Cultish

In this episode of Cultish, evangelist Samuel Torres returns to share his experiences ministering in Mormon Utah. From being detained and handcuffed by LDS security to being barred from speaking with members of the Tabernacle Choir, Samuel recounts the opposition he has encountered. We also examine the fundamental differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity. What happens when the biblical gospel confronts Mormonism at Temple Square? Why would a church claiming to follow Christ seek to silence those proclaiming Him? Samuel shares how his relationships with Latter-day Saints have opened doors for meaningful conversations despite increasing opposition. We discuss the spiritual realities of evangelism in Utah, the dangers of false doctrine, and the importance of discerning the true Christ from a counterfeit. Ultimately, this conversation points to the sufficiency of Christ and salvation through faith in Him alone. --- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com -- Sam’s Socials! YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TreasuringtheKing TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@treasuringtheking IG https://www.instagram.com/treasuringtheking/ SUPPORT PAGE (SAMUEL TORRES - MISSION CATALYST) https://calvaryhillsbaptist.churchcenter.com/giving

In this episode of Cultish, Andrew sits down with Samuel Torres to discuss his journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a full-time missionary in Mormon country. Samuel shares how his passion for apologetics and studying Mormonism led his family to Utah. Together, they explore the challenges of evangelizing Latter-day Saints and the importance of grounding apologetics in Scripture. Why would someone leave behind a military career to evangelize Mormons? Is atheism itself a form of counterfeit worship? Andrew and Samuel examine the biblical foundations of evangelism, the dangers of idolatry, and humanity's suppression of the truth. They discuss why philosophical arguments alone cannot replace the proclamation of the gospel. Through Samuel's testimony, this conversation challenges Christians to boldly proclaim Christ in a world of competing beliefs. --- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com -- Sam’s Socials! YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TreasuringtheKing TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@treasuringtheking IG https://www.instagram.com/treasuringtheking/ SUPPORT PAGE (SAMUEL TORRES - MISSION CATALYST) https://calvaryhillsbaptist.churchcenter.com/giving

In this episode of Cultish, Andrew Soncrant and Vocab Malone examine the claims of Islamic apologetics and their contradictions with biblical Christianity. Drawing from recent debates with Muslim apologists, Vocab challenges the claim that Muhammad was prophesied in Scripture and exposes the theological problems with Islamic interpretations of the Bible. Was Muhammad really prophesied in the Bible? Can the Quran withstand scrutiny when compared to the Scriptures it claims to affirm? The conversation also examines Muhammad's moral character, the authority of the Quran, and controversial Islamic teachings on marriage and adoption. Join us as we dismantle the arguments of Islamic apologetics and defend the truth of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. --- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com Vocab’s Recent Debates: w/Uthman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMfA-FtYWMI&t=8050s Muhammad Prophesied in the Bible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jookoakY5U Paul or Muhammad?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kV6xvP4Mkc Vocab’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VocabMalone Vocab’s New YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cabmalone Vocab’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/vocab

In this episode of Cultish, Andrew sits down with Vocab Malone to examine the rise of “Neo-Mormon” apologetics through Vocab’s recent debates with Jacob Hansen and Hayden Carroll. They discuss how modern LDS apologists approach Joseph Smith, the King Follett Discourse, the Lectures on Faith, the nature of God, and whether these newer arguments are consistent with historic Mormonism. Has Mormon apologetics fundamentally changed? Can modern LDS defenders distance themselves from Joseph Smith’s teachings while still claiming his prophetic authority? Andrew and Vocab also break down the debate over biblical authority, the canon of Scripture, and the LDS demand for an “adjudicating body” to determine what counts as Scripture. Along the way, they contrast a controlled religious text with the transmission of the biblical text and ask whether Mormonism can consistently challenge the Christian canon without first defending its own claims to authority. --- Please consider partnering with us: https://donorbox.org/cultish --- SHOP OUR MERCH: https://shop.apologiastudios.com Vocab’s Recent Debates: w/Jacob Hansen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2Nlzfa9W70&t=4s w/Hayden Carroll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UH2Pki4gOs&t=1s Vocab’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VocabMalone Vocab’s New YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cabmalone Vocab’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/vocab

In this episode of Cultish, we’re joined by Jason Contino to examine controversial passages in the New World Translation and how the Watchtower’s translation choices affect key biblical texts concerning the deity of Jesus Christ. Did the Watchtower rewrite the Bible to fit its theology? What happens when we compare the NWT with the original biblical languages? Jason walks us through passages such as John 1:1 and Colossians 1 to uncover what the text actually says about the identity and deity of 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

In this episode of Cultish, Andrew is joined once again by former Jehovah’s Witness and current pastor Jason Contino 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