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Conspiracy: A Biblical View
Book by North Gary
168 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
3 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Gary North
173 books96 followersGary North received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside. He served on the Senior Staff of the Foundation for Economic Education, in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, and was the president of the Institute for Christian Economics. Dr. North’s essays and reviews have appeared in three dozen magazines and journals, including The Wall Street Journal, National Review, The American Spectator, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 20, 2017
Most of it I already knew. The important section is the first one, where he outlines the biblical philosophy of history. In the second part of the book he names names--but I already knew those. If the biblical worldview is true, then "cosmic personalism" follows. Cosmic Personalism: men are responsible, personal agents. Further, there is a personal struggle in history, involving cosmic agents (Gen. 3:15).
North identifies “the conspiracy” as “the Establishment.” This is what the soon-to-be-ideological-martyr for truth Donald Trump called the Deep State, or the Swamp. What makes this unique is that it is a conspiracy of insiders against outsiders.
Thesis: : through their domination over the major educational, political, and financial institutions, these conspirators have "set the agenda," especially the intellectual agenda, for the last century (14).
The Biblical View
No one is claiming that God is going to lose in history and if there is a conspiracy, then Satan is all-powerful. No offense, but detractors who keep insisting that those who have a biblical view of history mean that are either ignorant, incapable of reading comprehension, or dishonest. Take your pick.
The People’s Will
North: When the people of a society accept the idea that the people's will is absolutely sovereign, they thereby condemn themselves to a life of manipulation by corrupt elites that will seek to rule "in the name of the People” (21).
It's a decent, quick read. Much of it is quite dated, since the USSR (funded by the US taxpayer) fell. And with the rise of President Trump, more conservatives are waking up to the fact that Beltway Insiders truly despise them and will work against them at all times.
North identifies “the conspiracy” as “the Establishment.” This is what the soon-to-be-ideological-martyr for truth Donald Trump called the Deep State, or the Swamp. What makes this unique is that it is a conspiracy of insiders against outsiders.
Thesis: : through their domination over the major educational, political, and financial institutions, these conspirators have "set the agenda," especially the intellectual agenda, for the last century (14).
The Biblical View
No one is claiming that God is going to lose in history and if there is a conspiracy, then Satan is all-powerful. No offense, but detractors who keep insisting that those who have a biblical view of history mean that are either ignorant, incapable of reading comprehension, or dishonest. Take your pick.
The People’s Will
North: When the people of a society accept the idea that the people's will is absolutely sovereign, they thereby condemn themselves to a life of manipulation by corrupt elites that will seek to rule "in the name of the People” (21).
It's a decent, quick read. Much of it is quite dated, since the USSR (funded by the US taxpayer) fell. And with the rise of President Trump, more conservatives are waking up to the fact that Beltway Insiders truly despise them and will work against them at all times.
September 5, 2023
Although little read by those outside the fundamentalist Christian branch of conspiracy theorists, Gary North's Conspiracy: A Biblical View became an instant classic when first published in 1986. This was due to North's insistence on focusing on the spiritual roots of the conspiracy as opposed to the fringe approach that usually attempts to place sole responsibility for the conspiracy on a specific mastermind group (the Illuminati, Freemasons, Jesuits, Jews, International Bankers, communists, Bilderbergers, the Royal Houses of Europe, et al). For the Bible believing Christian, North's approach was a breath of fresh air. It gave the conspiracy view of history a much-needed Biblical credibility. Satan, after all, is the chief conspirator, and all those who either participate or sheepishly "go with the flow" are his unwitting allies and victims. The fall in the garden becomes the conspiracy's "shot heard round the world" and Psalm 2 its plan of action exposed by sacred writ. All conspiracy "mastermind" groups are merely puppets guided by an infernal "hidden hand." So goes North's brilliant thesis. He also gathers together many of the most important resources from the height of conspiracy writing, roughly 1975-1985. North's only flaw is that his reconstructionist philosophy (He is a disciple and relative by marriage of Rousas John Rushdoony, founder of the Christian Reconstructionist movement) and dominion theology force his conclusions back into the fringe conspiracy solution that Christian political action and knowledge can expose and reverse the conspiracy, something he otherwise treats as an impossibility outside his worldview. His thoroughly Calvinist amillennial position is anathema to many dispensationalists, preterists and other evangelical prophetic mindsets. But this should not stop any Christian (or non-believer) from reading this fantastic book. The bulk of the information is too important to be ignored. The exposure of the conspiracy reached its peak in the 1990's. But with the election of President GW Bush, the 9-11 crisis and subsequent War on Terror, the church has fallen asleep again. The conspiracy is stronger than ever and the Christian political action plan/committee approach has largely failed. America needs spiritual revival and the Church must wake up again to its responsibility to be salt and light. Dr. North is still promoting his ideas and writing books. Hopefully this one will be updated and re-released for a new generation to study and take heed. It is highly, highly recommended.
August 1, 2021
Follow the footnotes to go down the historical rabbit hole even further. Lots of good little-known sources here.
The bottom line is this: there is a God who created everything. He appointed His Son Jesus to be ruler over all. There are various forces that have conspired in history against Christian civilization. But every Christian knows that God wins in the end. The various out workings of that opposition to God started in the Garden of Eden.
North doesn’t say this—or at least in this way—but I will: follow Jesus and keep his commandments, die daily to your sin and mortify the flesh.
The conspiracy appeals to your basest desires. Become the type of person whom the conspiracy can’t appeal to. That is best done by giving your life to Christ….all of you…
God’s appointed community, the church, is your cosmic battle station against satanic forces.
And fortify your home.
Be the kind of husband and wife that rules in a Christlike way. Love one another. Honor her and love her as Christ loves the church. Wives love and respect your husband. This is the divine order.
My biggest drawback with all of North’s books has been the language he uses to describe Christianity and its implications. He’s an okay writer. But talking of Christianity in terms of “ethics” is so uninspiring and feels “man-breathed” (vs. “God-breathed”). Language matters and as a big Biblical Theology “Whole Bible” person North’s language shuts me off.
This is good historical work, but on an “Everyday Christian” level, a Christian is better suited reading works like “A Christians Pocket Guide to Loving the Old Testament” by Alec Moyter (and really undoes the Northian “academicizing” of Christianity) and learning Christianity in the terms the Bible provided.
You’ll be a much healthier Christian that way.
In fact, being a good Christian in a good church community is the best thing you can do. When the church is the church, communities improve. This is political action the way the Bible defines politics, not the world (or the USA).
Yet, I’m going to say that as a result of reading this book I do care about “Western Civilization” now, but only insofar as it reflects and stems from the Bible. Apparently, the enemies of Western Civilization hate it so much because it reflects Godly, biblical order. That’s fair.
But I doubt that will translate into any kind of American political action on my part. I didn’t even vote in 2020. I stayed home and it was one of the happiest and most gratifying days of my life.
I’m surprised North included a line about the “Illuminati” which I thought was mythical. With time I’ll follow that footnote.
But there have been other less elusive “right-in-your-face” conspiracies in history. And as a journalist and a citizen I see this. The conspiracy is not some secret elite group. It’s more of a network than a single club. The conspiracy rules right in your face and you probably read its press releases. They make their intentions known.
Also, he has at least line about our presidents being selected in advance for us, which is interesting given the Biden election. If there was ever a president that the conspiracy propped up…
But this is a good introduction to all of the little known players in history.
I’m going to rank this book as “non-essential” in terms of an “Everyman’s library.” He says as much in the end. Well, not exactly. But he says that if you aren’t a stable person then you don’t need to be chasing conspiracies in history or getting involved in politics. You need to be making an impact in your church, or in your family, or on a small scale.
Agreed.
But remember folks, the CIA invented the term “conspiracy theorist.” Never call your fellow American or citizen that.
It’s un-American.
The bottom line is this: there is a God who created everything. He appointed His Son Jesus to be ruler over all. There are various forces that have conspired in history against Christian civilization. But every Christian knows that God wins in the end. The various out workings of that opposition to God started in the Garden of Eden.
