There’s a little book by Timothy Snyder that warns of the signs of rising tyranny and how not to be ensnared by it.
Although the book is about political regimes, many of the authoritarian tactics mentioned are eerily reminiscent of the WMSCOG. Following this are excerpts from the book. The cautionary suggestions are in direct opposition to the WMSCOG’s teachings and culture.
Do not obey in advance.
Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do.
—Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
The WMSCOG fosters a culture of obedience and punishes anyone who does not obey.
Stand out.
Someone has to. It is easy to follow along. It can feel strange to do or say something different. But without that unease, there is no freedom.
—Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
The WMSCOG praises conformity and targets those who stand out for public rebuking to teach others a lesson not to do so.
Be kind to our language.
Avoid pronouncing the phrases everyone else does. Think up your own way of speaking, even if only to convey that thing you think everyone is saying.
—Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
Within the WMSCOG, there is a culture of repeating the same “spiritual” phrases and even adopting a Korean accent and broken English to emulate the way Korean pastors and leaders speak.
Believe in truth.
To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing is true, then all is spectacle.
—Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
The WMSCOG claims that its own teachings are truth while anything secular is controlled by Satan and not to be trusted, thus giving the WMSCOG a monopoly on information.
Investigate.
Figure things out for yourself. Spend more time with long articles. … Take responsibility for what you communicate with others.
—Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
The WMSCOG forbids members to do their own research about the Bible’s teachings or investigate the church from other sources besides the church.
Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.
Modern tyranny is terror management. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that authoritarians exploit such events in order to consolidate power.
—Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
The WMSCOG uses fear of disasters to promote its teaching that it alone is the institution that can protect people.