There seems to be a fair number of Christians who are hooked on conspiracy theories. The secret government plot behind 9/11. The Jesuit conspiracy to pervert modern Bible translations. The mass mind control techniques being used by pop stars in their concerts and music videos. A multitude of excellent blogs have already been written on this subject. Like this one, for example, that analyzes why conspiracy theories don’t hold up to careful scrutiny in the light of history (it’s actually a two-part series). Or this one, which is an impassioned appeal from a fellow young pastor to stop focusing on fearful speculation and instead focus on Jesus. Or this one, which emphasizes that our job as Christians is to shine light into the darkness, not to delve into the darkness trying to ferret out all its secrets. I highly recommend reading all of these pieces; they’re not that long. It will take less time to read these blogs than it will to research a new conspiracy theory.
This is a somewhat dangerous subject to blog on. Some people may be defensive about it. Also, I may risk repeating what someone else has already said more eloquently. But I humbly undertake this risk to highlight a very grave end-time threat that I see in conspiracy theories.
End-Time Deception
Remember the warning Jesus gave to His disciples: “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible” (Matt. 24:24). Jesus was talking about the events that led up to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, and also the final events that will precede the second coming. His disciples certainly saw this fulfilled in their day. Numerous false teachers and false messiahs arose and led many Jews astray. Not only that, they led people into rebellion against the Roman authorities, and thus to their deaths.
The deception in the last days will be even more deadly. Satan, the enemy of God and His people, will try to lead people astray from God’s truth and thus to their eternal destruction. In Revelation we find that Satan (the dragon) works through earthly powers (the beasts) to deceive the whole world (Rev. 13:14). Everyone who does not follow God ends up following the beast—and the beast ends up in the lake of fire (Rev. 13:8; 19:20). Clearly it is extremely important to be aware of the last-day deception and to avoid it.
And actually, that’s the reason why some Christians are so interested in conspiracy theories. Uncovering the enemy’s schemes is a way to defend ourselves against them. It gives us confidence that we will not be deceived. If we know what the deception is, we won’t fall for it!
Truth, Deception, and the Elect of God
But notice again what Jesus warned: “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.” Jesus didn’t say that only the unenlightened “sheeple” of the world would be at risk. He specifically warned that the elect, those who know and follow the truth, would be deceived if it were possible. In other words, the deception will be so overwhelming that even godly people are at risk of falling for it.
How can this be? Deception is, by definition, tricking people into believing something is true when it really isn’t. If you knew that you were being deceived, you wouldn’t be deceived! That’s redundant, but I’m trying to make a point: In order for the elect to be at risk of being deceived, the deception must come in a form that they are likely to believe.
Let me give a couple examples of things that would not deceive the elect. If a crude and profane rapper boasts of being like God, you’re not going to think he’s spiritually uplifting and start listening to his music. If a popular movie tells a well-known Bible story, but conveys a very different version of the story than what’s actually in the Bible, you’re not going to fall for it. These are not things that seem true to the elect.
But you know what might seem true to the elect? The idea that there is a small, secretive group of people behind popular movies and music who are trying to brainwash the general population and control their minds. The reason that seems true is because there is an element of truth to it. Ultimately Satan is working behind the scenes to deceive people, and he will use any means available to promote error, even music and movies. But is he working through a secretive cabal of world leaders who are bent on coalescing the reprogrammed masses into a New World Order? That’s what some conspiracy theorists would have you believe. Despite a lack of tangible evidence, they pull together tantalizing clues to weave a tangled web of associations to support their theory. And some Christians believe it’s all true.
The Danger of Conspiracy Theories
If the last-day deception will come in a form that the elect are likely to believe, then conspiracy theories are a good example of how that deception will work. I’m not saying that conspiracy theories are the last-day deception, only that they work on similar principles, and they could potentially lead to last-day deception.
