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The End Time and Conspiracy Narratives
July 27, 2016 | Marcos Torres

SDA Mustaches: A Grower's

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August 8, 2016

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The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, Dont Christian in an Anti-
call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and dont live in dread of what frightens them. Christian World
August 16, 2016
Make the Lord of Heavens Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the
one who should make you tremble.' Isaiah 8:11-13
Ellen White and
The current presidential campaign in the USA is insane. Trump is definitely the weirdest candidate Conspiracy
to ever run for president, and the long list of ethical question marks on Clinton's profile have many Narratives
August 12, 2016
wondering if she is any better. And as is true of all presidential elections, conspiracy theories
abound. In this article, I would like to share some wisdom on how we as Christians should
approach conspiracy theories (or facts). I am not here to suggest that they are or are not true and SDA Mustaches: A
neither am I here to encourage passivity and a "head in the sand" attitude. Our world is wild right Grower's Guide
August 8, 2016
now and things are not looking good. Nevertheless, how should we as Jesus-followers, believers in
the one who is sovereign above all things, respond to the numerous conspiracy theories hitting us
from every angle? 3 Ways
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According to author Michael Tracey, Conspiracy theories have always been popular in America to Intersects with
one degree or another.[1] In my younger years (and Im still young) I found myself captivated and Adventism
August 3, 2016
attracted by conspiracy theories. They were fascinating and the more I learned of them, the more I
felt as though I had some inside knowledge that no one else seemed to have.
Risk. Refugees.
As a Seventh-day Adventist, I have noticed that many Christians tend to get wrapped up in Gospel.
August 2, 2016
conspiracy theories. Certain preachers and ministries work hard to make conspiracy theories
especially attractive within our church and the rest of the evangelical world is not far behind either.
3 Reasons Why
Conspiracy theories are, nevertheless, harmful. My intention therefore is to suggest a balance Power Doesn't
when it comes to this issue. Jennifer Schwirzer got it right when she said, Conspiracy theories Matter in the Trinity
August 1, 2016
supposedly expose the dark deeds and covert alliances of governments, secret societies and
prominent individuals. One feels very powerful in the role of knowing. But the knowing can
degenerate into an unhealthy fascination with the mystery of iniquity leaving some so consumed How To Be A Seventh
with evil that they lose sight of the Savior.[2] Day Adventist
Millennial
August 1, 2016
Most proponents and supporters of conspiracy theories are often under the impression that they
are simply watching the signs of the times or exposing the deeds of Satan so as not to be Mourning the Loss of
deceived. There is something truly commendable here: The desire to be faithful to God. a Love You've Never
Understand that most who find themselves wrapped up in conspiracy theories are not wackos or Experienced
August 1, 2016
nut cases (though there are those as well). Instead, most of them (at least in Christian circles) are
sincere disciples of Christ whose ultimate goal is to remain faithful and loyal to God. However, I
would like to propose four reasons why conspiracy theories, rather than helping, can actually The End Time and
hinder our Christian walk and damage our witness. Conspiracy
Narratives
July 27, 2016
1. Conspiracy theories distract from Jesus
Some may argue and say that they dont. To those I would say, if delving into conspiracy theories
draws you closer to Jesus, then please dont stop. However, I am certain that the vast majority of Justice? Or "Just
us are not really drawn closer to Jesus at all. We just feel as though we are. Us"?
July 27, 2016

