Conspiracy Theories From A Biblical Perspective
Author: Duane Miller

Introduction

Recently I have had a discussion online over the idea of
various conspiracy theories that are floating around on the
internet. The particular theory that came my way basically
states that the United States is no longer the United States,
and that there are plans to mass imprison people who do not
follow along with the U.S. Government in coming future events.
These future events are tied in closely to biblical prophecy
relating to eschatology (theological doctrine of the "last
things" or the end of the world) before the return of our Lord
Yeshua the Messiah.

As a result of my email conversation, I thought it is important
to post something upon this topic. In this short paper we will
see how conspiracy theories affect our spiritual walk by the
following: (i) causing one to sin, (ii) lashon hara and
communication rooted in unholiness, and (iii) not truly trusting
in the Most High G-d.

What is a conspiracy theory?

To believe a conspiracy theory is to believe the ultimate cause
of an event or a chain of events and/or the concealment of such
(ranging from public knowledge to a secret and often deceptive
plot) is performed by a powerful or influential people or
organizations. Therefore, the majority of conspiracy theories
imply that major events in history have been dominated by
conspirators, people or organizations who manipulate events
behind the scenes.

The etymology of "conspiracy" is Middle English conspiracie,
from Latin conspirare, and means it is the act of conspiring
together; an agreement among conspirators. Conspiracy means "an
agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act
to accomplish a lawful end by unlawful means" (Britannica
Concise Encyclopedia).

Discussion

You know the only thing I can think is
"conspiracy…conspiracy…conspiracy." Have you ever looked online
to find anything on conspiracy theories? www.google.com will
give you around 650,500 hits on the words "conspiracy theories."
The next thing I did was look for anything written on the
problems of conspiracy theories or the problems with listening
to conspiracy theories. There is virtually nothing on the
topic. I think there are a few reasons why people choose to
believe in conspiracy theories, one is it gives one the sense of
satisfaction of being smart enough to have figured it all out.

The problem however what is occurring in reality, these
theories are projecting their fictional musings onto real-life
people, events, families, organizations, groups, etc. So, these
theories are sold as politics, similar to the polemic of Adolf
Hitler, he was a master of weaving conspiracy tales. We see this
throughout history taking for example Nero who blamed the
Christians for burning Rome or even in the B'rit HaChadashah
(New Testament) how the leaders devised a conspiracy theory to
explain away the empty tomb (disciples carried him away). It is
my opinion that the Conspiracy theory no matter what it is … is
rooted in unholiness.

These tales inflame the fears and paranoia of people to the
extent that anything can happen taking for example World War 1 &
2 that took place back in the mid-twentieth century. In fact,
people even get a sort of perverse enjoyment from retelling the
tales of paranoia, supposed "insight," fear, discontentment, etc
which this propaganda promotes. So, you maybe asking, "Why do
you say this is rooted in unholiness?" Let's look at and see
what the Torah has to say:

Leviticus 19:16

19:16 "'Do not go around spreading slander among your people,
but also don't stand idly by when your neighbor's life is at
stake; I am ADONAI. (CJB)

Exodus 23:1

23:1 "You are not to repeat false rumors; do not join hands
with the wicked by offering perjured testimony. (CJB)

The scriptures speak of "gossip" as one who connives, dreams
up, and twists truth that is compelling and masquerades as
wisdom. There is perverted sweetness to this deception which is
the primary lure of committing this sin of gossip. The main
point here in what I want to say is how do these theories honor
the Most High God in Heaven? Fear, worry, and discontentment
take us away from one of the most important things in our
spiritual lives which are to "Trust" in Him … to Trust in the
Lord God Almighty and to pray.

Conclusion

When this conspiracy theory came to me via email about the
United States of America, I was saddened because this
information was being perpetuated by leaders in the Christian
community. This is nothing less than promoting gossip and
slander which is the very definition of lashon hara, even lashon
hara against our enemies. (See
http://www.torahresource.com/EnglishArticles/Leshon%20Hara.pdf
for more information on lashon hara) I believe that lashon hara
is a sin, even if it is against our enemies. As the Children of
the Most High G-d we have to live exemplary lives, which include
what we say and even what we think. Ultimately, the decision has
to be made on an individual basis, do we trust in the Lord or do
we spread conspiracy theories and enjoy the sweetness of gossip?


I am not saying that we should be unaware of what is taking
place in this world; but we need to know the truth, discern what
is a lie, and be knowledgeable about what is gossip and slander
so that we can walk spotless before the Lord.

Ephesians 5:6-13

5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty talk; for it is because
of these things that God's judgment is coming on those who
disobey him. 5:7 So don't become partners with them! 5:8 For you
used to be darkness; but now, united with the Lord, you are
light. Live like children of light, 5:9 for the fruit of the
light is in every kind of goodness, rightness and truth - 5:11
Have nothing to do with the deeds produced by darkness, but
instead expose them, 5:12 for it is shameful even to speak of
the things these people do in secret. 5:13 But everything
exposed to the light is revealed clearly for what it is, (CJB)


About The Author: Further information on conspiracy theories
with a biblical perspective is available at
http://www.matsati.com/