the British. The American Revolution
could have been reasonably predicted by traditional sociology and
political science. The conspiracy aspect was a temporary sideshow.
Those who aspire to do anything (good or bad) often collude in secret
before launching out. Consensus building in private, forming alliances
away from public view, and strategic meetings in secret are certainly a
"way of the world."
But this is mere conventional thinking, not Conspiracy Theory.
Conspiratists believe not merely that an occasional conspiracy exists,
but that this is the dominant theme of history, that an "unseen hand" is
guiding the world inexorably to the whim of certain supra-rich and/or
powerful individuals.
THE CLOUDED CRYSTAL BALL
Conspiracy Theory assertions have a nasty habit of colliding head-on
with reality. Its predictive power is poor, dismally so, since it rarely
deals with real motives and forces in the world. Real people, including
leaders, most often do things out of greed, altruism, self interest,
passion, fear, ideals, and the like.
To point out all the failed predictions of Conspiracy Theory would
surely fill the internet, since every Conspiratist has his own unique
spin on the Theory. As a challenge to the reader--from what you know of
it--has Conspiracy Theory ever been right? I cannot think of a single
case: an election, Russia taking us over, predictions of economic
collapse, gold values going up, the ECU as world currency, the UN
becoming more than a venting place and whipping boy, etc. Can you?
Conspiratists seem much better at fanciful reinterpretations of history
than predicting what will happen next. But this does not stop them from
trying. For the Conspiratist takes great pride in being "in the know."
Of course, when Conspiracy Theory fails to accurately predict world
events, this often increases the inability to persuade those who believe
in it. "Ah," they say, "It is all a grand plot to lull us further into
to thinking THEY aren't really planning the opposite..." and so on.
Conspiracy Theory is perversely flexible.
Should Christians be involved in the promulgation of esoteric theories
as likely wrong as not and with such a dismal history of accuracy?
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4) The Return of the Illuminati
With wild claims of inside information on international clandestine
dealings, the conspiracy buffs end up in an ironic hypocrisy. They
believe in an ongoing "Illuminati." The Illuminati were (are?) a group
that claimed special knowledge, secret knowledge that set them above the
common man. Does such a group exist in today's world? Are there those
among us who see themselves as possessing secret knowledge not available
to the common man? Ironically, the Conspiracy Theorists themselves are t
he best candidates to be found. They have "figured it out," and if you
do not "see it," then you are just one of the dupes manipulated by the
ghost Conspiracy that only the "enlightened ones" know about.
Have you noticed that the most vocal promoters of Conspiracy Theory seem
to be uniquely unqualified? It seems, as a rule, they are custodians,
bus drivers, clerks, etc.; but here they are on the radio or publishing
a leaflet or book as an expert on insider business and political
dealings at an international level! This is not to denigrate any
profession, but merely to point out that there seems to be a common
thread among the most enthusiastic supporters and proponents of
Conspiracy Theory--they lack experience and access to the international
political and business world, and seem to have careers that allow lots
of time to fantasize about how things "really are."
To those involved in world affairs, these fanciful causal claims seem
especially divorced from reality. They simply do not fit the facts. Of
course, anyone making such a statement is likely to be accused of being
a conspirator as well, so for most it seems more prudent to avoid the
issue as a human embarrassment too shameful to directly address. The
general silence and/or stares of unbelief are taken as further
circumstantial "evidence."
While we may not often like the way things are, the causal factors
rarely include a conspiracy. Are not the real problems we face usually
all too open and obvious: workaday problems like greed, self-interest,
fear, laziness, etc., flagrantly displayed or perhaps thinly veiled at
best?
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5) The Symbiosis and Risks of Alarmism
There are people and groups in this world who promote "everything under
the sun." There is probably even a group out there somewhere who think
humans ought to dress up like kangaroos. The question in analyzing any
of these groups or ideas should be: is the group in question worth
paying attention to? The motives and passions of a vocal minority of
goofballs who do not count as "players" in the real world crucible of
ideas should not alarm or derail us. This is to be expected. But these
kooks on the lunatic fringe are the basic fodder for the conspiracy
alarmists. The two groups need each other to exist, it appears, as no
one else is listening.
Are we to believe that a few "visionaries" who are a little soft in the
head about the benefits of a "one world government" are really winning
the day? Is not the problematic drift in the world today towards
nationalism, balkanization, sectarianism, and fragmentation? Is this not
the obvious reason for several wars and conflicts going on in the world
right now?
SERIOUS THREAT OR POLITICAL "HOLLYWOOD SQUARES?"
