Controlling the Conspiracy Theories and Fake News Epidemic

Holy wars have been around since holy first became a thing. 

We think of them as something right out of the dust-covered books of ancient history. But holy wars are very much with us, and you and I fight them every day.

Holy wars prompt visions of dying for the sanctity of religious beliefs. But since life itself is sacred, every war —whether within or without — every argument, every disagreement, every difference of opinion, is a holy war. It is an invitation to die for the beliefs we cling to emotionally, no matter how absurd the rational mind considers them to be.

Whether you believe a political or spiritual figure is a god or a demon, you’re right. Because your experiences gave birth to the beliefs that grew up to be your truth. Your truth stirs emotions that can’t be explained away.

But beliefs are not truths. And your truth is not the truth. 

Yet we confuse speaking our truth with convincing someone to make it their truth. Therein lies the problem.

It’s the spark that ignites holy wars.

By all means, speak your truth. Choose your armor. Defend your beliefs. But pick your battles wisely, and fight them like a peaceful warrior, not an absolute tyrant.

Never surrender without being heard. Never allow someone else’s voice — no matter how loud or how silent — to speak for you. 

But allow your “enemy” the right to do the same. Respect others. Listen. Then let the Universe take it from there. 

Feel what it’s like to wear the colors of your opponent’s country. Retreat to compromise, to create a Universal truth greater than your own.

Because when you don’t — when you stubbornly stand your ground like a toddler having a ‘Me, me, me!’ fit in a toy store — everyone loses.

What does all this have to do with conspiracy theories? Absolutely nothing. Yet if I had titled this article Holy Wars (as had been my original intent), I may not have lured you to pay attention.

In that respect, this piece has everything to do with conspiracy theories. Because when you are lured into battles that engage your emotions, you are thrown into the front lines of half-truths that lead to holy wars.

Your words are your weapons to peace.

Choose them wisely.