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)
