The Lemmings Principle

Lemmings are known for their mass migrations and for (supposed) mass suicides. The mass migrations can be true in that there is sometimes a large increase in population every 2 to 3 years. Lemmings migrate in large groups when that population density becomes too great, but they do not intentionally jump to their deaths!

So, the suicide of these little creatures is nothing more than a myth. This myth of lemmings jumping to their deaths originated from a 1958 Disney documentary called “White Wilderness,” which staged scenes of lemmings leaping off cliffs. This misconception is not true, as filmmakers pushed the lemmings off the cliffs to create dramatic footage, leading to the widespread belief that these animals commit mass suicide. A cruel act to say the least, but one that led to the phrase “lemmings to the sea” which refers to this myth that lemmings commit mass suicide by jumping off cliffs into the sea, symbolising blindly following a harmful trend or influential leader!

The phrase is often used to criticize individuals or groups that follow popular opinion or trends without critical thought, likening them to lemmings rushing to their demise. It is also frequently invoked in discussions about social movements, political behavior, and consumer culture, highlighting the risks of conformity. These things can also lead to some dangerous acts or thought patterns. They can lead and fool some into becoming a part of a cult, many times without the realisation of what is happening until it is too late. Blindly following a charismatic type leader who becomes the focus of their allegiances to a point of worshiping that person instead of worshiping God. Again, so often the reason(s) those who do fall into a cult is because of an unfulfilled desire or need such as those that are seeking purpose; those whom are natural servants and seeking an outlet for their desires and talents. Those that are seeking protection from an abusive situation, from a familiar individual, a group, even a pastor or church member. Many different reasons. No matter what, this is a very cruel and vindictive example of Satan being able to hurt someone because they don’t know how to protect themselves or whom they can trust.

Even social media has become a tool that the devil uses to hurt through oppression and insult. There have been multiple occasions where people who have been attacked in one manner or another through social media who have taken their own lives. But these attacks only become effective when attention is given to them. When a reaction happens, one of the best ways to combat this is to ignore it. Easily said, but not always easy to perform. You have to learn how to protect yourself and, even if you have your own champion who will stand by you and guard and protect you, there comes a time where you have to stand. It’s nothing more to prove to yourself that you can!

The analogy of the lemmings is when somebody is locked into a belief that there is nothing that they can do, or is in fear of repercussions, even punishments, neither of which need to be physical. Psychological punishment can be enforced by the cult leader or his or her cronies.

Escape is only going to be achieved through your strength to stand and enforce your rights by your resistance and the knowledge and confidence that you have the power and authority to do so. You can learn this by reading and receiving the lesson about the whole armour of God and what each component empowers you to defend and guard against attacks of the Enemy.

( see our teaching on the Whole Armour of God. ) Ephesians 6:10-13 expands upon the reasons and applications of this amazing weaponry. 

Being Drawn into a CULT

One definition of a cult is:

“a relatively small group of people having beliefs or practices, especially relating to religion, that are regarded by others as strange or sinister or as imposing excessive control over members:”

The word cult is derived from the Latin term cultus, which means ‘worship’. In modern English, the term cult is generally pejorative (belittling) carrying derogatory connotations. The term is variously applied to abusive or coercive groups of many categories, including gangs, organized crime, and terrorist organizations. An older sense of the word cult, which is not pejorative, indicates a set of religious devotional practices that is conventional within its culture, is related to a particular figure, and is frequently associated with a particular place, or generally the collective participation in rites of religion. References to the imperial cult of ancient Rome, for example, use the word in this sense. A derived sense of “excessive devotion” arose in the 19th century, and usage is not always strictly religious.

