Hunter Biden guilty verdict stirs Republican conspiracies Hunter Biden became the first child of a sitting US president ever to be convicted of a felony. He was found guilty Tuesday of lying about his drug use while purchasing a gun in 2018. The verdict was handed down just weeks after his father’s Republican challenger Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts, posing a challenge for Trump’s campaign on how to continue to malign the US justice system’s treatment of the former president as a political witch hunt. The president’s allies sought to contrast his son and Trump’s legal woes, with one adviser to Joe Biden arguing that voters know the difference between “a private citizen and a person who is going to be the Republican nominee.” (Semafor 6/12/24) READ MORE>>>>> Mar 16, 2022: Breitbart: ‘YouTube Alternative’ Vimeo Bans ‘Fake News’ and ‘Conspiracy Theories’
Vimeo, a video hosting platform that markets itself as an alternative to YouTube, has updated its terms of service to ban “fake news” and “conspiracy theories” that creates “a serious risk of material harm to a person, group, or the general publi December 23, 2021:
A group of unvaccinated people who attended a conspiracy conference all became sick after the Reawaken America stop in Dallas. The conspiracy theorists think they were attacked with anthrax, instead of blaming the superspreader event they just attended🙄 Nov 24, 2021: Raw Story: Michael Flynn claims 'global elites' plan new virus because 'COVID tyranny' didn't work
Michael Flynn, former president Donald Trump's one-time national security adviser, claims "global elites" are plotting to "impose" a new virus on the world, after their "little plan" of "COVID tyranny" failed. |
QANON |
Sept 27, 2021:
“The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory, is that conspiracy theorists believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is actually chaotic. The truth is that it is not The Illuminati, or The Jewish Banking Conspiracy, or the Gray Alien Theory.
The truth is far more frightening - Nobody is in control.
The world is rudderless.” - Alan Moore, the writer of Watchmen, V for Vendetta
Interesting insight. I think he's right about conspiracies bringing more comfort to people who are "rudderless"...it's the way of the word void of God. Personally I am not rudderless and know that God is at the helm.
The far right wing of the Republican party AND the Christian right has long been a natural magnet to conspiracies. They tend to be reactionaries whether information is true or not. Personally I believe it gives them a sense of power....and once it comes to that point....even reality usually cant stop it. QANonsense highlighted it this last year but Q just took the conspiracies theories that the Right wingers already hold and amplified them and embellished them with stupid. Q may go but conspiracy theories still thrive. If Q did anything good they opened up some people to realizing the conspiracies were there and had been all the time.
There are a couple Supreme Court rulings in the last 60 years that have inspired a more complex network of conspiracy driven Christian Nationalists that now have members sitting in the Congress of the USA. I was inspired this morning to start an article for my website about the Engel v. Vitale (1962) SCOTUS ruling which sits at a foundation of conspiracy driven right wing movements and the move toward Christians moving away from being any influence in Public education...through which they began creating a self-fulfilling prophecy...and maybe a self created monster for them to battle. As I started writing it opened up a lot of things that are realated...so it may end up being longer than I initially thought.
As a former right winger I pushed all the conspiracies and used the language. Facts were irrelevant...just someone saying something implying this is the way God is moving or that our efforts will defend against the demonic influences in our country. I was also initially converted from atheism/agnosticism into a Charismatic church a decade or two after the beginnings of what the charismatic movement or "latter rain" which would become (mostly not good). 'Charismania" has a larger influence than many understand and tenets have spread into many denominations..especially the Southern Baptists.
“The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory, is that conspiracy theorists believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is actually chaotic. The truth is that it is not The Illuminati, or The Jewish Banking Conspiracy, or the Gray Alien Theory.
The truth is far more frightening - Nobody is in control.
The world is rudderless.” - Alan Moore, the writer of Watchmen, V for Vendetta
Interesting insight. I think he's right about conspiracies bringing more comfort to people who are "rudderless"...it's the way of the word void of God. Personally I am not rudderless and know that God is at the helm.
The far right wing of the Republican party AND the Christian right has long been a natural magnet to conspiracies. They tend to be reactionaries whether information is true or not. Personally I believe it gives them a sense of power....and once it comes to that point....even reality usually cant stop it. QANonsense highlighted it this last year but Q just took the conspiracies theories that the Right wingers already hold and amplified them and embellished them with stupid. Q may go but conspiracy theories still thrive. If Q did anything good they opened up some people to realizing the conspiracies were there and had been all the time.
There are a couple Supreme Court rulings in the last 60 years that have inspired a more complex network of conspiracy driven Christian Nationalists that now have members sitting in the Congress of the USA. I was inspired this morning to start an article for my website about the Engel v. Vitale (1962) SCOTUS ruling which sits at a foundation of conspiracy driven right wing movements and the move toward Christians moving away from being any influence in Public education...through which they began creating a self-fulfilling prophecy...and maybe a self created monster for them to battle. As I started writing it opened up a lot of things that are realated...so it may end up being longer than I initially thought.
As a former right winger I pushed all the conspiracies and used the language. Facts were irrelevant...just someone saying something implying this is the way God is moving or that our efforts will defend against the demonic influences in our country. I was also initially converted from atheism/agnosticism into a Charismatic church a decade or two after the beginnings of what the charismatic movement or "latter rain" which would become (mostly not good). 'Charismania" has a larger influence than many understand and tenets have spread into many denominations..especially the Southern Baptists.
Sept 3, 2021:
The plea deal for "The Conspiracy Nut Formally Known As QAnon Shaman" was not for info. It was for a lesser crime. I dont understand why they are letting these seditionists walk for lesser offenses. I am not advocating a firing squad, but there was a time when any and all seditionists were sentenced to die by firing squad. Point being, that it was considered a very serious crime.
The plea deal for "The Conspiracy Nut Formally Known As QAnon Shaman" was not for info. It was for a lesser crime. I dont understand why they are letting these seditionists walk for lesser offenses. I am not advocating a firing squad, but there was a time when any and all seditionists were sentenced to die by firing squad. Point being, that it was considered a very serious crime.
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Aug 26, 2021: Baptist News Global: Of sheep and goats, vaccines and conspiracies, biblical literacy and illiteracy
I’m not exactly sure when or how it happened, but calling someone a sheep is now meant to be an insult.
I’m not exactly sure when or how it happened, but calling someone a sheep is now meant to be an insult.
Aug 6, 2021: Business Insider: Watch a defensive Mike Lindell get fact-checked live by CNN over his baseless claims that China hacked the election
He launched a website, Frank, to spread misinformation about the election, made a two-hour voter-fraud film, and held a rally at South Dakota's Corn Palace in May with guest speakers including Ben Carson, Trump's secretary of housing and urban development, and the conservative podcaster Eric Metaxas.
He launched a website, Frank, to spread misinformation about the election, made a two-hour voter-fraud film, and held a rally at South Dakota's Corn Palace in May with guest speakers including Ben Carson, Trump's secretary of housing and urban development, and the conservative podcaster Eric Metaxas.
Aug 20, 2020:
👉“QAnon is dangerous lunacy that should have no place in American politics,” said Liz Cheney, Wyoming Republican and third-ranking member of the GOP in the House. Trump failed to denounce QAnon when a reporter informed him its followers believe he is personally saving the world from a “satanic cult of pedophiles and cannibals.” Trump replied, “I haven’t heard that. But is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing? I mean, you know, if I can help save the world from problems, I’m willing to do it.” That joke wrote itself.
👉“QAnon is dangerous lunacy that should have no place in American politics,” said Liz Cheney, Wyoming Republican and third-ranking member of the GOP in the House. Trump failed to denounce QAnon when a reporter informed him its followers believe he is personally saving the world from a “satanic cult of pedophiles and cannibals.” Trump replied, “I haven’t heard that. But is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing? I mean, you know, if I can help save the world from problems, I’m willing to do it.” That joke wrote itself.
