Tag: LetThemEatCrow

  • Illusory Truth: When Repetition Becomes Belief

    Before You Begin This article explores how repeated messages can gradually shape the way we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. As you read, you may find yourself remembering teachings, sermons, Bible studies, conversations, songs, or phrases that were repeated so often they became familiar. Realizing how repetition may have influenced beliefs you…

  • Vol I: Part II; Sect I Project 2025 Was More Than a Policy Proposal

    Project 2025 Was More Than a Policy Proposal In the previous section, I explained what institutional capture is and why personnel capture is often one of the earliest signs that it is occurring. Appointments matter because institutions are ultimately run by people. Laws can remain unchanged while the individuals responsible for enforcing, interpreting, and administering…

  • Looking to Others for Answers: Informational Social Influence

    Before You Begin This article explores how we naturally look to trusted people for guidance when we’re trying to understand unfamiliar experiences. As you read, you may find yourself remembering conversations with pastors, mentors, family members, or friends who helped shape the way you understood your experiences, your faith, or even yourself. Realizing how our…

  • Vol I: Part I; Section I Why Appointments Matter

    What Is Institutional Capture? Why Appointments Matter Institutional capture occurs when an institution continues to appear independent while its leadership, decision-making processes, staffing, or governing ideology become controlled by a specific political, religious, or economic movement. As introduced in the Five Signs of Institutional Capture framework, this series examines five recurring indicators of institutional capture.…

  • Shared Emotional Experience: Collective Effervescence

    Before You Begin This article explores the powerful emotional experiences that many people remember from life inside high-control, immersive environments. As you read, you may find yourself remembering worship services, conferences, retreats, altar calls, or other moments that once felt deeply significant. Revisiting those memories can bring up a wide range of emotions, including grief,…

  • Purpose, Participation, and Increasing Commitment

    By this point, the newcomer is no longer only attending. They are becoming part of the community. As they begin rebuilding their life around the church, naturally they become more available. They attend more services and spend more time with church members. Their social life that might have once been dull, increasingly revolves around church…

  • Manufacturing Belonging: Love Bombing

    Do you remember the first time you went to church? Warm smiles everywhere you turned. People rushed up to shake your hand. It seemed like everyone wanted to talk to you. Several people probably got your phone number, and you were likely invited out to coffee, a Bible study, someone’s house, or even dinner. A…

  • Breaking Down the Foundation: The Dismantling of What Already Exists

    Before You Begin This article explores how high-control, immersive environments begin reshaping the foundation we already have. As you read, you may find yourself remembering your first experiences in church or noticing connections you hadn’t recognized before. That can bring up a wide range of emotions. Please don’t feel like you need to rush through…

  • The Five Signs of Institutional Capture

    1. Personnel Capture The movement places loyalists into positions of authority. Examples: Evidence: 2. Policy Capture Institutions begin implementing the movement’s goals. Examples: Evidence: 3. Information Capture Alternative viewpoints are removed, restricted, or discredited. Examples: Evidence: 4. Accountability Capture Oversight mechanisms lose the ability to hold institutions accountable. Examples: Evidence: 5. Narrative Capture The movement…

  • Where Foundations Begin: Why They Are so Important

    Before You Begin: Content Warning This article may bring up memories or uncomfortable emotions for some readers. That’s okay. Please don’t feel like you need to rush through it. Read at your own pace. Stop if you need to. Come back when you’re ready. Some of the things we discuss throughout this series can be…