Ignorance and Truth

By nature, I am a skeptic. I am slow to believe grand claims without evidence and quick to question narratives that seem too tidy or sensational. Whether it is news headlines, history books, or whispered conspiracies, I approach it all with a raised eyebrow and a cautious mind. This is not because I enjoy doubt but because I have learned that truth often lies beneath the noise—hidden, messy, and sometimes stranger than we imagined.

So, when people ask if I believe in conspiracy theories, my answer tends to surprise them. I do not buy into most of what is out there, but I hold to one overarching idea: Conspiracies arise when our questions outpace our knowledge. Ignorance fills the gaps with speculation; and rarely, that speculation hits on an uncomfortable truth. History proves this over and over.

However, there is one event—the resurrection of Jesus—where the clash between skepticism and truth becomes more than a philosophical exercise. Let’s start with history and then return to that moment.

Conspiracies That Became History

Let’s start with Watergate, where the idea of a presidential conspiracy sounded absurd—until investigative journalism exposed a massive cover-up that toppled a U.S. president.

Then you have the  Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where the U.S. Public Health Service knowingly withheld treatment from African American men with syphilis to study the disease’s progression, highlighting how trust in institutions can be abused.

The Stranger Ones That Turned Out True

The weirdest conspiracies often sound like fiction. Take Operation Acoustic Kitty, where the CIA tried to turn cats into spies by implanting microphones in their bodies. The program failed miserably, but the fact that it existed at all is astonishing.

Even the claim that the Dalai Lama received CIA funding during the Cold War to undermine Communist China was later verified, complicating our perception of global politics and spiritual leadership.

The Resurrection and the Power of False Theories

This brings us to the resurrection of Jesus—the most scrutinized event in human history. From the start, skeptics crafted false theories to explain away the empty tomb. The “stolen body” theory was spread by religious leaders of the time (Matthew 28:11-15), claiming the disciples took Jesus’ body in the night. Later, the “swoon theory” suggested Jesus did not die but merely fainted and revived in the tomb. Others argued that the appearances of Jesus were mere hallucinations or that the entire story was a fabrication.

As an inherent skeptic, I have scrutinized these theories, which all fall apart. The stolen body theory doesn’t explain the disciples’ willingness to suffer and die for their testimony. The swoon theory defies the brutal realities of Roman crucifixion. Hallucinations cannot account for group appearances or the conversions of skeptics like Paul and James.

History teaches us to ask hard questions—but it also shows us that sometimes the truth defies our expectations. In the case of the resurrection, the evidence overwhelmingly points to its reality. And unlike other conspiracies, this truth doesn’t just demand intellectual acceptance—it calls for faith and a transformed life.

What These Stories Teach Us

History proves that skepticism can serve us well. It guards us against deception and encourages us to dig deeper. However, it also shows that truth often faces fierce resistance. Theories about the resurrection reveal how far people will go to explain away the miraculous.

So, do I believe in conspiracy theories? Not in the sense of embracing every wild claim that comes my way. Nevertheless, I believe in seeking evidence, asking questions, and being open to truths that challenge me. And in all my searching, I have found no greater truth than this: Christ has risen, which changes everything.

~PW 🌮🛶

References

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