Religion can be a powerful force for good, but unfortunately, it can also be twisted for manipulation.
Some religious leaders, groups, or even followers try to control or influence other people, often in subtle ways. The tactics they use might not always be obvious, but when you start to notice them, they can make you rethink the dynamics of certain religious environments. No one talks about these things enough, but they’re toxic behaviours that are never acceptable, especially not in God’s name.
1. Using guilt as a tool of control
Guilt is a powerful emotion, and some religious figures use it as a way to control behaviour. Whether it’s making someone feel guilty for not attending church, giving money, or following certain teachings, guilt is often used to push people into complying with demands. The idea is to make you feel like you’re doing something wrong unless you follow specific rules or requests, creating an ongoing cycle of self-blame and submission.
2. Leveraging fear of hell or damnation
One of the most common manipulation tactics is using fear of hell or eternal damnation to control behaviour. By constantly reminding followers that failing to obey religious laws or teachings can lead to a tragic afterlife, leaders create a fear-driven atmosphere. This fear can make people follow the religion out of terror, not faith, leading to blind compliance.
3. Telling you that questioning is a sin
In some religious environments, questioning teachings or doctrines is viewed as sinful or rebellious. This tactic discourages critical thinking, as followers are made to feel like it’s wrong to ask questions or pursue alternative perspectives. It encourages blind faith and obedience, shutting down personal growth and spiritual exploration.
4. Creating a “them vs. us” mentality
Manipulative religious groups often create a divisive mindset, presenting those who follow the religion as “us” — the righteous, saved, and enlightened — and everyone outside of it as “them,” who are lost, unworthy, or even dangerous. It’s an isolation tactic that discourages followers from considering other viewpoints and encourages them to remain inside the religious bubble, fearful of the outside world.
5. Enforcing submission to a leader or authority figure
Some religious groups demand that their followers submit entirely to the authority of a single leader or group of leaders. It can create an environment where questioning the leader’s decisions or actions is seen as an affront to the religion itself. Leaders may use their perceived authority to justify their personal control over followers’ lives, from relationships to finances to career choices.
6. Using “divine” authority to shut down dissent
When religious leaders claim to have a direct connection with God or divine authority, it becomes nearly impossible for followers to question them. Any dissent or disagreement is framed as an attack on the divine, making it difficult for anyone to voice concerns or objections. It’s especially dangerous because it positions the leader as untouchable and unquestionable.
7. Creating a sense of dependency
Source: Unsplash Some religious groups create a dependency on the church or leader by teaching that followers can’t function spiritually or emotionally without them. It can manifest in statements like, “You can’t make it to heaven without our guidance” or “You need us for your spiritual growth.” This creates a dependency, making followers feel helpless or lost without the group’s support.
8. Using positive reinforcement to manipulate behaviour
While positive reinforcement is often seen as a healthy way to encourage good behaviour, manipulative religious groups use it selectively. Only when followers comply with specific rules or expectations are they praised, leading to a system where people are constantly striving to please the leader or group in order to receive affirmation or approval. It creates a cycle of conditional love and acceptance.
9. Blaming personal misfortune on spiritual failure
When something goes wrong in a follower’s life, the group might suggest that it’s a result of their spiritual failure. Illness, financial trouble, or relationship problems are sometimes framed as consequences of sin or a lack of faith. It leads to self-blame, making the follower feel like their misfortune is deserved, pushing them to try harder to meet religious expectations.
10. Using emotional manipulation to maintain control
Emotional manipulation can take many forms, from guilt-tripping followers to making them feel like they’re letting down God or the community. Leaders might exaggerate the consequences of failing to follow religious teachings, painting a picture of despair or destruction that can only be avoided by complete obedience. This type of manipulation makes followers feel constantly anxious and fearful of not measuring up.
11. Limiting access to outside information
Manipulative religious groups often control the flow of information to their followers by discouraging or outright forbidding exposure to outside viewpoints. Books, media, or even conversations with outsiders can be restricted, creating an environment where only one set of ideas is accepted. It limits critical thinking and keeps followers isolated from alternative perspectives.
12. Using social pressure to enforce conformity
In tight-knit religious communities, social pressure can be used to enforce conformity. If someone steps out of line or questions teachings, they might face ostracism or criticism from fellow members. The pressure makes it difficult for individuals to speak up, as they fear the loss of relationships, status, or support within the community.
13. Blurring the lines between spiritual and personal life
Source: Unsplash When personal life decisions — from who to marry to what career to pursue — are presented as spiritual obligations, it blurs the line between individual choice and religious command. This creates a situation where followers may feel as though their personal decisions aren’t their own, but instead are dictated by the faith, further reinforcing the power dynamics in the group.
