"A CALL TO REPENTANCE. Move Away from Conspiracy Theories" Slightly Adapted (with permission from the author) from an article by Dean Van Druff

Below is an article by a Christian Leader that was addressed to his own flock. We saw that the article contained a great deal of truth that was also pertinent to us and to all Bible-Believers. We therefore requested and received from the author permission to publish excerpts with adaptions made for Brit-Am audiences. The original may be seen at: http://www.acts17-11.com/conspire.html

"A CALL TO REPENTANCE.
Move Away from Conspiracy Theories" by Dean Van Druff

1) Conspiracy Theory - Intro and Overview Conspiracy Theory is more than just the belief in an occasional conspiracy. Simply put, it is a belief system that asserts that world events are being controlled in secret by a group of ultra-powerful puppeteers behind the scenes. While nothing much can be done about this overall conspiracy, at least we can have the satisfaction of being smart enough to have figured it all out.

If viewed as fiction, Conspiracy Theory is compelling and fascinating. If it were just a nightmarish novel meant to be unnerving and just a bit beyond plausible, like Asimov's Foundation, that would be one thing. But Conspiracy Theory projects its fiction onto real-life people, families, groups, and organizations. It purports to actually be true... and this is the problem.

If The Root Is Unholy...

Conspiracy Theories are as old as politics. Hitler was a master at weaving conspiracy tales. Nero concocted one to shift the blame to Christians for the burning of Rome...And so on.

The modern day mythology of conspiracy was brought into popular view by the self-styled Democratic candidate Lyndon LaRouche and his followers in the late 1970s. (You may remember the guys in the airports, right next to the Moonies.) The LaRouchites would pass out "Executive Intelligence Reports" (EIRs) that purported to inform us plebeians what was "really going on" and why we should thus support Lyndon.

Ironically, the hobbyhorse of an outcast Democrat has now made the shift from airport "kook" fundraising to mainstream commentators and talk show hosts on radio, both conservative and Christian.

Regurgitated Propaganda, Or Wisdom?

The basic plotlines of Conspiracy Theory have a striking resemblance to anti-Semitic propaganda manufactured in Germany pre-WW2, with only the slight obfuscation of substituting "international bankers" for "Jews." Indeed, many in the Militia and Patriot movements have no illusions about this and have an open anti -Semitic message.

Lyndon LaRouche, and later a few credulous Christian prophecy teachers, brought these ideas into widespread exposure by omitting the original--and more obvious--anti-Semitic ravings and by weaving them together into a compelling whole. Before this, John Birch Society members often promoted them.

Somehow, these tales inflame the fears and paranoia of people to the extent that, even when the Jewish target is "removed," a residue remains in the human imagination that is happy to attach itself to a more vague target. For it must be admitted that some people get a perverse enjoyment from wallowing in such "snits" of paranoia, bogus "insight," fear, discontentment, etc. that propaganda like this evokes. The genius of the modern "Christian" versions of Conspiracy Theory is that now we do not have to be openly anti-Semitic to enjoy these effects.

Strange Bedfellows

With the common bond of being "upset" and discontent in general, the modern co-belligerents of Conspiracy Theory are an odd group indeed. Nowhere is the absurdity of this more stark and ironic than among Jewish Christians who espouse it.

The sources of Conspiracy Theory notions are suspicious--to be generous. But regardless of a dubious historical pedigree, is Conspiracy Theory true or merely a paranoid delusion coupled with an active imagination? Or is it just the human tradition of "ghost stories" taken to a new level of story-telling believability?

2) Working in the Dark The problem of testing the "theory" at the level of information is stark. Conspiracy Theory is by its very nature impossible to disprove. The revisionist history of Conspiracy Theory is based on "special knowledge" that plays by different rules than normal history, since it is dealing with "secret" history.

It is easy to spin these tales, but how can they be tested for being true? If you attempt to do this and find the notions bogus, are you one of "them?" As the joke goes, "Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean the world isn't really out to get me!"

So the "theorists" spin yarns, and nary a soul will contest them. After all, who is well-connected enough politically and economically to say for sure that no long-running international conspiracy exists? Get it? The deck is loaded.

The Conspiratist can go on and on without the need for any real research, except to imagine how it might be in a dark fantasy that will appeal to the paranoia and disenchantment of the intended audience and, in general, fit in with the overall Theory.

But those who do not "buy it" have to try to prove that a nonexistent group didn't have a supposed meeting at such-and-such a place, etc.; or worse still that this or that real group or person has been wholly misunderstood and misquoted. This second case is especially nasty, as many of the real groups and people, whom we would be defending and quoting correctly, have open (i.e., not conspiratorial) agendas we disagree with! It is a perfect trap: to counter the Conspirators' misrepresentation, exaggeration, and fantasy we will end up defending, giving time, attention, emphasis, clarification, press, etc., to ideas we loath!

It is not work to cheer the soul, so few have tried.