Aug 10, 2020: NBC News: The far right is struggling to contain Qanon after giving it life
Moderators of Reddit's raucous pro-Trump message board have banned Qanon posts, saying the theory is now an embarrassment to its community.
Moderators of Reddit's raucous pro-Trump message board have banned Qanon posts, saying the theory is now an embarrassment to its community.
--D.L. Mayfield |
July 25, 2020: Assertive Spirituality: WHO’S A “SHEEPLE,” REALLY? COVID-19, CONSPIRACY RHETORIC AND FEAR OF GROUPTHINK
Last week a friend said on their FB wall that they were tired of being called a “sheep” for thinking it was important to wear masks. I instantly knew I needed to look into where it came from, especially in its longer form of “sheeple.” Today you get the beginnings of a series on the highlights of my dive down the deep, dark rabbit hole where the word “sheeple” comes from, and especially how it came to be popularized and used by right-wing conspiracy theorists as a devil-term denoting complex fears about authority and collective action.
Last week a friend said on their FB wall that they were tired of being called a “sheep” for thinking it was important to wear masks. I instantly knew I needed to look into where it came from, especially in its longer form of “sheeple.” Today you get the beginnings of a series on the highlights of my dive down the deep, dark rabbit hole where the word “sheeple” comes from, and especially how it came to be popularized and used by right-wing conspiracy theorists as a devil-term denoting complex fears about authority and collective action.
I'm like 90% vegan. I only eat meat during meals.😎
June 10, 2020: Christianity Today: Conspiracy Theories, Engaging Online, and Wisdom: The Intersection of the Three and How to Respond Biblically
While social media offers amazing opportunities to connect and learn, it seems that every new day brings new stories of awfulness.
While social media offers amazing opportunities to connect and learn, it seems that every new day brings new stories of awfulness.
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June 5, 2020: Religious News Service: Why American evangelicals are so tempted by the easy assurance of conspiracy theories
Currently, conspiracy theories are popping up all over my social media feeds, many of them shared by conservative-leaning Christians. New 5G cellphone towers are to blame for the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is a plot by Bill Gates to force us all to buy a vaccine from Big Pharma.
Psychologically, these stories make sense. Our brains are wired to be on the lookout for danger, seek out simple solutions and minimize complexity. It’s easier for some of us to believe COVID-19 is manmade or that the culprit is a well-known billionaire than to think about a world in which a horrific virus with no known cure has altered life as we know it.
Currently, conspiracy theories are popping up all over my social media feeds, many of them shared by conservative-leaning Christians. New 5G cellphone towers are to blame for the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is a plot by Bill Gates to force us all to buy a vaccine from Big Pharma.
Psychologically, these stories make sense. Our brains are wired to be on the lookout for danger, seek out simple solutions and minimize complexity. It’s easier for some of us to believe COVID-19 is manmade or that the culprit is a well-known billionaire than to think about a world in which a horrific virus with no known cure has altered life as we know it.
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Small, large, round, circle, square, thin crust, thick crust,
stuffed crust, extra toppings. 😉
stuffed crust, extra toppings. 😉
May 31, 2020: A pallet of bricks is found in Dallas. And another in Fayetteville. It is then reported that someone is staging them to frame protesters by Q and ZeroHedge website #Doh
Zero Hedge: "It's A Setup": Mysterious Brick Piles Appear Throughout Major Protest Cities https://www.zerohedge.com/…/its-setup-mysteriously-staged-b… The pic clearly shows, however, that the Fayetteville bricks were near a brick sidewalk and wall that was being repaired. Same with the ones in Dallas, which why the video tape shown on the ZeroHedge site never shows the whole pile and what is around it. Also, I think it would be even more amazing if at any given time in cities as large as Dallas or Fayetteville that there wouldn't be at least one pile of bricks somewhere. No conspiracy here..at least not with the bricks. 🤔🤔🤔 |
Q (or Q-anon)
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Accusations fit on a bumper sticker; the truth takes longer.
