Christians responding to conspiracy theories – some afterthoughts

What have Neil Ferguson, Chris Whitty, Anthony Fauci, Bill Gates, George Soros, Matt Hancock, Klaus Schwab, the World Health Organisation, the Wuhan Lab, the CCP, Big Pharma, the New World Order and the roll out of Covid-19 “vaccines” got in common and why should that concern us? In November 2020, before people began to take the jab, this was along the lines of one of the questions I asked in my blog titled: “COVID-19 VACCINE – should we be concerned?”, when I declared since there was a connection, which appeared not to be coincidental and I found to be concerning, that as a result I would not be taking the jab and recommending friends, family and others against taking it, until those concerns raised had been satisfactorily addressed. Whether we like it or not, when we ask such questions, some will accuse us of being conspiracy theorists rather than honest seekers after the truth! On the matter of vaccines, a lot more information has come to light since when I wrote my “concerned” article, some I have included in my “Covid-19 – an historical review from this blogger’s perspective” e-book.

As folk who follow me know, I blog on a wide range of subjects. I never know which ones are going to capture people’ imaginations (e.g. get most “hits”) and which won’t. Often, I am surprised at the result but remain undeterred as my intention is to reflect on things that matter on which I have something to say. Going by the number who did read and respond to my last blog, titled: “A and this Christian response to conspiracy theories”, this fell into the surprise category. I should add that in hindsight the title may be seen as slightly misleading but was a compromise choice between “The Christian …” (too dogmatic), and “A Christian …” (too weak). As often is the case, points are raised that trigger further thoughts and I write this blog article by way of “afterthoughts”. Because the Christian relationship to “conspiracy theories” is a sensitive and contentious subject, as well as an arguably important one, I feel inclined to do so mindful of the danger of digging a deeper pit to fall into. I will not be going over again points raised in my earlier blog, and suggest it be read first. One of the many points made was Satan uses conspiracy theories to draw people away from God but the corollary is that God uses conspiracy theories (as seems evident) to draw people to Him – and as I break my rule of not repeating a point just made – we need to decide for ourselves what constitutes conspiracy theory that may or may not be fact and whether it matters, and seek after truth since it is the truth that sets us free. I also would urge wisdom and caution for those enthusiastic Christian conspiracy theorists (I may well be one), often targeted by Satan as either on to him or wanting to cause division and confusion, when it comes to speaking out or not, and always we need to test and weigh.

According to Wikipedia: “Gnosticism is a collection of religious ideas and systems which originated in the late 1st century AD among Jewish and early Christian sects. These various groups emphasised personal spiritual knowledge above the orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority of traditional religious institutions”. The Gnostic heresy has raised its ugly head many times after and no less so than now. There is danger, especially for those Christians that over-obsess concerning “conspiracy theories” to fall into the Gnostic trap. In a similar vein, referring back to the very first chapter of the Bible, when two trees were identified: “The Tree of Life” and “The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil”, that Christians can fall into the same trap as the unbelieving world to want to eat of the fruit of the latter (which was forbidden) rather that of the former (which would do us more good). While this poses a challenge for us to eat fruit from the Tree of Life and all that implies, I make no apologies for making the Children of Issachar a role model, and as often is the case the Bible does not tell us how come they understood the times to know what Israel ought to do.   

I started by mentioning Covid-19 and alluded to the vaccines which are now even starting to be mandated, and having good reason to resist and not to take the jab, that may take us down the conspiracy theory route, depending on one’s definition etc. Not to discuss now, but this may relate to several other conspiracies. After I wrote my article, a friend invited me to attend his church. For those who know about such matters, the church in question had its roots in the Exclusive Brethren movement, which some regard as a cult. My point is not to pontificate on the merits or otherwise of XBism (check out my “Who are the Brethren” paper to find out more). My friend was attracted to this church (noting Church is strictly a term applying to the people of God) because it was open during much of the lockdown period, “loose” when it came to following the rules, welcoming those opposed to the official narrative on Covid, without making it an issue. I enjoyed my time spent, despite some of its quintessential quaint old ways that typified much of the Brethren in former times. I found there to be warmth and fellowship and a sense of real worship, a recognition of the importance of prayer, godly concern and compassion, serious study of the scriptures and evangelistic fervour. Might I suggest to my detracting Christian friends that these are the things that truly matter and is an example I have in my mind when I encourage folk to eat of the Tree of Life.