Beware of Today's Gnostic Heresy and the Addiction to Conspiracy Theories

The infodemic that worsens the pandemic is bolstered by a number who love conspiracy theories. I would suggest that all of us study the science that explains the psychology behind the belief in conspiracies theories, here in the psychological research at the American Pschological Association and in the Addiction Center's article on Conspiracy Theory Addiction.

In a nutshell, there are three psychological factors that motivate people drawn to conspiracy theories: 

1. Epistemic motive: the need for knowledge and certainty during a time of uncertainty, especially for those who have less tolerance for uncertainty. And they don't know where to look for reliable sources, and they don't have the tools to distinguish between good and bad sources. They tend to look for information that confirms their beliefs. 
2. Existential motive: The need to feel safe, secure and in control, for they feel anxious, disillusioned, threatened, powerless and not in control; 
3. Social motive: the desire to feel good and have a high self-esteem, together with the need to stand out, having information that others don't have. They have distrust of authority, lower self-esteem and lower levels of interpersonal trust. Some studies have associated this tendency with narcissism--an inflated sense of importance of the individual or the group.

Distrust of authority

I am sure that there are conspiracy theories that hit the mark, i.e. they are true. However, the distrust of validly invested authority is concerning. Because non-submission to authority can wreak havoc in society. As the Catechism states: "Human society can be neither well-ordered nor prosperous unless it has some people invested with legitimate authority to preserve its institutions." 

Thus, the Catechism continues with this categorical Biblical teaching: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." 

This strong language is needed because society can easily descend into chaos if authority--both civil and ecclesiastical--is subverted. And good Christians cannot, in anyway, take part in dismissing authority that commands no sin. 

Self-confirming certainty and Gnosticism

Complicating matters is that other root of conspiracy theories: self-confirming need for certainty. I would say that this is connected to the present-day heresy of Gnosticism. An old heresy, it has returned with destructive force, as the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith and Pope Francis himself have warned. 

"Gnosticism is one of the most sinister ideologies," teaches Pope Francis, "because, while unduly exalting knowledge or a specific experience, it considers its own vision of reality to be perfect. Thus, perhaps without even realizing it, this ideology feeds on itself and becomes even more myopic....When somebody has an answer for every question, it is a sign that they are not on the right road."

This is today's challenge which we should not run away from. If the 70s and 80s were beset with the heresy of Marxist Liberation Theologies, our time has this evil falsehood--surely promoted by the Father of Lies--which we have to avoid and confront. 

Because of its power and subtle way of seeping into our lives, we should have the courage to ask ourselves the question, have I fallen into some form of Gnosticism? Have I become an unthinking consumer and propagator of posts from people who are against the Pope, the bishops and legitimate civil authorities? Have I become so sure of them, that this has led me to distrust and disobey authorities, civil and ecclesiastical, and so becoming an accomplice in creating disorder in society and in the Church?

If you have this problem, then ask God for help and if needed, look for help, even some psychological intervention. "Conspiracy theory addiction," states the Addiction Center, "can cause long-term psychological and social harm to an individual. Therapy that centers on personal goals and strategies to achieve these goals can have a powerful impact on improving a sense of control and empowerment."

There are also articles on How to Talk to Loved Ones who are Victims of Conspiracy Theories, here and here. 

You might also be interested in this article: Is there a moral obligation to get vaccinated?