Imagine this scenario: A smarmy academic gets up at a "New Age" UN
seminar and offers a bromide on the unity of man and "spaceship earth."
Now, as a result of this froof-rah, are the various ethnic, religious,
and cultural wars being fought around the world going to skid to a
sudden stop? What do you think? At an economic level, are the Japanese
going to give up protecting their farming industry (as an example of one
of thousands of "hard" reasons of why the EU has fizzled so miserably),
abandon their power base, and join a global government? Is anyone who
matters in these conflicts even listening to this prattle? Besides the
conspiracy alarmists (who are taking vigorous notes and paying over
careful attention), the audience appears to be only those on a nice paid
boondoggle as "ambassadors" to New York. Or perhaps this giddy speech is
being loftily set forth at a roundtable "conference" in some other nice
vacation city to an attendance roster of political has-beens, wash-ups,
wanna-bes--and the paparazzi who clamor after them--with a few serious
"kangaroo suit" types thrown in for good measure?
While this is all great fun to watch, let us be sober-minded here. The
coming one-world government is not likely to be created by the pathetic
attempts of the likes of the UN utopians, or imaginary rich people who
long to cut off the trade advantages that are the very branch they are
sitting on; but rather in reaction to a global crisis of God's judgment
on a world that will be groping in response. In the meantime, the way of
the world is much more easily understood without the kaleidoscopic
thrills of Conspiracy Theory.
The bottom line is that while it may be great fun and fantasy for those
of a paranoid bent, Conspiracy Theory is NOT taken seriously by people
who run this world, it is useless for predicting or explaining what is
going on in this world and why. Only those who do not need to be correct
can hold this view for long.
SANITY CHECK
The media has an undeniable liberal and anti-Christian bias. But let us
keep in mind that while leaders of our media are responsible for their
actions, we are responsible for ours as well. As slanted and distorted
as our news is, should WE then resort to rumors and hearsay as an
alternative? Is this not jumping out of the frying pan and into the
fire? If the issue is truth, then the failure of our media is no excuse
for us doing even worse!
And consider that in our world today there are cultures where
Christianity is totally censured and/or believers are imprisoned, even
put to death for their faith. Our Kingdom is not of this world, and we
will never have the "perfect situation" till Messiah comes again, even
though we should not cease making every effort to improve all we can
while we can. But let us get a sense of perspective here. Are we not
being crybabies for complaining overly much about our media compared to
what our brethren in other parts of the world are having to endure for
His Name's sake? No one is forcing us to "buy" the liberal media
"pitch," nor even incline our ears or eyes to it. We can just turn it
off or engage it with discernment.
This article is not suggesting that real conspiracies do not exist. It
is simply calling Christians to repentance from Conspiracy THEORIES of
paranoia as an overall world view. Although much that is called
"conspiracy" in modern history could more properly be termed a
"cover-up" (being done after the fact), great evil has been plotted--and
is even now being plotted--by way of real conspiracy. It is indeed
righteous work to expose and thwart all such, as we have opportunity.
THE CREDIBILITY FACTOR
But alas, we are disqualified before we start for this work. We have
fallen into the "chicken little syndrome": because of our scandalous
excesses of alarmism and intoxication with Conspiracy THEORIES and lack
of regard for what is true, if a real and truly dangerous conspiracy
were detected would anyone take Christians seriously at that point? Have
we not spent our credibility and voice on mere ghosts?
Colossians 4:5 (NAS) Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders,
making the most of the opportunity.
This point will be expanded in the last section concerning a message
even more important than sounding the alarm of a real conspiracy.
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6) Conspiracy Theory versus Revelation
The theory of communism was built on a faulty premise and, thus, was
doomed to not work in practice. Christians who believe in the Bible
should be able to quickly apprehend that Conspiracy Theory is faulty at
its core. Thus we should not be surprised at its failure in practice.
SOMEBODY FORGOT TO CHECK THEIR SCRIPTURES...
Fundamental to Conspiracy Theory is a basic view of the world. This view
is defined by its adherents as the "Conspiratorial View" of history.
This explanation of the course of history is pitted against the "Linear
View" of history (or somesuch). These, we are told, are the only
options! (This smacks of Marx's false dichotomy that only two classes
existed.) But it is just not true. Dare we mention it, at least one
other possible explanation of why things happen is the "Biblical View."
Amos 3:7 (NIV) Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing
his plan to his servants the prophets.
And Scripture never mentions anything anywhere even approaching the
scope of Conspiracy Theory.