Conspiracy theories have a way of making us feel like we are more spiritual than others because of
the information we have. I have noticed that whenever my spiritual life is suffering I tend to be
more vulnerable to conspiracy theories. This is because they create a false sense of spirituality. I Archive
may not be praying more or reading the Bible more or leading others to Jesus more but because I
know who killed JFK and I know about the Illuminati, I feel more spiritual. This is self-deception. August 2016 (8)
Paul encourages us to, Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely
July 2016 (8)
you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
June 2016 (1)
Conspiracy theories, rather than helping, actually hinder our spiritual growth because they distract
us from Jesus while simultaneously making us feel as if were closer to Him. If there ever was a
true conspiracy taking place right now its this one: Satan is working overtime to keep you as
distracted from Jesus and His word as possible, and he will do whatever it takes to take your eyes
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off Him. Wasting time poring over conspiracy theories is one of many ways he accomplishes this #Adventism #Socialjustice
goal.
#alllivesmatter
2. Conspiracy theories generate a spirit of fear and anxiety #blacklivesmatter Adventism
The opening text for this article comes from Isaiah 8:11-13. At this time Isaiah was prophesying to Adventist Advice Alton Sterling
Ahaz, the King of Judah. The kingdoms of Syria and Israel had formed an alliance together to
Black Lives Matter DIY Dallas
destroy Judah. Ahaz was so afraid of this conspiracy formed against him that he turned to the
nation of Assyria and asked their king, Tiglath-pileser, for help. God was angry with Ahaz because FacialHair God's love Gospel
he allowed himself to become afraid and instead of trusting in God, he turned to a man for help. Grooming Growing Justice
God, speaking to Isaiah and Judah told them, Dont call everything a conspiracy and dont live in
Manly Mustache
dread of what frightens them. Make the Lord of Heavens Armies holy in your life. He is the one you
should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. Philando Castile SDA
Social Justice The Haystack
In this story we notice several things. Firstly, the conspiracy was not just a theory. It was real.
Theology Trinity fear
Likewise, many conspiracy theories floating around may in fact be real. However, Ahaz and Judah
became so distracted by the conspiracy that, instead of turning to God for help, they turned to the prejudice self-care speak life
king of Assyria. In the same way, conspiracy theories fill us with so much fear that we become thehaystack.org violence
afraid. Some stock their basements with canned food, run to the mountains, and do all kinds of
bizarre things because they are afraid. Instead of trusting that God will take care of them they turn
to the Assyria within for help. They trust in their own efforts and strength to save them in the
time of trouble. Follow Us
While there is nothing wrong with preparation for the coming crisis, moving to the country or
mountains, and learning how to live off of the land, if one does so out of fear it is not the Spirit of
God that is leading, For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and
self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Dont fear the conspiracies is the message of Isaiah. Fear God.
Satan wants everything that belongs to God, including fear, and conspiracy theories is one way that
he gets it.

3. Conspiracy theories generate a spirit of distrust.

John F Kennedy once said:

"They [conspiracy proponents] look suspiciously at their neighbors and their leaders. They
call for a man on horseback because they do not trust the people. They find treason in our
finest churches, in our highest court, and even in the treatment of our water."[3]

As Kennedy so eloquently pointed out, those who focus on conspiracy theories eventually become
distrustful of everything and everyone. They cant see the world the same way again because their
knowledge has opened their eyes to the truth. As a result, nearly everything that happens is a
conspiracy of some sort.

Those who focus on conspiracy theories become so distrustful that nearly everything becomes a
conspiracy. The logo for Taco Bell supposedly has Free Mason symbols. The latest movie has
Illuminati undertones. The pastors wave looks like the hand sign of a secret society. The U.S.
president is going to become a dictator and oppress Americans. The General Conference of the
church is in league with the anti-Christ. Protestant universities are now under the control of the
Jesuits who have introduced heresies to our theology majors. The church has rewritten its history
to deceive us. There are secret agents for the papacy in each of our Protestant churches. The
government listens to all of our phone calls and reads all our emails. The Catholic Church is
responsible for all the new versions of the Bible because they want to erase true doctrine.
Everyone is out to get you. Dont trust anyone. And on and on. Perhaps the same kind of thing was
happening in Judah during the days of King Ahaz which is why God told them, Dont call
everything a conspiracy.

4. Conspiracy theories damage our character and our witness.

I have a friend who is not a Christian but has Christian family members. Some of them are high on
conspiracy theories to such an extent that they always seem fearful, worried, and anxious about
something. How do you think their non-Christian family member feels? This person looks at them
and wonders why they worry so much when they are supposed to trust in God. Other conspiracy
theorists seem full of pride, arrogance, and a holier-than-thou attitude. While not all conspiracy
theorists are like this. many of them are, and those who arent, seem to attract and produce
followers of that nature. Thus, many begin to think that all Christians are like this, and that, if they
were become a Christians, they would be the same. Their natural reaction is to stay as far away
from Christianity as possible.

Ellen White warned us of this when she wrote,

We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy,
unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and
shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And
there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God.[4]

Conspiracy theorizing ruins our credibility and witness among thinking people. Many conspiracy
proponents are actually brilliant professionals who could do much good for the church, however
their credibility has been deeply damaged by a focus on conspiracy theories and division rather
than revival follows them wherever they go. Some conferences and many pastors dont want these
presenters in their churches not because they speaks the truth and they dont like it but
because they speak conspiracy theories that do more harm than good. While these presenters may
have reached a lot of people for Christ, they would accomplish a much greater work if they were to
focus on biblical truth.