May 25, 2020: Z-NOTE: Of course the CT-Nuts are passing this around social media based on just the headline. If they bothered to read it they will note that the Japanese have more respect for each other and voluntarily did (and do) the things that the CT-Nuts have been and still are calling "TYRANNY!!" and "Unconstitutional!!" Article ends by saying the numbers will be reviewed every three weeks and "Until then, the Japanese public has been encouraged to remain at home and to avoid large public gatherings." (OMG...Tyranny!!!!!!!) --Zorek Richards
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ARTICLE: "While Japan never implemented stringent lockdowns like those in parts of China, many European countries and the U.S., it barred foreigner travelers who had visited many hard-hit countries and urged residents to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Restaurants and shops were also required to close earlier than normal. Karaoke bars, live music venues and gyms were shuttered and will remain closed in the coming weeks.
Public health officials in Japan have warned the population to wear masks in public and continue to work from home if possible. The Japanese government has asked the population to adapt to a new lifestyle to avoid an uptick in new cases and prevent the spread of the virus. People have also been encouraged to avoid traveling for non-essential purposes to other regions of the country."
Newsweek: Japan Ends Coronavirus Emergency With 850 Deaths and No Lockdown
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ARTICLE: "While Japan never implemented stringent lockdowns like those in parts of China, many European countries and the U.S., it barred foreigner travelers who had visited many hard-hit countries and urged residents to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Restaurants and shops were also required to close earlier than normal. Karaoke bars, live music venues and gyms were shuttered and will remain closed in the coming weeks.
Public health officials in Japan have warned the population to wear masks in public and continue to work from home if possible. The Japanese government has asked the population to adapt to a new lifestyle to avoid an uptick in new cases and prevent the spread of the virus. People have also been encouraged to avoid traveling for non-essential purposes to other regions of the country."
Newsweek: Japan Ends Coronavirus Emergency With 850 Deaths and No Lockdown
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May 26, 2020: Z_NOTE: QAnon. Conspiracy groups motivated by money? OMG. Though I think many CT-Nuts are lone rangers...embracing other lone rangers through social media . The founder's "confession and Discord logs of his conversation with a co-conspirator, reveal how what was originally intended as a harmless troll to “get people thinking” quickly spun into a mythical persona whose cryptic words developed into a full-fledged conspiratorial worldview for a growing audience, now eager for more riddles (and ripe for financial exploitation)." -Zorek Richards
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Article: Like many cults, QAnon encourages its most dedicated followers to give money to the further the “great awakening” (of which Q is supposedly a leader). There is ample evidence outside of Posobiec’s report that the individuals currently running Q are financially motivated and have been for some time.
Oct 29, 2018: The Federalist: From Trolling To Fleecing: Co-Creator Of ‘Q’ Hoax Explains Its Scary Evolution
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Article: Like many cults, QAnon encourages its most dedicated followers to give money to the further the “great awakening” (of which Q is supposedly a leader). There is ample evidence outside of Posobiec’s report that the individuals currently running Q are financially motivated and have been for some time.
Oct 29, 2018: The Federalist: From Trolling To Fleecing: Co-Creator Of ‘Q’ Hoax Explains Its Scary Evolution
--Ed Stetzer |
May 20, 2020: Christianity Today: What the Bible Says About QAnon
As the novel coronavirus has traveled around the world, so too have conspiracy theories about the origins of the disease and the winners and losers that have emerged as result. In the past month, a video making claims that Gates and Anthony Fauci, who leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, used COVID-19 to gain money and political power, went viral.
As the novel coronavirus has traveled around the world, so too have conspiracy theories about the origins of the disease and the winners and losers that have emerged as result. In the past month, a video making claims that Gates and Anthony Fauci, who leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, used COVID-19 to gain money and political power, went viral.
