It’s a Conspiracy!
A Biblical View of Conspiracy Theories
The phrase “It’s a conspiracy” resounds in society today. For example, a 2023 YouGov survey demonstrates Americans’ propensity to believe certain events and situations can be explained by formulating a conspiracy theory. This survey finds that 54% believe that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in the assassination attempt of President John F. Kennedy, 41% think that a group of people secretly controls the world, 29% indicate that voting machines were programmed to change votes in 2020, 20% hold the United States government responsible for the 9/11 attacks, and 18% speculate that NASA faked the 1969 moon landing. These are but a few of the many conspiracy theories around us.
A Definition
In the 1828 edition of the Webster’s Dictionary, Noah Webster defines a “conspiracy” as “A combination of men for an evil purpose…a conspiracy against the government.” In the same edition, Webster explains a “theory” as “Speculation, a doctrine or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines a “conspiracy theory” as “a belief that an event or situation is the result of a secret plan made by powerful people.” Dictionaries such as Brittanica and Merriam-Webster and conspiracy theory researchers also convey similar definitions.
Motives
Karen Douglas, a leading conspiracy theory scholar and professor, cites three primary motivations for conspiracy theorists. The first is the epistemic motive. People have the urgency to know the truth about a particular situation. When their curiosity remains unsatisfied, they look to other means, including conspiracy theories. The lack of information about a circumstance may be caused by its sensitive nature, inaccessible facts, or absence of a reliable witness. Another motivation is existential, as individuals desire to feel safe and protected. Douglas says, “Research has shown that people who do feel powerless and disillusioned do tend to gravitate more towards conspiracy theories.” The final motive is social. This refers to a person’s desire to experience a feeling of superiority about themselves and their group. This stems from their need for high self-esteem and a belief that they somehow have information and answers that others have yet to attain. This could also fit a personal, emotional, or political agenda, such as the conspiracy theories created by opponents of President Trump regarding their narration of the assassination attempt upon his life in Butler, PA, on July 13th, 2024.
Dangers
Interestingly, Douglas observes that conspiracy theories frustrate people instead of satisfying their desire for knowledge, safety, and belonging. This results in a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction. Further, research shows that holding to and being consumed with conspiracy theories can lead to insecurity, paranoia, emotional volatility, suspiciousness, and eccentricity. These emotions can adversely affect one’s thinking and hinder growth in the knowledge of truth. God desires Christians to be “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
Biblical Examples
The Bible contains examples of conspiracies. Joseph’s brothers conspired against him (Gen. 37:18), Absalom conspired against David (2 Sam. 15:12), Jehu conspired against Ahab’s sons (2 Kg. 16:8), Joash’s servants conspired against him (2 Kg. 12:19), and Bigthan and Teresh conspired against King Ahasuerus (Esther 2:21). These examples of conspiracies include committing evil against another individual, even murder.
Scripture also gives examples of conspiracy theories. Saul believed a conspiracy theory that David wanted to kill him (1 Sam. 22:8, 13), the Pharisees created a conspiracy theory to undermine and deceive others about the truth of Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 28:12-15), and Thomas chose to believe a conspiracy theory rather than the truth of Christ’s resurrection (Jn. 20:24-25). The root of these conspiracy theories displays man’s unbelief of truth.
Biblical Instruction
God tells us how to respond to conspiracy theories. First, fear and focus on God rather than conspiracy theories (Isa. 8:12-13). Second, carefully examine the information and its source to learn the proper facts and truth before deciding what to believe (1 Jn. 4:1a). Third, think about what is true, including God’s unchanging truth (Phil. 4:8). Fourth, display a discerning, yet gracious spirit with those who may hold differing views (Matt. 10:16b).
A Matter of Faith
Trusting the Lord with uncertain and controversial matters takes faith, knowing that “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God” (Deut. 29:29). This includes conspiracy theories. However, God gives us the victory to overcome the cares of and conspiracies in the world through faith in Him (1 Jn. 5:4). As we consider the various ideologies, philosophies, and theories around us, may we walk in truth (3 Jn. 3-4).
Erik D. Hanson has served in pastoral ministry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for fifteen years.