“You are the target of grifters and bad actors and radical conspiracists who want to feed you things that entertain you or exploit and fuel any resentment or grievance that you may have” - C.Leaders
Conspiracy and the Christian
Editor’s note: Posted first here in 2022, but relevance has only increased.
by Bob Stevenson
8 common conspiracy theories that Tucker Carlson peddles about Israel
“Tucker Carlson has transformed from a mainstream conservative commentator into a prolific disseminator of misinformation, particularly targeting Israel, Jews, Christians, and the broader geopolitical dynamics involving Iran and Qatar.” - CPost
The New Medievals: The bones of our conspiracies haven’t changed, though their details are different.
“Conspiracy stories…promise heroes and villains, secret clues, and moral urgency. And each one invites the listener to join a righteous crusade.” - The Dispatch
Transparency Is the Answer to Conspiracy Thinking
“The real danger isn’t in believing a conspiracy theory but in adopting conspiracy thinking… ‘a stable predisposition that to one degree or another drives individuals to accept conspiracy theories.’ One of my main concerns with this mindset is how easily it makes its way from politics and the broader culture into the local church.” - TGC
How the QAnon movement entered mainstream politics – and why the silence on Epstein files matters
“what started as a baseless conspiracy on obscure platforms has migrated into the mainstream. It has influenced rhetoric and policy debates….The foundational belief of many of the QAnon followers is that Trump is a heroic figure fighting the elite pedophile ring.” - The Conversation
It’s a Conspiracy! A Biblical View of Conspiracy Theories
“Scripture also gives examples of conspiracy theories. Saul believed a conspiracy theory that David wanted to kill him (1 Sam. 22:8, 13), the Pharisees created a conspiracy theory to undermine and deceive others about the truth of Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 28:12-15), and Thomas chose to believe a conspiracy theory rather than the truth of Christ’s resurrection (Jn. 20:24-25).” - P&D
5 things to know about Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead FBI
“Patel elaborated on his upbringing and background in his 2023 book, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy.” - CPost
Misinformation: How and why people spread rumors is key to understanding how false information travels and takes root
“most misleading election rumors stem not from false or manipulated evidence but from misinterpretations and mischaracterizations…. the problem is not just about bad facts but also faulty frames, or the mental structures people rely on to interpret those facts.” - The Conversation
Pew Research: Most Black Americans Believe Racial Conspiracy Theories About U.S. Institutions
“for example, 82% of Black adults say they have heard the following racial conspiracy theory…Black people are more likely than White people to be incarcerated because prisons want to make money on the backs of Black people. Many Black adults (74%) say this racial conspiracy theory is true and happening in the U.S.