The Eclipse, Conspiracy Theories, and Prophetical Predictions

How long will people listen to the voices that make bombastic predictions that never materialize? 

The total eclipse on April 8th was an absolutely astonishing event to behold. It was beautiful. Captivating. Surreal. Mesmerizing. Awe-inspiring. 

In fact, while I didn’t know I was doing it at the time, my wife later told me I put my hand over my mouth in disbelief during the 4 minutes of totality. It was absolutely incredible – both the eclipse itself and the experience of seeing me speechless! 

But with the eclipse came a series of doomsday proclamations that many self-appointed prophets foretold would occur that day.  

From the government poisoning people in the path of totality to massive earthquakes to the return of Christ, these prophecies were not fulfilled. 

Jesus will return

Now, let me tell you that as a Christian, I believe that Jesus will one day return. And I believe that the events foretold in the Book of Revelation will unfold as the Bible says. 

However, while some may not want to admit this, apocalyptic prophecy (like we find in Revelation) relies heavily on symbolism that can sometimes be misunderstood. Dare I say, easily misunderstood.

Think of how many people missed the prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus. How many anticipated that He would establish an earthly kingdom? How many expected Him to return during their lifetimes?

While it’s tempting (and probably a little self-righteous) to believe that we would have understood it all perfectly had we lived then, that simply isn’t true. 

In fact, if we’re being honest with ourselves, we’d admit that we don’t have all the answers. And we would acknowledge that at least some end time prophecies will be fulfilled in ways we don’t currently understand or anticipate. 

While the Book of Revelation does reference signs in the heavens – specifically the sun, moon, and stars – it’s presumptuous to believe that we know what all of that means with absolute certainty.

I have little doubt that some Christians have a better understanding of these prophecies than I do. And perhaps God has opened your eyes to read those signs better than I can. 

God isn’t pleased with false prophets

However, I also know that God had some pretty serious consequences for false prophets.

“But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.”
- Deuteronomy 18:20

God isn’t in the business of giving someone a specific prophesy along with an expiration date that doesn’t come to pass. So it’s safe to say that any unfulfilled prophecy didn’t come from God. 

Yet I heard them being made.

And I’m guessing you did, too.

I’m completely in favor of talking openly about these sorts of things – even theorizing about them. But I’m absolutely against making divine proclamations that do not come true. Such things are not from God. 

Plenty of conspiracy theories

Now, of course not every prediction spoken in regards to the April 8th eclipse was made in the name of God. 

Some folks simply decided to push fantastic ‘conspiracy theories’ either for entertainment, clicks, or a genuine belief. 

Now, I’m not a big ‘conspiracy theory’ guy. But that doesn’t mean that every so-called conspiracy theory is fantasy. 

In fact, there is a degree of truth to the popular t-shirt that reads, “I Need New Conspiracy Theories Because All My Old Ones Came True.” 

I kind of land on conspiracy theories the same place that comedian Ron Funches lands. Here’s how he puts it: 

“I just don’t understand, how do you not believe in any conspiracy theories? I understand not all of them. Not most of them. But you don't believe in any conspiracy theories? You just think the government's just batting a thousand and telling us the whole truth? That's a strong stance to take.”

It is a strong stance to take. 

But so is making a dramatic prediction with a deadline that never comes to pass. 

We have more power than they do

All that said, I put nothing past those in charge of The 7 Pillars of Propaganda today. I believe they will stop at nothing to empower and enrich themselves. 

What I do doubt is their ability to carry these plans out. 

Conspiracy theories often overestimate the power of our opposition. 

They aren’t unlimited in their abilities to manipulate and control. In fact, their extreme arrogance and narcissism often make them their own worst enemy. 

In fact, I think that we hold enough collective power to not just fight back against these evil forces, but to win. 

What if, instead of chasing the next wild conspiracy theory, we took methodical steps to work together to reclaim this country and defeat the forces of evil hellbent on destroying her? 

That’s what I want to spend my time doing, my friends. 

I invite you to join me.

Conservative, not bitter.
Todd