Conspiracy Theory: A Christian Evaluation of a Taboo Subject

by Doug Van Dorn

These days, when you throw “conspiracy theory” at someone, it is for one purpose—to be a thought-stopper and a discussion killer. But having this discussion grows more important by the day. People are engaging in “conspiracy theories” whether some want to admit it or not. Frankly, it is a discussion that needs to happen. This book is not about specific conspiracies, but rather is a serious look at the phrase from a definitional, historical, biblical, and Christian point of view. The main goal is to come to some helpful conclusions on how a Christian can remain sane in a world of conspiracy theories. And, we’ll have some fun along the way.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2020

Reviews

[Marsha Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely needed book in these times! This book marvelously helps one to navigate through the clutter of news, what’s real, what’s fake, and why should we bother trying to understand any of it anyway?! Van Dorn comes from the position that Christians should glorify God with everything, including their deep thinking on issues of the day which means taking a long hard look at the way the world is presented to us.

He wrote it DURING the pandemic we are living through and addresses some of the actual rhetoric that matters now, but more than that takes you back in time to some of the most spectacular conspiracies of people trying to subvert Christianity and cultures all along our history. Without this time travel we might be tempted to wonder what does it really matter who is influencing our world? I thought it did a great job encouraging the reader to both care as well as be prepared to make wise choices using the Bible and solid theology as far as conspiracy theories that surround us.

A great and timely read that I whole heartedly recommend.

[Anna Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful evaluation of how to approach conspiracy theories as a believer.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a book about conspiracy theory in the midst of the pandemic might be weird for some. However, when you open your Facebook, scroll a bit and you’ll see some stuff that are made for X-Files or The Twilight Zone? Conspiracy theory didn’t take a day off in a world fighting against a virus. Instead they are having a field day into our favorite social media. I’m glad that an author, in the midst of the pandemic (which might be weird for some) wrote something to keep people sane about it and offers biblical insights on handling conspiracy theory.

From the book cover and interior design you might dismiss that the author is into UFO or X-Files (or you might hear it’s theme as you read the book) . However, Conspiracy Theory by Douglas Van Dorn, is not a book just trying to dazzle you with aesthetics of the book but lacks content. You might be concern that this book maybe full of conspiracy stuff that will turn you off. Well its not. The content here is really really good. I don’t know if there is another book out in the market that has this kind of subject, but you can’t go wrong in picking up Conspiracy Theory.


Van Dorn in his latest book, helps us get navigate the jungle of confusion on conspiracy theory bring us up to see and appreciate the forest. This book gets to the matter by giving out valuable examples, insights, great research without leading the readers to the rabbit hole of the controversial topic. The clarity and the smooth flow of the book makes a good combination of learning the subject and sticking till the end of the book.

I love the latter chapters Evaluating Conspiracy Theories and Remaining Sane in A World of Conspiracies which is the heart of the book. These chapters are helpful to Christians who wants to engage with conspiracy theories without losing their soul.

Conspiracy Theory is an engaging, well balanced and fascinating read about a sticky yet controversial subject from an unlikely author. This short book is an excellent primer for those who are interested in learning about conspiracy theory and how Christian should deal with it. You’ll put down this book not as an alarmist or apathetic about it, but a Christian armed with wisdom about the topic. If this is your first time reading a Doug Van Dorn book, this isn’t gonna be your last.

My verdict:

4.5 out of 5

(Review copy of this book was provided by the author himself)

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been one to roll my eyes at conspiracy theories. But with the events of 2020-2021, I've started to realize that there's probably some truth in at least a few of the theories going around. I wanted to consider how a Christian should evaluate and respond to those theories, just in general, and came across this book. It definitely helped!

The author starts with an overview of conspiracies throughout history, just to prove the validity of the topic. Although some of it was review for me, it was useful to consider history as a whole, as it kind of opened my eyes to how much authorities have always liked to twist facts to fit their purposes. Especially eye-opening was the section on false flags and PSYOPs. The author does a fantastic job of explaining and illustrating each point without going full-on conspiracy nut.

The second half of the book covers what I most wanted to study: how to evaluate theories from a biblical perspective. The author covers everything from technical terms such as falsifiability, circularity, and astroturfing; to the myth of neutrality and "free press," how to think critically, and understanding the negative effects of conspiracy theories on individuals and society as a whole.

Since reading the book, I find myself much more cognizant of media bias and manipulation... but without the anxiety and fear that used to accompanied that awareness. I appreciated the author's injunction at the end of the book to "have fun" with conspiracy theories since, as Christians, we know who is ultimately in control of everything. They still aren't my favorite topic, but I feel much more informed and able to evaluate them with wisdom and discernment.

[Jose Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very relevant to current events and very applicable to our lives. Doug does a fantastic job of covering Conspiracy Theories, from its historical use of the phrase to the pejorative term to silence and squelch questions and thinking. Doug shows how conspiracies are in the very text of scripture throughout the bible. He gives helpful information on what to do with conspiracies and to watch out for the dangers of conspiracies. This is a book I want to use to start a book club to use as a blueprint on how to tackle conspiracies. My son and I read the book together and we were edified as it is gospel rich, and grounds one in the Sovereignty of God, while reinforcing the wonderful doctrines of grace. I can't recommend this book more highly. Now go and get yourself a copy and one for a friend so you can discuss the great material in this book.

[Alan Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biblical view that people are not essentially good is supported by conspiracy theories, astroturfing, false flags, PSYOPs, infiltration, bias, and spin, among other topics covered in this book.

“In recent times, meticulous evidence has arisen from government sources through the Freedom of Information Act that demonstrate beyond the shadow of doubt that President Roosevelt knew about the Japanese plans more than a year in advance.” p.39

“Consider the flat earth conspiracy which studies incredibly say that 1/3 of millennials think could be true.” p.108

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful take on a topic that many people have a hard time talking about and are often times shunned for even considering. As far as my own personal biases, I like to think about a good conspiracy theory as a thought exercise, but I actually believe very few of them. Still, I think the guidelines that Doug lays out in this book are solid for thinking through these issues. You might not agree with his take on particular conspiracy theories (I did not), but the bones of the book are strong. It helps provide some principles for thinking about the ever popular conspiracy theory and why, no matter how scary they might be, Christians have nothing to fear.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! Doug convinced me never to be afraid to question the "official story." Conspiracies have been around since the first sin after all. This book gives great advice on how to handle conspiracies and their theories in a balanced and godly way.

[Valerie Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Not at all conspiratorial. 😉

[Matthew C.]

A nice little volume which functions as an introduction to conspiracy buffs as well as pastoral advice to the same group of people.

[Natalie Mccaffiety Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this! Very interesting take on conspiracies.

[Curtis DeLozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

great analysis

Enjoyed this short read on how a Christian should think about and process conspiracy theories. Very helpful from a talented author.