In general, The Bible neither denies real human conspiracies nor
suggests that they are a major factor in history. Scripture puts
conspiracies where they belong: as an occasional and hard to maintain
sideshow.
2 Samuel 15:12 (NIV) ... And so the conspiracy gained strength, and
Absalom's following kept on increasing.
Acts 23:12 (NIV) The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound
themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
But never in the Bible are we encouraged to imagine that conspiracy is
the grand explanation of history or the overarching issue of causality
in human affairs. In fact, just the opposite is commanded.
Isaiah 8:12-13 (NIV) "Do not call conspiracy everything that these
people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.
The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one
you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread."
The lesson seems to be that there are certain times that the temptation
to blame what is happening on conspiracy or alliances should be
distinctly avoided, by direct command of the Lord.
Beyond skewering the fundamental thesis of the "Conspiratorial View"
(unless we are willing to accuse God of "missing it"), Scripture makes
it plain that if we are near the "end of the age," which Christian
Conspiracy Theory generally asserts, it is then in particular that we
are clearly admonished NOT to be deceived into thinking that conspiracy
is behind it. Anyone familiar with prophetic Scripture knows that God is
very keen on letting us know that He is behind the events surrounding
the first and second coming of Christ.
Psalms 2:1-2 (KJV) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a
vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take
counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed....
Why indeed? A good question, eh? Some answer this according to "the
Gospel of LaRouche" that this is due to a human conspiracy. Some claim
"ministries" spreading this distracting paranoia. But God, while
lambasting many a real conspiracy throughout history, says it is not so.
The following is representative of dozens of end-times passages:
Ezekiel 38:1-2,8 (NIV) "Son of man, prophesy... and say: This is what
the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, O Gog,... I will turn you
around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send
you against the mountains of Israel. It is coming! It will surely take
place, declares the Sovereign LORD.... "
God apparently thinks it important for us to know at the End of the Age
that He is doing this, and it is of no human invention or scheme. Even
if some have plans....
Psalms 33:10 (NIV) The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts
the purposes of the peoples.
Is it not amazing that Scripture completely misses what LaRouche made
popular? Boy did God blow this one! If He only knew what was "really
going on." If He were only more "informed!"
So it is God versus the conspiracy buffs. Tough one, eh?
Who ya gonna believe nowadays?
Isaiah 8:12 (NIV) "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people
call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it."
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7) "Conspiracy" in the Heavenlies?
The only grand "conspiracy" spoken of in Scripture is a SPIRITUAL one
led by Satan. And it is no secret: it has been REVEALED to those with
ears to hear. Thus, it is no "conspiracy" to Christians, but an open war
against the gospel of Christ and His life in the kingdom of God on this
earth.
Our Lord Jesus has defeated the enemy of our souls at the cross. While
we have yet to see the fullness of this victory play out in time, we
will. The ultimate defeat of Satan is as sure as the Word of God. For
our enemy's time is short.
Are we showing discernment and good judgment by recognizing who the real
enemy is and where we are being attacked? How would Jesus rate our sense
of apprehending the reality of things? Are we wiser then He? Wiser than
all of the holy prophets of old?
Are we shooting our guns off into the air of Conspiracy Theory... while
a real enemy stands behind us? Even among us?
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8) We Didn't Lose, They Cheated!
This section may be the most difficult for Christians to accept, but may
well be the explanation to the perverted attraction of Conspiracy
Theories in the church, and why we think we need them.
Clearly and obviously, there are those who oppose what we Christians
hold dear and actively promote what we think of as wicked. It should be
noted that this battle is principally fought, lost, and won in an open
battle in our culture, not via conspiratorial plotting.
Where we as Christians have lost ground or failed completely is in
acquiescence or lack of resolve, rather than being unable to "break the
code" of some back-room conspiratorial plot. The fight was not generally
in secret, but in the open, and we did not even show up.
THE ENEMY WITHIN
Perhaps part of the appeal of blaming things on conspiracies is that it
assuages our own lack of concern and engagement in the public arena.
Sure, we lost, but "Hey, they cheated!" Oddly enough, though, when we
show up we do quite well, just as God promised. But when we fail to even
try, we are tempted to accuse our opponents of "foul play" instead of
reflecting objectively on the fact that we caved in, did not care, did
not try, etc.
Where this gets nasty is where it becomes more than just a temporary
meditation to relieve our consciences, and gets blown into a full-tilt
philosophy. And this is what Conspiracy Theory is. "They" are pulling
back-room strings with an unseen hand that makes it futile to even try.
