Are ALL Religions CULTS? ft.

[@AndrewGold1]

Loved doing this! Thanks Shelise, you are the BEST!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks Andrew! I had a blast chatting with you! 😁 I loved all your insights!

[@markjones1337]

All religions are 'middle men'. You don't need to go through a middle man to have a relationship with our creator.

[@scientol-oli-wx4cw]

Why are you deleting harmless queries/ questions...it's not a very professional way of treating your subscribers. ..unless im get a response to my comments being deleted I'll do what others are doing and stop supporting you as I have from day 1 pretty much

[@CultstoConsciousness]

@@scientol-oli-wx4cw are you referring to me or Andrew?

[@scientol-oli-wx4cw]

@@CultstoConsciousness to yourself this is your channel unless andrew can delete comments on your channel?

[@Monkey114]

#1 sign of a cult is shunning. If you are being shunned, you were in a cult.😢

[@nellpulaski4919]

Including a family cult.

[@Monkey114]

@@blueagates24 my sister committed suicide , another sign that people didn't like it talk about

[@metalcatmom5891]

I love this! I think leaving an unhealthy religion is like leaving a DV relationship. It usually takes a few tries to leave successfuly. And now I'm uncomfortable in a church.

[@trickiegirl]

If only Andrew didn't platform victim blaming "narcissism experts" I might actually believe he cared instead of thinking it's ok to cross examine abuse survivors to see see if it was really their fault all along and who think all you need to be a narcissist is to be a black woman married to a "powerful" white man who isn't behaving the way his "power" dictates he should act

[@Josh-ch3nv]

I’m confused by this? What changed by changing churches? How did you deconstruct and deconvert? What things did you learn that made you want to leave the first religious group? What things did you want that pulled you to the new religious group?

[@metalcatmom5891]

@Josh-ch3nv I could write you a book. I was born into a Southern Baptist Church that believed the Bible was without error. They treated women and divorced people as second-class citizens. And many of the people were very "cliquey" and unkind to those outside of their group. I began attending a Methodist church with my grandmother because not going was not an option. The Methodist Church ordains women and doesn't care if you are divorced. They acknowledge that everything in the Bible is not literal fact. So that was better. In college, I read The Chalice and the Blade by Raine Eliser. I was mind blown. I was pursuing a degree in Christian Mission and Sociology at the time. The more I learned about Christian religion, the more I became convinced that it was made up and a dog pile of 💩 I left for a few years as a young adult. Between pressure from my family and a terrible nightmare that I thought must be the voice of God telling me I was going to hell, I returned. (I have horrible anxiety, along with PTSD and depression, that I now take meds for, I didn't take any at the time., so my mental health was also in the pooper." I continued on for a while under a belief of Omnism, so I was ok with the Methodist Church, never happy, but ok. As time went on, I found out more and more information. I found out that the conference discriminates against LBGT+ people and when they had a chance to change their prejudiced rhetoric, they double downed. I tried one shitty Church and then another. Finally, I couldn't reconcile their greediness, prejudice, mistreatment of others, and etc with their supposed message. Once I got out, my head cleared a bit. I went back to studying different religions and realized how many parallels there are among different religions and how much the people who practice them hate each other. I finally got to a point where I couldn't abide the magical thinking mixed in with shame and control tactics. 12 year old girls should never be told they deserve to go to hell, and be driven to a point of self harm over it. I will never forgive them for the harm they did to me as a child and teen. The longer I'm out, the clearer things become. Church isn't about love, it is about control...and giving your money. So....fuck them. If I never step foot in one again, that is fine with me. I'm also completely content with turning into worm food when I die and that being the end. No eternity, no afterlife. My time here is short and I need to soak it up while I can rather than sitting Ina dusty building being told by dusty of men that I deserve to be in Hell, but can be saved with blood magic/human sacrifice. Whew. Thatbis the cliff notes of the cliff notes. Feel free to hit me with more or more in depth questions.

[@svetlanaherhorses6526]

Shalise, please do an episode with Eli Yoder. He's a very interesting guy that got out of the Amish community and healing himself to some really toxic practices. I admire his stories and his stuffs are really good.

[@maryannebrown2385]

Yes, he is very interesting and interviews other ex-Amish. I like his channel.

[@svetlanaherhorses6526]

@@maryannebrown2385 And he gives really good ideas about how people can still practice religion outside of a cult.

[@beastshawnee]

yes and he’s so cute in bis innocent ways still. He gets pleasure from the simple silly things. Plus how his Amish old order cult treated his father’s suicide…so disrespectful!

[@atsiong100]

Another vote for Eli! He is great.

[@Zakarias-b2g]

Yes he is. He is very articulate and passionate. A good man.

[@Cladina_Green]

I learned something different about praising children. I wanted my children to know they had value as humans, outside of their work and achievement. I was taught to focus on the process rather than judging the result.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

That’s a nice way to look at it!

[@cindihunter9119]

Love your channel! I'm a former Mormon, and joined the church when I was fifteen. I came from a dysfunctional family and never got myself healed from the narcissistic system that I was a part of... I've been studying cults, and seem to find them everywhere! Influencers, religion, work, exercise, veganism, real estate, and even FB groups, are filled with rules, and criticism if not followed to the letter! "Critical Thinking", is looked at as an anti, fill in the blank here... The Horror of Scarcity, the Pain of Exclusivity is never mentioned... Those who are hard on others are hardest on themselves.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Cindi! Thanks for watching! I agree that there are levels of “culty” in tons of things. It’s truly fascinating.

[@lauraberg6872]

Just a note about pictures and art in Christianity in the middle ages. Most of the art was there because most people were illiterate so even if the Bible was in thier language they still would need it explained to them. The pictures helped people learn the bible stories and they had to be explained. Knowledge usually has to be taught to someone because by yourself you miss nuances a trained person would know.

[@charlesmendeley9823]

I agree that there is more nuance to the topic of literacy and also wealth than they discuss in the interview. Even at the time of Martin Luther, bibles were extremely expensive with a price of two months wage of a simple craftsman. Thus, it was still mostly wealthy merchants who could afford to buy their own bible. Conversely, Luther put a strong emphasis on education as a basis for a grounded Christian faith, supplemented by Catechism classes.

[@abigaelmacritchie1365]

Not to mention this story about the Church forbidding translations of the bible is actually untrue? It's an easily disproved urban legend. There are many, many versions of the bible in vernacular language long before Luther came about. People who could read in the middle ages could read Latin, not the common language. It wasn't a dead language then. It's disappointing to see this lack of proper research in a video that aims at spreading knowledge.

[@ANNEWHETSTONE]

​@abigaelmacritchie1365 Outside of the Roman Empire and the lower class probably did not even know how to read.or it is not thier language

[@namaste575]

The moment he started talking about Medieval Christianity it soured the rest of his presentation. Unfortunately, it’s so common for atheists to expound on Christian teachings without having any significant knowledge, never mind understanding, of what the past norms were or what the religious texts speak of. A secular talking about religion without having religious or spiritual experiences is like a common builder talking about the architectural blueprint of a temple.

[@pipedrmmr]

I think that the easiest test to determine if a religious group is a cult is are their members free to leave the group without fear and repercussions.

[@Andrea-zm1nl]

Which religion can you leave without the threat of spending eternity in hell? All religions are cults simply because of this. If you are being threatened with a God's retribution for leaving or not following the religious rules you are in a cult. As far as I know this is all religions.

[@Mazikeen80]

Have you done a deep dive into 12 step groups? I personally see a lot of similarities between 12 step groups and other cults.

[@gingernightmare9152]

AA is a cult. Abuse only happens in isolation. They separate you from almost everyone and practise a very dangerous amateur psychology.. sponsors. I was told I couldn't go to a dentist...etc.. just awful.

[@d6mafia13]

12 step groups are definitely a cult. I'd love to see someone do an interview about this. I could probably do one but it wouldn't be very interesting because I could never stay in the rooms long enough because I realized they were a cult instantly because I grew up pretty strictly Baptist with some cult like tendencies and have alot of religious trauma myself and it automatically pushed me away. It sucks that the courts force people to go and now most of my friends are dead because of those rooms and their hard line stances. It would be quite a topic honestly and I believe you could get alot of different perspectives but I have a very negative one of it. I also very pro-harm reduction because as we can see abstinence only by force will never work whether for drugs or sex. We have to have access to information and support. They have got to stop their anti-MAT rhetoric because it's killing people including close to 100 of my friends and acquaintances and I'm only 31 years old. Fortunately they're are other options out there now like smart recovery I'm sure other ones but they don't work if the courts criminalize a medical condition and then force you to abstain and then you die during a relapse when you're forced into a cult. Sorry I didn't mean to ramble on. It's a very touchy topic for me. Very good suggestion tho!

[@Jaebee2626]

After being referred to a doctor in Clearwater FL - I am learning so much about Scientology and how they treat patients and their employees. Appreciate all These videos from you all educating us in this very important topic Justice for Whitney and Lisa!!

[@trevanon7450]

Mormon Stories has an episode "Have I been raised in a cult?" which uses a set of yes/no-questions. IIRC it is based on the book "Recovering agency".

[@topher2113]

When Andrew was talking about not going to the synagogue anymore for events, I realized I am the same way. I was born & raised roman catholic, started questioning & pulling away from church and religion in general late high school (20 years ago). I went to a celebration for my nephew reaching Eagle Scout & it was held in their church (some Christian denomination, not catholic). I went but ended up leaving the ceremony early because I couldn't stand listening anymore. Every single person who got up to talk about my nephews achievement was saying. "it was all Jesus, without him this wouldn't have happen, thank Jesus for this achievement." I'm sorry, did Jesus spend 10+ years in the scouting program? Did Jesus study & earn all those badges? Did Jesus work for weeks on a community service project? Not a single person was congratulating my nephew for his work or dedication but giving all credit to some invisible being instead. Even when someone would say they were proud of him, it was for following the church teachings & being an example to bring others to the church NOT for all the work he had put in to get to this point. It made me so angry they were diminishing his accomplishments and putting the religion above all his hard work. That was 5/6 years ago and I have not stepped foot in any kind of church since.

[@Thatsmegigi]

I too was raised Roman Catholic. Religion was a big part of my childhood, but as an adult I’ve drifted away. Every once in a while, I think of going back. What solidified my decision to not go back was this: My mother passed away at the end of January. The funeral home asked if I wanted a church funeral. I said no-but that I would like a small blessing by a priest. We did this for my dad’s funeral, and it was simple but honored my family’s deep religious roots. Well, this priest basically did a catholic-lite service, and his “homily” was saying that my mother was in purgatory, and everyone had to pray for her or she would stay there. I WAS APPALLED.