North doesn’t say this—or at least in this way—but I will: follow Jesus and keep his commandments, die daily to your sin and mortify the flesh.
The conspiracy appeals to your basest desires. Become the type of person whom the conspiracy can’t appeal to. That is best done by giving your life to Christ….all of you…
God’s appointed community, the church, is your cosmic battle station against satanic forces.
And fortify your home.
Be the kind of husband and wife that rules in a Christlike way. Love one another. Honor her and love her as Christ loves the church. Wives love and respect your husband. This is the divine order.
My biggest drawback with all of North’s books has been the language he uses to describe Christianity and its implications. He’s an okay writer. But talking of Christianity in terms of “ethics” is so uninspiring and feels “man-breathed” (vs. “God-breathed”). Language matters and as a big Biblical Theology “Whole Bible” person North’s language shuts me off.
This is good historical work, but on an “Everyday Christian” level, a Christian is better suited reading works like “A Christians Pocket Guide to Loving the Old Testament” by Alec Moyter (and really undoes the Northian “academicizing” of Christianity) and learning Christianity in the terms the Bible provided.
You’ll be a much healthier Christian that way.
In fact, being a good Christian in a good church community is the best thing you can do. When the church is the church, communities improve. This is political action the way the Bible defines politics, not the world (or the USA).
Yet, I’m going to say that as a result of reading this book I do care about “Western Civilization” now, but only insofar as it reflects and stems from the Bible. Apparently, the enemies of Western Civilization hate it so much because it reflects Godly, biblical order. That’s fair.
But I doubt that will translate into any kind of American political action on my part. I didn’t even vote in 2020. I stayed home and it was one of the happiest and most gratifying days of my life.
I’m surprised North included a line about the “Illuminati” which I thought was mythical. With time I’ll follow that footnote.
But there have been other less elusive “right-in-your-face” conspiracies in history. And as a journalist and a citizen I see this. The conspiracy is not some secret elite group. It’s more of a network than a single club. The conspiracy rules right in your face and you probably read its press releases. They make their intentions known.
Also, he has at least line about our presidents being selected in advance for us, which is interesting given the Biden election. If there was ever a president that the conspiracy propped up…
But this is a good introduction to all of the little known players in history.
I’m going to rank this book as “non-essential” in terms of an “Everyman’s library.” He says as much in the end. Well, not exactly. But he says that if you aren’t a stable person then you don’t need to be chasing conspiracies in history or getting involved in politics. You need to be making an impact in your church, or in your family, or on a small scale.
Agreed.
But remember folks, the CIA invented the term “conspiracy theorist.” Never call your fellow American or citizen that.
It’s un-American.
July 11, 2024
IS THERE A "CHRISTIAN" VIEW OF PURPORTED "CONSPIRACIES"?
Gary Kilgore North (born 1942) is head of the Institute for Christian Economics, and a prominent Christian Reconstructionist, who has written widely on many topics (including postmillennial eschatology).
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1986 book, "What should the serious Christian think about conspiracies? This little book is designed to help you come to Bible-based conclusions concerning these questions."
He says that the conspirators who are moving forward to create a New World Order have to keep their plans "relatively secret." Faced with the objection that the Trilaterial Commission has published repeatedly its intention to create a New World Order, he argues that "as time goes on, the conspirators have become more open." (Pg. 54)
Admitting that the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has brought out many, many books stating their position, North says, "Books make them look scholarly... like a bunch of academics, meaning powerless." (Pg. 55-56) He claims that the Trilateral Commission's magazine 'Trialogue" is "a subsidized propaganda magazine from a secret society that had to be created in 1973 to help deflect the heat after 1972 that books like 'None Dare Call It Conspirac'y had produced for the C.F.R." He asserts that the Trilateral Commission is "public where it has to be, secret where it has to be." (Pg. 60)
He claims that there is an alliance between professional historians and the "manipulating Establishment." While admitting that "No one issues direct orders," he says that there are unquestionably rules of the game: "It is more like etiquette than anything else." (Pg. 91)
North accepts the validity of an unsigned letter sent to Gary Allen, which claimed that Carroll Quigley (academic author of Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World In Our Time) ultimately accepted Allen's view about the "conspirators," and "had been very fearful of reprisals toward the end of his life." (Pg. 106-107)
One may or may not be convinced by North's presentation; but it makes an interesting contrast to other "conspiracy" books by Constance Cumbey A Planned Deception The Staging of a New Age "Messiah") and Texe Marrs Dark Secrets of the New Age: Satan's Plan for a One World Religion).