Why, we might even play into "their" hands, "they" are so clever. The
only thing to do is to hunker down and protect our friends and family
against the inevitable siege, or by laying so low that nobody takes
notice of us, retreating further from being salt and light in our
culture. None of the options coming from this fatalistic view are very
good, frankly, and when the results in our society get inevitably worse,
we go right back to blaming "them" instead of ourselves. And so it goes.
James 4:17 (NIV) Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and
doesn't do it, sins.
SPIRITUAL WIMPS
Our spiritual enemy is winning a terrific battle against us if he can
short circuit our zeal and eliminate our influence via the fatalism of
Conspiracy Theories. With our consciences satisfied that the enemy is
somehow cheating, we throw down our swords before the fight even starts.
The utility of Conspiracy Theory thus comes into focus. It shifts blame.
It is a sophisticated excuse machine. This is how Hitler used it; this
is how Nero used it; this is how we are using it. Has there even been a
Conspiracy Theory concocted short of this purpose?
What could be a more obvious ploy by our spiritual enemy to thwart the
life of Christ in us?
The tragic thing is that this attack comes not from without, but
principally from within the church. And our itching ears and guilty
consciences cannot seem to get enough of it.
Have we fallen so far from being "conquerors in Christ" that we need a
systematic philosophy of paranoia? Is the life of Christ in us content
to lay curled in fetal position in the corner reading another Conspiracy
Theory book? Are we content to be losers quaking in the fear of men--in
direct disobedience to our Lord?
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9) Slandering Our Enemies
Leviticus 19:16 (NIV) "Do not go about spreading slander among your
people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the
LORD."
Exodus 23:1 (NIV) "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man
by being a malicious witness."
Instead of realizing the pragmatic, even convicting reasons why we have
failed in so many ways to effect our culture, we accuse our enemies of
cheating via conspiracy. The motive for this was discussed previously.
FRUIT INSPECTION
Proverbs 18:8 (NIV) The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they
go down to a man's inmost parts.
The Scripture describes a "gossip" as one who connives and dreams up a
"twist" that is compelling and winsome. There is a perverted sweetness
to this deception that is the principal lure of committing this sin.
"Yeah, THAT is it! So and so is doing such and such." The more divorced
from the truth this is, the more outlandish the slander, the better...
Matthew 15:19 (NIV) "For out of the heart come evil thoughts... false
testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'...."
Proverbs 18:8 (NAS) The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles....
Like all sin, slander and gossip can be fun in the moment. But like all
sin, there is a price to be paid later. The price here is in defamation
of character to the real-life people and organizations, and in
self-delusion and inability to discern the truth for those who continue
in it.
1 Peter 2:1 (NIV) Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all
deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Ephesians 4:31 (NIV) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling
and slander, along with every form of malice.
We are told in some detail by God how to think and deal with rulers and
government in Scripture. And consider that these Scriptures were written
during a time when leaders and government were much worse than now.
Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) Remind the people to be subject to rulers and
authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to
SLANDER no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true
humility towards all men.
Do the wild accusations and projected phobias and fears of Conspiracy
Theory pass this test? You be the judge.
The bottom line is that "Christian" Conspiracy Theory makes about as
much sense as "Christian Racism." Both are forbidden in Scripture.
1 Peter 2:17 (NIV) Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood
of believers, fear God, honour the king.
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10) Making Idols of Mere Men
Conspiracy Theory practitioners are miles away from "honoring the king,"
or showing "proper respect" for leaders. To fill this natural void,
there is a backlash into worship and fear of imaginary leaders instead.
THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY...
It used to be that leaders promoted a facade of divinity and
idolatry--erecting idols of themselves, demanding worship, and the
like--and they still do so in some parts of the world. Though this is
rare in public life in the US, the reflex seems so ingrained in us that
we must create make-believe "conspiracy leaders" to worship when social
conventions change and we see our public or elected leaders so obviously
groping. "It must be an act to lull us. They really are in control. They
really are gods!" Nowadays, "we the people" prop up the idols. Certain
carnal instincts die hard. But these Conspiracy Theory idols, like all
others, will be toppled and shattered.
WHY DILBERT IS FUNNY
At a local and experiential level, we all know the problems of position
and responsibility. The higher the position, the more impossible to
process all the information, to take everything into account, to please
everyone, etc. That is why it is nice to dream of being in charge, but
harder to sleep when you are.