--Dru Johnson |
May, 18, 2020: the Conversation: The Church of QAnon: Will conspiracy theories form the basis of a new religious movement?
Followers of the QAnon movement believe in wild and dangerous conspiracy theories about U.S. President Donald Trump. Now a faction within the movement has been interpreting the Bible through QAnon conspiracies.
Followers of the QAnon movement believe in wild and dangerous conspiracy theories about U.S. President Donald Trump. Now a faction within the movement has been interpreting the Bible through QAnon conspiracies.
May 11, 2020: BioLogos: Beyond ‘Plandemic’: A Christian Response to Conspiracies
If your social media newsfeeds are like ours, then they have been chock-full of conspiracy theories about the coronavirus and our government’s response to it. We see many of our Christian friends considering conspiracy theories—if not believing them, at least listening to them. Why are conspiracies so appealing right now?
If your social media newsfeeds are like ours, then they have been chock-full of conspiracy theories about the coronavirus and our government’s response to it. We see many of our Christian friends considering conspiracy theories—if not believing them, at least listening to them. Why are conspiracies so appealing right now?
May 11, 2020: Experts say conspiracy videos continue to go viral on various social media platforms, even as those outlets have pledged to remove them.
One such video, called 'plandemic,' had millions of views before being removed by YouTube and Facebook. KTXS: Conspiracy videos continue to go viral as social media companies pledge to remove them |
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May 10, 2020: Just read this comment someone wrote: I'd rather be labeled a conspiracy theorist than a sheep!
It's too bad people settle for either. I would rather study the subject, verify & consider my sources, look at the data and then make a decision on all issues and especially on ones that may be a life and death issue for me AND others around me. Conspiracy theorists simply follow the demands and information they get from their wolf of choice. Sheep are extremely intelligent animals capable of problem solving (or so I have read) but in the context that the author of the comment above indicated she/he meant it as someone who just stupidly follows. There's nothing wrong with being a "sheep" IF you "study the subject, verify & consider your sources, look at the data and then make a decision accordingly. Jesus referred to His followers as sheep and preached several parables likewise. Most disciples of Jesus considered the available information (scripture, etc.) and acted accordingly to follow. God gave everyone a brain and the power to reason and make intelligent decisions. Use it. --Zorek Richards |
May 8, 2020: In the beginning, God planted a garden in the east, in Eden, and there he put Adam and Eve. Soon after Satan entered the garden and spread the first conspiracy theory. A conspiracy theory explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot, usually by powerful conspirators. Satan convinced Eve that the most powerful of “conspirators”—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were secretly trying to keep the first humans from having their eyes opened in a way that would make them “like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve became the first in a long line, from Gnostics to flat-earthers, to believe powerful forces were withholding secret information. ------Joe Carter Gospel Coalition
No American hates America because they dont agree with you or think like you. The quicker we can give that silly notion a rest the sooner issues can start to be dealt with. 🤔
May 7, 2020: Medium: Why Your Christian Friends and Family Members Are So Easily Fooled by Conspiracy Theories
In the words of the Apostle Paul, as I grew older I “did away with childish things.” And that includes my childhood belief that we didn’t land on the moon.
I learned a lot from my sixth-grade debate experience. But I didn’t expect to find the experience of convincing a bunch of sixth graders of a crazy theory so relevant to what we’re experiencing today with full-grown adults.
In the words of the Apostle Paul, as I grew older I “did away with childish things.” And that includes my childhood belief that we didn’t land on the moon.
I learned a lot from my sixth-grade debate experience. But I didn’t expect to find the experience of convincing a bunch of sixth graders of a crazy theory so relevant to what we’re experiencing today with full-grown adults.
April, 24, 2020: Jesus last earthly words in Acts 1:8 promised us that we would receive the Spirit's power and we would bear witness to Jesus. You don't need the power of the Holy Spirit to be undiscerning, and you aren't bearing witness to the saving work of our Lord by spreading conspiracies.
