Bruce Cooper

Why Do Many Christians Seem So Prone to Believe in Conspiracy Theories ? – S. Michael Houdmann

Partially Quoted Source: https://www.gotquestions.blog/Christians-and-conspiracy-theories.html
Author: S. Michael Houdmann

So, why do many Christians seem so prone to believe in conspiracy theories? I have two primary observations.

(1) The Bible seems to teach that, in the end times, there will be some form of one-world government, led by the antichrist. As a result, many Christians have their eyes fixated on anything that even remotely resembles a covert government attempt to get more power. According to conspiracy theorists, world governments placing restrictions on their citizens to slow the spread of COVID-19 appears to be somewhat of a test run to see how people respond to some of their freedoms being taken away. Therefore, the virus itself must be part of the conspiracy.

If this is why you see a conspiracy theory under virtually every stone, what is the point? If the Bible predicts that the one-world government is going to happen, no amount of you complaining about it or even fighting against it is going to prevent it from happening or even slow it down. Posting conspiracy theories on Facebook is not going to change anything. Since the vast majority of conspiracy theories are not true, you are far more likely to damage your testimony than you are to actually help someone spiritually. If the antichrist is about to arise, and he is behind COVID-19, then we are all going to have much bigger things to deal with than having to wear masks and not being able to go to our favorite restaurants.

(2) Since we cannot fathom why they believe the things they do, some Christians tend to demonize their opponents. The thinking goes like this: Only a truly evil person would be pro-choice, and only stupid people think that socialism will ever actually work. Therefore, those who support these, and other politically liberal positions, are either malevolent, or idiotic, or both. Some Christians who opposed Barack Obama’s policies believed him to be the antichrist. Some Christians who oppose Donald Trump’s policies believe he is the antichrist. Many Christians just can’t seem to accept the fact that someone can disagree with them politically and still be a decent person. So, they attribute the absolute worst possible motives and conspiracy theories to everything their political opponents say and do.

If this is the reason for your conspiracy-itus, you need to remember that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. Conservativism may be a much better political system than progressivism, but conservativism cannot save us. Some socialists, gasp, believe that way because they genuinely think it is a fairer system, not because they want to enslave us and force us to work on the alien spaceship repair crew at Area-51. Stop placing your faith in politics. Stop demonizing those with whom you disagree.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, God is truth (John 14:6, 17). God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). We are to be people of the truth. Every word that comes out of our mouths should be the truth expressed in love (Ephesians 4:15). Every time we espouse a conspiracy theory that isn’t true, we are liars.

“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” (Proverbs 19:9)

When we promote falsehood, we are serving Satan, not God:

“He [Satan] … has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

It doesn’t matter how juicy the conspiracy theory is. It doesn’t matter how plausible it seems. If you do not KNOW that it is the truth, you should have nothing to do with promoting it.

S. Michael Houdmann

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!

30 comments

    • Credit rightly goes to S. Michael Houdmann, who is the the Founder, President, and CEO of Got Questions Ministries. Just kind of bumped into it this morning and the thought crossed my mind; “Now THERE is a good post!” Common sense still lives! Thanks David and blessings!

      Liked by 2 people

  3. This is both true and timely, brother! You are correct. When Christians get “off in the weeds”chasing conspiracy theories or denouncing decent people with whom we disagree, the simplicity of the gospel is tarnished. As the Apostle Paul said, the most important thing is that believers conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. Frankly, there are too many “Simon the Zealots” these days and not enough “Simon the Lepers.” Blessings on your Sunday!

    Liked by 4 people

  4. A good thought on conspiracy theories Bruce. As I see it, those possessed by a particular conspiracy theory are lacking in commitment to God and His Word. The biggest alarm bell that rings when I meet such folk is their lack of understanding of the Word of God, that is the whole Word of God and not a select few portions. Such people need our love and prayers, that they be delivered from their diversion and find the assurance of being safe in Father God. And that is my tuppence worth on conspiracy theorists. Thank you for valuable ministry Bruce, may God continue to guide and bless you as you serve Him.

    Liked by 2 people

    • “Diversion” is an excellent word, because that is exactly what it is. One of those “off ramps” that need to be avoided, not us directing others towards. And you’re right about the love and prayers too. We can’t fix this, only God can. Blessings!

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Thanks for passing this along, Bruce. I would add that some of the reason why believers are prone to conspiracy theories is because more than a few pastors lean towards Christian Nationalism. This mindset is fertile ground for all kinds of whacky “circle the wagons” conspiracy theories with propagators appropriating Old Testament passages meant only for Israel and applying them to the U.S.A., etc. You can’t argue with these people because they heard their pastor (or favorite Christians conspiracy mongering website) say it so it must be right. It reminds me of myopic KJV 1611-Only thinking that you posted about recently.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hi Tom, I agree, there are indeed additional factors, both from within and without the Christian Church at large. And the vast majority of time, debates or “discussions” are fruitless in this particular area, because of the circular arguments and opposing “truths” that are continually dovetailed into the stream. I’ve learned not to argue and rely on God in prayer for specific individuals, because there are some cans of worms that I simply cannot untie. Plus of course, the occasional blip of like minds, when encountered, like this particular post from Houdmann. And then, just to make it interesting, there are my own misconceptions, where God’s Holy Spirit lets me know at times, that I also have yet much to learn. I marvel at God’s patience. Blessings brother, some glorious day this will all make total sense! In the interim, one can only proceed forward within the particular light that we currently see. Different parts of the body are called to do different things and I trust that God knows what He is doing.

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  8. According to my understanding of Revelation, the antichrist won’t be revealed until after we are caught up to be with the Lord (the “Rapture”) anyway, so we don’t need to waste our energies trying to figure out who it is. Instead of giving the world more reasons to think we’re crazy, we should be focused on the Great Commission. We’ll probably be called crazy anyway, but at least we’ll be doing what Jesus told us to do.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi Annie, From the perspective of being in the Church, the body of Christ, The Great Commission (being in the world but not of the world) draws people into God’s Kingdom, the other mindset (being in the world and of the world) pushes them away. Yes, we should be doing what Jesus told us to do because He told us to fear not, that He had overcome the world (John 16:33). And there is the additional issue of working at crossed purposes with what God has ordained must be prior to His return (Matthew 24:6). One mindset allows fear to control us (being in the world and of the world) while the other ( being in the world and not of the world and following the Great Commission) allows our faith and confidence in Jesus to give us His peace. That would be according to my understanding. Hope this helps.

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  10. Bruce, you know I love and respect you a lot. But this shallow statement of motive and mass assignment of those who see more than the official government narrative to a bin of ignorant sheep or lunatics is unwarranted and unkind. The same is true of the accusations against them that they are the only ones calling everyone else stupid and uncaring.

    Systemic to the official government narrative is the stomping down and discrediting of those who dare to question their latest spin. Not a few qualified physicians and scientists have tried to question this or that part of the covid saga only to find themselves paying with their jobs and reputations. Many heroic medical staff on the front lines early on who know what’s going on have lost their jobs now because they question the value of vaccines that don’t really work but carry risks of severe side effects rarely reported by the owned mainstream media. Why would they do that? Are they all suddenly stupid or financially secure like the politicians?

    There are all kinds of problems with what’s going on, not just a few possible conspiracies. Vaxxers have questions too, not just the nonvax nut cases.

    I agree there needs to be respect shown to those who have opposing views, including those who might conclude some conspiracies have been happening in our day as well as those who don’t. I could be wrong about plenty of things I now suspect – that’s why they’re called theories. But I’m smart enough to smell a rat when one is nearby, even if I haven’t found his exact nest. And this family really stinks and has for two years.

    Final question: which of the official government explanations for the JFK assassination are true? The esteemed Warren Commission Report or the later review kicked off by Congress? Or are they both full of lies and coverups? No need to answer, but the same folks who brought us the JFK story and many other coverups now demand you believe and comply with their covid stories, which change weekly, and if you don’t take their shots every six months you soon won’t be able to function in society. Does that sound familiar?

