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The Warping of Minds

The Warping of Minds

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

God created us in His image, with our own unique individuality and the ability to think and to act, and it is His intention that each of us, by reasoning with Him (Isaiah 1:18), will advance, mature, and develop the ability to differentiate the right from the wrong (Hebrews 5:14), ultimately becoming mature Christians with sound, Christlike minds.

Satan, of course, wants just the opposite: to turn us into non-thinking brutes driven by passions and fears so that we are fit only for a leash (2 Peter 2:12). Fear is part of the infection of sin (Genesis 3:10); it interferes with love, undermines thinking, and increases selfishness.

It is at the front part of our brain, the part behind our forehead, called the prefrontal cortex, that we critically reason, think, strategize, contemplate, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions. It is deeper brain structures, called the limbic system, where we feel strong emotions, including the classic fear-driven survival drives.

When our emotion circuits fire too strongly, they impair activity in the prefrontal cortex. It is hard to reason and think when we are highly emotional. This is why the military trains soldiers intensely before placing them into combat, so that when they find themselves under fire for the first time and the adrenaline triggers near-panic levels of fear, the soldiers’ training kicks in and they don’t freeze or run away, but instead act on their training until their fear reduces enough for them to start thinking and processing what is happening. This is also why firefighters and SWAT teams go through extensive training before they are allowed to participate in high-threat, real-world situations.

When untrained or inexperienced people are placed in situations that trigger fear, they are prone to experience reductions in their capacity to think, reason, and weigh out different perspectives. The greater the fear, the greater the urgency to act, to do something to get to safety, but it also makes thinking and reasoning less efficient. In such moments of crisis, people without experience, without training, and without an understanding of what is happening will have limited ability to reason clearly and will almost always look for someone in authority to tell them what to do; they will then follow what they are told without considering for themselves if the directions are reasonable. Soldiers will look to their squad and platoon leaders, those with prior combat experience, and eagerly follow their instructions, feeling relief and reassurance that someone else knows what to do.

When gunshots are heard in a mall, people will instinctually flee or take cover. However, if they see a police officer, they will follow the officer’s instructions—even if the officer’s instructions are wrong, confused, or, worse, purposely misleading. The terrified people will not stop and evaluate whether the officer’s badge is real or fake; they won’t notice whether the officer is wearing tennis shoes rather than standard-issue black shoes. Under such levels of fear, people are impaired in their ability to discern, think, and consider the possibility that the person in uniform may be part of a terrorist cell and is directing them toward where a bomb is planted.

And, if the majority of other fleeing patrons are following the instructions of the fake officer, such group agreement further impairs individual thinking. Most people will conform to what the crowd is doing and follow the directions of the officer, even if they themselves recognize indicators that what is happening is wrong. One of the reasons for this is that there is a sense of strength in numbers, while going out on one’s own makes one feel more vulnerable. Thus, there is an inherent psychological propensity to conform to group pressure in order to feel safe, even if the group is wrong.

The greater the sense of fear, the less capable of thinking, discerning, and evaluating evidence and the more quickly people will conform to both the voice of authority and the perceived consensus of the group.

Following “the Rules” in a Crisis

Vulnerability to group conformity is either increased or decreased by life experiences and personal practice prior to being presented with the fear-inducing crisis. Those who have a pattern of surrendering their thinking and choices to others in order to be accepted are at greater vulnerability to complying with group pressure in times of crisis than the person who has a track record of thinking for self and disagreeing with the group.

One’s susceptibility to following the opinions of others rather than thinking for oneself is further magnified when the person giving the directives has greater expertise, credentials, or authority of office than one’s own station; the pressure to conform is intensified even more when it seems that everyone else agrees with the expert opinion.

In today’s social media world, it isn’t necessary to get the majority to agree; it is only necessary to get the majority of media outlets to broadcast the same messaging in order to give the perception that the majority in a community agrees. This perception will then cause many people to conform their beliefs and choices to the authoritarian view without thinking it through or examining the evidence for themselves. They accept claims, proclamations, slogans, and opinions as evidence rather than examine the actual evidence for themselves. This is especially true for those who have little prior experience with evidenced-based thinking, who instead have practiced trusting people in positions of authority to tell them the answer. This can happen in communities with physical threats that incite fear or in churches when eternal threats are presented to increase fear. In both cases, fear will lead people to accept claims, slogans, and the opinions of those in “authority” and follow them without examining the evidence and coming to their own conclusion.