[@morticiag]

Hello!! I'm a Christian but my husband and I don't Attend ANY CHURCHES! However, we Don't throw the Baby out with the bathwater! That would be SILLY and Damning! Jesus said that CHURCH is where 2 or more people gather in my name! So my husband and I make up 2 people, if you do simple math! Jesus also said, call No man on earth as your Papa/Pope /(spiritual father) because you only have ONE spiritual father, and that is YHWH. READ HIS WORD (Torah, Tanak, Gospel) Jesus also said don't call anyone a RABBI either (teacher/pastor). Because Jesus himself is your Rabbi. Read his word.. Wherever there are humans, there is sin, pride, greed and Corruption. It's just a part of our FALLEN NATURES!! Now, if you seek advice from an older Christian who has been doing their Faith for many years and has knowledge and experience, that's OKAY. These people are called "Elders". But don't start forming a community around them and taking their word as gospel over the Actual Gospel!

[@morticiag]

​@@Thatsmegigi Roman Catholic church is Not Christian. They are a false religion that blended their ancient pagan religion with Christianity. My mother in law was born a German Catholic but eventually ended up Protestant and then finally non-Denominational, like us! We literally had four people at her funeral (she died in a foreign country) - myself and my husband, and two family members of mine . My family members were appalled that we hadnt called in a priest to do her "last rights" or prayers. I told them that she did plenty praying whilst alive and now that she was dead, no amount of praying or church services was going to benefit her in any way! They were shocked! 😅😅 Psm purgatory is a manmade Catholic thing - not in the Bible

[@topher2113]

@@Thatsmegigi I’m sorry for the loss of your Mother. That is just insane behavior from some who who claims to be spreading ‘gods love’

[@gingernightmare9152]

I'm sorry my sister is a Scout leader and also a preacher's wife and all this organisation (Boy Scouts) is indoctrination of your children.

[@victoriapearse3573]

So great to hear more of Andrew's life.

[@elizabethprost]

I love this channel so much!! And as a secular “cultural” Jew, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love hearing how Andrew went though the exact same stuff I did. “Don’t be a Jew” was a big one when I was in school 😖 and not wanting anyone to know you’re Jewish….now I’m proud and I’ll tell anyone and everyone!

[@magvs_mæstro216]

Haha. Was thinking of Jehovah's Witnesses a second before you said it. Was raised into it until I was 16 and was allowed to leave(stay home). Had wanted to be out of it since I was 8. The whole shunning/"disfellowship" always seemed weird to me even at 5. Anywho. They hated the hell(pun not intended)out of me, because I would ask thought provoking questions that I knew damn well that they couldn't produce an answer because either they didn't know, or it went against the status quo.

[@mattgml7638]

8? and 5?

[@Monkey114]

I asked questions about Anthony Morris, and 2 of the nicest JW's became like demons. I never seen anyone get so angry so fast!😡😡It's like we are not allowed to question, especially about Governing Body.

[@Izzy-cp8yt]

@@mattgml7638 is that really that surprising? I started hating being raised evangelical around eight years old, and mentally fully checked out at eleven.

[@niteshade2271]

When he said smart people are more likely to believe in cults or religions because they look for confirmation bias, i chuckled a bit because everyone does that. In fact, cognitive biases and thinking in logical fallacies in general are vastly common among people with average to below average IQs. However, I've often read about hyper intelligent people turning to spirituality too. These people don't do it for the same reasons. One thing that irks me is that it's never mentioned that intelligent people often go through personal self-actualization and conduct plenty of quantitative and qualitative research on subjects that pertain to theoretical/quantum physics, neurology, and other scientific subjects and are driven by curiosity and fascination more than anything. How we interpret this from the outside, is up to us, but it's very reductive to assume they're all driven by confirmation bias... Especially more so than averagely intellegent people.

[@G.D.G.]

Also take into the fact that in the past, you werent allowed to get an education or speak about your new discoveries BEFORE going through the lense of the church. If your idea didnt benefit the major religion in your area - high likely your idea wont even see the light of day. In todays age, religions hold wast amounts of money, if they dont like what you say? Well, they'll make you shut up quick. Youre account will be destroyed, job lost, attacked in the street. In that view, it IS intelligent to subscribe to what ever cult is dominant in your area, they allow you to continue and dont hunt you down.

[@AndrewGold1]

We all have biases. Intelligent people are better at making convincing arguments for theirs! Thanks for watching ❤

[@niteshade2271]

@@AndrewGold1 In that respect, we should consider science in its entirety a religion and conclude that humans aren't capable of observing and analyzing reality.

[@marymegrant1130]

​@@AndrewGold1 During the interview, you present this as if it were backed by research. Yet presented with the opportunity, you are now making a different claim. Why?

[@AndrewGold1]

@@marymegrant1130 Lots of evidence. Read The Intelligence Trap by David Robson.

[@Katm0m]

Ahh soo excited you guys connected! Keep up the great work ❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you so much!!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

@@trickiegirl hi! I’m not aware of this being the case for Andrew. I have a disclaimer on my audio podcast which I don’t add here for retention and length purposes that “the opinions of the guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host”. Andrew certainly doesn’t need my platform, so having him on doesn’t seem like such a big deal exposure wise. However, I will state for the record that I do not stand for or agree with racism or transphobia. None of those ideas came through in this episode and I feel it still has value.

[@trickiegirl]

@@CultstoConsciousness While I understand that the episode itself is inoffensive. He has multiple videos just musing about Meghan Markle being a narcissist which is just racism. Armchair diagnosing a black woman with an incredibly stigmatized label. His videos aren't as neutral and praising him drives viewers to his channel where they will also see multiple interviews with people who don't think trans women are women and no counterpoint. He even turns inflammatory clips into shorts So he's very much someone being bigotted while hiding behind the bigotry of his guests but he never makes them uncomfortable instead he just uses click bait concepts like comparing Meghan Markle to Jordan Peterson as if that isn't a false equivalence or moaning about losing followers "just for interviewing a transphobe" even though he wasn't offering a critique or counterpoint. He also lumped all Hasidic Jews into a homogenous group that doesn't reflect reality or the history of insular Hasidic communities (not saying none are culty but they definitely aren't all like that and it ignores that these communities good or bad were a reaction to the Holocaust. So it ignores generational trauma as a motivation for the abuses sometimes found in Hasidic communities. So yeah I'm going to remain sceptical of your choice to platform him

[@OwningAuthenticity]

It's incredible you were at 10k supporters only a couple months ago! So amazing! Your work, and others in this space, helping to inoculate people to the cult-ish tactics is so effective. I'm so glad the work is getting the attention it deserves ❤🎉

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Aww thank you so much! 🥰

[@janilledutton139]

What a treat! Two of my favorite podcasters interviewing one another! Great interviews!

[@PawsForAndrea]

You’re both so naturally engaging & genuine in your interviews, whether you’re the host or the guest. I’m appreciative (& a bit envious), so thanks for “including us” in these interesting discussions :)

[@trickiegirl]

If only Andrew wasn't a racist transphobe

[@Estee.Ar.6869]

Great interview! I'm looking forward to Andrew's book.

[@yotcm]

My ex husband has an aunt that is mormon and she is one of the sweetest people I met in America and I do love her , I choose not to judge in general but I love this chanel and the conversations here that is based on respect. And I Iove your guest recognize himself as a culturally jewish but know that the religious part can be intense.

[@BexTheDestroyer]

Great conversation. It's a question I've mulled over myself. I also ponder from time to time, on whether society as a whole is not some sort of cult.

[@marilynmantis5409]

That's exactly the case, in my opinion. Humanity has been manipulated forever, and if people don't think political parties, the media, Hollyweird, the music industry, the church of modern mediSin, the flat earthers, and the Q movement are not cults, they are deluding themselves. I like to listen to everyone and then form my own opinion. I follow no one on this earth outside of my own mind, and I change my mind when the evidence is overwhelming that a particular belief is wrong. People have a tendency to cling to their belief systems.

[@lynnelson9285]

Just found this channel through recommendeds, as a fellow ex-mormon I love to see what you're doing!

[@MarkTordai]

I would highly recommend interviewing Dr. Steve Hassan from the Freedom of Mind Center. He's an expert in this field and his work has helped many leaving destructive groups, including myself who is an ex-Scientologist. Love your channel btw and it's great to see how much success you have been having lately.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you Mark! Yes we have been in touch with Dr. Hassan’s team. Hoping to record here soon!

[@_punkybrewster]

Loooove this episode and the conversation with your guest. I’m so jazzed to be able to binge your content 🫶🏻

[@trickiegirl]

Don't binge Andrews content unless you like racism and transphobia

[@sciencewins8798]

Andrew is a great and intelligent Interview partner. Some people go against him because he exposes the truth

[@Zakarias-b2g]

Just a wonderful interview. I believe the common thread among all these groups is the promise of eternity in one form or another. Seems to be a strong motivation to join I guess.

[@1yoginiheart]

You two are charming. My family in Austria Poland/ Russia I was a Jew. In the US that side of the family turned to Catholicism and stopped the natural tongue. My mom is LDS and had all of us kids get baptized. I can relate to both of you. In all ways. Yes, it can be complicated.

[@kerrydevlin]

Just watched you on Andrews channel so came over to watch more 😃

[@djdingwall1]

Each week or whenever you put out a new episode, I am introduced to so many eye-opening bits of information. I love it so much.❤

[@sciencewins8798]

Andrew is a great interview partner ! So intelligent and informative.

[@mirrage42]

17:21 But, people who are in the earlier stages of joining a cult/religion are usually not able to notice that they are losing themselves.

[@beachgirl6305]

I agree! This IS a good intro for him! Great interview! Love the way this went!

[@LilAllygator]

This was a really interesting one! Lots of food for thought

[@PawsForAndrea]

Really looking forward to your interaction with “A-a-ron” (Growing Up in Scientology), Shelise! Andrew has several good videos with him. I’d also love to see you do an interview with Claire Headley (Blown for Good) & Kelli Copter!

