I Joined a Cult for a Week. Here's What Happened.

The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast on Galatians is here:
Spotify - open.spotify.c...
KZbin - • Galatians
Website - www.thetmbh.co...

[@jeremynicholas6967]

I am a Catholic convert who started watching your videos during my conversion and RCIA. Today, partly because of your inspiration, I am facilitating a weekly bible study in my parish. I never cease to be amazed how many crucial answers are ever-present in scripture. Thank you, sir and may God bless you.

[@FlowLai]

Well done man. Catholics need to read the scripture. I used to do the same thing at my parish.

[@peterwatkins671]

I’m not even religious, but I found this through NDQ, and just enjoy listening to Matt talk about stuff

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks, Peter, and I'm glad you like NDQ. Did you listen to the new one about climbing the mountains?

[@peterwatkins671]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH of course, I was totally thinking he was going to have a nothing story given your teasing… but 🤯

[@chuckiej]

@@peterwatkins671 Matt's a good hearted trickster! You got me too bro.

[@chicken_punk_pie]

@@peterwatkins671 Me too! That was masterful deception from the both of them. Super cool stories all around

[@ddutton0]

@@peterwatkins671yes! I was blown 💥 away

[@kevinlester8686]

I had a similar experience in college with a group like that. Being a small town guy, it was the first time that I realized not everyone carrying a Bible was representing the Gospel. The first member I connected with came after me like he had a quota. He tried to double team me with a guy one level up the pyramid from him at a meet up. The girl I was seeing at the time found out about it and came to look out for me. She called them out on all their poor theology. I married that woman. :)

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Seems like you landed on your feet pretty well there. Congrats, Kevin.

[@Lou-sn4xo]

Haha awesome, God bless you and your marriage brother!

[@Ehorner89]

She sounds like a keeper bro!

[@OtherTheDave]

Heh… about a decade ago it was the opposite for me. Although I wish her all the best, I’m very thankful that I did _not_ marry that woman.

[@realFranklinfurter]

Born in a cult. It was wonderful. And very difficult. Leaving cost me so many relationships including parents. The longer i was away, the weirder it was. Thank you Jesus for saving me!

[@megmomster]

I resonate with this...may your journey be full of unexpected good stuff and awesome relationships without the expectations and kind of baggage you experienced in the cult.

[@Toadzx]

Glad you put ten minute Bible hour back in the channel name, it’s actually the reason I clicked on this particular video.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks. I've got a massive new video project about to debut on this channel, and it required putting the TMBH brand back on it for the thing to make sense.

[@dewmara]

Ooh. Massive video project?! I'm ready!​@@MattWhitmanTMBH

[@queenria7]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH Oh that sounds great, I can't wait!

[@IamGrimalkin]

​@@MattWhitmanTMBH Are you going to finish off your luke series? Also are you going to bring back the bangs?

[@mohaubereng9315]

​@@MattWhitmanTMBHLooking forward to it

[@braydonboucher5746]

Matt, you are awesome dude. You don’t know me obviously, but you have made a huge impact on me. I’ve been listening from the beginning, and I just want to say thank you for your faithfulness to this. I am a PK, grew up knowing all about the Bible, and I’ve loved Jesus for as long as I can remember, but you have helped me understand the Bible in ways I never imagined I could. Your simplicity and patience with the text has really shaped me. The Spirit has gifted you tremendously in explaining the Bible and I praise the Lord that you have been faithful to that calling. Love you Matt, and I am praying for you!

[@calebsmoot6125]

I think that’s the first pic I’ve seen of your college hair. It’s great. You’re wholly justified in talking about and missing it as much as you do.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thank you Caleb. Better to have had hair and lost it, than never to have had hair at all.

[@scottybreuer]

I tried to start my own cult but the super secret purple robes are still on back order so I stuck with regular Jesus. Probably for the best.

[@lewismalcolm3536]

This is good "Legit Bait" per Veritasium's lingo, I rarely feel like a plug for one's own content on KZbin comes across naturally but you nailed it on this Matt. Thanks for making videos and making YT a better place to hang out in, I appreciate it.

[@evildude109]

I recently finished the first season of TMBH, took me about six months. It was so good that I found myself walking to and from work some days so that I'd be able to listen to a few extra episodes each day.

[@ImaniHopeFaith]

I rarely leave comments, but I had to drop one of appreciation today. Thank you, Matt, for TMBH. The way you weave stories from your life experiences, historical contexts, and current affairs has made it easier to relate with Bible better. I listen in from Kenya and good thing the daily episodes land at around 8 AM so I can listen before starting work. Keep up the great work Matt and supporting system!

[@gaelonhays1712]

Just to be clear, this is a serious conversation about the connection between believers and the God who made us, and knowing how his salvation is applied to us. Also, when Matt said "explicit imagery" regarding circumcision, he showed a clip of a banana being cut to pieces. I don't think anything else has to be said there. I tip my fedora to you.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thank you for refraining from doffing your hat. Just the tip made your point.

[@halleylujah247]

​@@MattWhitmanTMBH😅😂😮😬😖

[@gaelonhays1712]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH (Laughs) No! Just no!

[@sgh729]

I cult christian church for ~15 years. From about 10 years-old through college and left when I was about 25 or so. I realized that I was never actually a christian but instead worshiped the church and leadership. The crazy thing is I defended that I was not in a cult up until about a year after I left and started connecting the dots. Now I am more comfortable talking about that time in my life and open to tell folks who are interested. I am not a christian today but love watching videos from Matt and others that talk about christianity in such a normal way. It feels super healing to my younger self to hear folks talk about religion in a normal way.

[@yb5515]

I sincerely hope you didn't give up on Jesus because of us Christians, we can be a real mess can't we? But honestly, Jesus is so much bigger and better and really worth knowing. I think He would really like to hear from you again.

[@sgh729]

@@yb5515it’s hard to give up on something when I when I was never really a part of it, know what I mean? Christianity doesn’t make sense to me as an adult. And I am ok with that and I am happy, as I hope you are with your decisions!

[@yb5515]

@@sgh729 Out of curiosity, do you believe in a God/Creator?

[@sgh729]

@@yb5515 I don’t know if there is. If there is one, I haven’t found it yet. And im not really looking either. I’m not a scholar and don’t claim to KNOW there is or not. So it’s not that important to me at least right now

[@yb5515]

@@sgh729 Thank you for answering my question. I guess as we get older and start contemplating the end, we spend more time wondering about the possibility of an afterlife and a God (at least I do). I'm hoping there is a God because I know there is no justice in this life, I'm hoping there is in the next one. Anyway, I wish you all the best.

[@Chris_Gangstad]

If a cult invited me to a dance party I'd definitely leave my friends behind, cuz my friends don't dance.

[@garrettfornea1088]

The cult I was in did a lot of dancing, but you’d have to give up your beard

[@bluehose95]

If they don't dance, well, they're no friends of mine.

[@Chris_Gangstad]

@bluehose95 - my hat is off to you!

[@Chris_Gangstad]

@@garrettfornea1088 - Don't grow a beard. They'll call you a hippie.

[@littlemas2]

I was a leader in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at University of South Dakota in the early 1990s, and we were starting some small group studies. I was helping to get one group started, but the first we were just starting to get to know each other, so I lead a study on the first night about a cult that I had had some contact with and that I had studied, namely the Jehovah's Witnesses. One guy that came to the study continued to say that he knew some JW's and that they were nice people. I did not deny that, as I had previously sat with some JW leaders for several weeks of study. Well that particular fellow never came back to any Intervarsity events, but several months later, I saw him in the student union talking with another student and specifically trying to convince him to become JW. In other words, he was a JW missionary trying to infiltrate an orthodox, evangelical student group with the express purpose of getting some converts out of our group. It was quite literally providential that he chose my group (out of several) and that I happened to be teaching on JW's that night.

[@thepunkrockchristian]

I just gotta say this, I love you Matt! You’ve been so influential to my Christian journey and I can’t believe I haven’t followed the podcast before. You can count on my viewership (or listenership I guess)!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

1. I'm honored. Seriously, thank you for saying that. 2. I hope you love the daily podcast. 3. I dig your username.

[@thepunkrockchristian]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH Thanks! I just had to change it slightly since I converted to Orthodoxy last Sunday (also thanks to you 😂)

[@matthewsmith9553]

You won't regret it! I've been a listener of his podcast since day one and I still look forward to listening to each day's episode.

[@RossHolloway3]

I loved Ester and all the historical background you bring up. You made me see what a rockstar Nehemiah was. I still going through Nehemiah looking forward to Galatians. I have to confess that i dont listen daily but it gives me something to binge on the weekends when im doing yard work.

[@rmoss42]

TMBH podcast is the best podcast. Thanks for doing what you do Matt. Dont forget to give the people what they want and throw in an explicit "Likewise" now in then. If you keep doing it all lowkey and stealthy like this, i'll miss it! 😂

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Roger that. You get an explicit likewise in the episode that comes out in the morning.

[@cupfulofeathers]

@@MattWhitmanTMBHSeconding this comment!! Would also love some new Likewise merch! 😁

[@71Ana71]

Please, pray for my son. He goes to a church like the one you described. He hates his father and I because we have told him the truth and he doesn't believe us. He refuses to even question the idea that we could be right. Thank you.

[@yb5515]

My heart goes out to you. Prayers sent.

[@71Ana71]

@@yb5515 Thank you. We really appreciate it.

[@SilverMoon459]

We will pray for you 🙏🏻

[@71Ana71]

@@SilverMoon459 Thank you

[@thegreatgrands]

Matt, you're so funny, and brilliant, and your teaching cuts right to the heart of things. I appreciate you more than you know!

[@DCoutcher19]

Perfect! Our church will start reading/teaching through Galatians this Sunday!

[@corneleggberry4167]

I really enjoy how you colour in each book of the Bible we have gone through. Words on the page is coloured and visualised so amazingly. Thank you for breaking open the Bible and bringing the heart of God to life. I am looking forward to start the 5th chapter together.

[@queenria7]

Cool Matt, Galatians sounds exciting!! I listened to your Matthew season TWICE, and I still think back to it, because I loved it so much. I have to admit, I checked out during Nehemiah, but I'll be back now for Galatians! 😀

[@JasperOferral79]

I am honestly still trying to figure out whether I was raised in a cult. Some of the greatest kindnesses of my life were given to me by those people. But there was something off and sometimes dangerous about the whole endeavor as well.

[@artugert]

What was it?

[@realFranklinfurter]

I have the same experience. I am who I am because of them. It took a lot of work to separate the good from the bad. James 1:16-17 really helped me realize all the good things I received in my life came directly from Him, not them. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

[@JonathanAskren]

Usually cults have three rules, You can't ask questions, You can't leave, We have the only truth If they are sneakier, "Oh, sure ask questions" but the logic doesn't really hold up. "If you left we wouldn't treat you the same, or you may be damned." treating you differently unless you rejoin. "It's almost impossible to find actual good truth out there, in the big scary world, stay here, don't even try." Discouraging the belief that anyone else has truth. Those are what I've seen in cult definitions.

[@closerb4]

So, my wife - and her family - are quite spiritual and religious (Presbyterian). I'm excited to enter the faith and explore my own spirituality, previously more agnostic. We're raising our daughter, who makes me think things reminiscent of your "strong girl" thoughts, and cry over the idea of her doing something so incredibly strong. KZbin comments don't do your thoughts justice, but can you consider helping a brother out with your thoughts on family, religion, spirituality, and how to willingly (emphasis) raise a faithful child when the father has no "training" and the mother is a northern transplant from Arkansas? Love you, sincerely.

[@None-if3mo]

Read the bible

[@sticksmite]

Matt has a great perspective on this that I've heard him communicate through this podcast and NDQ which he does with Destin Sandlin (very like-minded in his parenting approach as well). I hope Matt can point to some of those conversations for you as they've been encouraging and Instructive (without intending to be so) to me. I found use use of the word 'willful' interesting - are you referring to willful intent by you or a willing faith from your daughter?

