Cultish

In this episode of Cultish, Andrew is joined once again by former Jehovah’s Witness and current pastor Jason Cantino to examine the Watchtower Society’s history of end-times predictions and failed prophecies. From the movement’s roots in the aftermath of the Great Disappointment to the expectations surrounding 1914, 1925, and 1975, they trace how prophetic claims were made, how Jehovah’s Witnesses responded to them, and how those claims were later reinterpreted when the expected events failed to occur. Along the way, they compare these claims with the biblical tests for prophecy found in Deuteronomy and ask what standard should be used when an organization claims to speak on God’s behalf. What happens when an organization claiming to represent God makes predictions that fail to come true? Should our ultimate authority rest in a religious organization—or in the Word of God itself? This conversation is about more than constructing a historical timeline or winning an argument with a Jehovah’s Witness. Andrew and Jason challenge listeners to examine the authority of the Governing Body, consider the real-life consequences these teachings can have, and ultimately turn their attention to Jesus Christ and the biblical gospel. Their stated goal is not to attack Jehovah’s Witnesses personally, but to encourage listeners to test what they have been taught against Scripture and place their faith in Christ rather than an organization. Find out more about Jason here: https://harborviewchristian.church/leadership --- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com

In this special Cultish news report, we examine the major September 2026 change to the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ blood transfusion policy, which now treats receiving red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma as a matter of personal conscience while continuing to prohibit transfusions of whole blood. Jason joins us to trace the history of the Watch Tower Society’s blood doctrine from its 1945 prohibition through decades of revisions, including the distinction between major blood components and smaller fractions. We also revisit the haunting May 22, 1994 Awake! issue, “Youths Who Put God First,” which featured children who died after refusing blood transfusions and were presented by the organization as examples of faithfulness. Finally, we ask what this latest change means for Jehovah’s Witnesses today and contrast the organization’s evolving policies with the Christian hope of forgiveness, eternal life, and the finished sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Find out more about Jason here: https://harborviewchristian.church/leadership --- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com

What happens when a former cult member goes undercover inside another cult? In this episode of Cultish, Mitch from @Cult_Audit takes us inside his infiltration of Eastern Lightning, also known as the Church of Almighty God—a secretive movement that claims Jesus Christ has returned in the flesh as a Chinese woman. How does Eastern Lightning recruit unsuspecting Christians through social media and online Bible studies? And what happens when you work your way deep enough into the organization to gain their trust? Mitch shares how he moved through their training, became a host, attended their house churches, and eventually traveled to New York to visit their church and obtain internal materials. He also exposes their teachings about “Almighty God,” their rejection of the Bible as the final authority, and the intense emphasis they place on duties, obedience, and salvation through the words of their supposed female Christ. Join us as we go inside one of the most secretive cult movements we’ve ever covered on Cultish. Mitch's Go Fund Me https://gofund.me/e04d4a84e -- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish --- --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com

How do you effectively share the Gospel with someone inside the Church of the Firstborn? Former elder Ron shares practical insight on approaching members with patience, grace, and a willingness to listen rather than immediately argue. Learn how asking thoughtful questions, planting seeds of biblical truth, and trusting God to bring the increase can open doors for meaningful evangelism. -- Ron's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uneducated-and-untrained-pastor/id1770396608 Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish -- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com

In part two of our conversation on the Church of the Firstborn, we examine the doctrines and beliefs that shape this controversial religious movement. From salvation through obedience to claims of being the true church, we compare their teachings with the biblical gospel. What does the Church of the Firstborn really believe? And how do their teachings compare to biblical Christianity? We also explore the fear surrounding medical treatment, the influence of church authority, and the belief that suffering can become evidence of faithfulness. Former elder Ron explains how these teachings affected members and why he ultimately came to see the finished work of Christ and salvation by grace so differently. -- Ron's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uneducated-and-untrained-pastor/id1770396608 Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish -- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com

In this episode of Cultish, we sit down with Ron, a former elder in the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn. For nearly two decades, Ron was deeply involved in a group that taught it was the only true church going to heaven. He eventually became a preacher, church planter, and ordained elder before beginning to question what he had been taught. What happens when your church teaches that salvation exists only within its walls? What happens when faith means rejecting doctors and medicine? And what does it cost to walk away when your entire community is tied to the church? Ron shares how the gospel of grace began to unravel the works-based system he had trusted for years. He opens up about the painful process of leaving, losing relationships, and discovering what it meant to follow Christ outside the Church of the Firstborn. This is Part 1 of Ron’s journey out of a little-known religious group with deep roots and startling beliefs. -- Ron's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uneducated-and-untrained-pastor/id1770396608 Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish -- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com

