The Rise of Modern Witchcraft | Guests: Jeremiah Roberts & Andrew Soncrant of 'Cultish' | Ep 666

Today we’re joined by Jeremiah Roberts and Andrew Soncrant, hosts of the podcast "Cultish," to talk all things cults and the occult. We look into Gen Z’s obsession with manifesting, tarot cards and “WitchTok,” and what the Bible really says about the spiritual realm. Then, we explore whether we should really be paying attention to signs and symbols. We discuss demonic possession and oppression and what that really looks like, in contrast to movies and television – such as "Stranger Things" or "Doctor Strange" – that portray occult content.

#theology #apologetics #podcast

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The Rise of Modern Witchcraft | Guests: Jeremiah Roberts & Andrew Soncrant of 'Cultish' | Ep 666

[AllieBethStuckey]

To everyone commenting the irony that this is 666 - it’s not irony! It was planned. ;)

[laurieanne]

When I was unsaved I was a Yoga Teacher but when I gave my life to Christ I stopped all yoga and threw away all my books on yoga. When I was doing yoga I got exposed to the demonic realm…but when I surrender to Jesus Christ my whole life changed to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus Christ sets us Free in Him. I am warning you…do not do yoga it will open doors to hell in your life.

[ejr]

As a missionary in West Africa we HAVE encountered demonic possession/oppression. Not many times because our work does not bring us into the encounters much. BUT my husband encountered possession of an American volunteer we worked with. We both encountered a man who is a believer who almost made a bad spiritual decision, who was attacked by an evil spirit and it took time for our prayers to be answered with his release. People in North America tend to brush this off. It has not stopped. It takes different forms in different cultures. Watch for it to be more obvious in N America as our nations give more authority to the enemies of God.

[lacarpetrondukemarriott]

It started with the book “The secret” telling people that they could manifest what they wish. Slowly, our world moved more towards “vibes”, yoga, new age spirituality practices, tarot cards, astrology etc. Let us help each other towards Jesus.

[ailene_e]

Excellent episode, I loved having two of my most listened to podcast come together. I am a year out of the New Age and occultism, saved by God, praise be to Him and I found the Cultish podcast a few weeks after I was saved. It was a great help to me, because just like Jeremiah said, people coming out of that world can feel very isolated and weird, even amongst the most well meaning Christians, who just don’t get our testimony. It’s really a great comfort to listen to their episodes and relate to the different stories people tell, and to be reminded of what the Lord saved me out of.

[cfron]

This was a profound podcast for me… the past few days I have been questioning everything that was a former reality to me and have really on the fence about letting go of all my New Age stuff. I even wanted to do a podcast on all things New Age! However, after listening to this podcast, I truly feel that I am ready to let that stuff go! It all clicked for me here. Ultimately, I don’t need any of that stuff - all I need is Christ and now I actually feel so much lighter in spirit! Thank you so much!

[lu.schnei-]

As a older adult in my 60’s I’m encouraged by and grateful to God for the younger generation like you Allie Beth! Press onward in this high calling in Christ Jesus!

[HannahAilsa]

'I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.' (Psalm 101:3)

[danielleia]

I definitely don't agree with the sentiment that Satan is already bound, and that we are living in the fulfillment of the Kingdom. Scripture tells us that the devil himself, as a roaring lion, prowls around, seeking whom he may devour. What we are seeing looks nothing as what the Kingdom was prophesied to be, during the time that Satan will be bound. As the late Chuck Missler used to say, "If Satan is already bound, his leash is too long."

[francislando]

Excellent service by AllieBeth. You are a blessing to the the body of Christ.

[therockstar]

The convergence is so cool! My wife watches Relatable and I watch Cultish!
Awesome!

[angelwalker]

I am thinking that Stranger Things and other magic/witchcraft like shows, which describe so much of Hollywood and entertainment, would be a hard NO. I am surprised at your answers. They seem to lure people into the magic and that world. And the thought of such strong and prominent Christians saying that it’s ok could be a stumbling block for the weaker. I am afraid the church is underestimating the influence of these shows. Not to take away from our Sovereign Lord but a discerning is much needed.

I am not throwing stones, just really surprised. We should lead by example. My first example is to my children. Then to my church family and it extends out to anybody I have an influence on, saved or lost.
I am convinced that the things I watch and the entertainment in general that I enjoy needs to be pure.
Again, not throwing stones, just surprised.

[Mary_Kraensel]

As a former practitioner of Wicca/New Age, I highly recommend also Ray Yungen's book, 'A Time of Departing, ' which looks at how pagan and mystical practises have been employed by the church. It was very insightful for me, helping me understand terms and what people mean. I truly hope it helps equip those who are coming out of the occult, and those seeking to witness to others currently in it.

For those seeking Biblical church homes, I hope the book provides you with understanding about what has happened in many churches and what to be mindful of and stay away from.

God Bless

[michellehand]

I have no stake in yoga, but I noticed some discrepancies in Jeremiah & Andrew's line of reasoning with it. They state that you shouldn't do it even if you are not practicing the spiritual aspect of it because it's innately spiritual, and even say "should we redeem child sacrifice in Jesus' name?" Not even remotely in the same category as physical exercise. But then when it comes to what TV or movies to watch they say "it's up to your own conscience." Also, the complete dismissal of the argument of meat sacrificed to idols because "yoga isn't meat" was frustrating.
I also have to point out that many of the leaders of Apologia come from a background in martial arts, and they posted a video on YouTube about how beneficial martial arts can be if you separate the spiritual practices from it.
I hope my thoughts weren't too scattered here. 😆

[landonlawson]

Speaking of people overreacting about symbols, I bought anointing oil sold by messianic Jews for my mother, and one of my coworkers (pastor's kid) was freaking out because it had a star of David as one of the symbols on the packaging. She went on and on about how I should stay away from such things. I pointed out that she openly talks about how she lives and sleeps with her boyfriend all the time and that she's straining a gnat while swallowing a camel. She was focusing on such small details and proudly talking about how she's breaking one of the ten commandments. When you mentioned that overfocusing on symbols can take people's eyes off Christ it reminded me of that.

[mariak]

I have to say, when he said "it's not about self help, it's about dieing to the self" that clicked. I've been trying to explain to my husband that the idea of needing to love yourself first before you can love others is false. I'll try to remember this one when the topic comes up again between him and I, I've been doing my best to teach him about the God of the bible.

[bearteastudios]

I was raised by a new age hippie mother and a Catholic father. I’ve always believed in God but I had never read or studied the Bible. So without knowing it I had created this “pick and choose” version of Christianity and I feel like so many women and young people have fallen into this trap.

I am now convinced that not knowing the Bible and filling your knowledge gaps with secular falsehoods lead nowhere fast.

I had crystals, tarot cards, I was taking classes to become a yoga teacher.. after I started reading the Bible even though I felt it was silly I felt a conviction to get rid of all of my crystals and alike items. I thought about giving them away to my mother who still believes in these things but then I thought, I don’t think these are good so I wouldn’t be passing on a gift, it would be a curse. So I just threw them away.

I’m still studying and learning but I’m really amazed at how the Bible rings true. It heals trauma, anxiety and fear. Being a Christian to me is now constantly perusing a relationship with God and I am now so aware that my past self was not a Christian.

I saw a video recently that shows how much feminism has a hand in everything that’s happening right now.

The Bible and the family structure is a patriarchal system and the goal of feminist is to remove patriarchal systems. I read a book by Rachel Wilson that speaks on how early feminism goes back to the occult, witch craft, nature and pagan worship, worship of female sexuality ect.

It’s very interesting and again, rings true. I’ve never called myself a feminist but now I feel that feminism is in the same category as crystals, yoga and tarot. God gave women very specific roles and we ignore them. We have been so brainwashed by the world, we don’t even seek to know what God wanted for us, at least I didn’t.

Just something to think about.

[quickattackfilms]

Man, I love Jeremiah and Andrew. Cool dudes. Cultish has to be one of my favorite podcasts

[Nikki-MMG]

Thank you Allie, Andrew and Jeremiah!!!! Amen to everything y’all closed with! Blessings and prayers for you all!

[DoctorAkke]

Great to see the guys from Apologia Studios in your channel.