The Battle
For Our Minds
An Open Letter To God's Church
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Faith
It is in a spirit of humility and prayer, and with a heart that lays
heavy with concern, that I have followed my conviction to pen this
open letter to God’s church. There is no doubt in my mind that this is
one of the most important documents that I have ever prepared. It
could also be one of the most important documents that you have ever
read.
At this time God’s church is facing a most serious crisis – a crisis
of our own making - and yet so few of us seem to be sensing the
danger. After reading just the next few paragraphs you will know why I
say this.
Please read this document carefully and prayerfully; and please share
it with others of our faith, for the wellbeing of God’s church, and
that of every one of us, is at stake.
Inspired Counsel Regarding Spiritualism:
“Many are investigating Spiritualism simply from curiosity.
They have no real faith in it, and would start back horrified at the
idea of becoming mediums; but they are venturing on forbidden and
dangerous ground.” {TDG 247.3}
Conclusion:
If we read books or visit websites that deal with spiritualism, the
illuminati, the occult, rock ‘n roll etcetera, or if we listen to
DVD’s on these subjects, or if we attend seminars that in any way deal
with these subjects, we are venturing on “forbidden and dangerous
ground” – and this will be the case even if we do so with good
intentions.
Inspired Counsel Regarding the Writings of Skeptics:
“He [the skeptic] has studied the Bible with the sole object of
finding passages which he can use to trouble and perplex other
minds. Some Christians feel it their duty to defend the word of
God [please note], and they enter into controversy with the skeptic –
[or] rather, with Satan and his angels, who speak through him [the
skeptic]. This is just what the prince of darkness and his agents
desire.” {ST, June 8, 1882 par. 19}
Conclusion:
If we study the works of the skeptic, even if only to defend the
truth, we are doing just what the evil one wants us to do. If we take
this a step further, and we present the sentiments of the skeptic to
anyone else - even if we do this with the intention of defending the
truth - we are again doing just what the devil wants us to do.
Serious Concerns:
For some time now God’s children have been subjected to seminars and
DVD’s that deal with spiritualism, satanism, the occult, the
illuminati, rock ‘n roll, skepticism, etcetera. As a direct result,
many in the church have become interested in these “forbidden and
dangerous” subjects. Tragically, many are even unwittingly handing
out DVD’s that deal with these evil subjects – and this they are doing
sincerely believing that they are furthering the causes of evANGELism
and truth?
Clearly, somebody has to cry out that our strange infatuation with the
works and the ways of darkness is both perilous and prohibited. As a
people, we have been called to disseminate light, not the deeds of
darkness; our mandate is to share with the world the good news, not
the bad news.
“Who among us can live with the consuming fire?
Who among us can live with continual burning? [that is, who of us can
live in the presence of God?] He who walks righteously and speaks with
sincerity, he who rejects unjust gain and shakes his hands so that
they hold no bribe; he who stops his ears from hearing about
bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil.” (Isaiah
33:14-15 NASB)
While I do not for one minute doubt the sincerity of those who have
been engaging in these hazardous exercises, anyone who understands the
principles that govern the workings of the human mind, will appreciate
that not one of us can afford to be in any way associated with these
“forbidden and dangerous” subjects.
The Battle Of All Battles
Regardless of whatever else the battle of Armageddon may include, it
most certainly includes a battle for the mind for, after all, . . .
-
“The mind is the capital of the body.” (CH176.1)
-
“Every organ of the body was made to be servant to the mind.”
(1MCP72.1)
-
The character “is the fruit” of the mind." (2MCP545.3)
-
The mind is “the best possession we have.” (GW92-385.2)
In short, the mind is the control centre and the spiritual centre of
our lives. As such, we may rest assured that the highest goal of the
evil one is to corrupt and to capture our minds – for he surely knows
that when the mind is won, the battle is won.
It must be our highest priority, therefore, to protect our minds (a)
by avoiding all negative and polluting influences, and (b) by allowing
ourselves to see and to hear only the true, the noble, the right, the
pure, the lovely, and the admirable. (Philippians 4:8)
Scripture confirms that this is in fact our highest priority:
“Above all else, guard your heart [your mind], for it is the
wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)
And this is why Paul urges us to have absolutely nothing to do with
these evil influences and activities:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but
rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the
disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light
becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible." (Eph
5:11-14 NIV)
Paul is here saying that it is shameful to even speak about satanism,
the occult, the Illuminati, rock ‘n roll, skepticism and the like, let
alone research these subjects and hold seminars and distribute DVD’s
on these subjects.
