Helping believers in conspiracy theories

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.

There are reasons why people get sucked in, and we are all capable of being blind, but the effects of conspiracy theories are damaging. People are seduced by erroneous thinking, turned away from right belief, and often dominated by fear masked by pride at their special knowledge. Their family members can feel pressured to comply. That is not what Christ-centred freedom looks like. That is not the John 10v10 “life in all its fullness” that Jesus came to bring.

The path away from conspiracy

It can be hard to help those who believe conspiracies. Arguing rarely proves fruitful – they can see opposition as confirmation they are right. So, how do we help?

Firstly, we move towards not away. Change happens in the context of relationships of trust, and trust requires time and love. Hospitality, acting with integrity, offering conversation that helps people express the pain they have experienced, and engaging in Biblical lament for that pain, can all help grow deeper connections. Encouraging people to build relationships outside the echo chamber online can be deeply freeing.

Wrestling with Scripture is always key. Some of that can happen with the whole congregation: What does it mean for God’s word to be sufficient? How is God our refuge? What does it mean for us to live in fear of the Lord, not fear of man? How does Paul, in Colossians, warn us about any special insights or experiences? All these are good topics for all Christians in every circumstance. Other Biblical exploration may need to be more tailored to the specific controversy being encountered: What is the mark of the beast? What are the end-time signs? What does Scripture tell us about the kingdom of this world? If Scripture is being used by conspiracy theorists to manipulate or confuse, that needs to be explored with care.

Prayer is essential. We can pray those impacted will know love/freedom/hope/joy/ relationship/truth/security and all the other blessings the Lord would have His people know.

There are times that a trip to the GP might helpfully be encouraged. The paranoia, which some may experience, is not to be ignored.

Patience will be required. No one changes quickly. We will need to pace ourselves as we walk alongside those who are trapped. But there is hope. The Lord wants us all to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, and He is active in helping His children move away from deception online.