I recently came across a post from another preacher, asking for ideas to help prepare a sermon on conspiracy theories. His premise: (which is true) is with the popularity of social media, there has been an exacerbation of mistrust for authority, and a willingness to entertain unfounded rumors. It is something I have noticed as well. It can paint us in an unflattering light to the world which we desire to influence with the gospel of our Lord! If we allow ourselves to express unfounded rumors and make contentions that can’t be defended, whether false or true, we are taken less seriously when defending our Lord.
Political claims of nefarious wrong doing from the “other party”, uninformed declarations of how the government is out to get us, Covid conspiracies, the moon landing hoax, etc. Examples are innumerable.
Now, some theories may be unverified, but true. Often they are debunked lies. The problem is the dabbling in theories that cause us to confidently assert things that can’t be legitimately substantiated. Did you realize that there are those who are so prejudiced in our society that they think all things religious are conspiracies designed to get our money, or to control the masses, etc., etc.? We would all acknowledge that to be a worldly, ungodly claim! To assert that anything emanating from God is a lie? And yet, we may behave the same way regarding our own biases or suspicions!
Christians should know better. There are many passages of scripture which speak against asserting such opinions. Here are several to think about…
- Evil suspicions generate strife! (cf. 1 Timothy 6:3-6). Paul describes them (among other things) to be “useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth”, and call for us to withdraw ourselves from such.
- They cause Christians to think evil of other men! (cf. Titus 3:1-3). We are to speak evil of no one. Consider carefully that our national right to “free speech” may embolden us to say things that will bring God’s condemnation!
- They are not founded in truth, showing ignorance! (cf. Psalm 50:19-20). Consider God’s words. “You thought that I was altogether like you…” Before you repeat something of which you are not sure, think of God’s character, and think twice!
Such words come from suspicion, hatred, prejudice, ignorance, resentment, feelings of inadequacy, or a fear of the loss of control. They show a lack of trust in God. They reveal a dangerous lack of judgment. They do much harm to the cause of Christ. They are antithetical to the Christian walk!
