Why Your Christian Friends and Family Members Are So Easily Fooled by Conspiracy Theories

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Scribe

Guest
The real problem, is not conspiracy theories. The real problem are untaught church goers who think nothing of going all week without prayer and without even just reading scripture. Fine for you to call yourself a minister and say you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, but take a look at how you have addressed some people in this thread, telling them they need help etc.

Frankly I would not cross the street to listen to or put much value on someone who basically bounces off someone else's blog and then tries to make it their own by saying they are going to make copies and hand them out at church.

There will always be outrageous conspiracy theories and many of them can be found right in church and have their origins there as well.

I would be far far more concerned with making sure people have a personal walk with Christ, are filled with the Holy Spirit as per scripture and understand that things are not going to get better, but we must have the mind of Christ and understand the schemes of the devil (which it seems Christians once did as per scripture) and understand what it means to put on the armor of God.

Otherwise, the flesh is going to get all worked up as per this thread and your difficulty in speaking to people as if they actually had a brain instead of poo pooing everyone who questioned you.

Here are some of the things you said to people who thought your op was overblown:

Conspiracy theories make us feel special, This was a very seductive hook. And it’s one of the reasons conspiracy theories are more likely to spread among people with lower levels of education.

Conspiracy theories also appeal to a strong streak of narcissism

What you just did is an insidious bit of circular logic that not only creates a criticism-proof belief system, but it also makes a twisted sort of sense. And a twisted sort of sense is the hook that keeps people

Trolls are mentally ill because they find pleasure in pushing peoples buttons. This is not a normal kind of physical lust it is a mental addiction. A sin and yet also a mental illness both.

This one ^^^^, in particular, stands out. You are obviously not qualified to assess people's mental health and this broad brush you wish to apply to trolls, while their behavior is not helpful, is simply your own opinion. Some very good people get into trollish behavior at times because of what other people say that really ticks them off. They are not twisted, nor lusting with mental illness problems etc. Your rhetoric is not going to help anyone and if I were the Pastor of your church, I would ask you not to hand out your little article to everyone because you are going to stick your nose in the Pastor's business. Then again, this is the type of thing that the elders and deacons with the Pastor should take in hand.

And you have made a number of ad hominum posts here but I don't think you even see it in your haste to get your point across
I was referring to having the literature available for a church that I will pastor. You are correct that a member of the church should not be passing out literature unless the pastor asked them too. And what I really meant was having it available in the foyer with other literature that is free for people to take, not actually handing it out to everyone that comes in the door along with a bulletin. Though I might do something like that if this nonsense gets any worse in our churches. And I agree, I could have left off the "get help" statement. It is provoking and unkind.
 
L

lenna

Guest
I was referring to having the literature available for a church that I will pastor. You are correct that a member of the church should not be passing out literature unless the pastor asked them too. And what I really meant was having it available in the foyer with other literature that is free for people to take, not actually handing it out to everyone that comes in the door along with a bulletin. Though I might do something like that if this nonsense gets any worse in our churches. And I agree, I could have left off the "get help" statement. It is provoking and unkind.
Well thanks for the reply and it seems we are in agreement regarding established workings in a church and how we proceed out of respect.

Please note you did far far more that simply tell people to get help. Far more.

Take a little advice and possibly avail yourself of some counselling courses.

PS. You are not going to stop the nonsense. It is like a cancer because of the fact people float into church and do not take their own relationship with God seriously in many cases and gossip and such is like a fine meal to some. Repentance, congregational repentance, that is being honest before God, and humbling before God, is the actual thing that could work there.
 
S

Scribe

Guest
Dude. If I’m going to read a Book, it’ll be the Bible, not some guy’s eternally long post here. Try a little brevity please.

As to the point, look up, it’s been floating above your head for awhile now.

OF COURSE Christians believe! That’s the point! To non believers, ALL of Christianity is a conspiracy. Right up to the lake of fire.

They thought Noah was a nut. If they didn’t, they would have helped him build the Ark or built their own. Get it?

So don’t be so quick to label Christians “conspiracy theorists” just because YOU don’t believe what they say.

Well, *GASP!* That was just not very nice now was it?

We should probably not talk about it any longer. ;)

I will however be as verbose as I feel lead in the future and can only remind you that I am writing for the benefit of all those that read my posts not just the person I am replying to. I enjoy writing in these forumns and enjoy reading verbose presentations from others who have thoughtful and articulate opinions as well. The rude and contentious folks I simply avoid. Hence my hesitation to answer your previous questions. Please try to do better in the future. Jesus is watching. I forgive you.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
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Well, *GASP!* That was just not very nice now was it?

We should probably not talk about it any longer. ;)

I will however be as verbose as I feel lead in the future and can only remind you that I am writing for the benefit of all those that read my posts not just the person I am replying to. I enjoy writing in these forumns and enjoy reading verbose presentations from others who have thoughtful and articulate opinions as well. The rude and contentious folks I simply avoid. Hence my hesitation to answer your previous questions. Please try to do better in the future. Jesus is watching. I forgive you.
Rude and contentious? This whole thread you started is rude and contentious then! I'm simply disagreeing on your contention!

But I do like "verbose". Nice Scrabble word from Scribe!
 
S

Scribe

Guest
Rude and contentious? This whole thread you started is rude and contentious then! I'm simply disagreeing on your contention!

But I do like "verbose". Nice Scrabble word from Scribe!
How about multiloquent?
 

bojack

Well-known member
Dec 16, 2019
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We have the book of Revelation and scripture to warn us about the Antichrist, the image, the mark etc.

Why would it be necessary to believe that the COVID 19 virus was planned by a secret group of people who want to take our freedoms away to be ready for what the book of Revelation tells us is coming

I do not see the logic in saying "accept illogical unreasonable crazy sounding conspiracy theories or you won't be ready for what the book of Revelations warns you about?"

For every crazed lunatic claiming the insight of the bible as support for spreading insane conspiracy theories I hope we have many more sane Christians holding up their hands and saying... "he's not with us" The testimony of a christian is damaged severely by spreading and evangelizing whacko conspiracy theories. They loose credibility and are an embarrassment to Christianity. Anything they tell the unlearned about the Cross of Christ or salvation is suspect because they do not believe your are dealing with a full deck.

I know that many will persist with their lies and allow the devil to use them to make an idiot of themselves but some will read these posts and realize that they should be careful before sharing or repeating foolish fables because they do not want to ruin their testimony by joining the mob mentality of finding a conspiracy behind every major world news event. Too many Christians are falling for this nonsense and it needs to be checked by Godly leaders from the pulpits.

Chance things do happen men did not plan for like COVID 19 but that does not mean that God was unaware. God is in full control even if we cannot figure out WHO is at fault. Not every major news story is part of a plan by a group of would be world dominators. And satan is after your soul. If he has that he does not care about your freedoms. Freedom is the battle cry of every hard core sinner and satan if fine with that.

I am off my soap box now. I have fulfilled my objective to be a voice of reason. Let them who will be unreasonable be unreasonable still, and let them that fear God not ignore that check in their spirit when they are tempted to share a wild theory for the sake of sensationalism.
''Image'', ''antichrist'', ''mark'' , tell me what ya got if you got it , lol and no conspiracy from you .. I'm being serious btw ..
 
S

Scribe

Guest
''Image'', ''antichrist'', ''mark'' , tell me what ya got if you got it , lol and no conspiracy from you .. I'm being serious btw ..
I can only know what the text says. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. I think it will be obvious when it happens but it has not happened yet. I believe it is future and during the Great Tribulation that it will happen.
 

bojack

Well-known member
Dec 16, 2019
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I can only know what the text says. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. I think it will be obvious when it happens but it has not happened yet. I believe it is future and during the Great Tribulation that it will happen.
So if I see for the first time that AI intelligent computers that could control all implanted RFID Chips and what they're potential is you're saying I should not pay it any attention at all .. Or a world trying to unite as one like Nimrod tried at Babylon 1 I'm supposed to ignore or join in with no question, how about turning in our firearms ? I'm not allowed to look at history how countries were taken down or the very purpose of the 2nd amendment ? What was unique about Gideons 300 ? You're the nut friend ..
 
S

Scribe

Guest
So if I see for the first time that AI intelligent computers that could control all implanted RFID Chips and what they're potential is you're saying I should not pay it any attention at all .. Or a world trying to unite as one like Nimrod tried at Babylon 1 I'm supposed to ignore or join in with no question, how about turning in our firearms ? I'm not allowed to look at history how countries were taken down or the very purpose of the 2nd amendment ? What was unique about Gideons 300 ? You're the nut friend ..
Are you saying RFID technology is the mark of the beast? Are you saying you will not buy a product if it has an RFID tag on it? What are you saying about RFID? What are you saying about AI? I don't understand. Are you saying we should be aware that the Antichrist might use technology to implement this mark of that does not allow you to buy or sell. I think that is obvious. Does that mean I should not use computers because the Antichrist might use computers? What is your point about AI and RFID? And why are you calling people nuts instead of articulating your thoughts.
 

bojack

Well-known member
Dec 16, 2019
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Are you saying RFID technology is the mark of the beast? Are you saying you will not buy a product if it has an RFID tag on it? What are you saying about RFID? What are you saying about AI? I don't understand. Are you saying we should be aware that the Antichrist might use technology to implement this mark of that does not allow you to buy or sell. I think that is obvious. Does that mean I should not use computers because the Antichrist might use computers? What is your point about AI and RFID? And why are you calling people nuts instead of articulating your thoughts.
I'm saying I keep watch and if you're calling that foolish or anyone who does then you're nuts imo ..
 

bojack

Well-known member
Dec 16, 2019
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I can only know what the text says. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. I think it will be obvious when it happens but it has not happened yet. I believe it is future and during the Great Tribulation that it will happen.
What is the ''image'' of the beast .. Is that a flesh and blood man , just curious ..
 
S

Scribe

Guest
I'm saying I keep watch and if you're calling that foolish or anyone who does then you're nuts imo ..
The New Testament reminds us numerous times to watch and to pray and live sober holy lives in the light of the coming of the Lord. It tells us how to keep watch.

Telling people that they will be unknowingly chipped and receive the mark of the beast if they get the COVID 19 vaccine when it is available is not watching, that is lying.

Now someone might feel the need to warn everyone to research all the documentation on the lab studies and the trials and all of the published science on the vaccine before taking it to make sure it is safe and that they are not chipping you. That would be fine. But to say that it WILL include a chip as though you know some secret information they are hiding from us is lying. People who spread that made up nonsense are liars. Liars will have their part in the lake of fire unless they repent and quit lying now. It is just as bad as fornicating and being a drunkard. Do not think that lying lips are going to be looked over because it was a fun and entertaining past time to try and persuade people of conspiracy theories you swore were true even though you knew it really wasn't. People will give account for their words especially if it caused someone to die of COVID 19 who would have lived if they had been vaccinated but they were lied to by conspiracy theorist that it was the mark of the beast or that it would make their future kids be born with spikes sticking out of their heads. (that will be the next made up theory lol)
 

bojack

Well-known member
Dec 16, 2019
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The New Testament reminds us numerous times to watch and to pray and live sober holy lives in the light of the coming of the Lord. It tells us how to keep watch.

Telling people that they will be unknowingly chipped and receive the mark of the beast if they get the COVID 19 vaccine when it is available is not watching, that is lying.

Now someone might feel the need to warn everyone to research all the documentation on the lab studies and the trials and all of the published science on the vaccine before taking it to make sure it is safe and that they are not chipping you. That would be fine. But to say that it WILL include a chip as though you know some secret information they are hiding from us is lying. People who spread that made up nonsense are liars. Liars will have their part in the lake of fire unless they repent and quit lying now. It is just as bad as fornicating and being a drunkard. Do not think that lying lips are going to be looked over because it was a fun and entertaining past time to try and persuade people of conspiracy theories you swore were true even though you knew it really wasn't. People will give account for their words especially if it caused someone to die of COVID 19 who would have lived if they had been vaccinated but they were lied to by conspiracy theorist that it was the mark of the beast or that it would make their future kids be born with spikes sticking out of their heads. (that will be the next made up theory lol)
Where did I say un-knowingly chipped ? You will ask for it
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
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To me its about the same as a lie. And that lie was based a truth. I don't know this person that wrote that. And not much word was used. Foolish to take it as truth. Its something he personally believes praise God. Some truth in it..
 
Jul 20, 2019
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I knew as soon as this is called pandemic started that it was evil and of the devil. Some research soon proved me correct. I am very concerned about asleep christians who are so wrapped up in the world and its illusions of prosperity that they refuse to even see the truth. When a pastor comes along and helps satan in his endeavours, it makes me feel vindicated , as I have avoided organised religion since childhood. I see now there was a reason for that.
 

Blue_Of_Lake

Active member
Jun 12, 2020
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Are you saying RFID technology is the mark of the beast? Are you saying you will not buy a product if it has an RFID tag on it? What are you saying about RFID? What are you saying about AI? I don't understand. Are you saying we should be aware that the Antichrist might use technology to implement this mark of that does not allow you to buy or sell. I think that is obvious. Does that mean I should not use computers because the Antichrist might use computers? What is your point about AI and RFID? And why are you calling people nuts instead of articulating your thoughts.


maybe the Mark is a mark of the Spirit, not a physical mark. :)
 
S

Scribe

Guest
maybe the Mark is a mark of the Spirit, not a physical mark. :)
Greek word is charagma which means. impress, sculpture; engraving, a stamp, sign.
What John wrote was understood by the readers in Greek to be a physical engraving or impression on the forehead or hand, like an official sealing. The most natural interpretation would be a literal interpretation for this passage based on the Lexical analysis of the Greek words (a rule of hermeneutics)
 

Blue_Of_Lake

Active member
Jun 12, 2020
212
83
28
Greek word is charagma which means. impress, sculpture; engraving, a stamp, sign.
What John wrote was understood by the readers in Greek to be a physical engraving or impression on the forehead or hand, like an official sealing. The most natural interpretation would be a literal interpretation for this passage based on the Lexical analysis of the Greek words (a rule of hermeneutics)


that IS informative,,,,,,,,,, but..............................







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... what does the Spirit say about it? 🙄
 
S

Scribe

Guest
that IS informative,,,,,,,,,, but..............................







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... what does the Spirit say about it? 🙄
The Spirit inspired John to write that so the Spirit inspires me to understand it the way it is written. So I am going with the Spirit as saying it will be a literal physical application.
 
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jaybird88

Guest