So the "theory" evolves and grows and goes on--largely unchecked. It is not possible to comprehensively disprove ALL cases, and only an impossibly long-suffering soul would spend time clarifying the SPECIFIC bad ideas that have been made worse by overstatement, exaggeration, alarmism, and fantasy.

The crowning beauty--or horror--of Conspiracy Theory is that conspiracy is by its very nature secret and thus cannot be proven or disproved.

Of course, the conspiracy buffs claim special "insider" knowledge. Should they be believed?

Q. The Theory Meets Reality?

To start with, let us acknowledge straight off that there are people and groups of people out there who have plots, plans, and ideas that are secret, bad, even dangerous. The nature of these real conspiracies will be addressed briefly in counterpoint to Conspiracy THEORIES.

That people in power and wealth tend to promote people who agree with them or have some other common bond is no conspiracy, but simple human nature. A president, for example, is EXPECTED to appoint judges who are like-minded to him. Leaders in general form a liking for particular schools, sources of talent, consultants, etc. based on past history of success. If you are building a house, would you not favor a church member or good friend as a contractor, all else being equal, especially if you had received good service from them in the past? This may look like collusion to outsiders, but is simple pragmatic management to those involved. For Conspiracy Theory adherents to suggest that such normal activities prove a "conspiracy" is not good evidence that they are thinking clearly. We all know what a real conspiracy is, do we not?

Real conspiracies work best when small and short lived. They take significant energy and planning and are vulnerable to the light of scrutiny. Every person brought in and every day that passes adds to the risk of an ongoing conspiracy.

Occasionally people really do conspire. For example, our American founding fathers declared independence from England some 200 years ago. But the "conspiracy" in that case was just the means used, not the cause. It was needed momentarily, then dropped as a technique. The real and lasting causes were well known, even by the British. The American Revolution could have been reasonably predicted by traditional sociology and political science. The conspiracy aspect was a temporary sideshow.

Those who aspire to do anything (good or bad) often collude in secret before launching out. Consensus building in private, forming alliances away from public view, and strategic meetings in secret are certainly a "way of the world."

But this is mere conventional thinking, not Conspiracy Theory. Conspiratists believe not merely that an occasional conspiracy exists, but that this is the dominant theme of history, that an "unseen hand" is guiding the world inexorably to the whim of certain supra-rich and/or powerful individuals.

The Clouded Crystal Ball

Conspiracy Theory assertions have a nasty habit of colliding head-on with reality. Its predictive power is poor, dismally so, since it rarely deals with real motives and forces in the world. Real people, including leaders, most often do things out of greed, altruism, self interest, passion, fear, ideals, racial or religious hatred, and the like.

To point out all the failed predictions of Conspiracy Theory would surely fill the internet, since every Conspiratist has his own unique spin on the Theory. As a challenge to the reader--from what you know of it--has Conspiracy Theory ever been right? I cannot think of a single case: an election, Russia taking us over, predictions of economic collapse, Christians being placed into concentration camps, Soviet armies massing at the Mexican border, gold values going up, the UN becoming more than a venting place and whipping boy, etc. Can you?

Conspiratists seem much better at fanciful reinterpretations of history than predicting what will happen next. But this does not stop them from trying. For the Conspiratist takes great pride in being "in the know."

4) The Return of the Illuminati With wild claims of inside information on international clandestine dealings, the conspiracy buffs end up in an ironic hypocrisy. They believe in an ongoing "Illuminati." The Illuminati were (are?) a group that claimed special knowledge, secret knowledge that set them above the common man. Does such a group exist in today's world? Are there those among us who see themselves as possessing secret knowledge not available to the common man? Ironically, the Conspiracy Theorists themselves are the best candidates to be found. They have "figured it out," and if you do not "see it," then you are just one of the dupes manipulated by the ghost Conspiracy that only the "enlightened ones" know about.

While we may not often like the way things are, the causal factors rarely include a conspiracy. Are not the real problems we face usually all too open and obvious: workaday problems like greed, self-interest, fear, bigotry, laziness, etc., flagrantly displayed or perhaps thinly veiled at best?

5) The Symbiosis and Risks of Alarmism

The coming one-world government is not likely to be created by the pathetic attempts of the likes of the UN utopians, or imaginary rich people who long to cut off the trade advantages that are the very branch they are sitting on; but rather in reaction to a global crisis of God's judgment on a world that will be groping in response. In the meantime, the way of the world is much more easily understood without the kaleidoscopic thrills of Conspiracy Theory. And while conspiratists project fantastic evils onto the Rockefellers or the Catholics or the US Congress or the Jews or whomever, real enemies who are hell-bent on destroying us go unnoticed.

The bottom line is that while it may be great fun and fantasy for those of a paranoid bent, Conspiracy Theory is NOT taken seriously by people who run this world, it is useless for predicting or explaining what is going on and why. Only those who do not need to be correct can hold this view for long.

Sanity Check

The media has an undeniable liberal and anti-Christian bias. But let us keep in mind that while leaders of our media are responsible for their actions, we are responsible for ours as well. As slanted and distorted as our news is, should WE then resort to rumors and hearsay as an alternative? Is this not jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire? If the issue is truth, then the failure of our media is no excuse for us doing even worse!

6) Conspiracy Theory versus Revelation The theory of communism was built on a faulty premise and, thus, was doomed to not work in practice. They who believe in the Bible should be able to quickly apprehend that Conspiracy Theory is faulty at its core. Thus we should not be surprised at its failure in practice.

Somebody Forgot To Check Their Scriptures...

Fundamental to Conspiracy Theory is a basic view of the world. This view is defined by its adherents as the "Conspiratorial View" of history. This explanation of the course of history is pitted against the "Linear View" of history (or somesuch). These, we are told, are the only options! (This smacks of Marx's false dichotomy that only two classes existed.) But it is just not true. Dare we mention it, at least one other possible explanation of why things happen is the "Biblical View."

Amos 3:7 (NIV) Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

And Scripture never mentions anything anywhere even approaching the scope of Conspiracy Theory.

In general, The Bible neither denies real human conspiracies nor suggests that they are a major factor in history. Scripture puts conspiracies where they belong: as an occasional and hard to maintain sideshow.

2 Samuel 15:12 (NIV) ... And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing.

But never in the Bible are we encouraged to imagine that conspiracy is the grand explanation of history or the overarching issue of causality in human affairs. In fact, just the opposite is commanded.

Isaiah 8:12-13 (NIV) "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread."

The lesson seems to be that there are certain times that the temptation to blame what is happening on conspiracy or alliances should be distinctly avoided...

Psalms 2:1-2 (KJV) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed....

Ezekiel 38:1-2,8 (NIV) "Son of man, prophesy... and say: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, O Gog,... I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel. It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign Lord.... "

God apparently thinks it important for us to know at the End of the Age that He is doing this, and it is of no human invention or scheme. Even if some have plans....

Psalms 33:10 (NIV) The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

Is it not amazing that Scripture completely misses what Conspiracy Theory made popular? Boy did God blow this one! If He only knew what was "really going on." If He were only more "informed!"

So it is God versus the conspiracy buffs. Tough one, eh?

Who ya gonna believe nowadays?

Isaiah 8:12 (NIV) "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it."

7) "Conspiracy" in the Heavenlies?

At a mere human level, Conspiratists have pontificated at length about Masonic cabals bent on ruining the very economy which they supposedly constructed, while completely missing Militant Islam's open agenda calling for civilization's death and destruction. Radical Muslim clerics scream "Death to America" in US Mosques and Universities and on the Internet, and openly plot to bring the US and then the world under Islamic rule, and not one Conspiratist takes them seriously before they actually strike a blow. Even non-Conspiratists missed the threat due to religious political correctness. (While a particular terrorist "cell" is a closely guarded military secret, Islamism's worldwide goals for Israel, the US, and modern civilization have been published and broadcast and ranted about for many decades. Yet even with all the funds and weapons and virulent hatred for us, it seemed politically dangerous to point out that Islamists had declared open war against us.) My goodness, even at the level of the here and now, we humans seem to have a propensity to dramatically miss the point of where the real threat is coming from. Are we not doing even worse in the spiritual by missing the nature of the war that we are in with such dalliances as Conspiracy Theory--in direct violation to scriptural revelation and emphasis?

Are we shooting our guns off into the air of Conspiracy Theory... while a real enemy stands behind us? Even among us?

8) We Didn't Lose, They Cheated!

The Enemy Within

Perhaps part of the appeal of blaming things on conspiracies is that it assuages our own lack of concern and engagement in the public arena. Sure, we lost, but "Hey, they cheated!" Oddly enough, though, when we show up we do quite well, just as God promised. But when we fail to even try, we are tempted to accuse our opponents of "foul play" instead of reflecting objectively on the fact that we caved in, did not care, did not try, etc.

Spiritual Wimps

Our spiritual enemy is winning a terrific battle against us if he can short circuit our zeal and eliminate our influence via the fatalism of Conspiracy Theories…With our consciences satisfied that the enemy is somehow cheating, we throw down our swords before the fight even starts.

The utility of Conspiracy Theory thus comes into focus. It shifts blame. It is a sophisticated excuse machine. This is how Hitler used it; this is how Nero used it; this is how we are using it. Has there even been a Conspiracy Theory concocted short of this purpose?

9) Slandering Our Enemies

Leviticus 19:16 (NIV) "Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the Lord."

Exodus 23:1 (NIV) "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness."

Instead of realizing the pragmatic, even convicting reasons why we have failed in so many ways to effect our culture, we accuse our enemies of cheating via conspiracy. The motive for this was discussed previously.

Fruit Inspection

Proverbs 18:8 (NIV) The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Proverbs 18:8 (NAS) The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles....

Like all sin, slander and gossip can be fun in the moment. But like all sin, there is a price to be paid later. The price here is in defamation of character to the real-life people and organizations, and in self-delusion and inability to discern the truth for those who continue in it.

10) Making Idols of Mere Men

Why Dilbert Is Funny

At a local and experiential level, we all know the problems of position and responsibility. The higher the position, the more impossible to process all the information, to take everything into account, to please everyone, etc. That is why it is nice to dream of being in charge, but harder to sleep when you are.

But for the Conspiratist, who can see this drama first-hand at their own job, city counsel, etc., there is a different set of rules for world leaders. These are a different breed, somehow. To listen to the Conspiracy buffs, it becomes clear that you must believe that certain people or groups possess superhuman powers of intelligence, time management, persuasion, influence, stealth, etc. These "puppeteers" have powers that would make Superman look like a weakling.

Up close, we see people for what they really are. At a distance, they must be gods!

This is clearly idolatry, and a rather ridiculous type at that. And again, we must be honest and admit that idol-making is great fun, and so is the reveling around the constructed image.

It might be countered that Conspiracy Theory believers are not gripped with the fear of real or imaginary human leaders, but demonic spirits--even Satan--who animate these people. But this is even worse! Instead of fearing God or honoring the temporal king, we now find ourselves emotionally and spiritually prostrated before demons and Satan, trembling for them!

Isaiah 57:11 (NKJ) "And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, that you have lied and not remembered Me, nor taken it to your heart? Is it not because I have held My peace from of old that you do not fear Me?"

Brothers and sisters, let us repent. Let us turn our minds from these dark meditations to the Word of God, and begin now to work and pray in accordance with His eternal and permanent kingdom.

Which kingdom do our private thoughts and feelings reveal we are vested in?

11) Ideas Have Consequences There were pervasive rumors running rampant before WW2 concerning the Jews. One of note was that Jews were purportedly using Gentile blood in the making of the Passover Matzos. These and other rumors were so outlandish and ignorant that they did not seem worthy of serious response. They were so ridiculous and divorced from reality that no one bothered to dispute them. So they became "common knowledge."

We often wonder what went so wrong in Germany that an entire segment of the population (many professing to be Christians!) would willfully and enthusiastically participate in the day to day executions of the holocaust. We are not going to suggest here that the ONLY reason this happened were the rumors, gossip, and slander running rampant in Germany unchecked for decades beforehand, but certainly these were a major factor in creating the climate that would allow, and even justify, the mayhem and shame that resulted.

We, of course, are much superior to the Germans, and immune to the effects of outrageous stories and lies coursing through our minds for decades, unchallenged.

The one thing we learn from history, it appears, is that we can never learn from history.

12) Credulity and Witness

Proverbs 14:15 (NIV) A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

I) Did you know that as a residue of the miracle of the creation of woman that man has one less rib than woman as an eternal reminder? This Christian legend still persists in sermons, homilies, and wedding ceremonies, despite the fact that it is not true. Men have the same number of ribs as women.

II) The FCC has received over 30 million pieces of mail protesting a petition supposedly authored by Madalyn Murray O'Hare to remove all Christian broadcasting from the airways. The embarrassing thing is... that no such petition or issue exists. But this does not stop copies of pamphlets and counterpetitions from circulating and being promoted. Try as the FCC might, the rumor cannot be quelled. The FCC even has a "religious petition" disclaimer option when you call the computerized switchboard and, now, a posting on the FCC website (see link section at end of article).

III) In the early 80s, the periodic alignment of the planets was going to torque the earth, causing earthquakes, tidal waves, etc. Have the pastors and teachers who promoted this bogus theory apologized or repented? The fact that those who made an industry of this error are still revered as established prophecy "experts" among us, showing no sign of repentance, circumspection, or humility, is perhaps the greatest scandal of this unfortunate episode.

IV) A rumor keeps recurring every few years that executives at certain large corporations have appeared on TV talk shows admitting to being Satanists. This slander ends up having a commercial motive and has led to several lawsuits. While the source of this particular rumor has been traced (and prosecuted, see link section for more on this) to certain Amway distributors, many of these also claim to be Christians, and it must be admitted that this slander has overflowed into many non-Amway Christian minds and mouths as well.

V) In the mid 80s, a new threat emerged in the "ten nation" European Economic Community (EEC), now termed the European Union (EU). This was portrayed as everything from a trade-war juggernaut to a fulfillment of prophecy. Despite all the hype, the economic progress after a decade has been modest, to put it generously. It actually started with six member nations and, eventually, passed through ten; when the eleventh and twelfth nations joined, it did not stop the interpretation of the EU as the nefarious "ten horn" alliance prophesied in Scripture. Luckily, the USA started with thirteen, not having to pass through the dreaded number ten, or we might also have been identified with Daniel 7 and Revelation 17. Unfortunately for the EU the stigma of this "teaching" absurdly persists. In the minds of some evangelical Christians, the EU sort of got "stuck" at ten, even though they now have fifteen member states.

