Deus Misereatur

[I'm very grateful for this article published by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors  on 20 February 2025. Below is the beginning of the article. To read the rest follow the link at the bottom] Counseling the Conspiracy Theorist How does Scripture speak to the nature of conspiracy theories? Daniel Szczesniak There’s something about conspiracy theories that attracts us. The deep state, Russiagate, birther, Epstein, QAnon, and the New World Order are terms that have entered the public consciousness over the past few years. The grassy knoll, flat earth, chemtrails, and the moon landing have been popular subjects for years. There are endless debates about vaccines, voter fraud, the pandemic, and no doubt there will be many still to come about the recent Pennsylvania assassination attempt. Such theories capture our imagination while attempting to explain the inexplicable. In doing so, they provide structure to the chaos of the world around us. As Christians, we love to seek...

  O Lord God, we implore you to make us a holy, joy-filled people in our homes, occupations, and in our various networks of friends. May those who are married be free of strife, pettiness, and fear. May those who are single be chaste and holy, enjoying you in their God-ward singleness. May the children grow stronger in grace and wisdom, loving you all their days while obeying and honoring their parents and may the parents raise their children in faithfulness and godliness – growing believers and discipling worshipers. And may the elderly flourish in God-given strength, patience, and sound-mindedness. Further, help us to be the kind of congregation that is instrumental in drawing the straying back to Christ and his church. Hear us as we silently remember some of them before you now (…). O Lord God, we pray for your Church in all nations, as well as Community Missionary Baptist, Crest, Cross, and Crossroads to Life Baptist Church. Grant your Church to live out the righteousness, pe...