Bishop Kelly Mashudu Tsedu-Muntswu, a religious leader from South Africa, has shared some warning signs that could suggest a pastor is part of a cult. He posted these signs on Facebook on April 9, 2025.
The signs to watch out for include:
- The pastor changes important Christian teachings.
- The pastor demands total loyalty from followers.
- The pastor undermines or disrespects the family unit.
If you notice these behaviors, it could be a red flag that the pastor is involved in a cult-like group.
“Isolating Members: Cults often encourage members to cut ties with family and friends who don’t share their beliefs, creating a sense of dependence on the group,” he wrote.
Demanding Absolute Loyalty: Cult leaders often demand unwavering loyalty and obedience, often portraying themselves as infallible or divinely chosen.
Dishonoring the Family Unit: Some cults undermine the importance of family, viewing it as a distraction or obstacle to their goals.
Suppressing Critical Thinking: Cults often discourage questions, dissent, or independent thought, instead promoting unquestioning acceptance of their doctrines.
Distorting Core Christian Teachings: Cults may add or invent new doctrines that contradict or distort fundamental Christian beliefs, focusing on secondary issues while downplaying salvation.
Unrealistic Expectations and Demands: Cult leaders may set impossible standards or demand excessive time, energy, or resources from their followers.
Manipulative Language and Tactics: Cult leaders often use emotionally charged language, guilt-tripping, or fear-mongering to control their followers.
Secret or Special Knowledge: Cults often present themselves as possessing exclusive knowledge or insights that are not available to outsiders, fostering a sense of exclusivity.
Unhealthy Level of Control: Cults often exert excessive control over their members’ lives, dictating their choices, relationships, and even their thoughts.
BESIDE what is written above, the inner you will testify, you may not put a finger to it, but something in you will testify.
This post does not suggest that you go around accusing people Because they do things differently from you, like I said, discernment is KEY!