    This is not about discrediting the gospel. It is about having the right to question the authorities and the alleged science without being silenced by Facebook or Google or reported to the government by your neighbors. Yes, there are many who read something on FB and mindlessly pass it in – really on both sides. But there are plenty of folks with no financial interest in the outcome who are doing extensive research on both sides and they are the ones I want to hear from and think through their stuff. “Because I said so” just doesn’t work for me nor for you.

    I hope you are right, Bruce, for it sounds much better than what I am seeing outside the mainstream press. May God richly bless you and your family!

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    • Well Rick, you and I are obviously of differing opinions and I can respect that. I can assure you that I do a considerable amount of research on most of the topics that seem to have taken over much of the online media and I have come to my own, what I would hope are, informed opinions. But what I do not advocate is mixing the two (worldly perspectives and God’s Kingdom perspectives) when it comes to furthering the Great Commission that Jesus gave us, because focusing on the worldly perspective is at crossed purposes with furthering the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not see this approach taken in the entirety of the New Testament, where the civil dominance of Rome is factored into what the Apostles focused on. Matter of fact, I see the exact opposite, Jesus told us to separate the two, as did the Apostles, including Paul. From my personal perspective, when we combine the two, we move into being in the world and of the world, which in the vast majority of cases that I have looked at, ends up taking the focus off of Jesus and putting it elsewhere. I wonder who wins when that approach is taken? Does that mean I hide my head in the sand and do not keep myself informed? No it does not, but it does not take over my focus and therein lies the problem with following the various “theories” or “alleged conspiracies” that you and many others continually speak of. Nor does it mean that I do not exercise my democratic voting rights, or not defend my country. However, advocating that we, as Christians, are to remain focused on Jesus, is neither unwarranted or unkind, I believe it is being true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you disagree, that is your prerogative, and I have to respect that. As the author of this particular post indicated and I quote, “If this is the reason for your conspiracy-itus, you need to remember that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. Conservativism may be a much better political system than progressivism, but conservativism cannot save us.” To be candid with you, I can’t help but think that if we collectively, as the Church, the body of Christ, had been more focused on following the directive of Jesus with regard to the Great Commission, we would possibly not be finding ourselves in the state in which we currently are in. Note that I said “possibly” because as I recall, Jesus specifically told us that these things which we are now seeing unfold (birth pains) according to Jesus, “must come to pass first” (Luke 21:9). Jesus didn’t say “may” come to pass, indicating that there was a possibility of averting this great falling away, He said “must”. So in closing, let’s let our differing opinions be where they are, you have stated your opinion and I have stated mine. We agree to disagree and I like you, pray that God will richly bless you and your family.

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  11. Bruce, I agree our focus must be on Christ and our trust in him. We also live in the world with issues it presents to us as Jesus and the disciples did. As I look about and see what seems to be happening in this world, at times I am faced with a practical question, such as do I wear a mask or get a vaccine. The Bible does not speak to every detail of our lives, so like it or not we must judge some of our choices on the reasonableness of each choice and the demonstrated integrity of those suggesting various options. Both of us have done that and much research and have differing conclusions. No problem.

    But your author’s quote you repeated was a good example of the unchristian and judgmental tone of many, as he sees those who differ from him in this as having conspiracy-itis, as well as other derogatory references to our state of mind. None of that is helpful in or focused on Christ.

    One other question – if we are to remain ignorant and uninvolved if the end times should spring up on our watch, why do you suppose God went to all the trouble to give John his vision for Revelation? It is a warning to someone about what will be their current events.

    Thanks for your response and patience.

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    • Rick, I’m not going to respond, although I could take exception to a number of comments you just made. I happen to agree with this author and you don’t. You’ve voiced your opinion respectfully and I appreciate that. If I offended you or you think the author was being offensive, I know that was not my intent and I’m pretty sure that was not the author’s intent. In either case, please accept my apology if you have taken offence. Take care Rick and God bless you and yours.

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  12. Bruce, I am sorry for being such an irritation to you. I fully recognize I do not know the truth about many things, so I try to find out what people on both sides say about it, and then think about it, and ask more questions. I try to read what people who should know say about it, but in this case the experts don’t agree.

