A good friend of mine sent this to me this morning. We went to see Dune 2 last week. I've always loved the mantra from the books but Skye Jethani commentary here is great.
Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel, Dune, includes this famous mantra: “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.” Since the book’s release in 1965, numerous scientific studies have confirmed the negative effect fear has on the brain’s higher functions. It turns out Herbert was correct. Fear is the mind-killer.
When we experience intense fear or stress, it triggers the amygdala. Sometimes referred to as the “lizard brain” because of its basic and primitive function, the amygdala is the fear center of the brain responsible for the flight-or-fight survival instinct in most organisms. Once active the amygdala overrides other parts of the brain and for good reason. When in mortal danger an organism needs to react quickly to survive. Animals that slow down to contemplate the threat will likely be eaten by a predator.
The problem for humans, of course, is that our amygdala is often activated even when there is no real danger. Our fears can be easily manufactured and manipulated, and when wielded skillfully they can cause individuals and entire groups to behave irrationally. As one scientist put it, fear turns us into Neanderthals. “When those deep brain areas are active, they shanghai your cortical neurons,” said psychiatrist Edward Hallowell. “Your IQ plummets. Your creativity, your sense of humor—all of that disappears. You’re stupid.”
Perhaps this is why “Do not be afraid” is the most common command in the Bible, occurring about 300 times. Fear shrinks us to mere animals—instinctual, brutal, and selfish. In such a state it is exceedingly difficult to reflect the image of God; with the amygdala overriding the rest of our brain we will not display the higher qualities of the Creator like reason, compassion, and justice. And when afraid, those who are called “Christians” are likely to break the Third Commandment. To “bear” or “take up” the name of God isn’t about our language or cursing. It means to be identified with the Lord and represent his character faithfully (Exodus 20:7). But when our brains are hijacked by fear, we won’t do this. We will bear the Lord’s name in vain.
This is precisely what we see in Israel’s king when he receives Naaman’s letter from the king of Syria. Fear made him irrational and ungodly. Rather than reflecting the power, generosity, and compassion of the Lord toward his neighbor, the king was self-consumed and uncaring. That means, for God’s people, fear is not just the mind-killer. It is also the mission-killer.
Basically Skye is describing how the mass control system works on our population without saying so directly. And it isn't just one side. Its all sides pretty much. I remember the light bulb going on for me when I heard Adam Curtis say in one of his films that politicians have long run out of ideas. Now rely on fear as the primary means to gain power and position. They have no vision for the future. Only nightmares.
What is sad is how many Christians seem to be completely under the spell of this system. And that's what I believe it is. A system. The news, influences, and political machines are designed to trigger fear in those that align with the red team or the blue team. Christians should not be a part of this. We should not be under the control of fear. God is in control. We need not fear. I'm not suggesting we should disengage but fear should not be our driving force.
Fear is powerful. Fear is dangerous.
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
~ Frank Herbert, Dune
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