[@trickiegirl]

I hate when racist transphobes associate with more reasonable people to make their shit seem golden. Name dropping Aaron, claiming he's doing the same thing when he doesn't have the same deconstruction history. He was never trapped by religion. He never took it seriously. It's easy to be irreverent if you never felt that level of control

[@luvbearbut]

Thank you Andrew, for your comment about who is likely to join a cult. Cult survivalist tend to overly stress how EVERYONE, no matter how intelligent they are, are susceptible to this phenomenon. While the intelligence factor may indeed be true to a certain extent, it's important to acknowledge that there's a large percentage of people who aren't, never have been nor will be susceptible to join a cult, even at their weakest. I think of it as an innate rebellionist attitude of "Excuse me! Wait a minute, who gives you the right to decide what I should think?"

[@trickiegirl]

Intelligence factor is just the eugenicist answer for why seemingly intelligent people join cults instead of looking at all the ways cults make themselves seductive to vulnerable people "Smart people" aren't really vulnerable they are just too smart to notice when they are being scammed makes literally no sense

[@gingernightmare9152]

Cheers!

[@PawsForAndrea]

Enjoy seeing you two together in this interesting & enlightening discussion. I’d be very interested in each of you interviewing Kelli Copter, whose light shines brightly, despite what she experienced as a child in the Co$.

[@saraht3196]

ik this is such a nitpick but i think it was very interesting that andrew mentioned that priests wanted to keep latin as the main language of christianity and that shelise was fascinated, because i consider this to be common knowledge coming from a christian background and learning about the protestant reformation in public school...and that he also mentioned a different rebellious translator from england rather than just mentioning the work of martin luther. just interesting to me. i do think andrew makes interesting and good-quality content, but i always tend to watch as a bit of a skeptic. i always take his content with a grain of salt and sometimes that's a good thing. makes you think rather than just believe.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Sarah! I will totally admit to growing up under a rock in mormonism 😂 literally no education at all on other religions. I’m doing my best to learn as an adult 😬

[@saraht3196]

@@CultstoConsciousness glad to hear it shelise! i didn't start really learning outside of my catholic bubble until high school and all of us have to start somewhere! you're clearly a hard worker and i appreciate all the amazing content you create

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Very smooth introduction. I wish John Dehlin would smooth introductions out like you do. Your positive energy automatically pulls your viewers in. Glad to see your popularity spike! You go girl!

[@ajensen366]

John does just fine...

[@Whalesoundsarecool]

We don't have to put someone down to bring her up! ❤❤❤

[@judyvalles7384]

@@ajensen366

[@maurap.4983]

I have followed his channel for a while and just found your channel!

[@SonjaShindler]

Delightful session. I truly enjoyed. Thanks to both of you.

[@cadd9100]

Love his Linda listen moment!! This is how I feel. I just found your Utube a few weeks ago and I must say I’m loving your channel! I used to joke I was in a cult (Pentecostal church back in HS) but the more I learn I realize it was actually a cult. I have really enjoyed the discussions here ❤. Thank you

[@bloochoob]

Just found you because of Andrew, I love his channel, so now I’m subscribing to you too 😊

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi! That’s great! Welcome to C2C!

[@jamesgrant3343]

I think the difference between a religion and a cult is that one explores a set of beliefs and it’s down to you to apply what you understand, and the other controls how you behave and tells others how to treat you

[@thetruth45678]

So... by that logic all religions are cults. I agree. Ban them all.

[@emmalouie1663]

pretty sure any group that believes in "chosen people" and not chosen people, groups that believe they are evolving spiritually etc... that takes in money... that requires people to constantly strive towards "enlightenment".... all of that it's cults ...

[@RIO4LIFE]

In the 1970’s, I had my left arm tied to my desk by a substitute teacher for 7 weeks - all because she felt that left-handed people were “sinister” -

[@RIO4LIFE]

This episode expanded my viewpoints on several areas of life - thx 😊

[@PawsForAndrea]

That’s so crazy. So sorry you experienced that. 💔 I can’t imagine. (I think a lot of redheads have had outrageous things like this happen too, even in recently modern times. Double whammy if they were left-handed redheads!)

[@RIO4LIFE]

@@PawsForAndrea - I was born with strawberry 🍓 blonde hair LOL 😂 yes a double whammy - Funny, but sad stories -

[@Leahbumblebee872]

My mum told me same happened to her

[@Thatsmegigi]

@@PawsForAndrea as a left-handed redhead, I can confirm! Also-me being left-handed was a HUGE reason my mom didn’t send me to catholic school. Nuns used to smack your left hand to try to force you to use your right.

[@danbaker194]

Andrews demeanour and cadence is very similar to Louis Theroux. Love both the channels and sending 🎉 from London!

[@Leahbumblebee872]

Louis Theroux is his favorite inspired him to get into journalism I'm sure he said that

[@danbaker194]

@@Leahbumblebee872 Yeah he has mentioned it before

[@mursuhillo242]

A cult is defined by the worship of a singular head entity, be it real or not. Christianity is BY DEFINITION a cult.

[@123layci]

I believe even toxic family dynamics which have existed for generations can be very cultish… and the black sheep scapegoat like myself is silently, gradually disowned.

[@stst77]

I agree. Families can definitely be cults especially if there is one prominent member that calls all the shots, every one is expected to follow and agree with everything they say or else, everyone is expected to cater to this person and design their lives around that one person and if anyone falls out of line the prominent person will turn the other family members against that one member. This family is a cult!