    Recently we wanted to buy a rollater for my wife. The process I followed was to first look at what’s out there. I looked at specs that suited her situation and needs. Then I narrowed down to a few options. Then I read the reviews.

    I know many companies put their own reviews out as if they were real customers so they pump up the star ratings. (You might call them fact checkers with a conflict of interest.) But I learn what might be the best features in the 4-5 star group. Then I look at the bad ratings. Weeding out the meaningless ones (those with opposite conflict of interest) and looking for consistent issues (cheap, tips over easily, wheels too small, etc.) I can narrow down to what MIGHT be the best option, maybe even being her favorite color.

    When the box arrives and I put it together and she tries it out and raves about how much it helps her, I know I chose wisely. Until she validated it, I couldn’t be sure, but just suspected.

    I have no first-hand knowledge of what the truth is about covid, other than I know a bunch of people are getting sick and some are dying, and that is said to be the primary cause, and the vaccines the ultimate solution. I also know medical people who have differing opinions.

    I followed a similar approach to the rollater in trying to find answers (except I have a great distrust for the government, I admit). There were thousands of 5 star reviews on their products and thousands more that were 1 star. Someone’s lying.

    I’ve looked at the specs, followed the money, watched the customer service, and so forth. I have arrived at some hypotheses from all this.

    But, as soon as I expressed those ideas, all manner of abuse has been pressed on me from the 5-star-ers. The consistent response has been to attack my sanity, my ability to reason, and my selfish motives. You are left alone and praised if you buy their products, but demonized if you even question any part of it.

    My older brother has disassociated from me and blocked me on Facebook because I am so stupid and incapable of using logic, and he said it in those words. He is a brilliant man – a genius, and like you, one I deeply respect. But calling me stupid and then not answering my valid questions is not helpful.

    Your article had great points – that we need to focus on the Lord, that no government or political philosophy can save us, and that we need to respect others of differing views and not distrust their motives. I take no offense from you or the other author in those, but it was the subtle references to the sanity, health, and intelligence of everyone who suggests any conspiracy might be true that I felt should be addressed. They are in there if you look, just as the evening news so often taints their reports with words that predispose the listeners to their point if view.

    My questions were not answered here either, but this is clearly the wrong venue, and I do not want to lose someone else I value. Please accept my apologies for talking so much and not stopping when you clearly requested to. One of these days that rollater may arrive and the truth may be clearer for all of us.

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    • No need to apologize Rick, I understand where you are coming from. I deliberately try not to argue anymore about literally anything pertaining to Covid19 or the vaccines because of the circular exchange that inevitably follows. And please understand that you are not alone in not understanding the “truth” about a good number of things, because I am right there with you. I have a son that has differing opinions than I do and it is very difficult to keep the love factor shining at times, so I do understand. I sincerely thank you for your patience with me, I know these exchanges are not easy, nor are the differing opinions about a number of issues that are currently prevalent within the Church, easy to cope with. I’m thinking all we can do is try to articulate our opinion and why we hold it as such, and if someone disagrees, then that is what it is, a disagreement that does not break the bonds of maintaining fellowship, as long as major doctrines are not being challenged, i.e. “another Gospel”. Respect for one another and our differing opinions is the foundation of continued fellowship. Satan wants to divide us and we simply can’t let him make us part of his goal. We can’t, and if we do, then we’re all missing something. So no hard feelings here at all Rick and it is my prayer that it is likewise with you at your end. Blessings brother.

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  14. Bruce,

    I am going to come at Houdmann’s claims from a different perspective. Before doing so, my intent is to be neutral, not accusatory (either to Houdmann or you). I will first address the term “conspiracy theory”, then I will challenge the substance of his post, illustrating its fallacies.