There is hardly a profession where human limitations are more stark than
in leadership. This is why "manager jokes" strike a chord in us. These
barbs point out the hopeless situation most managers are in, diffusing
with humor our exasperation at their inability to "get it," listen,
solve ALL the problems, or whatever.
Our ability to laugh at these jokes demonstrates that--at least
intuitively--we know the "problem" that our leaders face with their
limitations as humans. This being the case, we are enjoined to pray for
them and show them proper respect for the responsibilities they bear.
But for the Conspiratist, who can see this drama first-hand at their own
job, city counsel, etc., there is a different set of rules for world
leaders. These are a different breed, somehow. To listen to the
Conspiracy buffs, it becomes clear that you must believe that certain
people or groups possess superhuman powers of intelligence, time
management, persuasion, influence, stealth, etc. These "puppeteers" have
powers that would make Superman look like a weakling.
This is clearly idolatry, and a rather ridiculous type at that. And
again, we must be honest and admit that idol-making is great fun, and so
is the reveling around the constructed image. But this makes God
especially mad.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my dear friends, avoid all connection
with the worship of idols.
The mythology of creating imaginary superhumans that act as objects to
terrify our imaginations and excuse our failures is not something that a
Christian should have any part of.
Luke 12:4-5 (Wey) "But to you who are my friends I say, Be not afraid of
those who kill the body and after that can do nothing further. I will
warn you whom to fear: fear him who after killing has power to throw
into Gehenna. Yes, I say to you, fear him."
It might be countered that Conspiracy Theory believers are not gripped
with the fear of real or imaginary human leaders, but demonic
spirits--even Satan--who animate these people. But this is even worse!
Instead of fearing God or honoring the temporal king, we now find
ourselves emotionally and spiritually prostrated before demons and
Satan, trembling for them!
Isaiah 57:11 (NKJ) "And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, that
you have lied and not remembered Me, nor taken it to your heart? Is it
not because I have held My peace from of old that you do not fear Me?"
Shall we dance around the golden calf of Conspiracy Theory and its
constructors, or attend to the Word of the Lord and His Kingdom among
us?
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness...
Resonating to Conspiracy Theories is a clear indication that we are
carnally minded, and not even to the "real world" (which would be bad
enough) but to an idolatrous fantasy world of delusion and paranoia.
Luke 17:20-21 (NAS) "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be
observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or, 'There it is!' For
behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst."
Philippians 3:20 (NAS) For our citizenship is in heaven...
Brothers and sisters, let us repent. Let us turn our minds from these
dark meditations to the Word of God, and begin now to work and pray in
accordance with His eternal and permanent kingdom.
Which kingdom do our private thoughts and feelings reveal we are vested
in?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
11) Ideas Have Consequences
There were pervasive rumors running rampant before WW2 concerning the
Jews. One of note was that Jews were purportedly using Gentile blood in
the making of the Passover Matzos. These and other rumors were so
outlandish and ignorant that they did not seem worthy of serious
response. They were so ridiculous and divorced from reality that no one
bothered to dispute them. So they became "common knowledge."
2 Peter 2:12 (NKJ) But these... speak evil of the things they do not
understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption.
We often wonder what went so wrong in Germany that an entire segment of
the population (many professing to be Christians!) would willfully and
enthusiastically participate in the day to day executions of the
holocaust. We are not going to suggest here that the ONLY reason this
happened were the rumors, gossip, and slander running rampant in Germany
unchecked for decades beforehand, but certainly these were a major
factor in creating the climate that would allow, and even justify, the
mayhem and shame that resulted.
We, of course, are much superior to the Germans, and immune to the
effects of outrageous stories and lies coursing through our minds for
decades, unchallenged. Think again!
The one thing we learn from history, it appears, is that we can never
learn from history.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12) Credulity and Witness
Proverbs 14:15 (NIV) A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man
gives thought to his steps.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NIV) Test everything. Hold on to the good.
A casual survey of rumors coursing through the Christian community over
the last two decades is not encouraging evidence that we are "testing
all things." Perhaps this overview will jog a few memories?
I) Did you know that as a residue of the miracle of the creation of
woman that man has one less rib than woman as an eternal reminder? This
Christian legend still persists in sermons, homilies, and wedding
ceremonies, despite the fact that it is not true. Men have the same
number of ribs as women.
II) In the past 15 years, the FCC has received over 30 million pieces of
mail protesting a petition supposedly authored by Madalyn Murray O'Hare
to remove all Christian broadcasting from the airways. The embarrassing
thing is... that no such petition or issue exists. But this does not
stop copies of pamphlets and counterpetitions from circulating and being
promoted. Try as the FCC might, the rumor cannot be quelled. The FCC
even has a "religious petition" disclaimer option when you call the
computerized switchboard and, now, a posting on the FCC website (see
link section at end of article).