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In this episode of Cultish, Andrew sits down with Ian Rose, a former member of The New Church, to explore the strange theology of Emanuel Swedenborg and the teachings that shaped Ian’s life. Ian explains how Swedenborg’s alleged revelations became foundational to the New Church, including its “internal sense” of Scripture, rejection of key biblical doctrines, works-based view of salvation, and unusual beliefs about heaven, angels, and the afterlife. Most importantly, Ian shares how encountering the biblical gospel—salvation through Christ alone rather than his own works—ultimately led him out of the New Church and radically changed his understanding of Jesus, Scripture, and salvation. -- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish -- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com

In this episode of Cultish, Jerry and Andrew revisit the disturbing story of Jim Jones and the tragedy of the Peoples Temple. But rather than simply retelling the events of Jonestown, we dig deeper into the worldview that shaped Jones, including the influence of New Thought and its ideas about God, humanity, and the power of the mind. How did these spiritual ideas intersect with Jones’ increasingly radical political ideology and his demand for absolute loyalty? We also examine Jones’ rhetoric surrounding “revolutionary suicide” and play chilling archival testimony from Peoples Temple members who professed their willingness to die for the cause. What happens when spiritual deception, political revolution, and devotion to a charismatic leader become intertwined? Join us as we revisit Jim Jones and explore the beliefs behind one of the most infamous cult tragedies in modern history. --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com -- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish

With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey bringing Homer’s ancient epic back into the spotlight, Cultish sits down with Professor Owen Anderson to explore what lies beneath the gods, monsters, and legendary hero’s journey. From the polytheistic world of Homer to the deeper spiritual ideas that have shaped Western storytelling, the conversation asks whether Nolan is simply adapting a pagan classic—or transforming it into something very different. What if Odysseus’ greatest enemy isn’t Poseidon, the Cyclops, or the journey home—but his own sin? And what if this ancient pagan story ultimately points toward something the Greek gods could never provide: redemption? The conversation explores the striking contrast between the traditional pagan hero’s journey and what Professor Anderson describes as a distinctly Christian arc of sin, confession, sacrifice, and redemption. Along the way, the episode examines Greek mythology, the biblical worldview, the spiritual reality behind pagan gods, and the enduring influence Christianity has had on the way the Western world understands stories like The Odyssey. Dr A’s Substack: https://substack.com/@drowenanderson?r=23t2ud&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=light --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com -- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish

In this episode of Cultish, the Super Sleuth sits down with Craig to examine a recent video in which Hayden Carroll critiques Reformed theology. Together, they analyze his arguments, address several misrepresentations of Reformed doctrine, and explain what Reformed theology actually teaches. Rather than responding with emotion, this episode seeks to offer a careful, biblical, and charitable critique while presenting the historic Reformed position in its proper context. As Christians, we have a responsibility to represent the beliefs of those we disagree with accurately before offering criticism. Throughout this discussion, we demonstrate where Hayden's presentation falls short of that standard. Whether those inaccuracies stem from a misunderstanding of Reformed theology or a failure to engage with it carefully, listeners can judge for themselves as we examine the claims one by one. Video We Responded to from @GregSukert 's channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G2QZd6nz7A SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com -- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish

The wait is over. **Alien Revelations returns with an all-new season.** Across **10 brand-new episodes**, narrated by **Colin Samuel**, we'll examine one of the biggest questions of our time: **What is really behind the modern UFO and "disclosure" movement?** From government hearings and whistleblower claims to ancient encounters, paranormal experiences, and the biblical worldview, Season 2 explores the phenomenon from every angle. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or convinced, this is a journey you won't want to miss. 🚀 **Season 2 premieres July 7, 2026.** Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode. #AlienRevelations #UFO #Disclosure #UAP #Podcast #Christian #Paranormal #Aliens #Documentary #Trailer

In this episode of Cultish, Andrew Soncrant is joined once again by former Mormon and Reformed Baptist pastor Braden Patterson to respond to a popular LDS video challenging Protestant Christianity. Together they tackle four foundational questions often raised by Mormon apologists: • Who has the authority to interpret Scripture? • What is the purpose of life? • How can a person know they are saved? • Why did God stop giving new revelation and Scripture? Drawing from Scripture, church history, and Braden's firsthand experience growing up in Mormonism, this conversation examines the differences between historic Christianity and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Along the way, Andrew and Braden discuss the sufficiency of Scripture, assurance of salvation, the Gospel of grace, the nature of true authority, and the Mormon claim of a "restoration" of the church. If you've ever wondered how Christians should respond to common Mormon objections—or if you're a Latter-day Saint honestly exploring these questions for yourself—this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations exposing false gospels, cults, and religious deception while proclaiming the saving truth of Jesus Christ. Braden's Church: https://gbcmpk.org/our-leadership Braden's YouTube: @reformedex-mormon4704 SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com -- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish

Jeremiah Roberts and Andrew Soncrant are joined by Marcus Pittman and the three discuss the viral sensation of Reckless Ben's uncovering of the Mormon Mafia in American Fork, Utah and the controversy surrounding a $200,000 stolen lego collection.