Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe. John 20:29
Do you know what a “conspiracy theory” is?
Well according to one definition is “an explanation of an event or situation that invokes a conspiracy (in effect a plot) by sinister and powerful actors, when other explanations are more probable”. The conspiracy is usually claimed to be carried out for reasons which are self-interested, financial or political.
Often, these are so ridiculous as to be laughable, such as the claim that the Israeli government uses animals, such as vultures and sharks to attack or spy on their enemies, and the belief that Denver Airport stands over an underground city, which is the true headquarters of a world government. Area 51, in Roswell USA is said to be the centre for research into aliens, and others claim that Bob Hope, the Royal Family and Margaret Thatcher were actually shape shifting aliens.
Some of these might be funny, but others are more dangerous. There have been many anti-semitic (anti-Jewish theories) about world domination, several of which were taken up especially by the Nazis. There have been many anti-Catholic ones too - such as the “Popish plot” in Britain in the 17th century, which produced many martyrs, and suspicion in America about a Catholic takeover, especially after the election of John F Kennedy. Conspiracy theories are often used to build up power, and to channel the forces of hatred.
And then there is Kennedy’s assisination itself, which has been the focus of so very many of these kind theories - over 1,000 books have been written about supposed conspiracies involving these events.
And there are many others - Shergar, Lord Lucan, Madeleine McCann, Flat Earth theories, Global warming, whether Barack Obama was really born in America, whether the Sandy Hook school massacre, and the Moon landings actually took place or rather were faked.
All these kinds of accounts and theories take some thin threads of fact and weave them into a complex and fantastical web, which is then defended by a fervour which bears little relation to what evidence there might be. “Proof” that the theory is false is said to be forged, and if the theory, however odd, cannot be totally disproved, this is taken to be proof that it is true.
Well!
“When people cease to believe in something, they will believe in anything,” so the writer GK Chesterton is reputed to have said.
Indeed, we live in a world and a society where there is no lack of belief at all - for people will believe in almost anything provided is different or novel or unusual. It is good to have an open mind, provided it isn’t open at the bottom.
We do not live in an unbelieving world, at all, but we do live in a credulous one.
But Faith real faith is not the same as credulity. It is very different from the fashions and fancies so popular today.
Faith is not without foundation in fact, or in history. Far from being a fancy idea - it is a life giving power, that gives hope, and purpose and carried the message of love and forgiveness.
And when we consider the resurrection, the facts speak for themselves:
The tomb was really empty.
The disciples were really transformed from being fearful to being courageous.
They proclaimed their story, their faith, even to the point of giving their lives for it.
This is much more than an interesting idea.
Thomas and the Apostles see the risen Christ not so that we can believe blindly, but so that we can be witnesses to the truth - so that we can hear the message they preached, the truth which they taught, the vision they received.
Faith is about our the opening of eyes, and hearts and mouths, not about the closing of them.
And it is not a tale set in the past either, but a living power. Faith’s firm foundation is the Good News, the amazing message of what really happened, and the power of Life and Love which continues to dwell amongst us, full of grace and truth.
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