“Conspiracy theory! Conspiracy theory!” What a quick way to make something look ridiculous these days. But is it not plausible that in some cases a significant group of people might indeed be conspiring together for nefarious purposes? To instantly retort against and disparage anyone who might express such a concern by firing back with the charge, “Conspiracy theory!” is a common technique that does not quite measure up to the principles of sound logic. This is an example of a common fallacy known as Argumentum ad hominem, a rhetorical strategy whereby a person (sometimes by insinuation) launches an attack on the character, motive, or some other attribute of one expressing a point—rather than considering the substance of the argument itself. The implication is designed to cast instant doubt on the one expressing something that could be of legitimate concern.

Many who are guilty of wrong and some swayed by them thus enshroud themselves by evading sound logical argument. They thrust the accusation that the one who perceives and expresses concern over something large-scale which doesn’t appear quite right must surely be a conspiracy theorist—in other words, a person overly wary, possibly lacking balance, and purporting a mere theory not yet proven. Thus, without fair investigation, through the jeering, many a legitimate observation is made to appear invalid—typically if it goes against the narrative of a majority (whose record historically has shown more often to be wrong than right).

Interestingly, however, some have recently observed that the difference between many a so-called conspiracy theory and truth can be just a span of time, even as brief as 6–12 months. That’s sometimes the case. Why? Because when the reality breaks through a mass of biased or even bribed fake news fact checkers, people who had been unconsciously blinded by a mob finally wake up and see what had been going on the entire time. Yet on the other hand, in some cases, time and further research might eventually reveal a claim to be shallow and not well-founded. But either way, as a first step, before mocking the messenger, it may be wise to humble our own hearts and investigate the validity of the claim. To repeat—that first step of humbling our own hearts is a vital one.

In general, what is the difference between any theory and the truth? A theory may have a very sound basis. Many things in life are not fully proven, but a credible theory is based on honest, reliable data and documentation. If the observation happens to challenge the status quo, it will be unpopular. Then it’s usually subject to vicious attack, but that’s unfortunate—because in all fairness, the burden of proof one way or the other rests on both sides of an argument, not only the minority position.

What about in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy? Do God’s sacred writings speak of historic conspiracies that were often hidden behind the scenes, whereby ill intentions were secretly waged against Him and His righteous principles? Absolutely! Inspiration speaks of many conspiracies—and strongly warns us in Revelation chapter 13 of quite a significant conspiracy looming on the horizon. Why did prudent safety render it necessary for much of the book of Revelation to be written in coded, symbolic language? It’s because the overall great controversy between Christ and Satan is a huge conspiracy unveiled!

In this issue of the Reformation Herald, we will look at a few samples of conspiracies launched against God and His people throughout history. These conspiracies have been instigated by the baser elements of fallen sinful nature, elements such as hatred, rebellious influence, and lust for revenge, pride, greed, position, or money—to name just a few. If we want to be part of the solution and not the problem in this world, it behooves us to search our hearts and consider these matters prayerfully, that we may open our eyes (in Revelation 3:18, Jesus calls it anointing our eyes with eyesalve) to honor the God of truth no matter what the cost, no matter what the mockery.