Soldiers are quicker to accept the orders of a sergeant (even one they don’t know) than a civilian who has never been in the military. The soldiers do so not only because they have been conditioned to trust military personnel with rank above their own, but also because they have a greater awareness of the potential dangers than a civilian and, thus, they have greater fears, both immediate (fear of the enemy) and legal (fear of court-martial), and understand the need for quick action to reduce such risks. The greater the sense of fear, the greater the willingness to trust a superior (someone with greater experience, education, credentials, or authority of office), to follow their directives as a means to feel less anxiety (“someone knows what to do; it will be alright”) and experience increased personal control and value in the situation (“we can help by following orders”), and to feel greater power and less helplessness by either passing along the instructions to others or by ordering others to comply with the orders they have received.

Further, in high-stress combat environments, military leaders will often order soldiers to engage in activities that may or may not have any real benefit in defeating the enemy—such as digging a trench (whether needed or not), cleaning weapons (regardless of whether the weapon has been used since its last cleaning or not), and taking inventory of one’s pack (regardless of whether any item was used since the last inventory). Such tasks are intended to both remind the soldier of the impending enemy threat and to give the soldier something they can do to help them feel useful in preparing to address threats, regardless of whether their actions have any bearing on defeating the enemy or not. Such orders serve the primary purpose of reminding the soldier of the danger while simultaneously conditioning the soldier to obey orders through action, thus reinforcing trust in the chain of command. In so doing, their fear goes down and their sense of personal usefulness goes up. Repeated over time, such training conditions soldiers to follow orders even when those orders don’t make sense.

Units that train together, work together, slog through useless tasks together, face death together, and experience the loss of comrades together will develop a certain cohesion, group identity, and esprit de corps. They develop pride in being a soldier, pride in wearing the uniform, pride in marching in lockstep together, at saluting the commander, in waving the flag, and in doing things that they once thought were stupid and useless. They will recount some of their worst days of training with fondness and will gain a certain pleasure in putting other recruits through similar discomfort.

How Satan Used COVID to Degrade Minds

These same processes have occurred during COVID.

During COVID, physicians were among the first to accept CDC pandemic guidelines without actually examining the evidence for those guidelines but, instead, trusted that those in charge had more experience with infectious diseases and that their guidelines should be followed regardless of actual evidence or facts. Why? Because physicians have been conditioned to trust those with greater education, experience, or authority of medical office than themselves. But also, physicians have a greater sense of the potential danger from a new infectious disease and, thus, experience greater anxieties, which will cause them to be quicker to trust the voice of authority. Physicians also have a greater fear of legal consequences for not following governmental guidelines—loss of hospital privileges, suspension of license, increased liability, removal from insurance panels, and loss of income.

Further, physicians have been conditioned for years to follow the medical crowd, “consensus” guidelines, specialty recommendations, employer treatment algorithms, or other voices of authority rather than studying the science and evidence directly and deciding for themselves what is actually best medically.

Thus, when it came to COVID, physicians, considered some of the best and most intelligent in our society, as a group, became some of the least capable in society of being able to think through the evidence and voice disagreement with the established medical authorities—even when what was being presented by those voices was obviously and irrefutably false—like the new never-before-used in human populations mRNA “vaccines” being safe and effective. How could this be known when there was no long-term safety data or efficacy data to document the claim? Yet millions of physicians never questioned it; they just believed this assertion because it was presented by those in authority but also because believing it made their own fear go down, while simultaneously making them feel useful and empowered to do something to combat the viral enemy—give vaccines and encourage everyone to get them.

Defending the Mind

Fear and group pressure are two factors that impair thinking and increase vulnerability to follow voices of authority. God’s enemies use both to undermine individuality and enslave minds. As Christians, we are to present the truth in love while leaving others free to decide for themselves what is best in their situation.

Events like COVID place each of us in the position where we must decide how we will respond to such methods, to fear-induced group think. Will we surrender our thinking to voices of authority and peer pressure and carry out directives enforcing mandates upon others just so that we can feel safe? Or will we choose to present the truth as we understand it, in love, while respecting the individuality and autonomy of the other to make their own decision?

It is by choosing how we treat others that we decide what kind of people we become, what character we develop. And this is how every person will decide for or against Christ. Jesus said that when He returns and separates the sheep (saved) from the goats (lost), it is on the basis of one thing: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV84). Conversely, Satan uses fear to get people to lie, manipulate, coerce, and even harm others to protect self.

Don’t be caught up by the lies, misinformation, fear-messaging, and group pressures of this world. Fix your eyes on Christ, think for yourself, become a lover of truth, and develop by practice the ability to discern the right from the wrong (Hebrews 5:14).

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Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

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I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 11

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Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada