Netflix’s How To Become a Cult Leader highlighted two things most Christians already know

Journalist Lauren Windle had two main takeaways from the latest cult documentary to hit Netflix, but they won’t be new information for Christians.

I used to be fascinated by cults. I listened to podcasts about drinking the Kool-Aid, read books by those formerly in Charles Manson’s “family” and Googled the criteria that was typical of one of these corrupt sects. I decided a few years ago that my interest had probably veered into the perverse so, in the name of surrounding myself with things that were noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8), I stopped.

That is, I stopped until last weekend when a new documentary: How To Become a Cult Leader was released on Netflix and I decided to check it out. I wasn’t the only one as the show is currently one of the most viewed in the UK. The programme offers insights into cults and cult leaders under the guise of an instruction manual that will help you set up your own. As I watched the six-part series it dawned on me that we can draw two main points from their investigations – and neither of these will be news to Christians.