I'm grateful that many, many pastors and church leaders and their churches have used this unusual time not to spread conspiracy theories but to proclaim Christ, not to feed their fears but to serve their community. Christianity Today: Ed Stetzer: On Christians Spreading Corona Conspiracies: Gullibility is not a Spiritual Gift
I'm grateful that many, many pastors and church leaders and their churches have used this unusual time not to spread conspiracy theories but to proclaim Christ, not to feed their fears but to serve their community. Christianity Today: Ed Stetzer: On Christians Spreading Corona Conspiracies: Gullibility is not a Spiritual Gift
April 18, 2020: As long as there are governments, there will be conspiracy theories against them. That much I know; and even, to some extent, begrudgingly accept. But what has surprised me is the amount of conspiracy theories being spread by fellow Christians. The same friends who decry the media for “fake news” are the ones sharing these off-the-wall theories about who started the pandemic and why.
I have no idea why, but suddenly Bill Gates has turned from Microsoft geek to harbinger of apocalyptic doom. Also, this virus is a lie, the bodies are fake, and hospitals are covering it all up (to name a few of the more scandalous theories that come across my feed). They say dead men tell no tales, but the massive increase in funerals form a chorus of the dead crying out: “This virus is real; we are not fake.” If Christ has called us to be both wise and innocent, then why am I witnessing so many of my fellow Christians sharing such conspiratorial, unproven, unverified (and unverifiable), drivel? I use harsh words because we Christians should be about sharing truth, not spreading gossip and lies. --Joseph Hamrick Greenville Herald-Banner |
APRIL 15, 2020: AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS, WE ARE PEOPLE OF THE TRUTH. FALLING FOR (AND SPREADING) CONSPIRACY THEORIES DOES NOT HONOR THE LORD, BUT IT DOES CAUSE PEOPLE TO QUESTION OUR JUDGMENT. CHRISTIANITY TODAY: ON CHRISTIANS SPREADING CORONA CONSPIRACIES: GULLIBILITY IS NOT A SPIRITUAL GIFT
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JAN 5, 2020 - IT IS THUS IMPERATIVE THAT KINGDOM PEOPLE NOT ALLOW THEIR MINDS AND HEARTS TO BE TAKEN CAPTIVE TO ANY NATIONAL OR POLITICAL AGENDA. IN OTHER WORDS, AS AMBASSADORS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, IT’S IMPERATIVE THAT WE NOT ALLOW OUR BRAINS TO BECOME QUARANTINED IN A SILO OF IDEOLOGICAL HOMOGENY. TOWARD THIS END, I ENCOURAGE KINGDOM PEOPLE TO REGULARLY LISTEN/WATCH NEWS FROM OUTLETS THAT FUNDAMENTALLY CONFLICT WITH YOUR OWN VIEWS, CONTINUALLY MAKING AN EFFORT TO IMAGINE HOW A DECENT AND INTELLIGENT HUMAN COULD ESPOUSE VIEWS YOU FUNDAMENTALLY DISAGREE WITH. REKNEW: GREG BOYD: AMERICA ON THIN ICE
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Aug 1, 2019: Yahoo News: Exclusive: FBI document warns conspiracy theories are a new domestic terrorism threat
The FBI for the first time has identified fringe conspiracy theories as a domestic terrorist threat, according to a previously unpublicized document obtained by Yahoo News. (Read the document below.)
The FBI for the first time has identified fringe conspiracy theories as a domestic terrorist threat, according to a previously unpublicized document obtained by Yahoo News. (Read the document below.)
Aug 26, 2018: Premei Christian News: Creationists more likely to believe in conspiracy theories
A new study by the University of Fribourg found a the belief that God created the Earth less than ten thousand years ago was linked to beliefs in things like faked moon landings.
A new study by the University of Fribourg found a the belief that God created the Earth less than ten thousand years ago was linked to beliefs in things like faked moon landings.