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The Trauma Response and the Media

The Trauma Response and the Media

Normally, I leave a blog up at least a week before posting a new blog, but given the intense feedback of the previous blog, Donald Trump and Christians: What’s the Attraction, I thought it might be helpful to go ahead and post this blog now.

It is well known that when people experience trauma (soldiers in combat, victims of abuse or assault, etc.), the brain’s fear circuits (amygdala) activate and often reset to a more sensitive baseline. This means that after trauma, people are often more fearful, startle more easily, are hypervigilant, and live in threat-assessment mode, often seeing threats where none actually exist. Such a state of increased fear contributes to relationship and social problems – accusations of abuse, mistreatment, and attack, even sometimes when none really occurred.

What is less well known is that the same trauma response can occur without an objective threat or danger, but with only a perceived threat.

Imagine a person who has a baseline fear of snakes who has been put in a situation in which they suddenly have a snake thrown in their face or on their lap. They immediately panic, scream, hyperventilate, and run and tell their friends and family about the horrible wrong that was done to them. Only later do they discover that it was actually a rubber snake. They initially refuse to believe it, convinced that it was a real snake. But conclusive video evidence documents with certainty that it was a rubber snake. They begrudgingly finally admit that it was a rubber snake, but their cognitive acknowledgement of the fact doesn’t reduce their apprehension about encountering snakes in the future. In fact, since this same exact experience has happened on several occasions and while they later admitted each event was a rubber snake, they still live in a heightened emotional state in which they feel under increased threat and fear that there are snakes around every corner.

The real problem was not from snakes, but from the pranksters who were throwing rubber snakes in their face!

Sadly, I see this process happening in America and around the world today on a huge scale: The media is throwing falsehoods – “rubber snakes” – concocted to induce fear, especially in the face of those who already have some baseline fear. Even when facts come out later to refute the initial story, many viewers are already “traumatized” (amygdala reset to a higher sensitivity) and now live in a heightened state of fear. Worse, they fail to see that they were traumatized by the media and instead live in fear of “snakes” because they initially believed the false story.

Here are a few examples of this process in recent history:

  • The Jussie Smollett Hoax: Smollett, a black, gay movie star, alleged he was assaulted in Chicago by two white men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs, poured an unknown chemical on him, tied a rope around his neck, and yelled, “This is MAGA country.” It turned out to be a hoax. In reality, two black men were hired by Smollett to fake the attack. Yet, the media took this story and fanned the flames of racial and homophobic intolerance, which they attributed to President Donald Trump and his administration.[1] [2]

No doubt, this story heightened the fear and anxiety of millions of people of color and the LGBTQ community. A “snake” had been thrown in their face, and it was done so repeatedly and intensely by the media, who specifically linked it to the Trump administration. Amygdalas across America were activated; fear increased, and a sense of being less safe was heightened. Eventually the hoax was exposed, and those traumatized begrudgingly accepted that this episode was a hoax – but their amygdalas didn’t calm, and they now live in a state of increased threat assessment, fear, and insecurity, which they tie not to the media that threw this “rubber snake” on them, but rather to the Trump administration, which was falsely blamed for it.

  • Nick Sandman and the Covington Catholic Students: Most people now know the truth behind this story: Students were confronted by activist people of color and remained calm and said nothing in response. However, the media took biasedly edited video of the encounter and created a false narrative that Sandman, in his MAGA hat, verbally abused people of color.[3] This wasn’t a single news story, but a media blitz of hate, fear, and insult – and again ultimately suggesting that it had been a hate crime that originated with President Trump. The misrepresentation and falsehood were so egregious that CNN settled a $275 million lawsuit with Sandman.[4]

No doubt, this story also caused fear, anxiety, and a loss of security and safety in millions of people of color. Their amygdalas activated when the “snake” of Trump’s MAGA intolerance was thrown in their face. No doubt, they watched the multiple media reports covering this incident, told their friends, and reinforced their fears, becoming ever-more certain of the dangers of the Trump administration.

But, again, with reluctance, these traumatized people finally admitted that the initial reporting was wrong. Sandman and his friends demonstrated no hostility, intolerance, or ugliness toward the Black Hebrew Israelites or the Native American activist. But accepting this truth didn’t calm the amygdalas of those who were frightened by the story. They now live with a greater sense of fear, feel as though society is less safe, and see threats to their freedoms around every corner. Sadly, they don’t attach their fear and revulsion to the media, who threw this “rubber snake” in their face, but instead live with ever-increasing fear and dislike for President Trump and those wearing MAGA hats.
 

State of Negativity

  • >In October 2017, NPR reported the following on Pew research: “Fully two-thirds of news stories about Trump from his first 60 days in office were negative… – more than twice the negativity seen in stories from the first 60 days of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, or Barack Obama’s presidencies.”[5]
  • In October 2018, the Media Research Center reported 92 percent of media reporting on Trump was slanted negative – with further biases in the topics covered on stories such as the Mueller investigation, while ignoring successes in the economy and trade.[6]
  • In January 2019, the Washington Times reported that 90 percent of the media coverage about Trump remained negative.[7]
  • In November 2019, Fox News reported that the Media Research Center found that 96 percent of stories on Trump were now negative.[8]

This process of conditioning people to react with fear, not fact, to become phobic of Trump, appears to be the goal of the liberal-dominated media. And, sadly, it is working.

As Christians, our goal is to be lovers of truth – to act on love, truth, and freedom. We should not be quick to accept stories without evidence, to embrace propaganda without fact. Further, we are to have discernment to learn from experience; we need to stop living in fear of “rubber snakes” and, instead, realize that we should stop trusting those who keep throwing “rubber snakes” in our face.
 

No – This Isn’t About Trump

My goal with this blog is not to support President Trump or his administration; rather, it is to expose a process of how the media manipulates people with fear and how, once fear is aroused, it may not remit, despite facts exposing their initial stories as false. The very same warning applies to pro-Trump media as much as it does to anti-Trump media.

There are multiple things that I would do differently than Trump, and he has policies that I do not support. But I don’t base my positions on media-induced fear and hysteria, but on facts, evidence, and principles. If you have better ways than this (or any future) administration to bring healing to people, to our nation, and to our world, then move those ideas forward with truth, love, and evidence. Don’t allow fear to rule in your heart – fear is a tool of the enemy of love and always leads to division and hostility.

If you find that you are afraid and would like to have this fear removed from your heart, then for the next three months, do not watch any news broadcasts, read any news articles, or listen to any politics. Instead, spend at least one hour each day meditating on the life of Jesus, God’s design of love, His creation, or some other aspect of God’s character – for the purpose of seeking to enter into intimacy of heart with God.

It is by beholding that we are changed (2 Corinthians 3:18). That’s why Satan wants to get our minds focused on politics, climate change, or other threats – real or imagined – to increase our fear and to destroy our peace and wellbeing, so fix your eyes on Christ, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

When we keep Christ and His methods central, we can engage with people who don’t know Him, or worse, who promote principles contrary to God’s – yet maintain our sense of peace, our demeanor of grace, our faith and confidence in our Creator God; we can dialogue without hostility; we can discuss without enmity; we can disagree without hate; we can love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us – for we are not children of this world but children of our God in heaven (Matthew 5:44,45).


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Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, 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

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, 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 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 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

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 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain