Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories?

Answer  
  

Who killed JFK? What is the Illuminati? Do 5G networks cause the coronavirus? Is [QAnon](QAnon.html) true? What is adrenochrome? Was there equipment on the space shuttle that caused earthquakes? If God reveals the answer to any of these speculations, we should be thankful He has brought light to our mysteries. If not, we should leave well enough alone—especially if dwelling on those mysteries brings fear.  
  

  

On one level, conspiracy theories are entertaining. Trying to connect the dots through disparate historical events brings a sense of order to chaos. Speculating about mysteries incites a titillating anxiety of the future that relieves boredom and distracts from more pressing dilemmas.  
  

Speaking up and uncovering the truth is certainly biblical. The prophet Nathan uncovered David’s conspiracy to cover up his sin of murder (2 Samuel 12\). Paul’s nephew uncovered a plot to assassinate Paul, and his knowledge foiled the attempt (Acts 23\). Wickedness likes to hide. John 3:20 says, "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." We should always seek the truth. “Love truth and peace” (Zechariah 8:19\).  
  

Two warnings concerning conspiracy theories: first, we should never get ahead of what God wishes to reveal to us. *God* reveals the truth in mystery (Daniel 2:30; Genesis 40:8\). He will tell us what we need to know in His time, and there are things we do not need to know (Mark 13:32; Revelation 10:4\). We should not indulge in useless speculation that takes time and effort away from our work for Christ (1 Timothy 1:4\).  
  

Second, we should not fear. "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7\). Many conspiracy theories feed fear and prey on ignorance and gullibility. God has called us to something better.  
  

One problem with conspiracy theories is that they place too much emphasis on worldly matters. It’s good for political intrigue to come to light, but that is not a necessary condition for the Christian life (2 Timothy 3:12\). It is right for corruption to be brought to justice (Isaiah 1:17\), but it is still possible to live a godly life, even if justice never happens. In our search for truth, Romans 8:31 should always be in mind: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?"  
  

Exposing the truth is good. Obsessing over rumor and hearsay and half\-proven theories is harmful. Ephesians 5:11\-14 is an excellent guideline. Verse 11 says to expose "the fruitless deeds of darkness." But verse 12 says not to mention them. How do we expose them? Not by conjecture or worry or fear or never\-ending deliberation, but by waiting on the words of verses 13 and 14: "Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible." Speak the truth and wait for God’s timing.  
  

Endless speculation about conspiracy theories is, at best, a waste of time. At worst, the obsession induces paralyzing fear as our attention is drawn away from Christ. Avoid the mysteries God hasn’t chosen to reveal yet. Let Him work according to His timing. Rest in His plan, which can never be thwarted (Job 42:2\).  
  

Above all, do not fear. “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed.” But “He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them” (Psalm 2:2, 4\).  
  

