Should Christians care about conspiracy theories?

TL;DR

Conspiracies abound in a world of half-truths and hidden agendas. Christians are called to live in the light of God’s Word, not the shadows of rumor or speculation found in conspiracy theories.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In the context of the Bible, the term "conspiracy" refers to a secret plan or agreement between individuals to commit an unlawful or harmful act. Various passages throughout the Scriptures highlight the moral and spiritual failures of conspiracies, often involving betrayal, rebellion and violence (Psalm 64:1-4). Conspiracies in the Bible show the sinful nature of humanity and the tendency to rebel against God's authority (Isaiah 8:11-15). Conspiracy theories floating around today are no different. Conspiracy theories distract from the Gospel and feed fear instead of faith. God does not want us to fear (2 Timothy 1:7). To counter conspiracies, Paul emphasizes that believers should walk in the light and "discern what is pleasing to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8-10). Instead of spreading speculation, Christians can spread the Gospel. Instead of fueling fear, Christians can offer the peace of Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

A notable conspiracy (a historical rather than theoretical one) in the Old Testament is that of Absalom against his father, King David (2 Samuel 15).

David pleads with God to protect him against “the secret plots of the wicked” (Psalm 64:2). We should focus on God, turning to Him rather than giving into fear.

God spoke to the prophet Isaiah to reassure him when Ahaz aligned with Assyria, essentially becoming subject to them. God’s message was that we should reverentially fear Him alone, not a human power: “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread” (Isaiah 8:12-13).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Conspiracy theories feed on innuendo and rumor, much of it untrue. Paul commands believers to “put away falsehood” and “speak truth” with your neighbor (Ephesians 4:25).

Christians should not believe the truth of every conspiracy they hear of. Rather, they should show love while practicing biblical wisdom to discern between good and evil (Philippians 1:9).

God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Conspiracies often pit people against one another. Paul advised Timothy to “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies” because “they breed quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

From the moon landing to the government cover-up of extra-terrestrial life, conspiracy theories aren’t new. Today, they are often fueled by fake news and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI technologies such as deepfakes, AI-generated images, and natural language processing models can create highly realistic fake news articles, manipulated videos, and synthetic audio that serve as fabricated "evidence" for conspiracy theories.

Christians shouldn’t live in fear of conspiracies. Rather, as Jesus taught, “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Christians should also be wary as serpents, yet as innocent as doves as they carry out their mission in a world that is both dangerous yet in need of the Gospel (Matthew 10:16). Believers have a message of hope that triumphs over the fear of conspiracies, and we must share it.

UNDERSTAND

Conspiracy theories are often based on fake news, innuendo, and rumor.

Conspiracy theories often lead to fear, but the Bible teaches believers that our focus should be God, not fear.

The Christian message of hope triumphs over any worldly fear.

REFLECT

How do you discern whether the information you consume leads you toward trust in God or pulls you into fear and speculation?

When you encounter conspiracy theories, how do your reactions reflect your confidence in God’s sovereignty and truth?

Where is God calling you to replace fear-driven curiosity with faith-filled focus on the gospel?

ENGAGE

How can we engage a culture in which conspiracy theories are widespread?

In what ways can the truth of God’s Word combat fear?

How can believers guard against becoming immersed in conspiracy theories?

How can the church model truth, peace, and wisdom in conversations where conspiracy theories often create division and confusion?