How to Prevent Brainwashing?
So I’m sitting down with a fellow teacher who has a title in front of his name. He’s trying to convince me to accept and obey his point of view. (He doesn’t know how long I’ve been studying the Bible. It happens to be longer than him.) But I take it he assumes his “position” puts everyone else in a submissive posture and an open head. Don’t get me wrong, I’m hoping for some nuggets of truth I can add to my file of knowledge and beliefs—that’s why we were having this conversation:-)
The Open Mind
The LAST thing you want is an “open mind”. (The kind brain washers love.) As students we must learn from experts/authorities. We should be EAGER to learn valuable new information and take instructions. However, all information and instructions must be filtered by The Word of God if you are a Christian.
The danger is to accept the “title”, “position”, or “reputation” of the would-be teacher as proof of the accuracy of their teachings and instructions. “This is Pastor, Dr. So and So, so whatever he tells me I will believe and do.”
The Closed Mind
The truth is: Let no one pour information into your brain without consulting God Almighty to confirm this man/woman has been taught by The Master Teacher Himself. (1Tim. 3:16)
Eagerness to learn, but not an open mind. The mind is closed until God’s truth fills it. Check with God before you let some teacher or expert fill your head with what they claim to be right.
Even the Apostles had to pass this test!
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. -Act 17:11
The Multitude of Counselors
If you are still have doubts consult more authorities from diverse positions. Don’t consult the questionable teacher’s students or partners. I would examine those who are likely to differ and weigh all of their interpretations and teachings.
Pro 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.