Excerpt: “Christians & Conspiracy Theories”

I’m having a blast working on my next book: a non-fiction project entitled “Christians & Conspiracy Theories: Investigating Alternative Truth Claims without Succumbing to Fear, Fanaticism, or Tribalism.” Here’s a excerpt from the Introduction. The book is tentatively releasing in the Spring of this year.

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Shortly after converting to Christianity in the Spring of 1980, I met a man who called himself Tabor—Tabor Zebulon. I never learned if that was his real name. In fact, the more I got to know him, the less likely I suspected it was.

At the time, Tabor was visiting his mother. He claimed to live on a piece of property in the high desert of Southern California where he was stockpiling supplies for the coming apocalypse. Tabor looked the part of a religious nut—bushy beard, shabbily clothed, and rather manic. He reminded me of a slightly more docile version of Charles Manson. His message was similarly disturbing.

Tabor believed not only that the Church would see the rise of the Antichrist, the infamous end-times figure of biblical prophecy, but that the contemporary Church was actively being deceived. According to him, the belief in a pre-Tribulation rapture[1], a then common teaching among many evangelical churches, was a tool of Satan to lead Christians astray. For this reason, Tabor was wildly suspicious of organized religion and not shy about articulating his charges against it.

I learned this, rather painfully, after inviting Tabor to share his beliefs with a small group of new Christians whom I was a part of.

His Bible was worn and thoroughly indexed, and when he opened it, he spoke with zeal and authority. As young Christian converts, we offered little resistance to his charges of mass deception. Churches like Calvary Chapel, which we then attended, were paving the way for a great apostacy, he said. When believers suddenly learned that they would not be “caught up” in an invisible “second coming,” as they’d been taught, but would instead face the wrath of the Antichrist, a great “falling away” (II Thess. 2:1-4) was inevitable.

Needless to say, Tabor’s introduction to our group and his message was extremely divisive. Heated discussion followed with one couple even storming out of the meeting.

Tabor soon returned to his high desert compound and, when he did, left far more wreckage among us than he did enlightenment.

As a growing Christian, learning about alternative views of eschatology inevitably proved healthy. I was theologically hungry and unafraid of debate. Besides, the pretribulation rapture was a central plank of the Calvary Chapel movement. This belief was an extension of a much larger eschatological framework held by the group, something called dispensational premillennialism. [2] Learning about differing positions on the end-times was my introduction to the theological diversity inherent in the Body of Christ. Nevertheless, it was Tabor’s insinuations of mass deception within the Church that had the most corrosive long-term effects on our then-immature minds.

Tabor would become just one of many encounters with conspiratorial thinking in the Church.  

Throughout the 1980’s, prophecy and the end-times were hugely popular topics among evangelicals. One could not walk into a Christian bookstore without seeing titles about the Great Tribulation, the coming Antichrist, and the war of Armageddon. For example, Hal Lindsey, the popular prophecy scholar, wrote The 1980s: Countdown to Armageddon, in which he purported that the anti-Christ was already here on earth and would likely be revealed in that decade. Lindsey further predicted that, during this time, Russia would attack Iran in order to gain control of the world’s oil resources, and that the Church would be raptured in 1988. Many popular Bible teachers joined Lindsey in closely monitoring world events and trends, and tying them to eschatological scenarios. Like Chuck Smith, founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, who throughout the 1980’s used world events to insinuate various apocalyptic scenarios. These predictions became part of a long list of failed forecasts about the Second Coming.

Beliefs about looming apocalyptic scenarios and deceptive forces at work to corrupt the Church led to countless conspiracy theories. For instance, Dave Hunt’s polarizing The Seduction of Christianity: Spiritual Discernment in the Last Days, released in 1985. Hunt asserted that heretical beliefs were seducing the Church via the New Age movements, psychology, and the other mind sciences. Along the way, he indicted popular evangelical figures like James Dobson with using humanistic psychological principles that undermined the Gospel. Many Christian counselors, like the then-popular Minrith-Meier Clinics, were similarly indicted. Hunt’s charges would begin a trend in the evangelical world of discernment ministries, much of which continues to this day. At that time, cult-watchers were already quite prolific (led by Walter Martin, the Bible Answer Man). But Hunt and others began to turn their critique upon the Church. Indeed, there was much to critique! However, end times preoccupation and efforts to discern spiritual deception often bred more conspiratorial thinking among believers.

The early 80’s saw the introduction of backwards masking, the belief that subliminal messaging was embedded in some rock music. By playing vinyl albums in reverse, one could allegedly discover Satanic messages. I still recall hunching over my console, manually spinning my Led Zeppelin IV album in reverse, straining to interpret something which might corroborate the claims. Backwards masking was one small part of what is now called the Satanic Panic. The term referred to a moral panic that coalesced in the 80’s and 90’s concerning what was believed to be vast instances of Satanic ritual abuse. Charges of Satanic rituals, secret witch covens, and the incorporation of pagan symbology were ubiquitous among believers. Several self-proclaimed ex-Satanists (like Mike Warnke and John Todd) rose to popularity, claiming that the world system and its institutions were controlled by powerful Satanic cabals. Pagan symbology was often targeted. One claim which gained traction was the allegation that satanic imagery was embedded in the Proctor and Gamble (P&G) logo (1980). [3] It led to product boycotts and, eventually, lawsuits. When the charges arose again in 1995, P&G sued the sources and won a multi-million-dollar claim.

Over the years, I continued to encounter various forms of conspiracism and apocalyptic rhetoric in the Church. Evangelicals were exceptionally vigilant of trends, teachings, and global events that might fit into their eschatological expectations. Sometimes this led to wild speculation and over-reach; other times it led to reasonable, often prescient concerns about societal drift and spiritual compromise.

Nevertheless, some have interpreted the Church’s ongoing attraction to conspiracy thinking as a terrible flaw. In her article at Vox, Why Satanic Panic Never Really Ended [4], Aja Romano suggests that QAnon, and the group’s alleged popularity among evangelicals, is simply an extension of the great moral panic of the 1980’s. (We’ll discuss QAnon and evangelical adjacency much more in Chapter 3.) Indeed, claims that evangelicals are disproportionally susceptible to potentially dangerous conspiracy theories is a repeated claim made by today’s media. For example, popular data site Five-Thirty-Eight ran an article in 2021 entitled Why QAnon Has Attracted So Many White Evangelicals[5]. Ed Stetzer, pastor and missiologist, wrote an Opinion piece entitled Too many evangelical Christians fall for conspiracy theories online, and gullibility is not a virtue[6], while Religion Dispatches bemoaned that ‘Respectable’ Evangelicals Can’t Rein in Conspiracy Theorists.[7] There are many more examples of such charges.

This recent indictment of Christians and conspiracism is part of a larger, growing interest in conspiracy theories and their place in our culture. Social scientists have typically viewed the subject as a fringe phenomenon. Yet beginning in about the mid-nineties, approximate to the growth of the internet, new academic fields of conspiracy research began to develop. For example, the Harvard Kennedy School launched its Misinformation Review in 2020. [8] University of Arkansas began a course titled Conspiracy Theory. [9] Arizona State University opened a new branch of research named Center on Narrative, Disinformation, and Strategic Influence. [10] Numerous universities are now offering “Media literacy courses to combat fake news.” [11]

Some of this new research paints the Church in a very unflattering light. But is the concern founded? Is the seeming increase in conspiracy theories really part of a new “Satanic Panic” among believers? Is conspiracy theorism really endemic among Christians? Are white evangelicals disproportionately attracted to QAnon or similar exotic factions? And is the allure of such fringe beliefs so great that ‘respectable evangelicals’ cannot even rein them in?

But another question emerges at this juncture: Is it automatically wrong for Christians to entertain conspiracy theories?

Nowadays, simply asking if vaccines are effective, if elections can be rigged, or if some alien species could walk amongst us potentially triggers the disinfo “experts.” One dare not question the status quo. So should we simply dismiss any exercise in media or scientific scrutiny and embrace everything told us by technicians, journalists, or government fact-checkers? And, if not, how can we do so without being charged with being conspiracists or disinformation peddlers? These are some of the questions I hope to interrogate in the following pages.

Is it automatically wrong for Christians to entertain conspiracy theories? Should we simply dismiss any exercise in media or scientific scrutiny and embrace everything told us by “experts,” journalists, or government fact-checkers?

In one sense, considering alternate theories of reality and world events is understandable, if not necessary, for Christians.

The arc of biblical history is conspiratorial. Beginning in Genesis 3, God promised enmity between the “seed of the woman” and the “seed of the serpent” (Gen. 3:15 NKJV). The term “seed of the woman” introduces a Messianic motif into Scripture, a struggle between the offspring of the “serpent” (representative of Satan) and the offspring of the “woman” (representative of Christ). Biblical history chronicles the tension between these forces of good and evil, with the Evil One constantly seeking to thwart the Messianic lineage, ultimately culminating in the titanic apocalypse described in the Book of Revelation. In this sense, all of human history could be viewed as a grand conspiracy between the forces of Good and Evil.

Likewise, the Church has historically believed that powerful, invisible agents are at work in the world around us. The apostle Paul said, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12 NIV). A hierarchy of demons and devilish superpowers are ever seeking to deceive the world and draw souls away from their Maker.

Nevertheless, seeing the world as a Satanic system, a network of nefarious invisible forces, is deeply concerning to some. Wouldn’t such claims pre-condition someone to paranoia? In fact, some go so far as to portray the core beliefs of the Christian religion as an elaborate conspiracy theory! In others words, Christianity is viewed by some as an immense, powerful cult held together by unscientific beliefs and fringe-worthy claims. (We’ll explore this more in-depth in Chapter Two.) Nevertheless, as a believer, learning to see this “world system” as hostile to God and part of a complex network of spiritual evil, is essential to helping us live wisely and impactfully. In a sense, conspiracism is a necessary prerequisite for healthy Christian living.

In fact, when describing the end of this present age, Jesus commanded His followers to be vigilant; to understand “the signs of the times” (Matt. 16:3) and to be on guard against deception. “Watch out that no one deceives you,” Christ warned (Matt. 24:4). This end-times deception will be so powerful that it could possibly “deceive the very elect” (Matt. 24:24). Which is why Jesus often said, “Be on guard. Be alert” (Mk. 13:33 NIV).

These appeals for vigilance and discernment were echoed by Jesus’ apostles. The apostle Paul sternly cautioned Christians to “test everything” (I Thess. 5:21) and to be on the watch against “seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (I Tim. 4:1 KJV). When speaking of the return of Christ and the Great Tribulation, Paul implored, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober” (I Thess. 5:6 NIV). Likewise, the Apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I John 4:1 NIV).

Conversely, believers are also cautioned to not be consumed with end-times fanaticism. We are to avoid “godless myths” (I Tim. 4:7 NIV) and “an unhealthy interest in controversies” (I Tim. 6:4 NIV). We are to not be consumed by fear, seeing demons (or conspiracies!) behind every bush. Rather, we should “make it [our] ambition to lead a quiet life” (I Thess. 4:11), trusting God for His provision and protection in our new dark ages.

Which implies a balance in our analysis of current events and controversies.

So in a very basic sense, Christians should always strive to be vigilant and discerning. We should be aware of the “signs of times” and “test” the spirits. We should not be naïve or gullible people, but still avoiding unhealthy speculation and unproductive conjecture. Jesus said, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16 ESV). This could relate to how we interact with controversial data or people who believe differently than us. Are we easily swayed and deceived by memes, Facebook ads, or nightly news reports? Or do we “test everything” before reaching our conclusions? Suggestions of election fraud, secret global cabals, or Satanic conspiracism should neither be embraced indiscriminately nor rejected without query. Christians should balance discernment with wisdom, truth with love (Eph. 4:15). In this work, I will describe this as an equilibrium between kneejerk “denialism” (the belief that all/most conspiracy theories are false) and “conspiracism” (the belief that all/most conspiracy theories are true).

Further complicating this balancing act is the media ecosystem we find ourselves in. Not only are we now bombarded with data, algorithms, information, and distractions like never before, but the American media has become one of the least trustworthy of all professions. According to a comprehensive Reuters Institute survey encompassing 46 countries, the U.S. finished dead last in public trust of the media. [12] Even the most credible professions, those of scientists and doctors, have suffered serious compromise and declining trust since the global pandemic. [13]

Now, more than ever, the Christian church needs to be adept in its approach towards conspiracy theories. We must be wise and discerning; courageous enough to not follow the herd, and rational enough to not embrace unfounded, sensationalistic thinking. But how can we be privy to, even investigate conspiracy theories, without succumbing to fear, fanaticism, or tribalism? How can we be vigilant of the signs of the times without developing an unhealthy interest in controversies and speculation? These are just some of the questions I hope to answer in the following pages.

[1] The Great Tribulation is considered by some theologians and Bible students to be a seven-year period of terrible global unrest, or as Jesus said, “great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matt. 24:21 KJV). During this time, the Antichrist is believed to be revealed. The Pre-Tribulation Rapture theory purports that Christ will appear secretly and “rapture” all true believers before the Tribulation, who will meet Him “in the clouds” (I Thess. 4:17 NIV), and escape “the wrath to come” (I Thess. 1:10 ESV).

[2] Dispensational premillennialists believe in a seven-year tribulation when the Antichrist is especially active and God pours out His wrath before 1,000 years of Christ’s reign in which the Jewish nation will have a special place and the Jewish Temple will be restored. Israel and the Church are seen as distinct groups within God’s plan. https://www.compellingtruth.org/dispensational-premillennialism.html

[3] https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/procter-gamble-satan-conspiracy-theory

[4] https://www.vox.com/culture/22358153/satanic-panic-ritual-abuse-history-conspiracy-theories-explained

[5] https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-qanon-has-attracted-so-many-white-evangelicals/

[6] https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/05/17/too-many-evangelical-christians-fall-for-conspiracy-theories-online-and-gullability-is-not-a-virtue/

[7] https://religiondispatches.org/why-respectable-evangelicals-cant-rein-in-evangelical-conspiracy-theorists/

[8] https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/media/misinformation-spreads-fast-now-scholarship-does-too

[9] https://honorscollege.uark.edu/academics/honors-college-seminars/signature-seminars/conspiracy-theory.php

[10] https://news.asu.edu/20210330-global-engagement-new-asu-center-fight-disinformation-campaigns-threaten-democracy

[11] https://www.tun.com/blog/universities-media-literacy-courses-combat-fake-news/

[12] https://thehill.com/opinion/international/560480-us-finishes-dead-last-in-media-trust-among-46-countries-heres-why/