One of the most disturbing aspects of conspiracy theories is that even when they are based on demonstrably false information, Christians will still believe the overall theory because the conclusion fits with their worldview. It seems that the specific details don’t matter if they like the big picture. It’s the opposite of missing the forest for the trees; they can’t see that the trees are fake because they’re too busy admiring the picture-perfect landscape. An example of this is the conspiracy theory that the translators of the NIV intentionally removed verses from the Bible in order to undermine vital theological truths, like the deity of Christ. Walter Veith, a prominent conspiracy theorist in the Adventist church, makes the outlandish claim that “up to 60,000” words have been removed from the NIV. The New Testament has about 180,000 words. One could easily compare the NIV with the KJV and quickly confirm that the NIV is not, in fact, missing the equivalent of one-third of the New Testament.
Another claim Veith makes is that all references to Jesus as Lord have been removed from the NIV. That’s a serious charge, and if true would be a grave threat to the very foundation of Christianity. But even a cursory examination of the New Testament will prove this to be false. There are plenty of references in the NIV to Jesus being Lord. It took me a few seconds of searching my computer Bible program to locate one of the most obvious: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
My purpose here is not to belittle Walter Veith. Many people say he is a wonderful man, and I’ve heard that his work on creation is outstanding. However, the conspiracy theories he promotes are not only fallacious, but spiritually dangerous. If a theory is based on numerous “facts” that can easily be disproved, it’s not much of a theory. And if this theory claims to give people spiritual enlightenment but is based on myths and rumors, those who believe it are at risk of actually going deeper into darkness. Why should we trust the conclusion to be true if the premise is false?
But many people do trust the conclusion, and this is why I believe that conspiracy theories are so dangerous. They seem to cause us to momentarily turn off the critical reasoning powers of our brains and believe that something is true when it isn’t. Maybe we want to believe it because it makes us feel like we’ve outwitted the devil. We know there will be deceptions in the last days. Is it that far-fetched to imagine that Satan might try to deceive people with a faulty Bible translation? No, not really. But if such a deception were a reality, we should be able to establish it by verified evidence and sound reasoning instead of demonstrably false claims and preposterous leaps of logic.
Loving the Truth
The apostle Paul wrote: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Cor. 4:2, emphasis supplied). The way to promote the truth is—are you ready for this—to simply tell the truth. I know, what a novel concept! But sadly it has become a novel concept for many people. They have become so caught up in the twisted world of conspiracy theories that they can no longer discern truth from fiction. Some of these people could have been described as the elect at one time. They are deeply religious people who love God’s truth and are zealous to defend it. But somehow they got off track. They followed the siren song of conspiracy theories, and little by little it has led them away from the safety and security found in God’s Word toward a dangerous combination of speculation, deceit, and rumor-mongering.
If we can’t tell truth from fiction when it comes to conspiracy theories, how will we be able to discern the last great deception that will threaten even the elect? Will we actually be among the elect if we don’t cultivate a love for the truth? Paul warns that the last-day deception ends in destruction specifically because those who are deceived refuse to love the truth and so be saved (1 Thess. 2:9-12). In other words, they become deceived through their own choice; they choose error instead of truth. It’s especially important to cultivate a love for the truth now, while it is relatively easy to distinguish truth from error. If instead we are cultivating a love of conspiracy theories that are based even partially on error, we are placing ourselves in serious jeopardy of falling for the last-day deception.
Truth is not merely a set of facts. It is not a collection of special, secret knowledge that only those with insight into the inner workings of the devil’s schemes are privileged to understand. Such a view is actually unbiblical. It is a new form of an ancient heresy called gnosticism (my friend David Hamstra calls it “occult epistemology”). The Bible teaches that truth is a Person. Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). If we want to be a part of God’s elect people who avoid the end-time deception, then we need to stay close to Jesus. Spend more time getting to know Him, and less time researching conspiracy theories. I promise you there is infinitely more value in being with Jesus than in trying to discern the next great deception. If you know the Truth, then you won’t fall for the deception.
So here’s my challenge to you. The next time you encounter a conspiracy theory and are tempted to follow it down the rabbit hole, stop and pray. Then pick up your Bible and read the promises of Jesus: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27, 28). No one can deceive you if you are following Jesus. Listen to His voice, not to speculative and untrustworthy conspiracy theories. Let Jesus worry about thwarting the devil’s deceptions. Make sure you know and are following the truth, and you will be eternally safe.
Matthew Shallenberger pastors in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. He and his wife have two little boys and two hyper dogs. Matthew believes that tin foil is best used for cooking purposes, not hat-making.
The views expressed in this blog are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In This Atmosphere 
wow dude, can i share this on thehaystack??
Absolutely! Go for it!
Have you actually listened to All of Walters talks? I challenge you to prayerfully do that.
I have neither the time nor the desire to do that. I have done enough research to know that mingled in Walter Veith’s presentations is a lot of information that is both factually incorrect and spiritually misleading. Why would I want to expose myself to error in the chance that I might also gain a little truth? How can it really be truth if it is mingled with error? I challenge you to prayerfully consider that.
Your answer is stock for the government kool-aid drinkers. They never really have listened or studied the theory, they just “know” its wrong because they hold it up to the mirror provided by the original conspirators. You are exposing yourself to error, and bathing in it, when you accept all the info the Beast power feeds you. Of course, maybe you’re the new type of Adventist that thinks that power has changed and is our friend now. It would seem that way.
This article is focused on a biblical view of conspiracies, not a political one.
Conspiracies are not secular or political in nature. satan is the author of lies/conspiracy. He uses the secular and political world to carry forward parts of his conspiracies. EGW, perhaps you don’t believe in her, clearly stated that in the end times secret societies and jesuits would create conspiracy and jesuits would infiltrate churches.
My testimony is that I knew my Bible and prophecy inside and out, and I also had studied a good bit into world/political actualities. I always had felt like Bible prophecy was merely theories that just didn’t fit in with what was happening in reality. Then I heard Walter Veith’s series. It made prophecy come to life and gave the Bible and study new meaning for. I could see exactly how prophecy was being fulfilled and it no longer was just theory.
You are so small-minded if you have not watched Total Onslaught completely through. To say, you know he is incorrect is laughable. Conspiracies are formed in intricate weblike patterns, and to just look at a small part and dismiss the web is foolishness. And to base your research and evaluations on disinformation put out by those who are actually perps, is falling into their traps.
A complete study of his lectures will leave anyone with half a brain knowing that he presents his facts with a great love for truth and scripture and EGW. The lectures are completely based on prophecy, scripture and how they fit with current events in the world.
It’s always a shame to see someone be so sure of themselves and close-minded. I was like that before I finally agreed to watch this series. I was like that about a lot of things in my life. I have learned that I don’t have to be right all the time, and that I can learn. In fact, it’s a real blessing to quit being fooled. You are a young kid now, and know it all. Perhaps as you mature, you will also let your intellect mature as well.
I have thot that some of the conspiracy stuff might be true but I didn’t bother to check it out because even if it was true there was nothing I could do about it and therefore all focus on it was a waste of my time and energy.
I had the same conclusion about Walter Veith as you. Very good material on creation but because of his conspiracy stuff it lessens greatly the usefulness of hid creation talks. Too bad.
Yes, I agree. It’s possible that some conspiracy theories have at least some truth to them. Is it worth it to invest the time and effort into figuring out which parts are true and which parts are lies? Is it even possible to define a conspiracy theory that way? Probably not. By nature conspiracy theories are unfalsifiable, because any evidence that seems to disprove them is rejected as being part of the conspiracy.
Better to spend our time focusing on Jesus. Whether or not conspiracies are real, Jesus is the only one who can deliver us from evil.
