What are the differences in being in a cult or practicing the occult? Both use emotional manipulation to control victims. They will edify someone enough to gain a victim’s trust. They both promise “power” or being part of an elite system as a reward. They both try to sell you that they have the only answer. Even though being active in an occult situation is much more dangerous, especially one that actively practices dark arts, being in a cult that lies about being righteous can be just as dangerous. As we have seen throughout history both ultimately lead to death.
First let us look at the definition of a cult.
Cult
1: A religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious also: its body of adherents.
2: Great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book) such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad.
3: A system of religious beliefs and ritual also: its body of adherents.
4: Formal religious.
5:A system for the cure of disease based on dogma.
Living and working with occult survivors I have learned a few things. One of them is that, the occult is a cult. According to survivor accounts, there are many levels of sacrifice that need to be made to be a part of a cult. On the very surface it may be harmless such as giving up some personal possessions. They will tell you it’s for the common good. That if you do not have those items in your life, you will be free from distractions and be able to focus on the “good” more. The occult offers a false sense that fades.
Many are pulled in, enticed with the offer of a different way of living. They will disguise it as wholesome community where all who live there work together for the common good. They will tell you that you will not have to worry about your basic needs because they will take care of them. Others will tell you to give up EVERYTHING for a better life. While on the surface some of this may sound good and may even be good the endgame is still the same.
We can easily fall into a trap.The enemy comes to us from many directions. Most of them we see as normal. We as humans love our distractions. Most sit around and watch hours of television to “relax”. We listen to music that manipulates our emotions. We even eat to make ourselves feel better albeit emotionally over physically. Those that want to make changes in their lives what sounds alluring.
Since the invention of services like YouTube, access to the occult and even cults themselves have become so easily accessible. With a little video production knowledge and a smartphone, anyone can make a video enticing the lost to have a better life. Even mainstream media has romanticized the occult movement. Movies, cartoons, toys, and even clothes are examples on how evil is normalized. I was once guilty in taking part of some of these things.
Mankind’s enemy understands our weak spots. It is human nature to want to be entertained. We all desire distractions from our mundane lives. One thing I tell people that are struggling spiritually is to take a media fast. Stay away from movies, television, music, all of it. The less we distract ourselves from ourselves, the more we can focus on God.
In the end manipulation is not of God. Manipulation is always witchcraft. Even for those that say they are doing the Lord’s work.
Matthew 7:22-23,” On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do mighty works in your name?’ And I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
So, if you find yourself in a situation where you are being manipulated and controlled, RUN! Do not believe in the lies that you can do no better, or that they are a last resort.
Remember, God is the Alpha and Omega, The First and the Last not man.