The difference and the degree of severity within the three items named in this thread's title, they are very in-depth studies to say the least.
I was asked by a friend so expound upon brainwashing in the context of deception in particular, but decided to throw into the mix "ignorance."
The initial question asked about how " innocent" people can escape various manipulations by others who are trying to get the "innocent" to do things the perpetrators believe are right.
By "innocent," I assume this is a question about children who are falling victim to adults convincing them to acquiesce to procedures upon their young bodies that are likely damaging, and even irreversibly damaging in some cases. If this modern phenomenon isn't the aim of the question, this can serve as a prime example we are all seeing played out in the West.
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Luke 17:1-3
1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come!
2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Let's bring into this another item of importance to note in relation to this topic. This addresses, as a promised remedy for those who are in a place of darkness and don't know how to escape:
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
Now, of particular interest to us in this is that when the deception is aimed at children, the Lord is particularly interested in the penalties for doing to them what is harmful and even sin in their lives. Those who play with this fire with cavalier indifference to the penalties, they stand in a place of judgement that is not at all an envious place to be by any stretch.
What about those who should know better, but don't because of "brainwashing" and "deception," both made more successful by way of "ignorance" due to youth or lack of critical thought on the part of an adult?
This world is filled with causes and effects. In the midst of it all is a Lord and God who sees it all down to the most minute details in the depths of all the hearts of those involved. He's also in total control, and so we have specific promises from the Lord about such things:
John 10:28-29
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.
So, brainwashing most generally is a state of mind that most who find themselves under its sway come to the realization that they were there by their own free will. Some indeed can rest upon the blame of ignorance, such as little children. Adults, however, such as those brainwashed into a cult, are going to be held responsible by whatever degree the Lord so chooses on a case by case basis.
For example, as a 21 year old, I ALLOWED myself to be fooled into following after mormonism for a time before I finally put my critical thinking cap back on my head and started asking questions. I attribute all the glory and praise unto the Lord for His having delivered me from that, for as it is said in John 10, nobody could pluck me from His hand since I was and am His.
I can't say how the Lord will handle those who were abusively fooled and encouraged as children to allow things to be done to them that should never have ever been allowed. If they are innocent, then He will handle them accordingly. Having their childhood stolen from them with such wicked and evil indifference to the consequences, there's a special place in Hell for the perpetrators...workers of iniquity. (Ps. 5:5)
There is all manner of remedy for those who are brainwashed, based upon the Lord's promise to us all, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10.
Those who remain in the dark, well, many do so willingly and reject the Light that always shines from He who sits upon the Throne. He always offers a way out to those who seek Him. What if they don't seek Him, or don't even know to seek Him? Well, there again is a broad hypothetical that has many rabbit holes we could go down. Suffice it to say that the Lord, who knew every soul before the foundations of this world, will never allow to perish those who He has chosen for His purposes, and/or who possess qualities and criteria we cannot even begin to name by definition what we cannot see in others by our own eyes and understanding.
From that Temple in the Heavenlies comes lightning and thunderings of things beyond our understanding. Suffice it to say that none will perish whom the Lord desires to save. His Sovereignty is fully intact, and He has never said He will turn away anyone who reaches out to Him for deliverance and salvation.
Please feel free to comment, as questions, offer observations, etc.
MM
I was asked by a friend so expound upon brainwashing in the context of deception in particular, but decided to throw into the mix "ignorance."
The initial question asked about how " innocent" people can escape various manipulations by others who are trying to get the "innocent" to do things the perpetrators believe are right.
By "innocent," I assume this is a question about children who are falling victim to adults convincing them to acquiesce to procedures upon their young bodies that are likely damaging, and even irreversibly damaging in some cases. If this modern phenomenon isn't the aim of the question, this can serve as a prime example we are all seeing played out in the West.
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Luke 17:1-3
1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come!
2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Let's bring into this another item of importance to note in relation to this topic. This addresses, as a promised remedy for those who are in a place of darkness and don't know how to escape:
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
Now, of particular interest to us in this is that when the deception is aimed at children, the Lord is particularly interested in the penalties for doing to them what is harmful and even sin in their lives. Those who play with this fire with cavalier indifference to the penalties, they stand in a place of judgement that is not at all an envious place to be by any stretch.
What about those who should know better, but don't because of "brainwashing" and "deception," both made more successful by way of "ignorance" due to youth or lack of critical thought on the part of an adult?
This world is filled with causes and effects. In the midst of it all is a Lord and God who sees it all down to the most minute details in the depths of all the hearts of those involved. He's also in total control, and so we have specific promises from the Lord about such things:
John 10:28-29
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.
So, brainwashing most generally is a state of mind that most who find themselves under its sway come to the realization that they were there by their own free will. Some indeed can rest upon the blame of ignorance, such as little children. Adults, however, such as those brainwashed into a cult, are going to be held responsible by whatever degree the Lord so chooses on a case by case basis.
For example, as a 21 year old, I ALLOWED myself to be fooled into following after mormonism for a time before I finally put my critical thinking cap back on my head and started asking questions. I attribute all the glory and praise unto the Lord for His having delivered me from that, for as it is said in John 10, nobody could pluck me from His hand since I was and am His.
I can't say how the Lord will handle those who were abusively fooled and encouraged as children to allow things to be done to them that should never have ever been allowed. If they are innocent, then He will handle them accordingly. Having their childhood stolen from them with such wicked and evil indifference to the consequences, there's a special place in Hell for the perpetrators...workers of iniquity. (Ps. 5:5)
There is all manner of remedy for those who are brainwashed, based upon the Lord's promise to us all, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10.
Those who remain in the dark, well, many do so willingly and reject the Light that always shines from He who sits upon the Throne. He always offers a way out to those who seek Him. What if they don't seek Him, or don't even know to seek Him? Well, there again is a broad hypothetical that has many rabbit holes we could go down. Suffice it to say that the Lord, who knew every soul before the foundations of this world, will never allow to perish those who He has chosen for His purposes, and/or who possess qualities and criteria we cannot even begin to name by definition what we cannot see in others by our own eyes and understanding.
From that Temple in the Heavenlies comes lightning and thunderings of things beyond our understanding. Suffice it to say that none will perish whom the Lord desires to save. His Sovereignty is fully intact, and He has never said He will turn away anyone who reaches out to Him for deliverance and salvation.
Please feel free to comment, as questions, offer observations, etc.
MM
