beware of false religions

True servants of the Creator strive to live according to Bible principles and live peacefully with everyone around them. This makes perfect sense because peace is a natural attribute of God’s holy spirit….

False religion operates completely differently. It frequently entangles itself in politics and the world’s disputes and even stirs them up. Throughout history, religious leaders have eagerly backed and blessed the shedding of other people’s blood in battle.

Ancient Roots of Holy Wars

This aggressive behaviour is nothing new. All the way back in ancient Egypt, pagan priests actively championed warfare. Reflecting on the priests who served false deities, E. A. Wallis Budge states….

“There is reason to think that many of the great Egyptian raids in Syria and Nubia were made as much for the purpose of supplying funds for the maintenance of the temples and services and priests of Amen-Ra as for the glory and prestige of Egypt. The slavish homage which the Thothmes kings, and the Amen-heteps, and the Ramessids paid to Amen-Ra, and their lavish gifts to his sanctuaries suggest that it was his priests who were, in reality, the makers of war and peace.”

– E. A. Wallis Budge

Promises That Sound Too Good

One common red flag is the promise of instant results. Messages like “Give money and your problems will vanish” or “Follow us and you’ll never suffer” play on hope and fear. Real life doesn’t work that way, and not every spiritual path can guarantee 100% comfort. When leaders claim special power while asking for blind loyalty, it’s wise to pause and ask questions.

Control Instead of Care

Healthy belief encourages people to think, love, and serve others. False religion tends to do the opposite…. it isolates people from family, punishes doubt, and demands secrecy. If a group says “Don’t read outside books” or “Don’t talk to former members”, that’s control, not care. Faith shouldn’t cost you your freedom to think.

Money, Power, and Status

Another clue is where the focus lies. Jesus once said “You cannot serve both God and money”. When wealth, status, or political influence becomes the main goal, the message drifts from compassion to profit. Money, property, and lavish lifestyles owned by leaders while followers struggle are signs the priorities have flipped.

Testing What You Hear

So how can people stay safe…. Start with simple tests. Does the teaching encourage honesty, kindness, and respect for all people…. Does it allow questions…. Does it match basic human values like “Love your neighbour as yourself”…. If the answer is no, step back.

False religion thrives when we switch off our minds. But careful, humble faith looks for truth, admits mistakes, and leaves room for grace. Keep your eyes open, hold on to what is good, and you’ll avoid being trapped by words that sound spiritual but lead nowhere.