As is true of most other "religions" or "denominations" we must constantly be on the lookout for any dangers lurking - including those within the Messianic/Hebrew Roots faith (those who have found their way to YHWH/Y'shua AND Torah). "Wolves" lurk everywhere, and only those who seek ADONAI with all their minds, bodies and souls, and who know Scripture from cover to cover, will recognize the deceivers and their deception (Matthew 7:13-14).
One of Webster’s definitions of a cult is: "It is a system of intense religious veneration of a particular person, idea, or object, especially considered spurious or irrational by traditional religious bodies." If you ever recognize that this is being done, RUN, don't walk, away from that person! And don't be afraid to let them know why you are choosing to exit their life....
Getting right to the point, below you will find (in no particular order) a compilation of various things to start watching out for within your own congregation, in your association with social media such as Facebook, or while simply perusing the Internet:
- Those who exhibit extreme control over members and their personal lives - sensitive information is gathered and then used to manipulate members into submission (leaders may dictate how members should dress, what to eat, whom to marry, or how spend their time and money).
- Those who insist on absolute authoritarianism from the leader(s) without accountability.
- Those who exhibit zero tolerance for criticism or questions.
- Those who promote certain doctrines and concepts designed to shake our faith or question our Bible knowledge.
- Those who deny the Messiahship and/or Divinity of Yeshua.
- Those who discourage and/or deny one's' relationships with family or friends not affiliated with them or the Messianic faith/Hebrew Roots.
- Those who use guilt and other forms of manipulation, to obtain money from followers.
- Those who encourage followers to forfeit worldly goods and personal property.
- Those who insist on communal compound living designed to cut or deny communication to the outside world.
- Those who insist on acceptance and adherence of their interpretation of Scripture without question.
- Those who insist that anything that is not Hebraic and/or Jewish, is pagan.
- Those suggesting women "are to be seen and not heard" or insist women must have long hair and wear only dresses, etc.
- Those who claim they are the only legitimate expression of the Messianic/Hebrew Roots movement.
- Those who resort to extreme usages of Hebrew words and refuse to use their English equivalents.
- Those who focus on pet doctrines such as Sacred Name, Lunar Shabbat, Polygamy/Polygyny, etc.
- Those who refuse to answer questions on doctrine and Scripture.
- Those who focus more on Jewish tradition, custom, halacha, Rabbinic literature such as the Talmud or Mystic Literature such as the Kabbalah and Zohar, over and above the Torah itself.
- Those who focus on race, ethnicity, genealogy and/or tribal affiliation within Israel. This COULD manifest itself in the guise of racism against Gentiles through Black Hebrewism, British Israelitism, Two House Movement, etc.
- Those who clearly live a "do as I say, not as I do" lifestyle - i.e., the Rabbi knows his wife is committing adultery, but doesn't have the guts to put a stop to it. Or, they preach Torah yet break the Sabbath by causing others to work on Shabbat (i.e., going to restaurants or movie theaters, etc.).
- Those who attempt to provide you with "new" revelations and extra knowledge given that do not align with scripture.
- Those who exhibit evasiveness or no disclosure over how donations are used.
- Those who exhibit exclusive club-like behavior that makes members feel privileged and encourage unreasonable fears about the outside world.
- Those who are obsessed with conspiracies and the government's persecution through taxes and other laws.
- Those who use Scripture used to manipulate and abuse members into obedience (guilt, shame, and threats of curses, hell, or divine punishment are used to keep people in line).
- Those who make their followers feel as though they are never able to be "good enough".
- Those who insist anyone outside their group is considered lost, unsaved, or incapable of knowing the truth.
- Those who pressure members to cut ties with anyone who doesn't agree with the group, including family.
- Those who expect members are to give their time and energy beyond reason, often with fear attached to withholding.
- Those who breed suspicion or hatred of outsiders, claiming persecution as proof of righteousness.
- Those who discourage members from reading or listening to any teacher outside the group.
- Those who engage in tearing down more than edifying.
- Those who claim they have secret knowledge and or doctrine no other movement has.
- Those who pressure followers to wear certain clothes that falls outside the realm of Torah, like a certain robe, coat or hat.
- Those who focus mainly on Eschatology (End of Days), and conspiracy theories more than YHWH/Torah/Y'shua.
- Those who promote disorderly worship that bears the marks of sensuality or animalistic shamanism of ancient and/or pagan cults.
- And last, but not least, be especially wary of leaders who claim to be prophets, apostles, etc., in order to gain unquestioning loyalty.
This by no means is an exhaustive or complete list; it nonetheless touches on the main issues plaguing some religious organizations - and even the Messianic/Hebrew Roots faith today. Ultimately the litmus test lies in the Written and Living Torah. If the behavior in your congregation or Facebook group, etc. does not line up perfectly with Torah, then it could be a cultic setting. RUN from it!