R. Hammond, Long Hill Baptist Church, Trumbull, CT
Background: We increasingly deal with individuals who demonstrate a spiritually dangerous fixation on conspiracy theories. An unbalanced fixation on conspiracy theories predicts both spiritual problems for the individual and resulting spiritual risk to the larger assembly. Thankfully, the Bible is sufficient to reveal and remedy the underlying spiritual issues that contribute to this problem (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Some Relevant Insights:
When dealing with individuals who have an unhealthy fixation on conspiracy theories, it may be helpful to acknowledge the possibility that some conspiracy theories may have some basis in reality;
Our natural tendency to experience discomfort at our sense of powerlessness may lead us to seek “secret knowledge,” i.e as a means of achieving a sense of power. Ironically, knowledge of conspiracy theories tends only to fuel a sense of powerlessness;
Some may seek external explanations (including governmental conspiracies) to explain or justify their perceived failures. “I couldn’t succeed because I’m not part of the government system, the Masons, etc.” Whereas, “That other guy is able to have a big house and nice car because he’s part of the system.” (Conspiracy theories may be adopted as a justification for failure);
Those who adopt conspiracy theories often express contempt for individuals or institutions that “don’t do enough to teach others the real truth.” This contempt may extend to pastors and churches (perhaps as a means of managing the guilt at one’s perceived spiritual failings – or as a means of dismissing oneself from the obligation to submit to the biblical authority of a pastor / church);
No doubt, Satan is delighted by the prospect of utilizing this dynamic to harm the unity to which churches are called (e.g. Acts 2:46; Ro. 12:16, 15:5; 1 Cor. 1:10; Phil 1:27, 2:1-2, 3:16, 4:3; 1 Pe. 3:8).
One Christian man offers, “I believe it is a pride issue that stems from the same problems the Athenians had. “(Acts 17:21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
Another man offers, “Interesting connection. Two people I can think of in the last year in our church who were helped with assurance of salvation, shared with me that they have stopped watching YouTube conspiracy videos…”
Biblical Principles Related to Trust
Men of God are called to trust in God for his provision and protection (rather than trusting in knowledge of secret conspiracies for protection, etc.) (Ps 2:12; Ps 4:5; Ps 5:11; Ps 7:1; Ps 9:10; Ps 11:1; Ps 16:1; Ps 17:7; Ps 18:2,30; Ps 20:7; Ps 25:2,20; Ps 31:1,6,19; Ps 34:22; Ps 36:7; Ps 37:3,5,40; Ps 40:3-4; Ps 44:6; Ps 49:6; Ps 52:8; Ps 55:23; Ps 56:3-4,11; Ps 61:4; Ps 62:8,10; Ps 64:10; Ps 71:1,5; Ps 73:28; Ps 91:2,4; Ps 115:9-11; Ps 118:8-9; Ps 119:42; Ps 125:1; Ps 141:8; Ps 143:8; Ps 144:2; Ps 146:3; 1Ti 4:10).
Biblical principles regarding our right attitude & actions toward civil government
Rather than viewing human government as our enemy, we must recognize that our real battle is with spiritual enemies (Eph. 6:12);
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places
Understand that “high” is not a reference to earthly civil authorities; the word refers to celestial (places) and is commonly translated heavenly (K. Brooks). That said, we should acknowledge the potential for demonic influence on civil authorities.
Instead of viewing government as inherently evil, we must recognize that God has ordained civil governments for his righteous purposes, including “punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” (1 Pe. 2:13-14). “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil” (Rom. 13:3a). (Although, again, we acknowledge that individuals in government may be demonically influenced).
