Author Topic: Brainwashing (Read 2056 times)

soulguard · « **on:** December 08, 2013, 01:45:49 PM »

This is not a thread I make because I suspect some people of trying to brainwash me. This is a debate thread.

"Is brainwashing ever justified?"

Consider this: IF it is right to use all the experience you have of how people behave to influence their opinion to affect a conversion, is it then right, do you think, to brainwash others to become Catholic.

For instance, I use this myself to spread the faith often using the psychological handles of ability and security. I am not ashamed of it, because I know that other forces in society do the same thing to cause them to lose the faith. I don't believe in prayer alone ( quietism), but I believe in conversion of lapsed Catholics and non-trads.

If you observe that someone, because of their age, is physically weaker, and more concerned about security, would you link your ideas promoting the faith to the satisfaction of their urge to be safe?

It is brainwashing and I think it is right, but only for the cause of saving souls.

What do others think on this?

soulguard · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2013, 01:48:56 PM »

Using psychology for good instead of evil.

Anthony Benedict · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2013, 05:13:10 PM »

Soulguard, have you yet to sit down and discuss your unique private theories with a well - educated, orthodox Catholic priest?

This has been suggested more than once to you by some thoughtful, well-read and (amazingly) patient members of this forum.

Panzer-style "über-katholisch" tactics usually discourage the interested, to put it quite mildly. And, as I am sure you realized right after posting your hypothetical question, if there is anyplace in which manipulation is not only inappropriate but likely, as well, the product of an imperfect formation, that place would be in the practice of Catholic apologetics.

The Faith requires no devices. It has transmitted itself for two millennia without artificiality, superficiality or subversive measures.

shin · « **Reply #3 on:** December 08, 2013, 07:06:30 PM »

Quote

if there is anyplace in which manipulation is not only inappropriate but likely, as well, the product of an imperfect formation, that place would be in the practice of Catholic apologetics.

If only a number of the popular so-called apologists would realize this!

shin · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2013, 07:09:09 PM »

There's the temptation to cut corners, but one must do things in a right spirit.

If one is doing things exteriorly that should have a result you think, and they do not, consider whether your expectations are a little too fixed, or whether you have sufficiently gained the graces to achieve the goal.

Purity of intention is key..

'You have preached, you have prayed, but have you fasted? Have you taken the discipline [a self imposed scourge]? Have you slept on the floor? So long as you have done none of these things, you have no right to complain.'

St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney, to a priest complaining about the indifference of his parish