When Paul urges us to “expose” the deeds of darkness, he is not
inviting us to share all the gory details of evil with others. Rather,
he is urging us to “turn on the light” and the light will reveal the darkness
for what it is – evil must be "exposed by the light" - and this
is precisely the advice that Ellen White has given us:
“The best way to expose the fallacy of error is to present the
evidences of truth. This is the greatest rebuke that can be given to
error.” {Ev 576.2}
“Make no reference to what opponents say, but let the truth
alone be advanced.” (6T400.2)
“When the truth is preached in its simplicity and power, as it is in
Jesus, it will condemn the world.” {PH155-11.1}
The Fast Way Down
Inspiration assures us that . . .
“The tendencies of the natural heart are downward.” (CH414.3)
This means that our hearts will always gravitate towards the bad
rather than towards the good, towards the polluted rather than towards
the pure, and this is the primary reason why we cannot entertain even
a scholarly interest in the ways of darkness - for we have been warned
that . . .
"He who associates with [is made familiar with, taught about] the
skeptic will soon become skeptical;
"He who chooses the companionship of the vile [whether in person, in
books, or in teachings] will most assuredly become vile.
"
To walk in [to hear, to teach, or read] the counsel of the ungodly
is the first step toward standing in the way of
sinners and sitting in the seat of the scornful.” (CH414.3)
This being the case, if God is to live in us, and if God is to do His
work through us, we have a sacred obligation to guard “the avenues of
the soul,” for God simply cannot dwell in a polluted temple. This is
why . . .
`Everything that can be done should be done to place ourselves and our
children where we shall not see the iniquity that
is practiced in the world. We should carefully guard the sight of
our eyes and the hearing of our ears so that these awful things shall
not enter our minds.” {AH 403.4; 404.1}
“The study of works that in any way express
infidel sentiments is like handling black coals; for a man cannot
be undefiled in mind who thinks along the line of skepticism.” {CE
99.2}
This situation is so serious that we cannot afford to expose ourselves
to these evil influences – not even for a moment. Hence the wise
counsel:
“Be cautious in regard to what you read and how you hear.
Take not a particle of interest in spiritualistic theories.
Satan is waiting to steal a march upon everyone who allows himself to
be deceived by his hypnotism. He begins to exert his power
over them just as soon as they begin to investigate his theories.”
{MM 101.5}
`Those who would have that wisdom which is from God must become fools
in the sinful knowledge of this age, in order to be wise. They should
shut their eyes, that they may see and learn no evil.’
{AH404.1}
This is of utmost importance, for “the mind in which error has once
taken possession can never expand freely to truth, even after
investigation. The old theories will claim recognition. The
understanding of things that are true and elevated and sanctifying
will be confused. Superstitious ideas will enter the mind, to
mingle with the true, and these ideas are always debasing in
their influence.” {MM 89.3}.
May the Lord help us, therefore, to “resolve never, never to
repeat error, but always to teach the truth. Fill
hearts and minds with the solemn, sacred truth for this time.” {Ev
623.4}
Realizing the seriousness of this matter, we need to recognize that:
“There are two classes of educators in the world. One class
contemplates the character of God, and increases in the knowledge of
Jesus, whom God hath sent into the world. This class becomes wholly
given up to those things which bring heavenly enlightenment, heavenly
wisdom, to the uplifting of the soul. Every capability of their nature
is submitted to God, and their thoughts are brought into captivity to
Christ. The other class is in league with the prince of darkness,
who is ever on the alert that he may find an opportunity to teach
others the knowledge of evil. If place is made for him, he will
not be slow to press his way into heart and mind.” {CE70.2}
For your further study, I have grouped together
a number of inspired counsels in support of what is stated above. In
appendix 3, 4 and 5, I have also included counsels that warn us
against (a) condemning governments and their leaders, (b) condemning
the Catholic Church and (c) inviting those recently recovered from
evil to relate their gory experiences to God’s children. We simply
have no mandate from God to engage in any such work.
It is my prayer that the Lord will be with you as you carefully
consider this information. Again I urge you to share this document
with our brothers and sisters in the faith. It could save them from
serious deception. Remember:
“We have far more to fear from within than from without. The
hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church
itself than from the world.” {1SM 122.3}
Take care and may God bless you
Neville Mandy
Appendix 1
Are We Wise Studying About And Teaching Our Members About
Satanism, The Occult, Rock ‘n Roll, and the Illuminati, Etcetera?
