Trinity Forum Conversations

Faith, Fear & Conspiracy with David French

Aug 20, 2024

David French, an insightful author known for his analysis on societal divisions, delves into the alarming rise of conspiracy thinking, particularly within Christian circles. He highlights how isolation and media consumption contribute to misinformation. The discussion also emphasizes the need for thoughtful media engagement and community building to counteract these issues. French advocates for grounding Christian actions in biblical principles to navigate today's polarized landscape, promoting justice and humility as essential drivers for a healthier society.

35:04

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Episode guests

David French

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Quick takeaways

David French highlights how the rise of conspiracy thinking is fueled by tribalism and group polarization within like-minded communities, particularly among Christians.

To counter conspiracy theories, fostering loving and understanding communities is crucial, as it addresses emotional aspects rather than just factual disagreements.

Deep dives

The Rise of Conspiracy Thinking

Conspiracy theories have seen a notable increase, with various factors converging to enhance their prevalence. Historically, Americans have shown interest in conspiracy theories, but the contemporary rise is attributed to clustering around like-minded individuals, contributing to extremism. This phenomenon is explained by the Law of Group Polarization, where shared beliefs grow more intense in homogeneous groups, similar to how people feel more committed to their views after engaging in discussions with like-minded peers. The ongoing stress from events like the pandemic has further exacerbated this issue, leading to a surge in conspiracy theorizing reminiscent of the sectarian conflicts observed in places like Iraq.

Intro

4min

The Rise of Conspiracy Thinking Among Christians

16min

Navigating Misinformation in the Age of Social Media

9min

Exploring Public Theology and the Challenge of Truth in Politics

4min

Guiding Principles for a Polarized Society

2min

In his book, Divided We Fall, author David French explores not only the rise of conspiracy thinking, but also the tribalism and alienation that has divided the country. On our podcast, French considers why our unsettling times have proven fertile ground for the growth of conspiracy thinking, especially within the Christian community, and he offers his thoughts on what a Christian response to conspiracy theories might entail:

“Media consumption that is not thoughtfully curated can actually be quite harmful to our perceptions of reality and our fellow man.” - David French

This podcast is an edited version of an online conversation recorded in 2021. Watch the full video of the conversation here, and learn more about David French.

Especially in these chaotic times, we hope this conversation will inspire you to grow in your faith and find the freedom that comes in the pursuit of truth and the ways of its Author.

Authors and books mentioned in the conversation:

The Rise of Isis: A Threat We Can't Ignore, by David French

A Season for Justice: Defending the Rights of Christian Home School and Church, by David French

Home and Away: A Story of Family in Time of War, by David French

Divided We Fall, by David French

Rod Dreher

Cass Sunstein

Bill Bishop

Jonathan Haidt

Related Trinity Forum Readings:

Brave New World, by Alduos Huxley

The Federalist Papers