VI) Another recurrent Christian legend is that of the "beast" computer in Brussels (or wherever). This first surfaced in the late 1970s, where the idea was to track every person in the entire world as a fulfillment of the 666 prophecy. We can now assess this from the cooler position of hindsight. Consider that the educational computers used in modern elementary schools NOW would run circles around the best computer technology available back THEN, in speed, memory, reliability, and disc storage. Imagine running the world from the paltry PC that your kid learns his math on! It was no less absurd back in the 1970s to people who knew better. But to point this out made you either not "in the know" or part of the "conspiracy."

VII) At a restaurant a few years back where we were splitting the check, $20 bills were confiscated and the plastic "security strips" (to thwart counterfeiting) woven in vertically (just under the U of the United States of...) were wiggled loose and pulled out from the top by a well-meaning minister present. When asked why this defacing of currency was necessary, he replied, "These strips allow the government to track how much money we have--and our movements--via satellite. By removing them, we can foil their plan."

VIII) The latest and most persistent Christian rumor, and the subject of this article, is that an overwhelming, worldwide, international conspiracy exists--manipulating nearly everything that we see-- which is spearheaded variously by the Bilderbergers, the DuPonts, the Rockefellers, the CFR, the Trilateral Commission, black helicopters, and the ever popular "Illuminati." This dark fantasy is called "Conspiracy Theory," and has become the darling of Christians. [Proverbs 14:16] A WISE MAN FEARETH, AND DEPARTETH FROM EVIL: BUT THE FOOL RAGETH, AND IS CONFIDENT. [Proverbs 14:27] THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, TO DEPART FROM THE SNARES OF DEATH. [Proverbs 16:6] BY MERCY AND TRUTH INIQUITY IS PURGED: AND BY THE FEAR OF THE LORD MEN DEPART FROM EVIL.

 

"FAQ: A CALL TO REPENTANCE. Move Away from Conspiracy Theories" Slightly Adapted (with permission from the author) from FAQ by Dean Van Druff

Below are excerpts from answers to FAQ by Dean Van Druff concerning Conspiracy Theories.The author gave us permission to publish these excerpts with very slight adaptions made for Brit-Am audiences. The original may be seen at: http://www.acts17-11.com/conspire_FAQ.html

"Answers to Conspiracy FAQ"
by Dean Van Druff

Frequently Asked Questions, Additional Points, and Links following on from the article "A CALL TO REPENTANCE. Move Away from Conspiracy Theories" also entitled: "Repentance from Conspiracy Theories" Extracts Only: Prepared by Permission for Brit-Am Audiences:

Q. Who is a Real Believer? Conspiracy Nuts or their Opponents? "How can you actually believe that these conspiracies do not exist? You act like they couldn't and anyone who believed that they could is a nut. Your essay sounded like something a nonbelieving Christian would have said."

My article was about Conspiracy Theories, not real conspiracies. Researching and ferreting out conspiracies is noble work when done honestly with genuine research. Such real work is a far cry from the fantasies and fabrications of Conspiracy Theory, which are merely systematized gossip and manufactured deception. As to conspiracy scenarios such as the assassination of President Kennedy, Malcom X, or the Jonestown suicides--to name just a few--people have various deeply held suspicions. But, let us be clear that I have no interest here in "calling to repentance" from any such opinions or conclusions... On the other hand, if people are hell-bent on regurgitating worn-out anti-Semitic propaganda with no attachment whatsoever to the truth, then I think this is wrong. The spiritual pathology and ramifications of such practices ought to be pointed out, and have. Let us give fear where fear is due. Let us not tremble for the real conspiracies men are plotting even now, much less the "Conspiracy Theory" bogymen as if we were cowering children in the darkness of this world.

Q. Are Only "Pinkey" Liberals Against Conspiracy Theories? "You must be a flaming liberal..."

No, I am not. I'm a conservative. In fact, I have been a registered Libertarian most of my adult life. Conspiracy Theory has a minority of "believers" on the left as well as the right. To be sure, the left is much more sophisticated than the right at putting forth its conspiracy theories: via Hollywood, the media, and high-brow academics. But a minority on both left and right are guilty. It is my opinion that the more natural environment for Conspiracy Theories is among liberals rather than conservatives. For example, Conspiracy Theories were foundational in the formation of both the Soviet Union and the Nazi Regime--the two most murderous governments in modern history, interestingly--but one gets the feeling that the Nazi's used Conspiracy Theory as calculated propaganda and did not really believe it, and this does not appear to be the case with the Communists. See the book by Daniel Pipes (links, below) for more on this. For another example, the many modern pop-culture movies, TV shows, events, etc. promoting Conspiratorial views come almost exclusively from liberal producers (Oliver Stone, the X-Files, Louis Farrakhan, etc.) who seem to actually think they are true. But I stray from your incorrect accusation that I am a liberal since I am against Conspiracy Theories. Not so. ..To be clear about this, I have repented of Conspiracy Theories for spiritual, not political, reasons, and would encourage you to do the same.