    I don’t think “conspiracy theory” is very helpful at all. The term has been used as a pejorative, a way to ridicule others, a means by which to stifle conversation about a topic with which a person or group disagrees. But it should be neutral. For example, when police detectives uncover racketeering—organized crime—it is after having an initial theory of a conspiracy, a hunch about individuals conspiring together in crime. In the beginning stages of the investigation, it is a conspiracy theory. Though, again, the term should be neutral, in today’s socio-political environment and vernacular, it’s mostly used to disparage adherents to a particular theory with which the accuser takes exception. This is why I prefer some sort of modifier, such as “questionable”: questionable conspiracy theory. Yet even that’s much less than perfect.

    One of Houdmann’s main claims here is laid out thusly:

    According to conspiracy theorists, world governments placing restrictions on their citizens to slow the spread of COVID-19 appears to be somewhat of a test run to see how people respond to some of their freedoms being taken away. Therefore, the virus itself must be part of the conspiracy.

    The author goes on to state:

    Every time we espouse a conspiracy theory that isn’t true, we are liars.

    He uses the immediately preceding to implicitly claim this particular position is untrue. He then further goes on to more strongly implicitly accuse those adhering to such views as perpetuating falsehoods, in his use of Scripture quotations.

    I submit he cannot possibly know for sure whether or not his main claim is true or false. Does Houdmann have some sort of inside track with government leaders? I’d think not. But IF there’s ANY validity to the position in the first sentence of this claim, then it’s certainly possible the virus has been used to further this agenda.

    From here Houdmann concludes with:

    If you do not KNOW that it is the truth, you should have nothing to do with promoting it.

    Though there may be those who assert such things boldly, it seems to me that one can promote such “conspiracy theories” as food for thought rather than indisputable ‘facts’. Yet it appears to me that Houdmann here is implicitly indicting anyone who entertains such theories, in any form or fashion, as perpetuating falsehoods.

    But more importantly, here he exhibits another fallacy. The converse of the above statement is necessarily true:

    If you do not KNOW that it is NOT the truth, you should have nothing to do with promoting it [as not being true].

    Ergo, Houdmann himself is guilty of the very thing he is accusing others.

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    • Hi Craig, thank you for jumping in, this is interesting and you do have me thinking. I’m curious how you would factor in Isaiah 8:12-13 NASB “You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’ Regarding everything that this people call a conspiracy, And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. It is the LORD of armies whom you are to regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, And He shall be your dread.” It would seem to me, and you can correct me if you think my take on this is wrong, or possibly the translation of the word “conspiracy” as it is rendered in English is wrong, that Isaiah is indicating that we should not get into this line of thinking but focus rather on the Lord of Hosts as our primary concern, i.e. Godly concern versus worldly concern. I do admit I can appreciate using the modifier “questionable conspiracy theory” versus just the standalone “conspiracy theory” because it does enter the element of at least being “truthful” into the statement, which I would think is something that everyone should be ultimately seeking.
      The problem being, when we enter into these conspiracy discussions, truth ends up being relative versus objective (I say, you say, with regard to source documentation and sometimes how it is interpreted). One of the frustrations I have encountered with discussing conspiracies, is the multi-layered factor with the result of dove tailing from one particular aspect of the conspiracy to another.

      I’m actually glad that you brought up Houdmann’s statement about “If you do not KNOW that it is the truth, you should have nothing to do with promoting it.” because when I read that, I thought that statement in itself could be problematic, because what a person thinks they assume they know is true and what is actually true, may not necessarily be one and the same, due to the difference between objective and relative “truth”.

      I just experienced this recently with one of my sons who took the total number of submissions into the hospitals here in Nova Scotia as proof that the vaccines don’t work because there were MORE people in the hospital with vaccinations who had Covid 19 than there were people in the hospital with Covid 19 that were NOT vaccinated. We have approximately 1 million people here in Nova Scotia and 90 % or 900,000 of our population have had at least one shot of a vaccine. Actually the 90% includes, one shot, two shots and those who also have had a booster shot. What he failed to take into consideration was the base rate. Conversely the unvaccinated are approximately 10 % of our population or approximately 100,000 people and yet their numbers being admitted into the hospital with Covid 19 actually represent 21 % of the total numbers being admitted out of the 1 million population on that particular day (17 Jan ). The larger number of admissions (approximately 79%) is from the base rate of 900,000 people while the unvaccinated admissions is taken from the base rate of 100,000 people (approximately 21%). That base rate is critical if you wish to get a truthful picture of the overall effectiveness of the vaccines.

