BY HERMAN M. LAGON
WITHIN the maze of human belief, where faith often acts as a lighthouse, a darker phenomenon is manipulating the core of trust: the cult. At first look, cults could seem to be close-knit religious communities or fervent groups bound by a shared cause. Underneath this outward look, though, is a complicated network of control, exploitation, and dishonesty, all directed by a leader claiming a divinely bestowed position. Often charismatic and persuasive, these leaders assert themselves as divine beings — claiming to own the world, the souls within it, and even the living embodiment of truth, life, and resurrection itself — rather than just a spiritual guide.
The authoritarian leader at the head of cults, who demands perfect compliance and unbridled loyalty from their members, is among their most terrifying features. Declaring that they are, in fact, messianic themselves rather than only messengers of divine will, these leaders sometimes rise to god-like status. Some have claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life,” so they declare they are the reincarnation of Jesus or the second coming. As followers are guided to believe their leader is flawless, perfect, and all-knowing — attributes that conveniently place them beyond criticism or responsibility — this bold self-deification helps to consolidate their power.
Many times, these grandiose assertions accompany statements of omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. Some cult leaders have gone on record claiming to own every person’s soul as well as the planet, even the universe. This claim to heavenly right over all creation is literal, not only a symbolic expression of control. This sobering reminder of the degree to which these leaders will go to solidify their power leaves their followers to submit their lives and their very souls to the leader’s authority.
Ironically, many of these self-described redeemers live quite different from the moral and ethical guidelines they advise. Although they might talk of moral purity, humility, and selflessness, their own lives usually reflect excess, luxury, hubris, narcissism, self-righteousness, and blatant dishonesty. Some have even claimed to be experts in small hobbies or popular sports with GOAT level of ability as if to highlight their alleged excellence in every field. Under examination, this façade of perfection falls apart, exposing lives full of paradoxes: preaching poverty while living in luxury, supporting peace while encouraging violence, advocating the rule of law while demanding impunity, preaching love but spreading hate, or calling chastity while involved in exploitative relationships.
Though many of their supporters remain complicit, blinded by the charismatic authority and the well-manicured environment of isolation, inclusivity, and dependency, the hypocrisy of these leaders is sometimes shockingly obvious. Followers are taught that any uncertainty or disagreement is like sin, a betrayal not only of the leader but of their own atonement. This psychological manipulation almost makes it impossible for followers to see through the surface of righteousness the leader upholds since it traps them in a guilt and fear cycle.
Leaders of some contemporary cults have not held back when publicly declaring their claimed divine status and perfection. They assert to be sinless, error-free, and the only channel via which divine truth is exposed. Such assertions appeal to those looking for certainty in an uncertain environment, even if they are sometimes made with a degree of confidence that defies logic. The irony is that while keeping a public image of holiness and sanctity, these leaders sometimes engage in behavior that is not only immoral but also illegal, abusing their followers economically, emotionally, and occasionally even sexually.
Creating an environment where critical thinking is not only discouraged but punished helps to sustain this degree of control and manipulation. (To be continued)/PN