Conspiracy Theory – Jared Stacy

“Just Asking Questions”

This piece reflects on suspicion, propaganda, and disinformation. The catalyst is the current (and dangerous) propaganda laid by JD Vance on the Haitian community in Ohio, who now find themselves at the center of the election news cycle. Before we dive in, I will add: I’m wary of always commenting on every single thing. I’m preferringContinue reading ““Just Asking Questions””

The Contagion of Violence and Conspiracy

Yesterday’s failed assassination attempt might have shocked, but it did not surprise. I am glad former President Trump is relatively unharmed. And it’s fitting we pray for him, and the families who—today—are holding out for loved ones to recover. And pray for those mourning permanent loss. How did we get here? Elected officials and scholarsContinue reading “The Contagion of Violence and Conspiracy”

Why The Big Lie Won’t Die

The Failure of Facts and the Power of Story Across the early primaries, I’ve watched two particular sets of data: self-identified white evangelicals and the stolen election narrative. After South Carolina this weekend, not much has changed: Now, some will say “which evangelicals?” and I address that question here. Basically, questions about who is in/out ofContinue reading “Why The Big Lie Won’t Die”

Being Damned and Damning

On the public rage and reactions to my dissertation on January 6 I am thrilled to share I submitted my dissertation last week under the title: Theological Paranoia: American Evangelicalism, Conspiracy Theory, and a Public Theology of January 6. Since sharing on my socials, I’ve watched the title stir up plenty of public conversation, rangingContinue reading “Being Damned and Damning”

Close Encounters of the Theological Kind

I should’ve known this article was inevitable. As a researcher of conspiracy theory, I keep tabs on communities where conspiracy theories are concentrated. One of those is the UFO/UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) community. This community plays host (sometimes intentionally other times incidentally) to one of the “legacy” conspiracy theories in American culture: of non-human intelligentContinue reading “Close Encounters of the Theological Kind”

We Built This City On Conspiracy Theory

There’s a ‘new’ conspiracy theory emerging on digital spaces like TikTok and Instagram. (Just search the hashtag.) Today, I want to offer a few quick thoughts on what it is, and what it means for our politics and our future. What is a 15 Minute City? The conspiracy theory is a reaction to an urbanContinue reading “We Built This City On Conspiracy Theory”