Did the Catholic Church Create COVID-19 as a Snake Venom Conspiracy to Alter Human DNA?

Brief Overview

• The 2022 film Watch the Water claims the Catholic Church orchestrated the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging the virus is not a biological entity but a synthetic snake venom meant to transform humans into demonic hybrids.
• This conspiracy theory, promoted by Stew Peters and Bryan Ardis, suggests the venom is spread through drinking water, vaccines, and remdesivir, targeting human DNA to infuse it with satanic elements.
• The film ties its narrative to QAnon themes, using a 2017 episode of The Blacklist and misinterpreted scientific studies to support its claims.
• Catholic teaching firmly rejects such conspiracies, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to truth, science, and the dignity of human life as created by God.
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides a framework for understanding the sanctity of human life and the moral obligation to pursue truth over unfounded speculation.
• This article examines these claims through a Catholic lens, addressing their scientific inaccuracies and theological inconsistencies with clarity and precision.

Detailed Response

Background of the Conspiracy Theory

The Watch the Water film, released in April 2022, gained significant attention, amassing over 640,000 views shortly after its debut. It features Stew Peters, a far-right radio host, interviewing Bryan Ardis, a former chiropractor, who asserts that COVID-19 is not a virus but a synthetic form of snake venom. According to Ardis, this venom is deliberately introduced into drinking water, COVID-19 vaccines, and the antiviral drug remdesivir. The theory claims this venom alters human DNA to create “satanic hybrids,” implicating the Catholic Church and figures like Pope Francis in a global plot. The film draws on a QAnon phrase, “Watch the Water,” and references a 2017 episode of The Blacklist where a character is poisoned with venom. Ardis also misinterprets scientific studies, such as a 2015 study on snake venom and hydrogels, to suggest venom can be stabilized for mass distribution. The film’s rapid spread on platforms like Rumble and Twitter highlights the allure of sensational conspiracies in times of uncertainty. However, these claims lack credible evidence and contradict established medical and theological truths. The Catholic Church has consistently supported scientific efforts to combat COVID-19, including vaccine development, as a means of protecting human life. From a Catholic perspective, such conspiracies distort the Church’s mission and the reality of the pandemic.

Catholic Teaching on the Sanctity of Human Life

The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred, created by God in His image and likeness (CCC 2258). This foundational belief underscores the Church’s commitment to preserving life through ethical medical advancements. The Watch the Water conspiracy alleges that the Church seeks to harm humanity by altering DNA, a claim that directly contradicts Catholic doctrine. The Church has long supported scientific inquiry when it aligns with moral principles, as seen in its endorsement of vaccines that meet ethical standards (CCC 2301). The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued statements in 2020 affirming the moral permissibility of COVID-19 vaccines, provided they are developed without direct reliance on unethical sources like aborted fetal tissue. The Church’s stance is rooted in the principle of stewardship, where humans are called to care for their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The accusation that the Church would orchestrate a plot to harm humanity through venom or genetic manipulation is baseless and ignores its historical role in advancing healthcare, such as establishing hospitals and supporting medical missions. The conspiracy’s reliance on fear and misinformation undermines the Church’s call to truth and charity. Catholics are encouraged to discern truth through reason and faith, rejecting unfounded narratives that sow division. The Church’s teachings provide a stable foundation for addressing such claims with clarity.

Scientific Refutation of the Snake Venom Claim

The Watch the Water film’s central claim that COVID-19 is caused by snake venom rather than a virus is scientifically untenable. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus first isolated in January 2020 by scientists in China and later in the United States. This virus spreads through respiratory droplets, not through drinking water or vaccines, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Snake venom, a complex mixture of proteins and toxins, cannot replicate like a virus or cause a pandemic. Experts, including Dr. David Relman of Stanford University, have noted that venom requires direct entry into the bloodstream to cause harm, and ingestion through water would be neutralized by stomach acids. The film misrepresents a University of Arizona study, which found an enzyme similar to rattlesnake venom in human bodies, but this enzyme is naturally present and unrelated to COVID-19. Ardis’s claim that vaccines contain venom is contradicted by public ingredient lists from the FDA, which detail components like mRNA, lipids, and salts, with no mention of venom or peptides. The conspiracy’s reliance on a fictional TV show and misinterpreted studies highlights its lack of scientific rigor. Catholic teaching encourages respect for legitimate science as a means to understand God’s creation (CCC 159). Thus, Catholics can confidently reject this theory as incompatible with both science and faith.

The Role of Misinformation in Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories like Watch the Water often arise during times of uncertainty, exploiting fear and mistrust. The film’s rapid spread on social media platforms reflects a broader trend of misinformation amplified by digital echo chambers. Ardis’s claims, such as the Catholic Church’s involvement in a satanic plot, tap into historical prejudices and QAnon narratives about secret cabals. These theories lack credible evidence and rely on logical leaps, such as equating monoclonal antibodies with antivenom or misinterpreting Latin translations to link “coronavirus” to “pope’s venom.” The Church calls Catholics to exercise prudence and critical thinking, discerning truth from falsehood (CCC 1806). Misinformation can lead to harmful actions, such as refusing vaccines or treatments, which contradicts the Church’s emphasis on preserving life. The Watch the Water narrative also ignores the global scientific consensus on COVID-19, which involves thousands of researchers across countries, making a coordinated conspiracy implausible. The Church has historically combated misinformation by promoting education and reason, as seen in its support for universities and scientific inquiry. Catholics are urged to seek reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed studies and Church guidance, to counter such theories. By grounding their understanding in faith and reason, Catholics can resist the allure of sensational claims.

The Catholic Church’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Catholic Church has actively responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with compassion and practical support. Pope Francis and the Vatican consistently promoted vaccines as an act of charity, emphasizing the common good (CCC 1906). In 2020, the Pope urged Catholics to follow public health guidelines, including masking and social distancing, to protect vulnerable populations. The Church also provided financial and logistical support to hospitals and communities affected by the pandemic. The Watch the Water claim that the Church orchestrated the crisis is not only false but also ignores its extensive efforts to alleviate suffering. For example, Catholic organizations distributed medical supplies and funded vaccine access in developing countries. The Church’s moral theology supports the use of ethically developed medical interventions to save lives (CCC 2295). The accusation that Pope Francis or the Church would engage in a demonic plot contradicts their public actions and teachings. The Church’s commitment to truth and human dignity directly opposes the fear-driven narrative of the conspiracy. Catholics are called to trust in the Church’s guidance and to reject baseless accusations that undermine its mission.

Theological Implications of the Conspiracy’s Claims

The Watch the Water theory’s assertion that COVID-19 is a tool to create “satanic hybrids” raises serious theological concerns. Catholic theology teaches that human beings are created in God’s image, with a rational soul that cannot be altered by physical means like venom or vaccines (CCC 365). The idea of “satanic DNA” is not only scientifically absurd but also theologically incoherent, as it suggests the devil could override God’s creative act. The Church teaches that Satan’s influence is real but limited, unable to fundamentally change human nature (Ephesians 6:12). The conspiracy’s reliance on QAnon themes, such as a global satanic cabal, distorts Catholic eschatology and sows fear rather than hope. The Church emphasizes that salvation comes through Christ, not through conspiracies or human schemes (CCC 676). Ardis’s claim that the Church seeks to harm humanity contradicts the doctrine of charity, which calls Catholics to love their neighbors (CCC 1822). The film’s narrative also misuses religious imagery, twisting the serpent from Genesis 3 into a literal biological threat. Catholics are called to reject such distortions and focus on the truth of God’s love and providence. This conspiracy undermines faith by promoting fear over trust in God’s plan.

The Ethical Responsibility of Catholics

Catholics have a moral obligation to seek truth and act responsibly in the face of misinformation (CCC 2485). The Watch the Water conspiracy encourages distrust in science and institutions, potentially leading to harmful decisions like refusing medical treatment. The Church teaches that prudence involves making informed choices for the common good (CCC 1806). By rejecting vaccines or treatments based on unfounded theories, individuals may endanger themselves and others, contradicting the call to protect life. The Church’s support for ethical medical interventions reflects its commitment to the dignity of the human person. Catholics are encouraged to consult reliable sources, such as the CDC or Vatican statements, rather than sensational media. The conspiracy’s rapid spread highlights the need for catechesis on discerning truth in the digital age. The Church also calls for charity in addressing those who believe such theories, urging dialogue over condemnation (CCC 1829). By grounding their actions in faith and reason, Catholics can counter misinformation with clarity and compassion. This responsibility extends to sharing accurate information within their communities.

The Danger of Anti-Catholic Bias in Conspiracies

The Watch the Water film’s accusation against the Catholic Church reflects a historical pattern of anti-Catholic bias in conspiracy theories. From medieval claims of well-poisoning to modern QAnon narratives, such theories often target the Church as a scapegoat. The film’s specific mention of Pope Francis and the Church as orchestrators of a satanic plot taps into this prejudice. Catholic teaching condemns bearing false witness, as it harms individuals and communities (CCC 2476). The Church has faced similar accusations throughout history, often during times of social unrest, yet it has consistently promoted truth and charity. The conspiracy’s lack of evidence and reliance on fictional sources, like The Blacklist, underscores its baseless nature. Catholics are called to respond to such accusations with patience and clarity, correcting falsehoods while affirming the Church’s mission (CCC 905). The film’s claims also risk alienating believers from their faith, sowing division rather than unity. By understanding this historical context, Catholics can better address and refute such narratives. The Church’s resilience in the face of such attacks reflects its commitment to truth.

The Role of Media in Spreading Misinformation

The rapid spread of Watch the Water on platforms like Rumble and Twitter illustrates the power of media in amplifying misinformation. Social media algorithms often prioritize sensational content, increasing its reach regardless of accuracy. The film’s 640,000 views within days show how quickly conspiracies can gain traction in the digital age. Catholic teaching emphasizes the importance of responsible communication, urging individuals to seek truth and avoid spreading falsehoods (CCC 2484). The Church encourages Catholics to critically evaluate media, discerning credible sources from those driven by profit or ideology. The involvement of figures like Stew Peters, who has a history of promoting inflammatory content, highlights the need for skepticism toward unverified claims. The film’s reliance on a fictional TV show and misrepresented science further undermines its credibility. Catholics are called to use media responsibly, sharing information that uplifts rather than divides (CCC 2495). By fostering media literacy, the Church helps believers navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. This approach counters the spread of conspiracies like Watch the Water.

Conclusion: A Call to Truth and Faith

The Watch the Water conspiracy, with its claims of snake venom and Catholic involvement in COVID-19, is a distortion of both science and faith. Catholic teaching affirms the sanctity of human life and the importance of truth, rejecting unfounded theories that promote fear (CCC 356). The Church’s support for ethical medical interventions, including vaccines, reflects its commitment to the common good. By grounding their discernment in faith and reason, Catholics can confidently reject such conspiracies. The film’s rapid spread underscores the need for vigilance in the digital age, where misinformation can proliferate unchecked. The Church calls believers to seek truth through credible sources and to respond to falsehoods with charity. The accusation against the Church is not only false but also a distraction from its mission to serve humanity. Catholics are encouraged to trust in God’s providence and the Church’s guidance in addressing global challenges like the pandemic (John 16:33). By living out their faith, Catholics can counter misinformation with the light of truth. This commitment strengthens both individual faith and communal unity.