III) In the early 80s, the periodic alignment of the planets was going
to torque the earth, causing earthquakes, tidal waves, etc. Have the
pastors and teachers who promoted this bogus theory apologized or
repented? The fact that those who made an industry of this error are
still revered as established prophecy "experts" among us, showing no
sign of repentance, circumspection, or humility, is perhaps the greatest
scandal of this unfortunate episode.
IV) A rumor keeps recurring every few years that executives at certain
large corporations have appeared on TV talk shows admitting to being
Satanists. This libel ends up having a commercial motive and has led to
several lawsuits. While the source of this particular rumor has been
traced (and prosecuted, see link section for more on this) to certain
Amway distributors, many of these also claim to be Christians, and it
must be admitted that this slander has overflowed into many non-Amway
Christian minds and mouths as well.
V) In the mid 80s, a new threat emerged in the "ten nation" European
Economic Community (EEC), now termed the European Union (EU). This was
portrayed as everything from a trade-war juggernaut to a fulfillment of
prophecy. Despite all the hype, the economic progress after a decade has
been modest, to put it generously. It actually started with six member
nations and, eventually, passed through ten; when the eleventh and
twelfth nations joined, it did not stop the interpretation of the EU as
the nefarious "ten horn" alliance prophesied in Scripture. Luckily, the
USA started with thirteen, not having to pass through the dreaded number
ten, or we might also have been identified with Daniel 7 and Revelation
17. Unfortunately for the EU the stigma of this "teaching" absurdly
persists. In the minds of some evangelical Christians, the EU sort of
got "stuck" at ten, even though they now have fifteen member states.
Again, the teachers who promote/promoted this error show no signs of
remorse or humility, but are now well established as prophecy "experts"
in the body of Christ.
VI) Another recurrent Christian "legend" is that of the "beast" computer
in Brussels (or some similarly exotic, shadowy place). This first
surfaced in the late 1970s, where the idea was to track every person in
the entire world as a fulfillment of the 666 prophecy. We can now assess
this from the cooler position of hindsight. Consider that the
educational computers used in modern elementary schools NOW would run
circles around the best computer technology available back THEN, in
speed, memory, reliability, and disc storage. Imagine running the world
from the paltry PC that your kid learns his math on! It was no less
absurd back in the 1970s to people who knew better. But to point this
out made you either not "in the know" or part of the "conspiracy."
VII) At a restaurant a few years back where we were splitting the check,
$20 bills were confiscated and the plastic "security strips" (to thwart
counterfeiting) woven in vertically (just under the U of the United
States of...) were wiggled loose and pulled out from the top by a
well-meaning minister present. When asked why this defacing of currency
was necessary, he replied, "These strips allow the government to track
how much money we have--and our movements--via satellite. By removing
them, we can foil their plan."
VIII) The latest and most persistent Christian rumor, and the subject of
this article, is that an overwhelming, worldwide, international
conspiracy exists--manipulating nearly everything that we see--which is
spearheaded variously by the Bilderbergers, the DuPonts, the
Rockefellers, the CFR, the Trilateral Commission, black helicopters, and
the ever popular "Illuminati." This dark fantasy is called "Conspiracy
Theory," and has become the darling of Christians.
IX) Did you know that Jesus Christ came, died, and rose again on the
third day, according to the Scripture? Yes, this important truth comes
to you from the same people that brought you the above.
Romans 2:24 (NIV) As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the
Gentiles because of you."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion
2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ...
1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJ) But as we have been approved by God to be
entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak...
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NIV) So then, men ought to regard us as servants of
Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is
required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
1 Timothy 6:20-21 (Wey) Guard the truths entrusted to you, shunning
irreligious and frivolous talk, and controversy with what is falsely
called 'knowledge'; of which some have spoken boastfully in connection
with the true faith, and have erred.
Lamentations 3:40 (NIV) Let us examine our ways and test them, and let
us return to the LORD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Beginning of Article
E-Mail Examples, Frequently Asked Questions, and Conspiracy Links
This document is at http://www.acts17-11.com/conspire.html
-----
Aloha, He'Ping,
Om, Shalom, Salaam.
Em Hotep, Peace Be,
Omnia Bona Bonis,
All My Relations.
Adieu, Adios, Aloha.
Amen.
Roads End
Kris
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