Q. "Every one dollar bill is covered with Masonic symbolism..."

The Masonic influence in the formation of the USA cannot be denied. There are also Christian phrases and symbolism laced throughout the founders' writing as well. This surely galls American atheists, but there it is. And the Enlightenment ideas and Masonic emblems and regalia vex us Christians, but this is a FREE country, I think you know. Freedom carries with it certain costs. One of those is to allow other people the right to their own religious beliefs, even if they are anathema to you.

Psalms 33:10 (NAS) The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. Isaiah 40:17 (NAS) All the nations are as nothing before Him. They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.

Q. "How can you deny we are moving to a one world government? What about the UN? What about the New World Order? What about...(etc., etc., etc.)?"

Let us reason together concerning this. Clearly, the "unification" trend is weak compared to the "balkanization" trend prevalent just now. These "globalist" fears simply do not match the facts. Such is prophesied, and it will eventually happen--perhaps in a way we don't expect. But the pendulum right now is swinging the other way entirely. People are being killed because they cannot get along with their close neighbors and near kinsmen. Think this through, and you will see that the quixotic dream of global human unification seems rather daffy just now. Such "theories" would do you little good in present-day Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, South Korea, or Israel...  If you care to repent with me, you might find it harder than you think. Conspiracy Theory has been compared to mental pornography (see the link section, below), and is difficult to be cured of. Just when you think you are free, these notions may well assail you again with that same delicious, illicit appeal.   Truth is the antidote--a complete dedication to and immersion in truth. Scripture is the place to start.

Q. "This great Christian nation is being taken over by infidels and traitors. Don't you know that Washington, DC is filled with Masonic symbols and.... "

You must know that many of the early leaders of our country were Masons. Thus, why be shocked over their symbols being adopted? This much is history. It is like being scandalized over finding a Jewish symbol on an Israeli coin... I find letters in my daily mailbox taking me to task for my "ignorance" of the Masonic and Enlightenment influence on the formation of my country; I am not unaware of this. Then, alternately, letters haranguing me the that USA was founded as a "Christian nation." Well, which is it? Our founding fathers, including Benjamin Franklin, spoke in religious terms quite often-- in general just as disingenuously as politicians today. Do you take the sappy and pandering religious statements made by modern politicians today seriously? (Let us hope that in 100 years, people are not so naive as to take the religious contrivances of our modern political leaders so seriously.) As in modern politics, there were a few genuine Christians in the mix of our Founding Fathers as well. But who could deny the strong Enlightenment influence in the formation of our country? I am not a professional historian, but I can point out that it seems inconsistent to claim, on the one hand, that "Masons formed this country" and in the next breath claim that "This is a Christian nation." It was a blend then, and it is a blend now. If we are concerned that we are losing ground in our nation, then let us fast and pray and become engaged in the public arena rather than turn our ear to the Conspiracy Theory talebearer. For we know his game is to offer us tasty trifles as a narcotic to assuage our laziness and losses. "They cheated," and all that.

Q. Do they who believe in Conspiracy Theories Need to Repent? "Why did you write and post this article?"

I am one who believes it proper to fear God, yet many Christians do not. This is fine. They just have not really encountered Him yet. <smiles> If and when they do, they will not think fear mere respect. In the meantime, it is just a word... In any case, to fear men is CLEARLY forbidden by our Lord and in the whole of Scripture. And this, it must be admitted, is the principal effect of the doctrine of Conspiracy Theory. And this foul fruit should not surprise us, given the diabolical pedigree of such ideas. Modern Conspiracy Theories were, in the main, deliberately manufactured by anti-Semites to justify violence towards the Jews. A key point of the article is that Conspiracy Theories throughout history have only and ever been used to shift blame from its proper place via slanderous scapegoating. In short, Conspiracy Theory is a form of psychosis. It is delusion, and thus unfit for believers in the truth. Often the excuse is "research" so that we can "know what is going on." But let us consider the axiom of "garbage in, garbage out." Would you consider listening to Hitler's propaganda--in his day--a wise use of a person's time and interest? Is one who has fed himself a diet of such rumors and gossip and fabrications "wise" or "learned" or "well researched?" Is it ever a good idea to drink from poison streams when we know the headwaters are toxic? Is listening to Hitler's repackaged anti-Semite ravings NOW any less stupid than then, or is it even more so? The Conspiracy Theory mental diet of "dark meditations" has poisoned the faith of more than a few, and so in love I hope to call believers to repentance. When I originally wrote the article I was a lone voice, but now there are many others. And many have actually repented, praise God. It is my hope and prayer that you will as well.