Seem like the words conspiracy theory in itself has been made taboo, as if somehow hearing it your going to fall off the band wagon, and possibly go to hell. Well I seen truths blown out of proportion to the point people must think some psychotic wrote it, some speak out the hidden truths and are discredited, mysteriously no longer able to discern right from wrong. Upon that note preachers are warning people to stay away from such lest they’re tainted with heronious views. I for one know when views are blown up I’m able to think and consider things about the stuff I hear. I find it somewhat disturbing when all faiths are sending out this same message, beware of people who try to warn you about anything that is going on the world today expecially if it’s not on the news, God knows that’s the only credible source, right? I find it disturbing when all faiths, with different beliefs part of the world council of churches, warn it’s people they might be deceived upon hearing these quacks. One world church says so much , even the elect might not know of it deceptiveness. I’m sorry but Christ was of the few not the many, his followers were few, in comparison to the others. He spoke out against the organized Pharisees and Sadducees, to his own demise he was discredited and beat and humiliated and crucified. He would most definitely been considered a conspiracy theorist as in modern times. The Pharisees and Sadducees would have warned people about him told you to avoid him. So warning other about stuff they hear telling them don’t bother looking in to such outlandish stories bothers me. What’s to be afraid of, who can lead astray that God has sealed It say that even the elect would be tried, it doesn’t say they would fail, it simply says that it’s very believable. IT also says by peace many would be destroyed. Today love is acceptance, tolerance of others beliefs and even sins everyone come to God as you are let everyone IN. Church. We’re being taught mercy is for the believer and unbeliever. That all is under God as long as they get baptized and join the church. No longer does one need to repent because God loves you as you are. Well God is not the God of the lawless he wants humble repentive servants. Yet this can’t even be attained under the present acceptance doctrine. How is it that Jesus said go and sin no more, has no meaning. Good Christians with good intentions fighting for gay rights and marriage, abomination to God yet they feel their outward acceptance is more Christian like than warning them of the consequences of there sin. We have Christians supporting abortion, assisted suicide and other likes of sins. Don’t judge they say, but it says God judges the heart did he not he say actions were judged by the law. Mercy is not new it was shown all through the old testament, men were punished for their actions against Yahweh yet when they humbled themselves and called on him he showed mercy. It says try the spirits, why because God knew his servants would only hear his voice, you have nothing to be afraid of unless you’re not holding to God truths as you should.
Just for future reference, you might try inserting paragraph breaks into long comments. It makes them easier to read.
Also, I’m having a hard time following your line of logic. I’m not sure how most of what you wrote pertains to my blog. If you have a specific point of disagreement with something I said, then perhaps point that out and we can take one issue at a time.
One point I would ask you about in your comment is your statement that Jesus would have been considered a conspiracy theorist. Why do you believe that? Jesus didn’t deal in esoteric secrets and plots. He spoke the truth plainly and openly. “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (Luke 8:17)
I believe Christians have a responsibility to check out “conspiracy theories.” You are aware that conspiracies exist, aren’t you? How do you know, more than all other studious Christians, that your views are correct to the exclusion of all others? The fact that you seem to have this attitude makes me uneasy about adopting your conclusions, even though your post was forwarded by my dear niece who I know to be a devout Christian. Since you felt free to advise a previous commenter regarding paragraphing, I feel free to say that was uncalled for and exhibited a supercilious attitude, which is quite unbecoming to a Christian.
No superciliousness was intended. It’s just a practical consideration. It’s harder to read long comments when they don’t have any paragraph breaks. I appreciate when people take the time to leave comments on my blog. I read them all and engage with them as much as possible.
As for whether conspiracies exist, yes, I’m sure that some do. Should we therefore invest our time into investigating every conspiracy theory because some of them might be true. I don’t believe so. There are better uses of our time. My article here is not attempting to either prove or disprove the validity of every conspiracy theory. It’s looking at the larger philosophical issues. It is spiritually dangerous to buy into the conspiracy worldview that sees secret plots and schemes behind every world event and every facet of popular culture. I’ve tried to explain why in this article. If you disagree, that is your right.
Lisa, I had no trouble reading what you posted. I thought you said it very well. I agree with you.
Do you actually think the “New World Order” is just a conspiracy theory?
That depends on what you mean by “New World Order.” That term has been used by many different people for many years. Numerous New World Order conspiracy theories did not even originate from Christian sources, but were imported into the church from outside. It’s dangerous to read into the Bible theories and interpretations that did not originate from the Bible itself.
