Conspiracy theories have always been part of human life (since the Fall at least). These false narratives, often claiming special insight into some event or the way life works, are repeated with passion despite flying in the face of truth. And with the growth of social media, internet celebrities now have a limitless platform to share what’s “really going on”.
Proponents use power to lead people astray. Sometimes with the odd Bible verse thrown in to provide an air of legitimacy, they suck congregation members into their misguided thinking and claim special knowledge of God. “This is who is really controlling the government…”; “This is what really happened behind that news article…”; “This is what is really being slipped into our food…”; “The truth is only to be found here”. It’s dangerous. It’s divisive. But for some in our churches, it’s alluring.
The path to conspiracy
Those who believe in conspiracy theories have often experienced pain in the past. Their tendency to distrust authority can begin with an experience of being hurt by someone in authority. But there may be other factors too. Often conspiracy theory believers are people who feel on the edge of mainstream community – people who don’t quite fit. They are drawn to online networks where they will be welcomed, loved, and not judged. Acceptance is a powerful motivator. Sometimes they are people who yearn for certainty – they may feel driven to find an explanation for all things. To some, believing a false narrative feels more comfortable than being left not knowing why something has taken place.
