These are seven signs you may be in a cult and not know it. Some may be not as obvious as you may think. Read on to find out what they are.
So, we’re starting 2024 with a bang! I was once in a cult lol. At the time, I would never have referred to it as a cult, but after I got out, and got an outside perspective, I realized, ‘yup! I was definitely in a cult!’ Therefore, you can trust that the signs I will share aren't just out of nowhere, I experienced these things firsthand. One day I may share my experience, it is a very interesting story, but for today, I will not only just share the cult signs, but also what should be the ideal standard when it comes to ministries and Christian communities so that you can know what to look for as you search for a church or small group to plug into.
As I begin , what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word cult?
A cult is defined as a group of people who practice an excess devotion to a particular system or belief.
Most of the time, cults are led by charismatic and radical leaders who use their charm to draw in the masses.
They have a creative way to package their beliefs so that it can appeal to a specific group of people.
One may think that cults can only be found among those who don't believe or worship God. But, even in Christian communities, cults can still exist.
Anyway, let’s get into it. Here are the signs.
1. You are isolated from your community/family/friends
One of the most evident signs of being in a cult is being isolated from your community. Like your family and friends who are not part of the group, sorry, cult, you are part of. You may realize that you spend less and less time with your family, and more time doing activities within the cult. You may even have responsibilities that have been assigned to you, and you do these more than spend time with your community. A cult leader does this because it’s part of the brainwashing process. He/she wants to isolate you from the people who truly care about you so that they can exert control, and manipulate you easily. A clear sign to indicate that you are being isolated is your loved ones are expressing concern for your lack of presence with them. They can see that you spend more time away from them than with them, and because they care, they are concerned.
This is wrong because,
First off the intent is to manipulate and control. Then, it doesn’t give you the chance to have your own life and identity aside from the cult. You become the cult, and the cult becomes you, which is not healthy. A healthy community allows its members to have their own lives beyond the activities within.
2. Going above and beyond your capacity is applauded as doing ‘God’s Work’
A common theme in cults is that the leaders working for the cult leader especially, are called to go above and beyond what they can do. They are stretched physically, emotionally, mentally and even financially, and this is applauded as being ‘effective for God’s kingdom.’ There is no soul care. If you have a certain responsibility within the group, you’ll find that your leader doesn’t care much about your well being as a person, they care more about what you can do for them. Anytime you may express the need to rest or take a break, it is looked down upon. You may be even accused of delaying ‘what God is doing’.
This is wrong because,
You are human and God desires that we be healthy and whole in all ways, even as we serve Him. He created us with a soul (mind, will and emotions), that needs attention and nurturing too. Besides, we are more effective and joyfully serve God when our souls are well nurtured.
3. There is lack of accountability for the cult leader
You may find that in most cults, the structure of leadership is, there is one founder of the group, he/she has a few leaders who work under them, then there may be other leaders , then the rest of the members. In a cult, you may find that the main leader will have close to zero accountability and questioning them would be considered an act of rebellion. He/she is likely to use fear as a tactic to keep people from questioning them. On the other hand, the members are kept under a very close and watchful eye, and everything they do is taken note of and scrutinized.
This is wrong because,
The problem with this type of hierarchy, is that the founder at the top has no accountability, and whatever they say, goes, leaving members vulnerable to the dangers this cult leader may want to subject them to. In a proper ministry, there should be a covering by a Biblical church or group of elders. This will ensure that the founder won’t do just whatever they want, and they are held accountable for their actions.
4. There is lack of sound and Biblical doctrine
I think this is the most obvious sign of cults. You may be hearing a lot of, ‘God told me this’, ‘God showed me this’, ‘God told me to tell you this or that’, but when you analyze these statements a bit more closely, you would realize that whatever God told this person isn’t even according to scripture. If truly God said something, can He say something contrary to scripture really? Such statements are used as a form of manipulation and control. They are used to get you to do whatever the leader says, because they say that God told them, and how dare you go against the Lord?
This is wrong because
Speaking on behalf of God is not something that one should take lightly.
This is why studying scripture for yourself is so crucial in your walk with God, and your leader should encourage you to do the same. Remember that the same Holy Spirit that dwells in your pastor, is the same one that lives in you, as long as you are a born again Christian. And He will give you insight and clear understanding of the Word.
5. There is a greater emphasis on charismatic acts than simple Biblical living
In most of these cults, you will find a lot of charismatic acts. Not that I am saying churches that allow these are all cults, I am just saying such behavior is a common theme in cults. A typical service will involve a lot of speaking in tongues, laying of hands, people falling down and even screaming on the ground. The leader may be using their charm to attract people. Imagine all your life, you are used to a typical church service being very chill, a few hymns are sung, a sermon is spoken and you call it a day. Then, in comes in this charismatic preacher, when he/she speaks in tongues, it feels like heaven just came down, or when they lay their hands on people, they fall down and seem like they’re having a euphoric experience. Its more attractive and mesmerizing than what you are used to, and this is one of the ways they use to trap you.
This is wrong because,
It is not only unbiblical to allow services to be conducted in this manner, but also can be a way to mask the true heart and intent of the leader especially.
The right way to conduct a church service, especially when it relates to speaking in tongues, is given by the Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 14:26-28.
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
Then he goes on to say in verse 40,
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
As he says, there should be order, and if someone is speaking in tongues on stage, in front of the whole congregation, there should be an interpreter present to translate what was said in a language everyone can understand, so that the believers may be edified. I honestly would have not known this if I hadn't taken the time to study the Word for myself. I used to be so intrigued by ‘fired up’ atmospheres and would feel like I am missing out if I didn’t fall or wasn’t called to be laid hands on. These days, I really don’t care about all the fluff. I am okay with going to a ‘boring’ church service whereby I am being filled with sound doctrine. I prefer this any day.
6. There is lack of good fruit from the leader especially in their personal life
Most cult leaders are charismatic. They use their charm to attract masses, and they may be seen as the spiritually elite. But, look a little closer in their lives beyond the pulpit and you’ll realize they are not who they claim to be.
This is wrong because,
There is a certain standard that a leader/pastor is called to, and if they themselves are not leading Holy lives, how will they lead the people they are responsible for in righteousness?
You’ll find that most cult leaders are not genuinely born again Christians. If they were I truly believe the conviction of the Holy Spirit would be enough to steer them away from sin. If you truly want to know the genuineness of someone’s faith, or even your faith, check the fruit. Fruit here refers to words, actions and the way one leads their life, especially when no one else is watching, beyond the pulpit.
Jesus Christ Himself talked about wolves in sheep’s clothing and how a corrupt tree can only bear corrupt fruit. Matthew 7:15-18
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
Do not be shocked when you see all these documentaries coming out about well-known preachers and so-called prophets being exposed for their vices. Jesus Himself warned us about them. Pray for discernment and be vigilant.
7. You think your group is the best and the rest are lost
If you are in a cult, another common theme is a feeling of superiority above the rest. In your eyes, your group is the best, the rest of the people, even other Christians are lost. Your cult leader may have made you believe that your group is the most spiritual, you hear God the most clearly, you guys are God’s favorites. The cult leader does this so as to set your mind to not listen or consider other people’s genuine thoughts and opinions, thus you will overlook red flags that are obvious to outsiders.
This is wrong because,
A portion of scripture that indirectly warns against this is the story of Jesus and his disciples. There was someone Jesus’ disciples saw driving out demons, but since this person wasn't part of Jesus’ disciple group, they stopped him from doing so.
But, what did Jesus say?
Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. Mark 9:39-40
We may come from different denominations, with different practices. However we must remember that our love and belief in the authority of Christ is what unites us, and we can be more effective for God’s kingdom united than divided.
The following are the signs I believe point towards a certain group being a cult. As I mentioned, I believe I can elaborately share these signs because I was once in a cult, so these are not just points I have picked from anywhere, I have seen these things happen.
I pray that you may grow in discernment to be able to correctly test if your leader or group is a cult, and you may get out as soon as possible if that is the case. For the sake of your spiritual growth and even personal safety, immediately you see something disturbing that doesn’t feel right, leave and even take others with you. God is faithful to open the doors for you to be plugged into a Biblical and safe community.
I’ll see you on the next one.
Xoxo,
Miss Kambe.
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