[@Grace.allovertheplace]

Thanks for such an amazing interview I loved all of it, my sincere thanks ❤

[@valentinaaparicio]

Do you think you could do something about the Opus Dei in Catholicism?

[@lynnmedley]

Awesome job! ❤

[@leahannewoods6170]

One of my favorite KZbin interviewers!!!!!

[@jojowynne233]

It’s so funny seeing Andrew being interviewed for a change 😂 Well done Shelise! I remember the fairy controversy, that took me back some years. Shelise, as a brand new subscriber, not knowing all your interviews, may I suggest Jinger Duggar. She’s now out of the family cult and the teachings of the man (I can’t remember his name) who just made up total BS to subjugate women of course. When they dated they were never allowed to be alone and he had to be interviewed by the father. Just thought she might be a good fit for your podcast.

[@aivarassimonis]

everything is a cult , thats why its called CULTure . A country is a CULTure just on a big scale thats why we have different CULTures.

[@richardsaintjohn8391]

A healthy religion is different. A cult interferes with your Marriage and your family. Forces members to cut off relationships. Force you to pay money. Dictate what you eat, drink, and how you dress.

[@Paul-rg4is]

What is a healthy religion?

[@stst77]

Any group (religious or otherwise) that can control the very basics of one’s life like what they eat and how they dress, this is a very controlling cult that should be avoided.

[@tariqmiller5471]

So in Islam and Judaism you can’t eat pork, Christianity you can’t eat shrimp. So we should consider them cults correct?

[@richardsaintjohn8391]

@@Paul-rg4is a path that helps you be a light in the world 🌍

[@veggieview2264]

To Andrew: You are awesome in looks, character, and intellect. Not necessarily in that order. I had not heard you say you were Jewish on your channel, but I instantly knew it somehow. When I see your podcast I am overcome with protective feelings I dont understand. I found this channel because of your interview with with this sweet lady. Being Jewish is difficult for many to categorize. Jewish is a nationality, a religion, a heritage, a way of being, a people that have been set apart in biblical history and cultural history. I believe most people have difficulty understanding and accepting what they can not easily label and put in a box. Like any people or group, Jews are not all from the same mold or cookie cutter. Being bold and visible gets a group of people labeled by the deeds or misdeeds of the highly visable. Love your channel and interviews.

[@emmawoolley9021]

ex mormon here, shalise talking about the testimony meetings just brought up the memory of how my ward always had the tradition that you basically HAD to share your testimony if it was your birthday month. and if you didn’t, you got some weird looks. anyone else’s wards do that or was it just mine?

[@CarrieFullerton]

Judaism is considered an ethnoreligion so it’s not just a religion but an ethnicity so makes sense he still identifies as Jewish.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

That’s the first I’ve heard of that term. That’s for sharing!

[@iflan09]

As a "Recovering Catholic", I was curious to know what you thought about Catholics, and mainstream Protestants. Of the 10 of us, only one is practicing Catholic. One brother converted to Baha'i, and they are interesting. Curious to know what you think of them. Another brother is 7th Day Adventist and they are fairly high demand. I've never heard you talk about them.

[@moniquedelaney7958]

3:18 In french , anything related to the veneration of someone or something Synonyms :,adorations n , love, passion , respect , fetishism, passion, respect, venerating . Enjoy !

[@tdsollog]

The “placebo effect” would be a fascinating video.

[@Grace.allovertheplace]

6:32 Where I live (about 100-150 years ago, i.e. the turn of the century 1800-1900) the clergy held house interrogations and anyone who did not know their 10 commandments was designated as the village idiot, or perhaps exultation is a better word. Most of the people, especially in the countryside, like farmhands, maids, but really people in general could not read, and therefore had to learn everything by heart. (Have you seen Emil in Lonnerberga *Lönneberga* ? by Astrid Lindgren) (To be more precise I’ve used google translate, if any grammatical,- or spelling mistakes are found, let’s blame them 🤣with kindness and respect, Grace ❤️🎭🌱

[@CultstoConsciousness]

How interesting! No I haven’t

[@mausjennings]

Two beautiful people to listen to. Just loved this podcast. So interesting. ❤

[@dellieb6337]

I really enjoyed watching your program and I am a subscriber. Have a great day.

[@BrianSullivanopus125]

I'm not Jewish, but am a little surprised that Chasisism was mentioned as against the Internet, because Chabad is so big online.

[@playinglifeoneasy9226]

When I was orthodox in Los Angeles was curious about the Cabas center because Madonna is into it and it’s got a really nice campus in Beverly Hills. It’s like an old Mission Church or something. I went to a group meditation there which turned out to be more of a group hypnosis because I do have know how hypnosis works, and their meditation used lots of those elements and then I walked into the bookstore and I said, all of the books are written by the leader, and if you’re into Kabala, as I was at the time you know that at that time there were once in a millennial Masters of Kabala that were publishing translations of dozens of ancient books on the topic and that they didn’t have any of these seemed odd all of their books which were available and doesn’t different languages were all by their leader, Rabbi Berg, and so I said this looks like a cult.

[@moniquedelaney7958]

The Christian church(es) didn’t want their scriptures to be accessible to all because they knew that as soon as people discovered the content they would start questioning . And it precisely happened. Gütenberg did us a great favour . Read the scriptures and leave religion behind

[@babyruthless9670]

Hi Shelise, please consider one day doing an episode with Drew from genetically modified atheist.

[@lorigarry6098]

Andrew, being a non practicing Jewish woman I've had similar experience with so called harmless comments from people close to me. My former mother in law once bragged to me about how she was able to "Jew somebody down" after getting a good price for a kitchen appliance. Im sure it didn't occur to her how that may have been hurtful.

[@Eimoon70]

What about Buddhism, hinduism, old norse mythology, ancient Egyptian religions and zionism, are they also cults?

[@karenkennedy6331]

Religion is moving towards looking into your own heart to find your own Truth of God and you , your world, and not looking outside of yourself to find God.

[@loriz9]

This was a fabulous interview! I’m also going to subscribe to Andrew Gold’s channel and podcast ! I love what you’re doing here Shalise!! ❤️👏👏

[@AndrewGold1]

Yesssss

[@trickiegirl]

Andrew is a racist transphobe so get ready for that content

[@Grace.allovertheplace]

11:18 (I’m listening attentively and I’d to know who Andrew refer to so I used Wikipedia 😁) ➡️ [quote] *William Tyndale* c. 1494 - c. 6 October 1536) was an English biblical scholar and linguist who became a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation in the years leading up to his execution. He is well known as a translator of the Bible into English, and was influenced by the works of prominent Protestant Reformers such as Martin Luther.[End quote] 🤍

[@LittleRadicalThinker]

Sorry to inform you, I don’t see Andrew’s video on his channel at this moment. I guess not uploaded at the same time.

[@AndrewGold1]

Next week! Apologies 🎉

[@LittleRadicalThinker]

@@AndrewGold1 looking forward to your video.

[@AuntyNise]

Yep... Loved it!

[@ginnyd240]

So do you think prince William, Charles and now Kate and, of course Camellia are also narcissists? I mean Charles and Camila treated Diana horribly

[@emilyrln]

Stay uncertain!

[@andrewharmony]

The placebo effect happens in non-human animals as well, so we are not special in that regard :( The only thing that makes humans special is our language abilities, and even that is debated considering other hominids existed

[@Andrea-zm1nl]

"most people wouldn't recognize that i am jewish if they saw me walking down the street" that is exactly why Jewish is NOT a race or ethnicity. You will never hear a Japanese or Nigerian or Korean person say this. Even the full blooded Ashkenazi Jews are just Caucasian and an anthropologist would also identify the skeleton of an Ashkenazi person as Caucasian. You'd only be able to tell they were Ashkenazi if you looked at DNA. This is the same as an anthropologist being able to tell that a person was Asian, but they would need DNA to tell if it was Chinese, Japonese, Vietnamese, etc etc etc.

[@Chuck44442]

In sociology.... cult is used in development of religious org. CULT, sect, denomination, then church. The key- thing around Cult is one- key personality. Everything starts like that though, right ..??

[@abigailregan4118]

brand new here but im obsessed with this channel!! i have questions! (: what happens when “high control groups” meet “high control environments” like prisons or schools? i know most cults have structured environments, but im wondering if there is some conditioning done in school or jail that could be conducive to “cult like” behavior. also, are there certain groups that are more resistant to cults, like what traits make someone more resistant to cults? i ask because i CANNOT imagine my eastern european mother dealing with any of the BS that is common in these groups! i also dont think cults are very common in my family’s country (also in east europe), although maybe i am just not familiar with any

[@d6mafia13]

There are absolutely cults in jails and prisons. I know your first thought is probably religious cults bit my first thought is actually gangs. If you do research on the history of gangs in the American prison system it would probably really fascinate you. It's definitely cult like in my opinion. To a very high degree. If you do something to get kicked out if the gang then they will literally hold you down and skin the tattoos off your body or stab you to death with prison shanks or if you're lucky you'll just be kicked off the yard and be forced to live in solitary for the rest of your stay(which could be life). I think this was such an interesting question you asked and I could probably make a whole podcast episode about how gangs in prison are cults. Geez it's a really good idea because I'm pretty knowledgeable about them anyway. As for your other question I think certain personality types are just less likely to be attracted to cults honestly. People that are anti-authoritarian or possible even have avoidant attachment styles would be less likely to join cults. They also seem to be extremely popular in America or anywhere that religion in general is popular. I guess it doesn't even have to be where religion is super popular but where radical ideas are popular. Sorry I know you were probably asking the hosts of the show but I thought these questions were super interesting as someone who has studied cults in my free time for a long time.

[@morticiag]

Hello!! I'm a Christian but my husband and I don't Attend ANY CHURCHES! However, we Don't throw the Baby out with the bathwater! That would be SILLY and Damning! Jesus said that CHURCH is where 2 or more people gather in my name! So my husband and I make up 2 people, if you do simple math! Jesus also said, call No man on earth as your Papa/Pope /(spiritual father) because you only have ONE spiritual father, and that is YHWH. READ HIS WORD (Torah, Tanak, Gospel) Jesus also said don't call anyone a RABBI either (teacher/pastor). Because Jesus himself is your Rabbi. Read his word.. Wherever there are humans, there is sin, pride, greed and Corruption. It's just a part of our FALLEN NATURES!! Now, if you seek advice from an older Christian who has been doing their Faith for many years and has knowledge and experience, that's OKAY. These people are called "Elders". But don't start forming a community around them and taking their word as gospel over the Actual Gospel!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi! So happy you found something that works for you and your husband.

[@morticiag]

@@CultstoConsciousness I hope you find the Same Thing! It would be a SHAME to go through Life not understanding the Power of Jesus Christ. I would direct you to a channel called "One for Israel" whereby many Jewish people have come to realise their Messiah. So many live testimonies of people coming from All walks of Life to Jesus Christ that are available on the internet. We are merely characters in a larger Story which is currently being played out. The Gospel is even written in the Stars . YHWH's Initials are encoded in our very DNA. A Creator always leaves His Signature. The Final Spiritual warrfare will be between Jesus Christ and Baal (the ka-Baal). Despite my harshness towards you, I REALLY DO LIKE YOU and I don't want to see you get left behind! I see something Special in you. I hope you Come to realise soon enough xx May YHWH Bless and Guide you X

[@morticiag]

@@CultstoConsciousness do you remember Doreen Virtue? She was that famous Angel and New Age lady in the 80s and 90s? I grew up in South Africa during that time and she would have her angel readings in our newspapers / magazines. She is Now a Christian! Gave it all up for Jesus Christ! 👍😃

[@morticiag]

@@CultstoConsciousness Doreen's channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYWpdqlrl9aerKs

[@sonyaseybold9137]

Shelise and Andrew. Enjoyed the interiew. This will be a very unpopular perspective; People are people. They will do whatever is in "their personal" best interest. So Sad.

[@littlelisa53]

I’ve always questioned in the Catholic Church having to go to confession? Any thoughts on confession? I personally feel that was a way of control, as in, knowing your deepest darkest secrets and maybe they can now hold things against you and also now knowing all your personal business. Not sure this makes sense. I personally never went myself because it didn’t feel right to me.

[@C-SD]

Its hard to find other people that are Jewish by lineage. My family moved away from the religion when they got to the US. I've been attacked (verbally) from both sides.

[@Trenchant468]

I disagree with Andrew about "joining" cults (language already problematic). Sure, someone might be seeking, but also simply open-minded, or trying to please a friend or family member who is pushing for attendance to an event. He perhaps does not fully appreciate the impact of food deprivation, sleep deprivation, isolation, and relentless intense indoctrination.

[@dbkg87]

Please have Dr. Kik Honda from the channel "Psychology in Seattle." He is amazing and will explain everything from his professional view. He has done many videos on the topic of what is a cult, etc. Love seeing Andrew here; I've been following him for a while and you are just a delight. 😊

[@joannegrieco8523]

I think the "exorcism and fake getting better " was to do what they could to stop the priests from doing that!!!

[@tanyaerickson612]

Jehovis witnesses used to come to us a lot I'd smile nod let them pray and leave that watchtower booklet yet they never followed through with trying to add us or whatever. I'd assume the number of occupants allowed in heaven according to them it'd already be full so I never understood any of it. My dad talked about opening the door naked and inviting them in just to see how fast they run heh

[@Jaebee2626]

😂… funny dad!! That’s great!

[@stephnewman1357]

Enjoy watching Andrew's channel 👍😀

[@joannegrieco8523]

You don't think it's that perhaps they're just book smart but not street smart as well tht makes it easier for people to be fooled into a cult??? I wonder if my theory has ever been tested, do you know?

[@AndrewGold1]

Sherlock is the master of deduction and is supposed to be pretty street smart. I guess that doesn't mean his creator/author is too! But I imagine he was. I think it's just that super smart people are better at making convincing narratives from their biases. Look up The Intelligence Trap, I think you'd enjoy it.

[@silviahannak3213]

Respect to Mr. Gold. I had such a Moment but in catholic Church. Once i saw a very big colorful Jesus on a Cross. Colorful. It was scary. I thought of it like a Corpse and all that stuff that they preached...very depressing and self humilating. After the 2nd Confirmation it was over for me. (1st one when i was a kid, i didn't think much about it.) No, i don't want that anybody has to die for me or Sins. I have tried to read the Bible once but it was boring. There were other Situations too were i thought..nope, not for me.

[@reneeb8347]

Fabulous interview! I’m an Edgehog which means I subscribe to Andrew’s channel

[@LadyLulubell12]

You should interview Jazza he is a Australian Art KZbinr but he is a Former Mormon as well!

[@brendonlake1522]

A good discussion! It's an interesting paradox that clever people are often rather susceptible to cult ideologies. Also, like it or not we all need some overarching 'meta-narrative' to guide our lives and in the modern world there has been alot of attack on the older more established and dare I say often more helpful ones, like Christianity or Judaism and people as a result are left feeling meaningless and then in comes some cult or cult-y group like extreme left or right wing groups and takes advantage of that feeling of meaninglessness. Smart people probably feel that void most acutely.

[@ZIGGIEPRODUCTIONS1]

Ocult means hidden

[@ch3x666]

Behavior, Thought and Emotion = The holy trinity

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

I went to a conservative mennonite church and I found it kind of culty, but I can't find anyone online talking about it. Maybe people just idolize mennonites and Amish so much?

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Very interesting! I think I had an ex Amish reach out. I’ll see if I can find the message and possibly do an episode on it

[@katim2644]

YES. (I can't think of anything to add.)