Not only do conspiracy theories damage our character and our witness but they reduce our ability
to engage in evangelism. In many cases this is due to an inability to get along with others who
dont share the same views. In other cases it is due to a lack of interest preferring to speak of
how the U.S. invaded Iraq for their oil rather than of the cross of Christ. In his article Why Some
Christians Still Love Conspiracy Theories, former pastor and author John H. Armstrong said,

Whats the harm in a little innocent speculation, or such conspiracy thinking? The short
answer is that this conspiracy business keeps people from living the really important
eschatological aspects of biblical teaching. if we remain focused on all these conspiracies
we will miss the present opportunity to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly
with your God (Micah 6:8). I am convinced that most Christians who are preoccupied with
conspiracies, whether the secular or religious variety it does not matter, will be rendered
fairly useless to the real work of the church in the world today. They have no deep and
abiding interest in the missional mandate of Jesus.[5]

Not everything is the result of a conspiracy

If you believe in conspiracy theories, I want to appeal to you right now: Not everything is a
conspiracy. Not everyone is out to get you. And no I am not a Luciferian posing as a Seventh-day
Adventist pastor to deceive you and lead you into error and eternal doom. There are evil people in
the world who do evil things to get their evil way. But there is no need for us, as Gods people, to
concern ourselves with those secret things and become so obsessed that we turn into worry
warts instead of mighty warriors for God.

Some conspiracy proponents argue "they are not theories, they are facts!" and they could very well
be right. The point is not whether the theory is fact or fiction, the point is that regardless of how
true it may be such things are, nevertheless, meaningless and speculative. Scripture tells us, We
should not indulge in useless speculation that takes time and effort away from our work for
Christ[6] 1 Timothy 1:4 says, Dont let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and
spiritual pedigrees [genealogies]. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which dont
help people live a life of faith in God. While this text is not talking about conspiracies much like
myths and spiritual genealogies, conspiracy theories also lead to meaningless speculations.

So is the solution then to be gullible and believe everything the media tells us? No. We shouldnt
walk around as if everything is perfect. There is a real battle going on between good and evil.
Everything is not OK. The west is under the spell of consumerism, the papacy is regaining its
universal influence and political power, and current events clearly show that the world is being
prepared for a showdown against God. Revelation 13 seems more possible today than it ever
has. But we need not fear, for if God is for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

Rather than entertaining conspiracies, as Christians we should be students of prophecy. Biblical

prophecy exposes much of what will happen behind the scenes in the end times and prepare us for
the coming events.

Whats different between studying prophecy and conspiracy theories?

There is a world of difference. One is biblical revelation that was given to inspired writers by God
Himself. The other is the pursuit of rabbit trails, obscure history, and limited data in order to arrive
at a conclusion that supposedly reveals the absolute truth. One has Christ at the center and
consistently uplifts the risen Savior while diminishing the forces of darkness. The other has pride
at the center and consistently uplifts the forces of darkness. One is truth. The other is speculation.
As Bibleanswers.org puts it,

Speaking up and uncovering the truth is certainly biblical. The prophet Nathan uncovered
Davids conspiracy to cover up his sin of murder (2 Samuel 12). Pauls 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). [However, while] [e]xposing 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 Gods timing.[7]

Focus on Jesus instead

I am not condemning those who believe in conspiracy theories. But I appeal to you to devote the
time, intelligence and energy now devoted to conspiracy theories into knowing Christ more and
proclaiming the good news of salvation. Whether the conspiracy theories are true or not, whether
the governments and the police are out to recreate Hitlers Holocaust on U.S. soil, or whether
Hollywood is conspiring to deceive the world into thinking that Jesus is evil and Satan is good,
should not make us lose sleep or precious time.

Do not be overcome with fear, anxiety, and worry. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Preach the gospel.
Proclaim the prophecies. Lift Christ up and let God worry about the wicked. Dont fret over their
plans and purposes so much. Dont freak out over their evil deeds and secret activities. No matter
how powerful they are, or what they plan or conjure up, it is written, The kings of the earth
prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord. But the one who rules in heaven
laughs. The Lord scoffs at them (Psalms 2:2, 4).

Halleluiah! We have nothing to fear.

_____

[1] Tracey, Michael. The Explosion of Christian Conspiracy Theories in Obamas

America. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/11/17/the-explosion-of-christian-
conspiracy-theories-in-obamas-americ/
[2] Schwirzer, Jennifer. Conspiracy Theories or Prophetic Facts? http://ssnet.org/blog/conspiracy-
theories-or-prophetic-facts/
[3] Kennedy, John F. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-
resources/jfk-conspiracy/
[4] Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 153.
[5] Armstrong, John H. Why Some Christians Still Love Conspiracy Theories.
http://stevebrownetc.com/2007/06/26/why-some-christians-still-love-conspiracy-theories/
[6] Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories?
http://www.gotquestions.org/conspiracy-theories.html
[7] Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories?
http://www.gotquestions.org/conspiracy-theories.html

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