Personally I’ve never been a big fan of organised religion myself, but up until now I’ve very much been of the view of ‘each to their own’, and quietly respectful of other people’s viewpoints and beliefs. Religion and spirituality is one of those topics that no-one can ever really have all the answers to. No-one really knows the absolute truth for sure. As a friend of mine once said, “you find out everything when you die, but it’s not worth dying just to find out.”
So if having a sense of faith or belief in a higher power, or belonging to a church group, gives individuals strength, support, or a sense of community, then for the most part I would agree that that’s a positive thing. But I am gobsmacked to read the headlines in today’s New Zealand Herald of Destiny Church having some 700 “spiritual sons” swearing an oath of loyalty to the self appointed Bishop Brian Tamaki. On reading this further I am amazed at the blatant brainwashing that is going on within this organisation. Approximately 700 male members of the church (I’m not sure what happens to the women?) swore a “covenant oath” of loyalty and obedience to Mr Tamaki. This oath is described by the church as a commitment that is binding and unbreakable. A lengthy document of protocols and requirements states things such as they must never openly disagree with Mr Tamaki, they must endorse whatever Mr Tamaki endorses and fully support whatever he promotes. They should always look happy and smile, they must never tolerate anyone speaking critically of Mr Tamaki, they should surprise him and his wife with gifts… and the list goes on.
Does anyone else find this just plain scary? I can’t help but see alarming similarities between this and the edge-of-your-seat NZ drama currently screening on TV2 – The Cult.
Gosh, is this even legal? What is going on in our communities, that has people feeling so helpless or alone that this sort of “belonging” feels like a good option? If a set of beliefs resonates with you, and you chose to live your life aligned with those beliefs, then fair enough. If a person earns your respect and loyalty, then by all means reward them with it. But if a person or organisation is demanding such things, forcing a lifelong commitment with no way out, and denying your freedom of speech and thought, then personally I’d be running for the hills and I’d suggest any other sane person do the same.
