Cry out, O my beloved soul, against the deception of the man of Cloth! Wail with all your might for your freedom from the evil machinations of religion. If you have the strength, run away! The storm clouds are gathering. Flee before you stumble, lest you become ensnared in the cleric’s nefarious list of misdeeds.

I am a Christian and deeply value discipleship. Having someone to learn from can be invaluable in deepening one’s understanding of biblical knowledge and learning how to apply it to life. Discipleship supports spiritual growth and is an opportunity to make meaningful connections with those that can offer wise counsel and encouragement. Unfortunately, deceptive spirits have been released from the depths of hell, preying on the vulnerable. The challenge of discernment in the face of this danger is significant.

From using religious rhetoric to push a political agenda, manipulating scripture to support extremist views, using faith to promote fear and hatred, using religion to control or manipulate people, making false promises to congregants for personal gain, failing to address thorny political and social issues from a pastoral point of view, excessive spending on personal luxuries and other items without full disclosure or congregational approval, preaching selectively to the congregation by avoiding topics that may be uncomfortable, using fear tactics to scare or intimidate congregants into doing something or believing a certain way, using church resources for personal or political gain, making inaccurate or misleading statements about the church and the gospel: the list goes on and on.

The pursuit of having a large congregation has become a sign of success and credibility in the eyes of many. Attention has shifted to charismatic motivational speakers who, through their creative and engaging presentations, have been leading many to the pits of hell with misleading doctrines. The heart for winning souls and calling people to true repentance is no longer there. The focus on the power of God has been replaced by the admiration of the man of God as the only key to unlocking miracles. “The God of Papa (Insert the name of the man of God) is too much!” This has become the anthem in the streets. There is a massive rise in animosity, factions, hatred and untold fear in the Body of Christ with some extremists willing to die defending their Papa’s doctrine. Knowing where your loyalty lies is now important. Who is this God who doesn’t seem to be everyone’s, a God specific to a church that in order to experience Him, you need to be a part of that church?

The world is experiencing tremendous brokenness. World-wide drug and substance abuse, political and economic instability, strange sicknesses, terror attacks, increase in mental health issues, gender-based violence, suicides and intentional homicides, divorces and family meltdowns. The true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is meant to bring emancipation. Jesus proclaimed in the book of Luke 4 verse 18 and 19 that: “The Spirit of the Lord (is) upon Me, because He has anointed Me (the Anointed One, the Messiah) to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed (who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity), to proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord (the day when salvation and the free favours of God profusely abound).”

How do you break free?

The best way to escape from the enchantment is to use the power of knowledge to break the spell and break free from this evil end-time influence. Research and study of the word is key. The Amplified Bible in Matthew 7 verse 15 and 16 says: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. You will fully recognise them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?” It is therefore important to examine the source of the cleric’s influence and authority, and to critically question and challenge their beliefs and teachings based on the holy word of God. This analysis, combined with good judgement, logic and strong will power, can help to break the enchantment and help you to free yourself.

Remember, the true revelation for a Christian centres on Jesus Christ. Let us be vigilant. Watch and pray lest you become a prey.