[@oatmealmonkey9130]

Remember religion isn't just about the stuff you do or believe, it's about the relationship with God, so let that be the goal when you teach your child. That said, the stuff that the Bible says to do does a lot to strengthen our relationship with God, so make sure you're doing that (praying, reading the Bible, trying to follow Jesus's teachings and commandments, etc) and teaching your child, while also trying to be clear what the intention is. It's not checkboxes, it's quality time with God and it gives opportunities to have experiences with God. Ultimately those experiences with God are going to be the staying power for your kid's faith. Kids also notice what is important to their parents, so if it's important enough for you to do consistently, they'll know and have that foundation for when it's time for it to be important to them independent of you. Here's some ideas to set that up: Read the Bible together as a family every day and share some thoughts about it. Prayer together morning and night. Take turns including the kids (with help from you until they are ready to do it themselves) Take time together to discuss the gospel and learn about the stories and lessons in the Bible. Talk about how it applies in your lives. Make faith-based decisions in your life and talk to your kids about it (e.g. "a lot of people are talking about that movie but we're not going to watch it because I think it teaches things contrary to how God wants us to live and I don't want that influencing us to move away from God") Pray for help and guidance as a family and teach the kids to do the same. Sports games, tough decisions, lost things, dangerous situations, difficult school assignments and tests, getting lost, feeling scared or sad or alone. Make sure they know where to turn for help and comfort.

[@cupfulofeathers]

I know you asked this question to Matt, but I’d like to chip in! Some books that have been incredibly helpful for me in raising my daughter in the faith are “She Deserves Better” by Sheila Wray Gregoire and “Why I Didn’t Rebel” by Rebecca Lindenbach. The first book definitely gives “strong girl” vibes (I too love when Matt refers to that concept!) and the latter book would especially speak to your focus on the “willing” aspect of raising a Christian child. Both books blend Christian faith, personal experience, and psychology beautifully. Don’t worry about not having training, God picked you and your wife to be parents for your daughter for a reason! Blessings to your family!

[@Aleph_Null_Audio]

My parents started going to church when I was six because I told them I wanted to go to church. My mother and I were baptized at the same time. Were my parents under-equiped to raise me up in my faith? Maybe. But it was an incredible blessing to get to grow and learn together. You have a wonderful opportunity to model for your daughter what it looks like to earnestly seek God. Surround your family with more mature believers and they will help cover for any gaps or lack of experience you think you might have.

[@nycrypto_investor]

I slacked off listening to the TMBH but I'm glad I can always catch up. Thanks Matt for all your hard work 🤝🏼

[@ArchonPR]

Thank you Matt for your continuous, dedicated work. It brought a lot to my life, I can't wait for the next season! Wish you the best,

[@Taipan108]

Great video. This brings to mind the feeling I get when I hear about authorities in the US forcing public schools to display the Ten Commandments; (and to quote Lisa Simpson) “As usual, the playground has the facts right, but misses the point entirely.”

[@jenniferlawrence9598]

Really excited for this. The husband and I have decided we need to take a book at a time and do a deep dive. We’ll be following along. Thanks for your hard work!

[@slimithy99]

Oh! Were you in a Kip Mckean/ICOC/Boston Movement church? My wife and I also joined that church when we were young and didn’t really know proper historic theology. This is why it is so important for Churches to actually teach theology and not just “how to live”. Believers need to know of what they believe and why. Thankfully after a few months we realized we weren’t in a biblical church and left.

[@jpg6113]

TMBH is what i like

[@joshuas1834]

My parents met in a cult called "The Way ministry international". My mom was born and raised in the Philippines so she was nominally Catholic but it didn't mean anything to her. Weirdly, the cult played a big part in her conversion to protestantism and she (and I) ended up attending Wesleyan churches for the next 18 years.

[@Travis.L]

People are still influenced by victor paul wierwille. Sadly some in my family. Please pray for their repentance.

[@joshuas1834]

@@Travis.L said a prayer for them. Thanks for sharing

[@jrios109]

"There were cookies!" well... there's a good reason!! Lol!! Love your videos man!! So fun and informative!! Keep it up!!!

[@deli_fresh04]

That whole ‘cult weaves into your personal fibers’ analogy was really great- this whole video was great actually

[@danielcarroll8889]

I've loved the Esther and Nehemiah seasons, but I have been really looking forward to Galatians. You would have no way of knowing this, but you actually announced that the next season of the podcast would be Galatians right as I finished memorizing the whole book of Galatians. Really providential timing at an important moment of my life (for other reasons). Steongly recommend anyone on the fence to give the podcast a try!

[@shua510]

Hope you're doing well Matt, God bless your ministry and family!

[@nicholasdriessen9959]

Deeply enjoy your content Matt! Highly relatable, and very understandable

[@thomaswhite8822]

A dear friend of ours was in a cult for 10 years. It has caused her to question God’s love for her.

[@crownfisch]

So hard to leave your friends and so many who loved Jesus, but also really really loved their leader. Didn't start out as a cult, but definitely started to become one when i started hearing "just believe what i say and move on" and "if you ask me (leader) to pray about something, and you feel you hear from God, and I (the leader) hear from God, what I (leader) hear from God trumps what you hear from God", and having to run all personal decisions by leadership. It still affects me today as they did get a lot right and, of course, community was really tight.

[@taraharrison8358]

Was not expecting a video about a cult to be an intro for Galatians! Nonetheless, each season of TMBH is better than the one before! I’ve personally loved the Persia stuff but I’m also loving your approach to Galatians. It’s helping me see this letter that I’ve read a bunch in Christian-y contexts (not a bad thing!! Just is what it is) in a new light.

[@starwolf621]

Hi, found out about you through NDQ. Brilliant podcast you’ve got here!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Hey, thanks!

[@timlott8569]

I'll be there! I like the new intro music as well😊

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks, Tim. Jeff Foote of Rooktown wrote and recorded it. He's good.

[@gaelonhays1712]

​@@MattWhitmanTMBHA Simple Life is amazing! And the new stuff sounds great, too. Tell him we love it!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

@@gaelonhays1712 will do, Gaelon.

[@stephennaylor4457]

Wonderful podcast! I highly recommend it!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Gracias, Stephen.

[@jg7923]

The “Life Confession” thing is also in Eastern Orthodoxy.

[@amayasasaki2848]

It is, but you confess to Christ in the presence of priest as witness to confession who is bound to never reveal any of the confession to anyone. The sponsor is a thing as well, but usually known as a godparent instead (godfather/godmother) and you don't run everything by them. The godparent can help answer questions about the faith, and you talk with them like you would a good friend. They're just a lay mentor in the faith.

[@halleylujah247]

It's also a thing in Catholicism. The difference being you arent assigned a Priest or person and forced to confess to one person. With a lot of other differences but that is the first one that came to mind.

[@SomePeopleCallMeWulfman]

Orthodoxy and Catholicism have established rules and regulations for confession that date back millennia. That's not the same as the cultish "I woke up this morning and the Hoy Spirit told me that everyone has always been wrong about Christianity" scenarios.

[@fruzsimih7214]

I'm a Catholic, we do have Confession, a sort of sponsorship (think godparents) and spiritual direction, but: Confession is made to an ordained priest who is forbidden to reveal anything to anyone, had years of theological and pastoral training and is responsible to the bishop; sponsorship is only spiritual, a sort of mentoring/friendship relationship; your spiritual director (a priest, member of a religious order or informed layperson) may only give you advice on spiritual matters but can never force you to do anything; spiritual direction has NOTHING to do with financial advice or about morally neutral choices you make in your life; you are completely free to choose or change your confessor/spiritual director any time you like; you are completely free to give or not give your money to any activity, church or whatever.

[@danharris6358]

I laughed out loud at the banana chopping Farewell Capt Andrew Luck 🫡

[@cindyb5065]

I am feeling the same way about today’s world. Guess I need to do a deep dive into the Bible with you.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

I like your reasoning, Cindy.

[@moooser6]

Success! Hooked me back in. I need some normalcy back in my daily life, and this might be part of the answer.

[@madimakes]

ICOC amirite? :) Either way, it's the one thing i'm constantly concerned about as my kids make it out into the world, as i've had my own experience (ICOC was the crew)...i don't know what's worse, though, there are many "secular cults" or ideological cults with folk so excited to find new converts to their thing, and many of the ideological cults have been christian adjacent enough to be serpent-like in luring young folk away from the faith. :(

[@KimtheElder]

You are such a blessing. Thank you for all you do :)

[@jeffelkins426]

I belong to the Winged Hussar Cult. We worship Barnacles and some other dude.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Not a cult! We don't make you do anything, even though we do strongly encourage you to listen to Sabaton.

[@TheRealWilliamWhite]

That's what a cult would say

[@ryanthefloyd]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH I thought we were supposed to be mailing all our friends and family handfuls of mayonnaise….

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

@@ryanthefloyd also that

[@sticksmite]

A cult of the willing sits in the third chair, and I am among them. When the signal is given we all move to Poland, right? Researching what their equivalent of a cheese enchilada is so I can keep my spreadsheet comparison going.

[@kathybonar1533]

I listened to the 10 min Bible hour and loved it! I used to watch Snidely Whiplash on TV when I was a kid. You are much too young

[@TnOrchidguy]

Thank you, Mr. Matt, thank you.

[@gagelong9608]

Galatians is the exact book of the bible I needed from you specifically. My heart is full at the thought. I’m a non-denom missionary kid whose brothers have converted to Eastern Orthodox. To say that I’m heartbroken is an understatement. Now I’m not saying they are in a cult… but the way their mind has changed has really scared me. Sometimes I find myself wanting to join them because of the real truth I believe that church does carry, but then I find something that doesn’t sit right with me and I’m heartbroken all over again because it’s splitting my family. I don’t say this to put a burden on your shoulders, simply back up that this is the season God wants to tackle Galatians. Go for it with fervor, my friend!

[@sdm4232]

Yep!! Cult survivor here!

[@donovanschafer8620]

If you just listen to the podcast and not the rest of Matt’s videos, you miss the cool sun burn line on his neck ❤

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Ha! Fair. I need to wear that collared shirt while I play tennis all summer to avoid this shameful humiliation.

[@ThomasMusings]

That is an Epic story, Matt

[@HistoryNerd808]

Thank you for putting the disclaimer at the start. You had me very concerned.

[@troyporter1428]

Beautiful, Romans 16:25 understanding this vers and it helps keep the cult away.

[@mclaire899]

Running over the podcast! See you there😎

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Hope you enjoy!

[@mclaire899]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH Thank you for the work you do👏

[@tintinismybelgian]

The Village is not a cult. It's a lifestyle. #IvyandLuciusForever

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Okay, first of all, strong yes to the hashtag. They're wonderful. Second, Ivy is how you write a strong, female character -- or any strong character for that matter. She's so brave and principled and the stuff she does and why she does it are very moving to me. Third, they make you wear mustard cloaks and live alone in the woods without giving you the option to leave. Cult.

[@moveabledo]

I love your channel name change!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks! It was a needed tweak considering the massive video project I am about to introduce on this channel next month. I'm really glad you like the move.

[@connormifflin9379]

I am college minster in Montana, would you be able to share what campus you were on, and what this group was called? I'm just curious if this group is still around, and how to vere students away from this!

[@jonathanstensberg]

Recommendation: read Acts through Jude straight through as quickly as you can, at least once. Do it in as few sittings as is practicable for you. This really highlights the big picture and recurring themes of the apostolic age. This will help you read these books more in-context, rather plucking out a single book, chapter, or verse here or there.

[@jasonsummit1885]

I was a part of a "Christian" cult almost 20 years ago. It made me see the kind of person I didn't want to be after I got out.

[@matthewbrown4895]

I am so excited to go through Galatians! I am sorry for being late, but my signed confessions are in the mail, I promise. Along with in intro fee of cash. ;)

[@jeremybutler1087]

I am a Campus Missionary at the University of Arizona and this is happening big time on our campus by at least two different groups.

[@lizledbitter6711]

Worked with some younger people a while ago. Pointed out that they could break their parents' hearts. They asked how? One of them I pointed out (besides the usual Drugs, Pregnancy, Bad decisions concerning Partners or Finances) was joining a Cult.

[@kyrstenwilson3111]

Appreciate your videos!

[@TboneWTF]

For many of my child and teen years I was a member of the catholic cult. i attended church every Sunday. Recited incantations to an unseen almighty god. prayed to spirits and ghosts of dead men and partook in ceremonies where I ate the flesh and drank the blood of a supposed god. As I matured (and became educated) I realized that magic and the supernatural are not real so I abandoned the absurd ideology my parents forced on me. Life is so much easier and better with out religion.

[@CatholicWithaBiblePodcast]

Were just talking about the Judaiasers at my Bible study yesterday!

[@zudduz]

10:10 DUDE! That logo animation was EPIC!!!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

That's a tiny little preview of the new project that is going to launch in September. Glad you liked it.

[@sticksmite]

Put the time hack in there next time - agree it's awesome, it was worth scrolling to find it (I just listened the first time) It's around 10:10

[@zudduz]

​@@sticksmiteEdited the original comment per your request.

[@searching4adventure85]

Sponsorship. Good idea. I'm using that with my non cult bible study.

[@mvm41491]

Hypothetically, if one had been a part of a church for most of their adult life and sometimes had questions like: is my church kinda culty or do we just take sin/accountability really seriously; or will my church family and friends stop talking to me if I were to step away from this church for awhile; or can I please take a break from this incredibly busy life of church ministry volunteering that barely leaves time for my wife or kids? Is it an issue of “If you have to ask if you’re in a cult, you’re in a cult?” Or is there more to it than that? The lines have started to blur for me the more I start to really study the Word and church history. For context, my church comes from a background of Church of Christ but considers itself nondenominational. I can’t tell you how much I’d love to just sit and talk this out with someone of your background. 😬

[@hesscd]

I would be happy to speak to you about this. I was in the exact same group you are in.

[@micahflemons]

I just Shared this on my channel

[@rockzalt]

What's wrong with knowing you need self control?" Doesn't every church require alcoholics to use it to stop their addiction? Or are you teaching that there are some sins that don't require it?

[@nathanp8644]

I’m in!

[@robstevens9590]

The Book of Galatians: an important book, which helps believers understand the completeness of God's grace. (Romans 11:6)

[@XSquibX]

I'm confused. How does not knowing worship music and a doctrine of confession equal to a cult?

[@garrettfornea1088]

For most of my 20s, I was in Oneness Pentecostalism, a false works-gospel that denies the Trinity. They need to be regarded the same as Jehovah’s Witnesses… Jesus - completely God and completely Man - did everything I need for salvation, in his own Person, without us.

[@ArsenalTruckingVA]

Hey Matt! I’ve had a similar experience in college with a very extremist religious “Christian” group called the Way International based in Ohio. Can you possibly do some digging and a video about this group?

[@TMaldune]

I had to click on this video because, as it just so happens, I grew up in a cult. And I mean 'genuine cult'. I'm not one to bring this up, really much at all, but you can look it up if you feel so inclined. It was called the 'Lord Our Righteousness' church or 'LOR' church. It was based in New Mexico from 2000 to, well, now, I think. A news broadcast agency came out and actually filmed a documentary about it. You can find it online. I've watched it, but I forget the name of the documentary. I'm sure you can find it through the name of the 'church'. I watched it maybe a year ago for the first time, I believe. Oh, I should mention that due to the documentary, some things came to light that resulted in the 'pastor' being sent to prison. That happened in 2007, I think, and the documentary a few years prior. I was about 11 at the time. But anyway, I watched the film about a year ago together with my Christian wife of three years. It was insightful to a degree, given that I was so young when things were going down, but having grown up in it, I think I still have more insight than the film. Anyway, one thing I get asked by my friends who are close enough to discuss this with me is, how are you still a Christian? Which is a great question and one that I honestly am not entirely sure I have an answer for. After the cult leader was sent to prison, the craziness in my life wasn't over. It did things to my family that we couldn't recover from. There's so much that I could say on this topic, but it won't all fit in a KZbin comment. I think I could write two whole books on the subject before exhausting it. I would also like to say that I just started watching your channel, Matt. I only recently, much to my chagrin, stumbled upon NDQ with Destin from SED, which I've been watching for years. I was surprised when I found out he had a podcast with you, Matt, and I don't hate it. Even more surprising is that I discovered that you live in Rapid City, SD. I just so happen to live in your backyard over in Belle Fourche. Maybe we'll run into each other someday. That could be interesting. I think I'm gonna listen to another video or NDQ while I keep working here. Just thought I'd share. Jon

[@crazyjedi5994]

1:11 Perfect parallel!

[@MrBodoFraggins]

Wait... you went to UM!?!? My wife is finishing her masters there right now! We moved here from a cult (Texas IS a cult) five years ago and LOVE Missoula.