“The Lord has a message for our ministers to bear, but He does not
call them to speak on the subjects upon which the minds of some have
been dwelling. Those who do this place in minds seeds that will
germinate and spring up to bear fruit. Thus people are educated to
catch up the sentiments of Satan, and give them publicity.” {CW 93.2}
“Satan is pleased when we magnify his power. Why not talk of Jesus?
Why not magnify His power and His love?” {DA 493.1}
“No teacher in our schools should suggest the idea that, in order to
have the right discipline, it is essential to study text-books
expressing pagan and infidel sentiments. Students who are thus
educated, are not competent to become educators in their turn; for
they are filled with the subtle sophistries of the enemy. The study of
works that in any way express infidel sentiments is like handling
black coals; for a man cannot be undefiled in mind who thinks along
the line of skepticism. In going to such sources for knowledge, are we
not turning away from the snow of Lebanon to drink from the
turbid water of the valley?” {CE 99.2}
“The young should not be suffered to learn good and evil
indiscriminately, with the idea that at some future time the good will
predominate and the evil lose its influence. The evil will increase
faster than the good. It is possible that after many years the evil
they have learned may be eradicated; but who will venture this? Time
is short. It is easier and much safer to sow clean, good seed in
the hearts of your children than to pluck up the weeds afterward.
Impressions made upon the minds of the young are hard to efface. How
important, then, that these impressions be of the right sort, that the
elastic faculties of youth be bent in the right direction.” {AH
201.2}
“When the daily newspaper comes into the house, I feel as if I want to
hide it, that the ridiculous, sensational things in it may not be
seen. It seems as if the enemy is at the foundation of the publishing
of many things that appear in newspapers. Every sinful thing that can
be found is uncovered and laid bare before the world.” {AH 403.4;
404.1}
“In your connection with worldly societies, are you keeping your
covenant with God? Do these associations tend to direct your own mind
or that of others to God, or are they diverting the interest and
attention from Him? Do they strengthen your connection with the
divine agencies, or turn your mind to the human in place of the
divine?” {Ev 618.3}
Appendix 2
Should We Study The Teachings of Skeptics, and Then
Present These Teachings to our Churches?
“Shall the sentiments of
unbelievers, the expressions of dissolute men, be advocated as worthy
of the student's attention, because they are the productions of men
whom the world admires as great thinkers? Shall men professing to
believe in God, gather from these unsanctified authors their
expressions and sentiments, and treasure them up as precious jewels to
be stored away among the riches of the mind? - God forbid.” {CE 71.1}
“Have the disciples of Christ
burned the magical books? Have they made a decided change in
their principles and habits of life? Have they separated themselves
from the enchantments of the world? Those who, knowing their danger,
will yet venture into places of worldly, demoralizing amusement, or
who will poison the mind with the literary productions of the
skeptic, or the sensualist, are guilty of presumption. God
does not give his angels charge to keep those who choose to walk in
forbidden paths.” {ST, May 18, 1882 par. 30}
“I am warned that the less our
ministers handle the subject of pantheism [or any other error], the
less they will help Satan to present his theories to the people. Let
the truth for this time be kept before them. Never, never repeat
the spiritualistic sentiments, the strange, misleading theories, which
have for years been coming in.” {CW 93.1}
“Keep your eyes fixed on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and by beholding Him you will be changed into His
likeness. Talk not of these spiritualistic theories. Let them
find no place in your mind. Let our papers be kept free from
everything of the kind. Publish the truth; do not publish error
[not in books or in DVD’s]. Do not try to explain in regard to the
personality of God. You cannot give any further explanation than the
Bible has given. Human theories regarding Him are good for nothing.
Do not soil your minds by studying the misleading theories of
the enemy. Labor to draw minds away from everything of
this character. It will be better to keep these subjects out of our
papers. Let the doctrines of present truth be put into our papers, but
give no room to a repeating of erroneous theories”. {CW 93.4}
Appendix 3
Should We Make Public Attacks On
Governments & Worldly Authorities?
“Our work is not to make a raid on the Government but to prepare a
people to stand in the great day of the Lord. The fewer attacks we
make on authorities and powers, the more work will we do for God. . .