Sorry Matt. The fact that you are slamming Christians for connecting the dots of World events, hearing U.S. Presidents and Vice-Presidents speak openly of the New World Order, including the words of Henry Kissinger speaking of the NWO in everything that he writes and speaks regarding globalism makes me throw a serious red flag for you brother. I would even go as far as to say (a conspiracy theory) yourehall words resonate right on par with Hillary Clinton and her husband, who happen to be very bad people according to friends I know that have formally been in their circles. Are you a Jesuit Sir?
Withering, Matthew. But at the same time hopeful.
Maybe I need to write a follow-up that’s focused more on the solution (Jesus) than the problem. 🙂
I agree. Focus on the solution more than the answer.
Also, if you feel that it’s ethical to address another brother’s writings, it would be good to give factual in depth reasons as to your disagreements in love. You stated in a comment that you have not taken the time nor care to take the time to look through all his items. That to me seemed a bit harsh, especially because this person has obviously put so much time
Into his work and research. I haven’t watch everything he has or listened to everything he has, but what I did listen to was helpful and
I’m not a fanatical theory conspiracist.
I don’t think it looks good throwing someone’s name in like that.:…saying he is incorrect, then admitting to have not taken the time to look into his writings.
Anyways, I agree that we shouldn’t focus on these theories, ideas, knowledge, however you want to put it, but we should focus on Christ and the mission he has given us!:)
Oh, and, there is not anything evil or wrong with looking into what people have to say about the behind the scenes stuff. It can really give us insight as to what is going on around us! And understand how to better reach someone!
I hope no one goes away thinking that they can listen to whatever, see whatever, etc., and not be harmed in their relationship with Jesus…
I think you might have misunderstood what I was saying about listening to Walter Veith. I’ve listened enough to know that there’s a lot of error mingled in some of his presentations. Why sift through all of that error when I can go straight to the source of truth?
I would recommend reading this very short article, by a very credible man who was asst. treasure in a couple of the president’s administrations. He might just know more than a pastor who cooks with aluminum foil.
http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2016/08/31/are-you-a-mind-controlled-cia-stooge-paul-craig-roberts/
I am a quite the simple thinker.There is no doubt that great conspiracies exist and that their creator is none other than Satan himself.
Certainly these are unwinding themselves in the politics of the world and have hypnotized the church with intrigue.In the mean time the gospel of Jesus Christ goes unheralded. Millions upon millions of people are waiting for the expression of that life saving truth in word and action. It is the power of God, unequalled in strength no matter the plans of the adversary! It is too bad that much of our time is spent marvelling at the deceptions of the defeated instead of unveiling and living the simple truth of the victory that is in Jesus.
Well said.
Who are you? Are you ordained of God? Have you never read The Great Controversy? According to your article and your definition of a conspiracy, the sum total of that book might as well be a conspiracy theory. Perhaps you should prayerfully read the book again with emphasis on chapter 29. Then read chapter 38, “The Final Warning.” After that you might want to rewrite your article.
Understanding satan’s conspiracies is part of the gospel. Many foxes have entered our church because Adventists refused to believe these conspiracies could be possible in God’s church. They think this way, even though the whole last part of the New Testament, Peter’s, Jude’s and John’s writings, all give many warnings of foxes in the church, and the decided action to take about it. Clearly conspiracy in action and overlooked, so now we have all kinds of goofy doctrines and beliefs rotting our church.
“Understanding satan’s conspiracies is part of the gospel.” Could you point me to the Scripture passages which teach this?
If as a pastor you are unable to synthesize the scriptures enough to understand this, I see your confusion. I will give you chapter and verses, just as soon as you point out to me what you claim are factually incorrect statements made by Walter Veith. If you’re going to slander someone, back it up with your facts. You just prove you haven’t watched him more than a few minutes. His presentations are like scripture, the facts build on each other, and you can’t just cherry pick and expect to make sense. And, he documents everything his says extensively. I’m waiting . . .
The purpose of this article is not to slander anyone. Slander is, by definition, making untrue statements about someone. I stated nothing untrue. If you read my blog carefully you will see where I have linked to my sources.