[@RestonAnsley]

I'm gonna have that banana chopping vid in my head every time i read Galatians now😂😂. Excellent stuff, looking forward to what's coming!

[@j.s.matlock1456]

Interesting. My AG Pastor just completed a 12-week verse-by-verse teaching series on the book of Galatians. What a coincidence.

[@TheProdigalCatholic]

This sounds like the International Christian Church (ICC a branch off of the The International Church of Christ ICOC)

[@Retro6502]

I see the word 'cult' thrown around a lot in these type of videos and I'm curious what you mean by it. Famously, Megan Goodwin once said that by the 1970s it had come to mean "religion I don't like" when laypeople use it. Having watched a ton of your videos you seem big on breaking things down and understanding them, so what do you mean when you call something a cult? What distinguishes it from a religion?

[@TboneWTF]

A "cult" can be defined as a collection of people where a central figure or idol is the main focus or is worshipped as superior or a deity. In this regard EVERY religious denomination can be considered a cult. Hope this helps.

[@johncox2284]

Confession isn't bad if it's in a sacramental setting. My priest is standing in for God when I go up for confession.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

The difference is that he's sworn to secrecy. He's not allowed to leverage your confessions against you to control you.

[@IamGrimalkin]

In the catholic church confessions can be anonymous if you want them to, right? I think Matt's implication is that here that wasn't the case.

[@johncox2284]

@@IamGrimalkin Correct.

[@clockchaser]

Where in the new covenant is confession, a sacrament. Where in the covenant do we have a stand-in for God?

[@LupinGaius-ls1or]

It’s in Jesus’ instructions to the Apostles and their actions following the Ascension.

[@theCJConger]

Is no one else suuuuuuuuuper distracted by his shirt being unbuttoned more than normal?!?! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Okay that is completely fair. The reality is, that this shirt looks ridiculous if you go up one more button, and only slightly less ridiculous if you go down to the button I chose. Ultimately I made a judgment call, and I'm not quite sure how to feel about it.

[@theCJConger]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH that is hilarious! 🤣🤣 Maybe because of your upper neck being tannish and below that, well, you get it. Love you Matt!

[@minui8758]

Not deliberately but yes in a passive way. Lived with Opus Dei for a bit. I was Catholic before and still am but that place felt dark and has a lot of ex members who think it’s a cult.

[@harryfaber]

I attend an SSPX Church. Hmmm.... I feel fortunate to have been 'catechised' by Baptists, Methodists and Anglicans. I ignore quite a lot of the 'preaching'. There may be reasons Lefebvre isn't canonized.

[@brianpayne5773]

the 80s dance dress party was your first clue lol. 😂

[@SaraIshimwe-d4s]

What was the finished work on the cross? What did Yeshua come to fulfil and can we get scripture from the old testament and the new? Just a genuine question…

[@fruzsimih7214]

These seem to be MLMs disguised as religion. Christian youtuber Melissa Dougherty recently dived more deeply into this.

[@americanswan]

Oh oh oh. Cult = hard to get out. It is insanely easy to walk out of the SDA church.

[@EcclesiastesLiker-py5ts]

Evangelicals love to throw around the word cult. They're real things, but just disagreeing with protestantism doesnt make a cult.

[@BackspinZX]

Oooooooh, okay that justifies all the wistful talk of hair...

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Lol, thanks?

[@JonJaeden]

I used to go to a Christian coffeehouse in 1968-69 that was infiltrated by the Children of God, including Berg's daughter, Faith. The pastor associated with the coffeehouse ran them off.

[@chainlobster7479]

Sounds like International Churches of Christ (Boston Movement)…am I right?

[@Lee_Adamson_OCF]

Does starting one count as joining? 🤔 Asking for a friend!

[@Lee_Adamson_OCF]

For real though, don't let this go to your head or anything, but your 10MBH is pretty good. It played a nontrivial role in my journey back to Christ. Thanks for all your hard work bro.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

That means a lot to me.

[@searching4adventure85]

Galatians is about James, Jesus’s brother, telling people they have to become Jewish.

[@TobyvanReenen]

At 7:08 Mat very briefly cuts in an image of cutting tools while talking about the practice of cutting... and then flips back so quickly I nearly missed it. I did miss the banana image though