These Are Not the Droids You’re Looking For

May the Fourth be with you. In honor of today – which is commonly known as Star Wars Day, because May the Fourth sounds like “May the Force be with you” – let’s look at a simple example of gaslighting, or as it can be referred to when aided by the Force, Jedi mind-tricks.

May the Fourth Be With You

Star Wars Day, celebrated on May 4th, is an unofficial holiday that has gained popularity among Star Wars fans worldwide. The phrase “May the Fourth be with you” is a play on the iconic phrase “May the Force be with you” from the Star Wars franchise. Star Wars Day has become an annual celebration for fans, offering an opportunity to express their passion for the Star Wars saga. The day is marked by various events, including movie marathons, cosplay gatherings, trivia contests, lightsaber duels, and special promotions on Star Wars merchandise.

Not the Answers You’re Looking For

Obi-Wan Kenobi using a jedi mind-trick to convince storm troopers "These aren't the droids you're looking for" — Obi-Wan Kenobi uses a Jedi mind trick to convince storm troopers “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for”

The church actively works to distract members from the true history. They are working to inoculate the youth so that these changes don’t surprise them since they have caused many others to experience a faith crisis and leave. Taking a queue from Old Ben in Star Wars, they are seemingly telling us these are not the answers you’re looking for. They gaslight members to feeling like they are the problem, when in fact the narratives the church has canonized are simply not true.

Obi-Wan Kenobi uses a Jedi mind trick to convince storm troopers "These aren't the droids you're looking for" — Obi-Wan Kenobi uses a Jedi mind trick to prompt storm troopers “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.” “These aren’t the droinds we’re looking for.” “He can go about his business.” “You can go about your business.” “Move along.” “Move along.’

This fits perfectly into how the church wants us to deal with these doctrinal or historical shelf issues. These are of no concern, just focus on your testimony. Don’t let things you don’t know dismantle the things you don’t know. Doubt your doubts. Etc, etc, etc. It works unless the Jedi mind tricks don’t work! If you call out the gaslighting it’s impossible to continue in this fashion.

"These aren't the droids you're looking for" "Hold up Carl, he's trying to gaslight us!" — “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for” “These aren’t the droids…” “Hold up Carl, he’s trying to gaslight us.”

Once you see what they are doing they have no more power over you. Calling out the gaslighting is like looking behind the curtain, once you see the wizard there operating the machine, you see everything differently.

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!" Wizard of Oz, Man behind the curtain | wasmormon.org — “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!” Wizard of Oz, the Man Behind the Curtain.

Another way the church enjoys gaslighting us with these Jedi mind tricks is when they “allow” questions, but only questions of a certain make.

They want to seem like they are open to examination, but when you start digging they may say you are asking things that shouldn’t be asked. You may be called out for criticizing leaders, lacking faith, being lazy, or not doubting your doubts quite hard enough. You may be accused of playing church history whack-a-mole, complaining about inconsequential things like rusty paint and stale crackers, or even spreading disease! If you continue, they will insist you bailed prematurely and that it makes them furious!

Previously (on Star Wars Day), we featured a meme detailing the betrayal Obi-Wan Kenobi felt when Anakin turned to the dark side. This feeling is familiar to many ex-Mormons who felt betrayed by the church. They saw the church “turn to the dark side” as well when they learned the true version of church history and the subsequent coverups and gaslighting. This may resonate with you if you’ve seen through the gaslighting and/or persisted with seeking answers to the questions on your shelf.