Q. Are you trying to imply that all Conspiracy Theorists MUST be anti-Semitic?

I tried to make it clear in the article that this is not the case. It is crucial, however, not to miss the point that the historical source and early promulgation of these tales were from rabid anti-Semites, regardless of what they have now evolved into. Yet, I do not intend to suggest that these must always go together--as a sort of "wrong by association" ploy. Chuck Missler, for example, is a staunch supporter of Israel and has a sincere love for the Jews, and yet also is one of the most famous and persuasive Christian Conspiracy Theory teachers in our time. This brings up the following problem for Conspiracy teachers: Few people (including Missler) show circumspection and sobriety concerning the "appearance of evil" in joining without qualification as co-belligerents with anti-Semites for the sake of Conspiracy Theory promotion by quoting them, promoting their books, and other such tacit endorsements. Conspiracy Theory can be the initiation that lures many into extreme groups. It is a well-known strategy that many in the Militia and "Identity" camp will sneak into churches bringing a message of lament over the state of our nation with a close eye to see who will resonate to this message. Those who take the bait will be invited to a "deep teaching" or "narrow path" Bible study, which may end up being a quasi-Christian Militia or Identity front. This needs to be warned against, since many believers have no idea what they are getting into and/or are in disbelief/denial that this is happening in the churches. Besides warning against wolves who are using Conspiracy Theory as "bait" to recruit out of churches, I am of the view that Conspiracy Theory is wrong in itself.   If we know what the powers of this world have planned for us, then we can be prepared with supplies and ready for what is coming; rather than stick our heads into the ground like so many ostriches--which you seem to be suggesting.

Q. Are they who hold by Conspiracy Theories Repeating the Evil-Worshipping Heresy of Gnosticism? "While pointing out that Conspiracy Theorists end up looking a lot like the historic Illuminati, you missed the point that they more biblically fit the pattern of the Gnostics. The emphasis towards the esoteric, the unprovable, the hankering to meditate and focus on speculations and secret knowledge as a point of pride... is not this the essence of Gnosticism?"

Even though similarities in pathology and essence are indeed apparent, it may be a stretch to associate the error of Conspiracy Theory with the heresy of Gnosticism. Gnosticism was/is a full-tilt heresy since it deals in content with Christology and the gospel, offering a rival version. The content of Conspiracy Theory is decidedly carnal, which is reason enough to reject it. Thus, at worst it is an error, not a heresy.

Q. "You are agents of Satan and enemies of God since you are trying to turn the eye of the true believers from the massive conspiracy plotted against us".

From our point of view, as stated above, we do not think that Conspiracy Theories constitute heresy, but an error. Thus, we have friends with whom we fellowship as believers who disagree with us on this, and would encourage you to take the same attitude no matter what you conclude about our position on this matter. They think we are in error, like you do, and we think they are. But from our side we will not accuse nor judge beyond what is appropriate for the subject matter. This is, at worst, an error on someone's part, not something to divide over.

Q. "Your view of conspiracy theory all depends on your view of eschatology!"

The issue is how this "trouble" (or "great trouble") comes and what precipitates it. What will drive the events leading up to the climax of history? Conspiracy Theory? Or God's successive escalation of judgments in cascading waves? The Bible never tells us that conspiracy will be the cause, in fact we are warned against just such a temptation at the end of the age...

Q. "Don't you think Satan works through people to further his plans, just as God works to further His?"

Yes. More often, and more effectively, openly, not conspiratorially. Often Conspiracy adherents imply or assert an inexplicable link between evil and conspiracy. But conspiracy can be good, no? I see no such link. Rather, I see conspiracy as a fragile technique of neutral morality with a poor batting average. I see evil as more clearly linked to lies. God never lies... Satan always does; it is His native language. The application to Conspiracy Theories here is obvious, but I stray from the question. The effectiveness of conspiracies has been highly overrated by Conspiracy Theory believers. In fact, conspiracies normally fail. Think of the conspiracies mentioned in Scripture? Did any succeed? (Read on for more concerning this.) And didn't God tell us NOT to believe in "conspiracy" as a factor of causality just before His return? Perhaps Satan has learned a lesson from all the previous failed conspiracies, and thus God's specific warning at the End of the Age NOT to be tempted to "call conspiracy" what we might otherwise suspect. Think about it. Roe vs. Wade was lost in open court; etc. etc. etc. for all the massive setbacks of the Church in recent times. Satan's wins of late have been frontal assaults. Perhaps we can learn something from this concerning his future and ultimate strategy.

Q. Is Conspiracy in the Bible? "The Bible is FILLED with Conspiracies of all types..."

When has one ever ultimately worked? Search the Scripture and see if you can find even one example. Why then are you so worried now?

Q. Do not the Financial Policies of Governments and the Great Banks Prove Conspiracy? "If you believe monetary policy in this country is run to benefit our citizens under democratic rule, we need to talk. Recessions, wars, inflation have all been used by leaders and policy makers to further their plans...

