RELIGION BRAINWASH AND HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM

Pastor Mackenzie!! Pastor Mackenzie!! Pastor Mackenzie!! This has been the order of the day for the past one week and the head of almost all news headlines starting from print to broadcast.How could one man lead to the death of more than 100 people by simply convincing them to fast so that they can go meet Jesus.

Religion is a complex and deeply personal topic for many people. For some, it provides a sense of comfort and guidance in a confusing and chaotic world. We all know that several Kenyans are going through hard times especially with the reigning tough economic conditions thus it would be very understandable if some of them turn to religion as a sense of comfort. This may seem okay but it is sad to see religious leaders trying to use people's beliefs for their own personal gain. Controversial religious leaders have now made religion to become a source of conflict and even trauma. 

One of the primary methods of religious brainwash is through repetition and reinforcement. By constantly hearing the same messages and teachings, individuals are more likely to accept them as true without questioning. This can be reinforced through various methods such as attending regular services, reading religious texts and participating in questionable rituals. 

The Bible itself warns us about false prophets and false teachings "Matthew 7:15 says that _Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's. clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves._ " As human beings it is important to stay woke in different perspectives of life in order not to be manipulated in any way. As much as there is no guideline to protect us from any sort of manipulation, it is important to always be alert and read for any signs that indicate unwarranted control from the other party. In the case of religion brainwash, identifying a false religious pastor can be a difficult task, as there are many factors that come into play. 

However, here are some few things to look out for when Identifying false religious leaders:

-Focus on Money: If the religious leader is excessively focused on collecting money from their congregation or using the church for their personal financial gain, it could be a sign of a false pastor.

-Lack of Accountability: A religious leader who is not accountable to a higher authority, such as a church council or denomination, may be a red flag. A pastor who is not accountable can make decisions that are not in the best interest of the congregation.

-Unbiblical Teachings: A false pastor may teach doctrines that are not in line with the Bible or twist Scripture to suit their own agenda.

-Lack of Transparency: A religious leader who is not transparent about their personal life or the church's finances may be hiding something.

-Abuse of Power: A religious leader who uses their position of power to manipulate or control others may be a false leader.

-Lack of Compassion: A religious leader who is not compassionate or caring towards their congregation, or who is more concerned about their own agenda than the needs of the people, may be a false leader.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that no pastor or religious leader is perfect. However, if you notice any of these warning signs, it may be worth investigating further to determine if the pastor is truly genuine in their faith and leadership.