TOTL (Transmogrification of Fear)

TOTL (Transmogrification of Fear)

Luke 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Recently in TOTL (Exaggerated Fears) we learned about the TOTL and its ability to produce Exaggerated Fears or phobias. Exaggerated Fears or phobias are those fears which are defined as; exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fears of a particular object, class of objects, or situation. We also learned that even when they are not physically observed, these fears are always present . This is because these are fears which may lay dormant until they are triggered by a catalyst. Once the TOTL or any other catalyst arrives, these fears will quickly grow beyond their normal bounds. When this occurs they will then become apparent to the public. We also learned that in regards to the TOTL, this fast and furious growth is especially constant when it comes to xenophobia. Today let us continue by examining how some Exaggerated Fears, can be manipulated and transmogrified. Let us begin by defining phobia and xenophobia.

Definitions (Merriam Webster)
1. Phobia : (n) an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation

2. Xenophobia : (n) : fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign

Believers must first understand that there is nothing unnatural or illogical about having a certain sense of fear when, one first encounters anything strange, or foreign. This type of fear or apprehension is logical and expected. Only a fool would encounter a strange person or object and immediately embrace them. What is unnatural and illogical is having an exaggerated fear and hatred without first having any awareness of an individual or object. This is because logic dictates that before one can come to a conclusion about an individual or object, one should have a certain amount of knowledge about it. That person, object, class of objects, or situation which one has that enmity towards may actually be beneficial. But because of that fear and hatred, that benefit may never be realized.

There is a general misconception that fear equals hate. This is absolutely wrong. In actuality, these are two different entities which are generally independent of each other. One does not automatically hate because they Fear, and One does not automatically fear because they hate. This misconception stems from fear and hate's juxtaposition on the spectrum of emotions. On that spectrum fear is followed by hate, which is followed by apathy.

Due to this close proximity, fear when exaggerated can be easily transformed into hate. And after hate it can be further exaggerated to turn into apathy. There are two ways which these transformations may occur. First they can occur naturally. The type of enlargement which arises from the TOTL is natural and is to be expected. After being subjected to a calamitous situation, it would be unnatural for One not to have a sense of fear or solicitude. But once that situation has passed, this fear must be allayed and brought back within reasonable bounds. History has taught man that there is a very important reason for this.

We must begin to understand that fear can be a very powerful and dangerous intoxicant. An exaggerated amount of it has the ability to deliver the same effects as alcohol. Both have the ability to excite and stupefy to the point where physical and mental control is reduced. This means that an individual who is in a state of exaggerated fear is comparable to a drunk. Both are intoxicated and therefore mentally impaired. While in that state of intoxication, neither can make a reasoned assessment and judgement of their situation. And neither should they be allowed to. Because of the intoxicating effects of emotions, the Holy Scriptures has always instructed Believers to be sober (1Thess 5:6, Titus 2:6). One cannot expect to judge accurately or correctly when their emotions are running amok.

Now the second way that fear can be transformed is man-made. Unbeknownst to many, once present, fear can be induced to go through further exaggeration. With adroit manipulation man can enlarge and transform it artificially. With some skill and effort, one versed in the craft can further change a simple fear of strangers into virulent hatred and then into cold and heartless apathy. Through the subtle implementation of certain procedures, this transmogrification is quite easy to accomplish. Here are four time tested techniques which rarely fail.

1. The 1st technique deals with repetition. Since a large population of humans are visual beings, they are easily influenced and led by their sight. This translates into a short attention span, or as the old saying goes, out of sight out of mind. Therefore, once the cause of fear is no longer seen there will be a natural tendency to forget. So, with frequent repetitions of speech and action, one must impress that fear upon the mind. This is called inculcation.

2. The 2nd technique deals with instigation and exasperation. With petty provocations which can be consciously or unconsciously attributed to the cause of that fear, one must continue to stoke the emotions of the recipients of that fear. This is called provocation.

3. The 3rd technique deals with pride and victimisation. With the aid of the first two technique, recipients of the fear must be continuously made to feel that they are victims. And not just any ordinary victims, but victims because of who they are and what they possess.

4. The 4th technique deals with desperation and precipitation. With the aid of the first technique, one must create a sense of urgency and desperation. This keeps the mind in a state of agitation.

Over the ages man has successfully used these techniques to transmogrify fear. With this implementation, you will be surprised at how fast fear can move through the emotional spectrum. As it continues to move, it will turn grotesque and change into stone cold apathy. This apathy is the same stone cold apathy which allows one to unflinchingly champion the murder of their brethren. The same stone cold apathy which Jesus said would be prevalent at the end (Matt. 24:12) The most interesting thing is that, those who consider themselves Believers are the ones who have allowed for the transmogrification of their fear. And because of this transmogrification, Believers who are supposed to be the lights of the earth have allowed their lights to go dim. If the lights have gone cold, where then does the light come from?

"When One looks, One must also study. For at first glance that which may look simple may not be as simple as it looks."

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Revelation 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.