.” {Ev 173.1}
“We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as seeming to
advocate treason. We should weed out from our writings and utterances
every expression, that, taken by itself, could be so misrepresented as
to make it appear antagonistic to law and order. Everything should be
carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging
disloyalty to our country and its laws. We are not required to defy
authorities. There will come a time when, because of our advocacy
of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time
be hastened by unadvised movements that stir up animosity and
strife.” {CW 68.2}
“The government under which
Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying
abuses, extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour
attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor
condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the
authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example
kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to
the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human
and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men
individually, and must regenerate the heart.” {DA 509.3}
“By some of our brethren many
things have been spoken and written that are interpreted as expressing
antagonism to government and law. It is a mistake thus to lay
ourselves open to misunderstanding. It is not wise to find fault
continually with what is done by the rulers of government. It
is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We
should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting ourselves
in opposition to the civil authorities. It is true that our warfare is
aggressive, but our weapons are to be those found in a plain "Thus
saith the Lord." Our work is to prepare a people to stand in the great
day of God. We should not be turned aside to lines that will encourage
controversy or arouse antagonism in those not of our faith.” {2MCP
504.2}
“We should remember that the
world will judge us by what we appear to be. Let those who are seeking
to represent Christ be careful not to exhibit inconsistent features of
character. Before we come fully to the front, let us see to it that
the Holy Spirit is poured upon us from on high. When this is the case,
we shall give a decided message, but it will be of a far less
condemnatory character than that which some have been giving; and
all who believe will be far more earnest for the salvation of our
opponents. Let God have the matter of condemning authorities and
governments wholly in His own keeping. In meekness and love, let
us as faithful sentinels defend the principles of truth as it is in
Jesus. . . .” {CW 72.1}
THIS IS GOING TO AFFECT ALL OF
US:
“The time will come when
unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been
carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our
enemies to condemn us. These will not be used merely to condemn those
who made the statements, but will be charged upon the whole body of
Adventists. Our accusers will say that on such and such a day one of
our responsible men said thus and so against the administration of the
laws of this government. Many will be astonished to see how many
things have been cherished and remembered that will give point to the
arguments of our adversaries. Many will be surprised to hear their
own words strained into a meaning that they did not intend them to
have. Then let our workers be careful to speak guardedly at all times
and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest by reckless
expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great crisis
which is to try men's souls.” {CW 69.1}
Appendix 4
Have We Been Given License To Make Open Attacks
On The Catholic Church?
“Be guarded. In
bearing the message, make no personal thrusts at other churches, not
even the Roman Catholic Church. Angels of God see in the different
denominations many who can be reached only by the greatest caution.
Therefore let us be careful of our words. Let not our Ministers
follow their own impulses in denouncing and exposing the "mysteries of
iniquity." Upon these themes silence is eloquence. Many are
deceived. Speak the truth in tones and words of love. Let Christ Jesus
be exalted. Keep to the affirmative of truth. Never leave the straight
path God has marked out, for the purpose of giving someone a thrust.
That thrust may do much harm and no good. It may quench conviction in
many minds. Let the Word of God which is the truth, tell the story of
the inconsistency of those in error.” (Ev 576.1)
“It is true that we are commanded to "cry aloud, spare not, lift up
thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and
the house of Jacob their sins." Isa. 58:1. This message must be given,
but while it must be given, we should be careful not to thrust and
crowd and condemn those who have not the light that we have. We
should not go out of our way to make hard thrusts at the Catholics.
Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious
Christians, and who walk in all the light that shines upon them, and
God will work in their behalf. Those who have had great privileges and
opportunities, and who have failed to improve their physical, mental,
and moral powers, but who have lived to please themselves, and have
refused to bear their responsibility, are in greater danger and in
greater condemnation before God than those who are in error upon
doctrinal points, yet who seek to live to do good to others. Do not
censure others; do not condemn them.” {CW 63.2}
Appendix 5
Is it wise to invite those who have
been recovered from a life
of sin to speak about their pre-conversion experiences?
“The practice of inviting men and women to
relate in public the experience of their life of sin, is full of
danger to both speaker and hearers. To dwell upon scenes of evil is
corrupting to mind and soul. And the prominence given to the rescued
ones is harmful to them. Many are led to feel that their sinful life
has given them a certain distinction. A love of notoriety and a spirit
of self-trust are encouraged that prove fatal to the soul. Only in
distrust of self and dependence on the mercy of Christ can they
stand.” (Te 116.1) |