      The base rate fallacy, also called base rate neglect or base rate bias, is a type of fallacy. If presented with related base rate information and specific information, people tend to ignore the base rate in favour of the individuating information, rather than correctly integrating the two. Base rate neglect is a specific form of the more general extension neglect.

      My son thought his conclusions were truthful and yet I can show that they are not, but he accused me of moving the goal posts. Numbers don’t normally lie and this one is relatively easy to prove as incorrect when you assume the larger number of people being admitted into the hospital with Covid 19 who are vaccinated proves that the vaccines are not working. It only does that if you ignore the base rate, which does have to be accounted for, otherwise your conclusion may look correct but it is actually wrong. I see this time and time again where conspiracies are involved. This is the stuff that many conspiracies are made of.

      So, when I read that last statement I thought to myself, if a person is convinced that the truth they hold is indeed truth, they will continue to put it out there, just like my son does. So just thinking that you may not know if what you believe is true, is not going to change the decision of someone who is convinced that what they know is true, is actually truth. So how do you address that or do you even address it? And yes, you are right, Houdmann did violate his own accusation towards others, but how does one even begin to address this dilemma otherwise? I’m thinking that some broad strokes designed to guide are a necessity.

      I do get what you say about the reverse fallacy but I personally do NOT promote either. On a one to one, I will if asked, but on my blog, no, I honestly try not to promote either. Does some bias creep in from time to time, I can’t say 100% that it doesn’t but very minimal. I make a very honest effort to deliberately not to, either pro or con and I still think that, that is the position that as Christians, we should endeavour to take, specifically as the Church, considering that we are to be in the world and not of the world. And why? Because when we switch our primary attention, our focus or allegiance is changed, like the Apostle Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:4 NASB “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him.” And I am thinking that lines up with Isaiah 8:12-13. Looking forward to your response. Blessings!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Bruce,

        With respect, my sole intention of commenting was laid out in my original comment. I don’t wish to get into speculative territory. Having prefaced this comment thusly, I’ll selectively respond to your response.

        As regards Isaiah 8, one must look at the larger context. The LORD is not making some sort of general prohibition against “conspiracies”. He is speaking to something else here, though it’s not exactly clear—at least to me and at least one commentator. I’ll quote Alec Motyer’s TOTC on Isaiah (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1999):

        …The separation of prophet and group is not a self-appointed exclusivism but (as is all true separation) obedience to the Lord’s word. It is obedience that is to distinguish them from ‘the way’ (lifestyle, or characteristic modes of thought and conduct) ‘of this people’. The second difference (12ab) is their unwillingness to follow popular thinking regarding some ‘conspiracy’. It is possible that Isaiah’s action in opposing the king’s policy of alliance with Assyria was considered treason by the royal court and that a rumour was spread to this effect in order to bring him into popular disrepute. If this were the case, then ‘do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy’ is a command to keep a clear conscience (1 Pet. 3:15–16). The word, however, could be translated ‘alliance’, in which case the reference is to the alliance Ahaz thought he was negotiating with Assyria. To Isaiah this was no ‘alliance’ but submission, trading sovereignty and independence for spurious promises of safety. But Isaiah must rather continue in fidelity to the Lord’s word as it called to faith rather than to worldly armed strength…(p 96; bold added).

        As regards “truth”, we should all aspire to espouse only objective truth. The problem as I see it, in this world we have multiple ‘trusted’ sources—even, and perhaps especially, Big Media—perpetuating untruths. Thus, it is extremely difficult to determine what is not and what is objective truth.