A common rebuttal we get is to rave about the sinister activities of the nefarious Federal Reserve Board and how exploited we all are by these "International Bankers." Well, let us address this soberly." Mexico, Israel, Russia, etc. have real problems with inflation and monetary policy, and citizens in these countries are scrambling to survive and preserve their wealth. We in the US, on the other hand, have exceptionally low inflation and a monetary policy that is the envy of the world, and look who's complaining. While I am not in favor of the Federal Reserve System, nor am I defending it, we must admit that they have done a rather good job of late. If you think otherwise, then I invite you to put your money into rubles. Or, better still, "store up treasures" somewhere else... Dare I suggest it, but might we actually praise God for such results? Remember, these are mere men. They have mixed motives and limited capabilities. Thus, God deserves high praise for His grace and mercy to us in this regard, not grumbling. Let us repent of being spoiled crybabies... by getting a sense of perspective and praise.

Q. Are Not Conspiracy Buffs Intelligent People? "Since being in this [Conspiracy-oriented] "movement" I have met some of the most intelligent people I have ever known..."

I have had an opposite experience, but suppose your point is true... Let us return to the point about the utility of Conspiracy Theories: they are concocted and promoted to shift blame. Intelligent people are undoubtedly better at this than dull people, but at heart this practice is cowardly and manipulative. Consider Nero; there was no Christian conspiracy to burn Rome, but being an "intelligent" guy, he concocted a Conspiracy Theory meant to scapegoat a group he did not like. The Nazi party played the same game, manufacturing propaganda meant to stoke hatred for the Jews. Sadly, pre-war Nazi propaganda books are still popular today as Conspiracy Theory "classics," and are often quoted elsewhere as "research" and source material. But please note that in every case, there is no veracity, no truth, just a fabricated theory made up for the sole purpose to deflect guilt. And so on throughout history. And but a few years back, when our President is caught with his pants down... just try to predict the response of those caught in the act who refuse to repent. You do not even have to read the papers; it is a completely predictable response: guess what, there is a "vast right wing conspiracy" to blame. Is the President intelligent? Is that the problem? Can we see the pattern here?

Q. Do You Deny that Conspiracy Theorists Are often Right? "The Conspiracy Theory teachers have some incredible prophetic insights... they can explain nearly EVERYTHING that is going on in the world today..."

Again, we must judge prophets, or prophetic teachers, on their fruit, not on their esoteric appeal or wild-eyed claims.

Psalms 131:1 (KJV) Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

True prophetic teaching will lead people to prepare and store up in the heavenlies, not to be further distracted with the kingdoms of this world.

Select Links An excellent and insightful historical overview by Daniel Pipes, "Conspiracy: How the Paranoid Style Flourishes and Where It Comes from," is highly recommended for those interested in further research. It can be purchased at amazon.com. Here is an excerpt from an amazon.com reviewer:

"There is often a profane thrill to conspiracy talk: People may dismiss these theories as the ravings of lunatics, but frequently not until they've listened wide-eyed to a lengthy narrative. Sometimes this material can be appalling, especially when a history of evil criminality is attributed to members of a religious group such as the Catholics or (of course) the Jews. In these cases, one can come away from the material with a sense of degradation, precisely as in the case of the most debased kind of pornography."

For a succinct survey of "Christian Identity" doctrine and Militia / Patriot literature, see Northwest Citizen's article at http://nwcitizen.com/publicgood/reports/belief/ The book "Selling Fear" by Dr. Gregory Camp, a professional historian, is a comprehensive analysis of the incorporation of secular Conspiracy Theory into prophecy teachings. Beginning with the Illuminati legend, Camp explores such conspiracies as Freemasonry, the Federal Reserve, the Council on Foreign Relations and related groups. "Selling Fear" is the result of years of research and is extensively documented, and is available through your local Christian bookstore or at amazon.com. For an excellent article entitled "America's Patriot Movement: Infiltrating the Church with a Gospel of Hate" see the Winter 1997 version of the Christian Research Institute Journal (contact CRI at: 714 858-6100), or get the book written by Richard Abanes, "American Militias : Rebellion, Racism & Religion," at amazon.com. The trip to amazon.com for this and the above books is interesting just to read the rants from those addicted to the Theory, and in this case Richard's long-suffering replies. Floodlight is an educational resource on which goes point by point through definitions and rebuttals of Conspiracy Theory assertions, doctrines, and misunderstandings with special consideration of its effect on the American church, at http://www.floodlight.org/theory/contents.html A good place to browse for information on specific points of interest. The mother of all conspiracy sites is "The 50 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time" at http://www.conspire.com/ Is humor the best medicine for this disease? Links to most every other Conspiracy site you might be interested in. A review of 9-11 CTs by Der Spiegel entitled "Panoply of the Absurd" is at http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/english/0,1518,druck-265160,00.html Lyndon LaRouche, the adopted father and vigorous populist of modern Conspiracy Theory is still tinkering with his Frankenstein. Enter in to harms way at http://www.larouchepub.com/The shameful Religious Broadcasting Ban rumor has made the www. See the disclaimer on the FCC webpage at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/Religious.html For more on the Amway "Satan Rumor" see http://vandruff.com/mlm_PG.html

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