But my earliest space-related memory came when we still lived in Texas. I was almost three years old, and I remember watching the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, in my parents’ bedroom. It was a moment that captivated not only this country but much of the world. It remains one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

And yet it has also become the subject of one of our most persistent conspiracy theories.

Decades later, some people remain convinced that the moon landing was an elaborate hoax staged by the United States government. They point to shadows, the movement of the flag, the absence of stars in photographs and an assortment of other supposed clues. Scientists, photographers, engineers and independent experts have repeatedly explained these details, but for the most committed believers, no amount of evidence seems sufficient.

Healthy skepticism asks questions and then considers the answers.

Conspiracy thinking often asks questions and rejects every answer that threatens the conclusion it has already chosen.

If you haven’t noticed lately, there is no shortage of conspiracy theories. Search for the words “latest conspiracy theories,” and you will find page after page devoted to whatever rumors are currently circling the internet. Some involve politicians. Others involve celebrities, corporations, scientists, secret organizations or the government’s latest alleged attempt to control our minds.

Once people accept one of these theories, it can become the reality to which they cling. Any evidence against it becomes proof of the cover-up. Anyone who disagrees is either deceived or secretly involved. The theory becomes nearly impossible to disprove because every attempt to disprove it is absorbed into the theory itself.

And true believers can become remarkably effective evangelists for their cause.

They may not know much Scripture, but they can quote chapter and verse from a stranger’s video, an anonymous social-media account or an article posted on a website no one had heard of until that morning. They forward charts, screenshots and ominous warnings, often without taking the time to determine whether any of them are true.

As Christians, we should always be on the side of truth.

That does not mean we should automatically trust every institution, politician, news organization or person in authority. People lie. Governments conceal things. Corporations protect their interests. Reporters make mistakes. Healthy discernment is necessary.

But discernment is not the same as suspicion.

We should not spread half-truths, gossip or rumors simply because they confirm what we already believe—or because forwarding them makes us feel as though we possess secret knowledge that everyone else has missed. Our time is precious, and spending it arguing endlessly about claims of little or no consequence is usually fruitless.

Ephesians tells us that light exposes what is hidden in darkness. Truth does not need our exaggeration, and God does not need us to become activists for every rumor that enters our inbox. He calls us to walk wisely, make good use of our time and carry His truth and love into a dark world.

The next time you receive a text, email or social-media post promoting another theory about something in the news, pause before forwarding it. Ask whether it is true. Ask whether the source is trustworthy. Ask whether sharing it will bring light—or merely add more heat.

And remember that sometimes the wisest response is no response at all.

Let others spend their days arguing about whether the moon landing happened, whether the Earth is flat or whether the government is transmitting thoughts through the neighbor’s microwave.

We have been given better news to share.

And that news carries eternal consequences.

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