Conspirituality

"What does spirituality have to do with conspiracy theories?"

The market for esoteric healing promises is booming. For every disease, there’s a corresponding ritual, a magical stone, or an essential oil. Cancer patients are promised that their tumors can be healed solely through the power of thoughts. Often, esotericism and conspiracy beliefs merge (‘conspirituality’) – fears are stirred up, scientific knowledge is ignored, and critics are dismissed as part of an alleged conspiracy. Conventional medicine is defamed as a profit-driven accomplice of the pharmaceutical industry. Its medications would not heal, but would be useless or even cause harm. Such beliefs become dangerous when, in times of need, people trust dubious healers instead of medical professionals.