        Briefly, as regards “base rate” in the context you provide. I wholeheartedly agree that one must use “base rate” in any analysis. However, the problem overall is yet still incomplete data. How many of these hospitalizations are of a known risk group, regardless of vaccination status? This is why I’ve suggested on another forum more data, perhaps some sort of weighted scale: age, number of comorbidities, etc. But—and this is the largest caveat—these numbers must reflect individuals in hospital BECAUSE OF CV19, as opposed to incidental cases (e.g., someone went to hospital with a broken bone, was tested, found to be positive, then counted as a ‘case’). The latter problem has been uncovered here in the US, and recently in the UK. Numbers of deaths FROM CV19 are FAR below what was initially purported (see, e.g., Dr. John Campbell’s vlog: Freedom of information revelation).

        I do agree that one must be cautious of over-focus on anything—anything that takes away from our faith.

        Liked by 2 people

      • Hi Craig, thank you for your insights, especially with regard to my Isaiah quote. And with regard to finding unpolluted objective truth, I agree, it is very difficult, to say the least, especially where we are dealing with secular matters. And with regard to the base rate incident I mentioned, I heartily agree there are many other factors involved. I simply utilized the base rate incident to illustrate how displayed numbers can be used to disseminate inaccurate information or conclusions.

        I’ve read through a lot of your posts, I highly respect your knowledge and reasoning abilities, which clearly exceeds mine. Some of these disagreements that are prevalent within the Christian Church, especially with regard to Covid 19 and the effectiveness of vaccines and other general health measures are highly complex and continually evolving, not to mention, being subject to misinterpretation, even by those who are acknowledged authorities in their given fields. A lot of it comes down to whom you trust as a “reliable” source, and many seek to initially validate their opinion first, versus look at the general consensus of the vast majority of acknowledged authorities in a particular medical or scientific field. And even that approach is not fool proof when we consider Evolution and Creationism from a scientific perspective of the majority consensus.

        Quite candidly, in a good number of areas, I am above my pay grade when trying to discern an “informed” opinion, but apparently there are many others who are not and I am NOT inferring that is you. Hence my decision to keep my opinions to myself unless directly asked for, which I will provide, with the understanding that I could be wrong.

        There is no easy solution to the differing perspectives on Covid 19 and the vaccines that many hold. I have done tonnes of research and I have only barely scratched the surface. At best, when it comes to Covid 19 and the vaccines, my “informed” opinions are dependent on the resources I consider as “reliable”, as hopefully honest people can be. And of course, once again, we encounter the reality of subjective truth with regard to honesty. The circular reasoning produced with these exchanges is truly insidious.

        I want to share a recent exchange with you, that I had with someone on the phone recently. My professional expertise is within the field of Information Technology. I received a phone call (scam call) from someone who misrepresented themselves as an agent of Microsoft, telling me that my computer was vulnerable to infection and they could assist me. Normally I just hang up but a few days ago I decided to really talk to the individual who was making this call. I use a Mac machine versus a Windows machine so the caller was hitting a brick wall, right from the start. I politely let the caller know that I knew this was a scam and suggested to him that surely there was some form of employment that was honest and more fulfilling available to him. I also stated to him that most people are just not this uninformed. He responded, “Oh yes they are!”. Sadly, he is correct. And this extends far beyond the field of Information Technology.

        So I ask myself, do I really want to add this “exchange” into the goals of following the Great Commission that Jesus gave us and the answer that I keep getting is “No”. I understand that is my decision. I am not asking anyone to abandon their “opinions”, what I do ask is that Christians consider the consequences of articulating their secular “opinions” with the cross purposes it presents with spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And clearly, the best that I can communicate this is purely as a “for your consideration”.

        Is there an acceptable solution to this dilemma we are all intwined in? If there is, I don’t honestly know what it is. So in the interim, I will focus my limited energies on proclaiming the objective truth of God’s Holy Word, which is no small feat in itself.

        Thank you Craig for taking the time to add to this conversation. Thank you for your insights, I try hard to really listen to what you say. And last of all, thank you for your patience with me. I’ve said before, when I compare myself with you, I consider you the teacher and I am the student. And hey, I could be totally out in left field, but it is where I am, and if you are elsewhere, I respect your decision. And lastly, I sincerely appreciate your accommodation with me.

        God’s continued blessings to you and yours Craig.

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