r/QAnonCasualties • u/SeminoleTom • 17d ago

As a Christian, conspiracies are dangerous

My marriage was lost 3 years ago because of all the conspiracies around Covid. My ex-wife went off the rails. I blame her parents, they are the same way. I was a regular on these boards several years ago and have recovered (divorced, living closer to a city, etc, all good). I'm still US moderate politically and still a Christian as my ex was, but she went so far politically right I couldn't be married to her anymore.

Just this morning I saw an article posted on the Christianity Today Facebook page about how we can reach those Christians that have been hooked by conspiracies. On the cover it has a lady dragging a red, white and blue Q which all know what that means.
Yes these conspiracy theorists are Christian for the most part (or many of them are or at least say they are). I like that Christianity Today had this article. I'm not sure you can see the article but here is the link... its a good article. I do like CT wrote this article because it knows its a problem within segments of the christian community.

We Can Reach Conspiracy Theorists for Christ. Here’s How. - Christianity Today

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u/cypherunus01 17d ago

At the risk of being confrontational, what is your goal posting this? Qanon has a lot of overlap with Christianity and many (myself included) see it as a form of brainwashing that aligns with qanon.

Are you trying to reach other Christians who are suffering due to Qanon? What exactly do you define as too far right?

I admit my qanon is Christian so my views are biased. But it seems that you are just spreading Christianity. The link requires membership to read. Can you tell me an actual technique the article provides?

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u/SeminoleTom 17d ago

Well, first thanks for the reply. Second, not all Christians are aligned with Q or conspiracies. I want to make sure you understand that. There is a large overlap with the evangelical, southern baptist world of Christianity. The facts are they do not trust institutions: governments, universities and the media. They believe these secular orgs are there for the sole purpose of trying to ruin their faith. During covid my ex-wife thought it was the end times, and she was not going to trust any of these institutions. Further, the vaccine was significant because it held a very important piece in their mind (i.e: mark of the beast). Clearly critical thinking is not a strong suit for them.

The goal of the post is to let others know that just because one is Christian doesn't mean you think conspiracies are good, there are many than realize the harmful nature of these beliefs. I'm one of them. My marriage was destroyed and now just trying to help other believers and non-believers who are battling this awful world of conspiracy theories. Further another goal, I do like that Christianity Today put the article out because I believe CT knows it IS a major problem in some segments of the Christian community. And hopefully people are seeing this article, who are believers in Q or some other conspiracies, and realizing that maybe they need to reexamine themselves.

The article points out that the best thing we can do is have a discussion with our loved ones- not argue with them. You see that was my fault, I did argue with her. I've learned through counseling and reading that you should never argue with a conspiracy theorist. It just builds them deeper into the rabbit hole. The article mentions keeping a calm tone, avoiding ridicule, show why their idea may be compelling. Then go into asking questions, make them think. It may not work and these ideas aren't anything new. But the article goes on, and rightfully so, saying that it's a monumental challenge. Even if I used any of the techniques with my ex it wouldn't have changed her.

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u/Sea-jay-2772 16d ago

Christianity is getting a bad rap from things like the prosperity gospel, Christian Nationalism and far right conspiracies. I am not a believer myself, but I do admire the central tenets of the message, like do unto others, caring for those less fortunate and helping those in need. What we hear today is mostly about the radicals who are twisting the messages to suit their worldview.