Thread by @JoLuehmann

Let’s talk about conspiracy theories and why I am concerned with the evangelicals response to the US election.

A thread:

TW: islamophobia and racism.

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In the 13th century Christians believed Muslims could not be converted, they could only be eliminated because they were evil. Google malicide.

During the reformation it was believed Native and Black people had no souls and needed to be enslaved by Christians...
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as a response to Genesis 1:28 that man should rule over every creature. Google Dum Diversas, Romanus Pontifex and perpetual slavery.

The Confederate states believed that if Black people were left unchecked they would destroy the nation.
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In part they pushed this because they believed their skin color was the mark of Cain. Google mark of Cain, curse of Ham and US slavery.

During the whole of the 1900s many conspiracy theories about music and dancing were spun asserting some music and pretty much all dancing...
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was of the devil and gave young minds demonic ideas, or opened the door to demonic possession. This too has racism all over it. Check out The Devil’s Music by Randall Stephens.

During the early 2000s after 9/11 many conspiracies theories started to garner popularity...
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In regards to Muslims, people believed all Muslims wanted to destroy Christianity. These are still around. Look at how representative Ilhan is talked about.

Dominion Theology is in itself a whole conspiracy theory that states that the end times will come when...
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Christians exercise dominion over society by taking control of political and cultural institutions. Read “The Family” by @JeffSharlet or watch the Netflix documentary.

Conspiracy theories are not a bug inside toxic Christianity, they are the default. A few reasons why:
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•Irrational Fear and paranoia – The belief that there is an evil out there set on destroying them personally and then the whole world after them. The belief that there is a real enemy who wants to devour them. As they see events unfold; their theology crumble;
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and they refuse to grapple with their complicity in systems of oppression, conspiracy theories provide a sense of security, a way in which they can explain away the things that don’t align with their theology, or that keep them from having to question their beliefs.
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•Need for uniqueness – The idea that they are the “elect”, the “chosen ones”, the ones that are privy to some cosmic secrets that God has trusted them with, but has not revealed to those who aren’t chosen. This is clearly a trauma response.
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A way to not deal with feelings of inadequacy and internalized inferiority.

•Social isolation – Because of the belief in evil supernatural powers that can attach to them and deceive them, toxic Christianity insists on not relating to “the world”,
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which is anything that isn’t their version of Christianity. They mostly live in echo chambers, they listen to; read; and engage with, only pre-approved thoughts, people and ideas and they look at everything with suspicion.
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•Driven by people over facts – The idea of the “anointed one.” These are generally men that God has chosen to lead their people. They are most commonly pastors, evangelists, preachers, church leaders and their words are seen as coming directly from God.
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They often phrase things as “God spoke to me…” Facts don’t matter if the “anointed one” prophesies, or shares a conspiracy theory. Their words are truer than facts.

•End of the world anxiety – One way to cope w/anxiety as the world goes through major events is by...
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giving into conspiracy theories. Toxic Christians are in a constant state of anxiety as they worry about the end times and whether them and those around them will make it into heaven. Conspiracy theories give a false sense of control over something they cannot control.
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•Cognitive dissonance – Toxic Christianity teaches people not to trust their emotions, their instincts or their thoughts because they can be deceitful. Even as their own brain is telling them the conspiracy theories don’t make sense,
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Christians are used to cognitive dissonance, so logic is easily overridden to align with what “God is doing” or “trying to show them.”

Christians will continue to be susceptible to conspiracy theories so long as they align with toxic theology.
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Deconstruction is not only important for their well-being, but for the safety of society as these conspiracy theories are dangerous and can be lethal for entire people groups.

Some Articles on this:
feuniversity.org/wp-content/upl…
theatlantic.com/politics/archi…
racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/…

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