Religious Manipulation

Introduction

This can happen when pastors or leaders of religious organizations use religion, christianity and the name of God to manipulate its member to be loyal to them or to scam them of their money and resources. 

It is very subtle and one might not notice it happening. I would know because I almost fell a victim to it.

 

Three things that can help you not to fall a victim to Spiritual Manipulation

Stay in in tune with the holy spirit through 

1.     reading the word of God 

2.     praying 

        fasting

       worshiping and praising

Based on my experience, these are some ways spiritual manipulation can happen in churches/christianity:

Constant Teaching on Giving

The leader constantly teaches about giving. It is usually focused on giving to the church and the pastor and less about giving to the needy, orphans and the fatherless. 

Matthew 25:42 – 45

 ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.

The interesting aspect is, when the pastor needs something he comes to the church for it. But when somebody else needs something, they are asked to pray to get it. 

Additionally, if you are constantly being asked to give to God because that’s the only way you can get your needs or prayers answered then be on the watch.

  

Constant Teaching on worshipping or giving reverence to the leader

The focus shifts from God to the leader. So instead of the prophet saying, “let’s give God the glory”. He will rather say, 

“I deserve some of the glory ooo.” 

“Give me some of the accolades because I was the one that prophesied what happened in your life”. 

The focus becomes all about them and not on God. 

 
You are labelled as the devil if you go against the leader

If you find issues about anything or disagrees with any of the doctrines, you are labelled as the devil or Satan. This is to keep you humbled and mute. 

 

Things you tell the pastor will be used to manipulate or blackmail you

If care is not taken, things shared with the pastor may be used to blackmail you in to giving them money or into having you stay with the group. 

 

Conclusion

If you are not in tune with the Holy Spirit or read the word for yourself, you might not decipher what is right and wrong and might be manipulated. Thus, the more you hear their teachings, the more you will get used to those ideas as the truth and reality and be manipulated. 

 

Most people have left the faith because they experienced spiritual manipulation or spiritual abuse, be alert. 

And until next time, know that 

You are enough, you are worthy!

Learn to Live life in the present 

And know that nothing last forever so everything will be fine! 

Take care of YOU, YOU are all you've got!