(And in an Appendix, North advises that the "imprecatory Psalms" [e.g., Psalm 137:8-9] "are to be sung publicly," and used in public church worship services against specific individuals, "such as local abortionists and Communist tyrants." Pg. 149)
Gary Kilgore North (born 1942) is head of the Institute for Christian Economics, and a prominent Christian Reconstructionist, who has written widely on many topics (including postmillennial eschatology).
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1986 book, "What should the serious Christian think about conspiracies? This little book is designed to help you come to Bible-based conclusions concerning these questions."
He says that the conspirators who are moving forward to create a New World Order have to keep their plans "relatively secret." Faced with the objection that the Trilaterial Commission has published repeatedly its intention to create a New World Order, he argues that "as time goes on, the conspirators have become more open." (Pg. 54)
Admitting that the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has brought out many, many books stating their position, North says, "Books make them look scholarly... like a bunch of academics, meaning powerless." (Pg. 55-56) He claims that the Trilateral Commission's magazine 'Trialogue" is "a subsidized propaganda magazine from a secret society that had to be created in 1973 to help deflect the heat after 1972 that books like 'None Dare Call It Conspirac'y had produced for the C.F.R." He asserts that the Trilateral Commission is "public where it has to be, secret where it has to be." (Pg. 60)
He claims that there is an alliance between professional historians and the "manipulating Establishment." While admitting that "No one issues direct orders," he says that there are unquestionably rules of the game: "It is more like etiquette than anything else." (Pg. 91)
North accepts the validity of an unsigned letter sent to Gary Allen, which claimed that Carroll Quigley (academic author of Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World In Our Time) ultimately accepted Allen's view about the "conspirators," and "had been very fearful of reprisals toward the end of his life." (Pg. 106-107)
One may or may not be convinced by North's presentation; but it makes an interesting contrast to other "conspiracy" books by Constance Cumbey A Planned Deception The Staging of a New Age "Messiah") and Texe Marrs Dark Secrets of the New Age: Satan's Plan for a One World Religion).
(And in an Appendix, North advises that the "imprecatory Psalms" [e.g., Psalm 137:8-9] "are to be sung publicly," and used in public church worship services against specific individuals, "such as local abortionists and Communist tyrants." Pg. 149)
March 30, 2019
This book deals with how Christians should view conspiracy in light of scripture. North starts with showing the biblical view of history which is viewed in light of Genesis 3:15. Instead of just studying conspiracy theories or trying to bring the conspirators to light North advocates actively engaging in various activities to improve one's local community. North makes many good points but I disagree that a Christian should leave their church if it not actively pursuing these cultural pursuits North recommends.
March 9, 2019
Following a number of early (1970s-1980s) conspiracy theorists, including his mentor R. J. Rushdoony, North here sets out his view of Christian conspiracism. But there is little about it that is biblical; most of the content is drawn from various conspiracy books written by far right and fringe writers, including those associated with or members of the John Birch Society. The book is nuts.
August 27, 2020
Not as detailed and in depth as I expected Gary North to go. Nevertheless solid material, of course set in the 80’s and earlier with his specific examples brought up. 3.5 stars really.
March 26, 2017
Gary North considers 'conspiracy theories' in light of Psalm 2.
January 28, 2013
Read this because we are reading through That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis. North's blurb on the back references Lewis' book as kind of a springboard into conspiracy theory. It's not as weird as you might think. North isn't a "conspiracy nut." He tackles the issue of conspiracy from a biblical perspective, although I think he should've done a lot more exegesis of the relevant texts. This book deals more with the reality and nature of conspiracy theories (and theorists) from an historical perspective -- and mainly within the last hundred years or so.
August 15, 2016
3rd or 4th read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews