Neil Obstat, I couldn't agree more. My grandparents were constantly talking about 'the conspiracy' and about how great the Birch Society was. 1 of my parents still talks about it. 1 of my parents never really cared. Most of my siblings act like it's folklore.
At the basis of the apathy/purposeful ignorance are 3 things:
1) A 'let's ignore reality and it'll go away because it's depressing' attitude.
2) A 'i don't want to be different, so I ignore it' attitude.
3) A 'this is too crazy, it'll never happen here' attitude.
I think everyone goes through all 3 thoughts above, at some point or another, because if you constantly think about such things, life won't be fun. But you can't go 'all in' on any of the above 3 ideas, or else you're just as unprepared/uneducated as the typical american.
But, to your point, ideas have consequences. And if you don't stand with the truth, or spread the truth, or defend the truth in worldly things (politics, history, science), you will not have the fortitude to stand, spread or defend the REAL Truth, which is of religion. Because the mindset of 'being on guard' against the devil is the same mindset as 'being on guard' against stupid laws, or loss of freedom, etc. In all my dealings with Traditionalists, those who were strongest in the Faith believed in 'the conspiracy', or at least had the mindset of 'trust but verify'. Those that did not, or were apathetic about it, slowly lost the Faith. Coincidence? I think not.