Accordingly, Grudem argues that we should not accept Satan’s (false) claim of Luke 4:5-6 that “all the kingdoms of the word” (Lu 4:5) are under Satan’s “power” that is “delivered unto him” (Lu 4:6). Indeed, Satan “is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). (In his textbook, Politics According to the Bible Grudem argues that Greg Boyd is wrong to promote the notion that Luke 4:6 reveals that all governments are inherently evil and demonic. See Boyd’s The Myth of a Christian Nation. ) (Note: Boyd is also one of the men who has been at the forefront of promoting the false doctrine of Open Theism).We must recognize that specific individuals are “ordained of God” (Ro. 13:1b) to positions of authority in civil power; He gives rule to “whomsoever he will” (Dan. 4:17). Rulers are “sent by him.” (1Pe. 2:14a)
Examples where God established a specific individual to a position of civil authority include: Pharaoh (Ex. 9:16); Cyrus king of Persia (prophesied in Isa. 44:28-45:1); Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:21, 4:25) (Grudem)
We must recognize that God calls us to submit to the civil authorities (Rom. 13:1-7; Tit. 3:1; 1 Pe. 2:13-17; Mat. 22:21);
We should obey the civil authorities up to the point at which they could compel us to disobey God (Acts 5:29)
Biblical examples of individuals who disobeyed civil authorities for the purpose of remaining obedient to God: Daniel (Dan 3:13-27 – worship; 6:10 - prayer); The Egyptian midwives (Ex. 1:15-21); The wise men (Mat 2:1-12) (Grudem)
We must understand that it is a mark of “fleshly” carnal believers to “despise government” and “speak evil of dignities.”
Even angels (who are greater than men) refrain from railing against powers (both human authorities – 2 Pe. 1:11 AND spiritual powers / demons – Jude 9. Instead, Peter calls us to “to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” (2 Pe 2:9). Similarly, when Jesus was “reviled” and “suffered,” he “committed himself to him judgeth righteously” (despite the threat of the cross!) – (1 Pe 2:19-23);
Rather than choosing to “speak evil of dignities” (those in authority) (2 Peter 2:11), we are called to pray and give thanks “for kings, and for all that are in authority; (1 Tim. 2:1-4);
We should recognize that there is biblical precedent for seeking to respectfully exert a biblical influence upon civil authorities (Grudem). Examples include: Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:27); John the Baptist and Herod Antipas (Luke 3:19-20); Paul and Felix (Acts 24:24-25) (Grudem)
Biblical principles related to our right focus
We must recognize that God has not revealed all things. As such, we are wise to focus on knowing and doing those things which he has revealed (De. 29:29);
Rather than investing ourselves in seeking possibly unknowable truth regarding conspiracy theories, we are called to invest ourselves in the truth of God’s word (John 17:17);
We must recognize that we are called to “set our affections on things above” rather than on the things of this world (Col. 3:1-4);
Rather than allowing conspiracy theories to occupy our minds (thereby distracting us from the things of God), we should fill our minds with the things of God (Phil. 4:8-9; 1 Tim. 1:4; 2 Tim. 4:3-4)
1 Tim. 1:4 & 2 Tim. 4:3-4 deal with doctrinal “fables.” However, it may be appropriate to draw a parallel to conspiracy theories.
Rather than allowing the pursuit of conspiracy theories to occupy our time, we are called to fill our time with the things of God, e.g. prayer, praise, Bible study, sharing the gospel, etc.
Job was determined to walk with God despite the great trials that followed the secret agreement between God and Satan (Job 1, 2, 23). We should maintain a focus on doing the same! (T. Falk)
It is unwise for a man to trouble the brethren unnecessarily (Prov. 11:29).
Principles regarding a right response to justified concerns and related worries
Rather than ruminating on possible conspiracies (perhaps as a false “me-centered” means by which to gain a sense of control over those things), we are called to pray about those things that concern us / lead us to anxiety (Phil. 4:6-7);
Sources:
Personal discussions and correspondence with Pastors K. Brooks and T. Faulk.
Politics According to the Bible by Wayne Grudem, Zondervan (2010) (Note: We do not endorse all of this publication or everything written by this author).
