QAnon Chaos & the Cross: Christianity & Conspiracy Theories with Dr. Michael Austin & Dr. Gregory L. Bock

Although Christians are followers of the Truth, many find themselves tempted by the alternate “truths” offered by conspiracy theories. Christianity and conspiracy theories have had a long, complicated relationship. But today conspiracy theories are bringing our already polarized society to the brink of chaos. QAnon, the Big Lie, and anti-vaccination theories thrive online, disrupting faith communities. This timely essay collection explores the allure of conspiracy theories and their consequences—and ultimately offers gospel-based paths forward. Michael W. Austin is professor of philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University and senior fellow at the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute. He has published twelve books, including Being Good: Christian Virtues for Everyday Life (Eerdmans, 2012), Humility and Human Flourishing (Oxford University Press, 2018), and his latest, God and Guns in America (Eerdmans, 2020). Gregory L. Bock is assistant professor of philosophy and religion and program director for the philosophy, religion studies, and Asian studies at the University of Texas at Tyler. He also serves as director for UT Tyler's Center for Ethics. He is editor of volumes 3 and 4 of The Philosophy of Forgiveness (Vernon, 2018, 2019) and coeditor of Righteous Indignation: Christian Philosophical and Theological Perspectives on Anger (Fortress, 2021). Tell us about your background and why you decided to write this book? Let’s start out with the basic definition of a conspiracy theory? In what ways are Christians susceptible to conspiracy? You mention the demographic of the white evangelical several times in the book, let’s start out with a basic definition of evangelical? What are some themes that you observe within evangelical circles? You have a chapter on reasonableness. You mention that the conviction dial is on max strength. Can you describe Teflon hermeneutics? What makes racism so challenging to accept?