It doesn’t take long for the crises of life to bring conspiracies to the forefront that persuade many. There’s just something about “knowing” information the rest of the world is not yet privy to that brings on a subtle thrill – chasing after the latest imaginative idea to fit into a broader elaborate, incredible framework. “I need evidence,” you say? Why, the educators, scientists, officials and even religious powers that be have prevented all efforts to reveal the “truth,” so in this case, you’ll need to rely on “my research” to bring out all the reliable facts. I know, I know, I don’t have an education in any of the pertinent fields, and I know I can’t provide any well-respected sources by people who do, but this is obviously because all such research has been covered up!
What I have just described is an unfalsifiable position. An unfalsi…what?
Merriam Webster describes the word “unfalsifiable” as follows: “Not capable of being proved false.”
Here’s the thing with unfalsifiable positions. If they cannot be proven false, then they represent ideas that cannot be tested (for any number of reasons). If their validity cannot be tested or verified, then whatever it is that is being advocated for is probably worthless, because there’s no reasonable way to ascribe merit or value to it beyond the time expended in the pursuit of a dead end.
But here’s the real problem. By asserting that which cannot be disproved, or conversely, proven, we bring ourselves into disrepute before the world as Christians.
Consider some of the following texts:
“You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’ In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it.” – Isaiah 8:12
Here, God commands Isaiah to avoid conspiracies, and in context suggests that one’s focus should be on God’s instead.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a SHAME even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” – Ephesians 5:11-12 [Emphasis added]
Here, Paul calls it a shame to even speak of the things evil people do in secret.
So what should be our focus instead?
Paul in Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us that our focus should be on laying aside every sin and weight in preference for looking to Jesus.
Jesus Himself could not have said it more clearly in Matthew 28:19-20. Our role is to share knowledge of Him with the world, to let the people know that we can have a personal experience and relationship that makes life joy-filled and abundant (John 10:10).
So where is your focus?
Not convinced enough to make a shift in focus? Here are some additional thoughts on the dangers of conspiracy theories.
“The time will come when unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our enemies to condemn us… Let all beware lest by reckless expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great crisis which is to try men’s souls.” {6T 394.3}
“The less we make direct charges against authorities and powers, the greater work we shall be able to accomplish, both in America and in foreign countries. Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world.” {6T 395.1}
“It is our work to magnify and exalt the law of God. The truth of God’s holy word is to be made manifest. We are to hold up the Scriptures as the rule of life. In all modesty, in the spirit of grace, and in the love of God we are to point men to the fact that the Lord God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.” {6T 395.2}
“If we wish men to be convinced that the truth we believe sanctifies the soul and transforms the character, let us not be continually charging them with vehement accusations. In this way we shall force them to the conclusion that the doctrine we profess cannot be the Christian doctrine, since it does not make us kind, courteous, and respectful. Christianity is not manifested in pugilistic accusations and condemnation.” {6T 396.4}
“Say ye not, A confederacy [conspiracy], to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy” (Isaiah 8:12). While we should not seek for controversy, and should not needlessly offend, we must present the truth clearly and decidedly, and stand firm to what God has taught us in His Word. You are not to look to the world in order to learn what you shall write and publish or what you shall speak. Let all your words and works testify, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables” (2 Peter 1:16). “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). {2SM 371.1}
“God has given man precious promises upon conditions of faith and obedience; but they are not to sustain him in any rash act. If men needlessly place themselves in peril, and go where God does not require them to go, and self-confidently expose themselves to danger, disregarding the dictates of reason, God will not work a miracle to relieve them. He will not send his angels to preserve any from being burned if they choose to place themselves in the fire.” {RH April 1, 1875, par. 4}
Perhaps the real conspiracy inherent in human nature is our need to watch the news, track each sign, and figure out exactly where we’re at in the course of history. Then, right at the last second, we can fear ourselves into living and doing what’s right as if that will finally save us. For that, there’s a parable in Matthew 25.
I don’t know about you, but it is my desire that we all be found faithful going about the work God has given us to do, rather than focusing on the distractions that hinder us.