Sociological classifications of religious movements may identify a cult as a social group with socially deviant or novel beliefs and practices, although this is often unclear. Other researchers present a less-organized picture of cults, saying that they arise spontaneously around novel beliefs and practices. Cults have been compared to miniature totalitarian political systems. Such groups are typically described as being led by a charismatic leader who tightly controls their members. The term is often used to describe new religious movements and other social groups defined by their non-conforming, unusual religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs and rituals, or their group belief in a particular person, object, or goal. Again, at the foundation of virtually all such organizations, there is that singular figure portrayed and supported as the leader. So often these leaders will parallel or copy an existing or previous organizations, adapting it to their plan or so-called vision. They often recruit others to join them by manipulating or maneuvering their plans to suit an emotional longing or shortfall in that recruit. Again, these recruits can be given or appointed as staff to ensure both their desire for an elevated position and to be certain of their loyalty.

This covert recruitment can be seen in people who were recruited to or promoted to lower positions of authority within the organisation. These people do not realize that they are but sheep manipulated to follow the corporate discipline. We have witnessed many examples of lower management, having attended a corporate seminar, returning with the latest verbiage. Recently, the emergence of particular words or phrases like “giving the customer an experience as seamless as possible.“

It’s what is loosely termed as “corporate-speak”. It is simply a phrase that somebody has come up with and which is mimicked by the other members or followers to show either loyalty or conformity to the higher echelons of the organisation. Just blindly following and conforming. Just like the lemmings mythically following a leader off a cliff.

When a follower is at that point where they are fully committed to the organisation or religion, they have joined a cult in some manner or other. It is not necessarily a religious or fanatical cult, but it does show how easily the individual is led. Many times, there is a lack in their life and, usually, is usually when love has been omitted, or the need for it has been manipulated, into controlling that person. But the essence is that it is not to the benefit of the individual. In the long run, it will be abused, misused, and generally hurt, even to the point of destruction. That is where they are susceptible to the Lemming Principle. Become part of the cult.

We have even seen examples of this within a current political party, whereby politicians are required to vote on a specific bill and they have voted to the negative merely to come against the president. There have even been government shutdowns whereby the same party have refused to be in agreement with the sitting government. The sad thing is that the leader of the party has an agenda of his own, and it is speculated that he has informed his party how they should vote, or risk being “punished” in some manner for not doing so. This could also be labeled as a cult.

The following information has been taken from various articles published on Wikipedia. It is also details from personal experiences and observations. Please read through this and, if you have any doubts, questions, fears or uncertainties about a current situation that you have been in or that you are in, please quickly seek personal advice from your pastor.

Some Historical Facts

Who, in their right mind, would follow such people as Jones or become a Davidian? Why would they make that decision to blindly follow so – called spiritual leaders?

3, Scientology is a set of religious beliefs created by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard wrote a self-help book that explored the relationship between body and mind called Dianetics in 1950. In 1952, he expanded upon the success of Dianetics by creating Scientology. Hubbard then incorporated the Church of Scientology in 1953.

Christians are often referred to as being part of a cult.

Why? Well, let’s look at some of the comparisons: –

God is portrayed as Jesus, who is always pictured as being the leader. Whilst many Christians know that God, the Godhead, is made up of three persons of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. They are also referred to as “three persons in one”, meaning that they are in perfect agreement with each other.

Understanding the difference between Christianity and cults of the is casually made most scholars and researchers using in a very specific way. From research we have tried to gather a more balanced comparison.

Historical Roots.
Christianity
Has a 2000-year history
Billions of members across cultures, languages, and nations.
Core beliefs have been publicly debated, documented, and scrutinized over centuries.

Cults:
Usually arises around a single modern leader
Small, isolated groups.
Beliefs are often hidden, fluid, or controlled by the leadership.

Authority and Leadership
Christianity
No single human leader has absolute control.
Leadership is distributed (pastors, elders, bishops, etc.)
Scripture is the primary authority, not a charismatic founder demanding obedience.

Cults:
Typically revolve around a central, unquestionable leader.
The leader’s word overrides all doctrine, ethics, and personal autonomy.

Freedom and Autonomy
Christianity
Encourages personal conscience, repentance, and involuntary faith.
Members can leave without being threatened or cut off from the family.
Healthy churches welcome questions and theological wrestling.

Cults
Uses coercion, fear, or manipulation to keep members.
Leaving often results in shunning, threats, or psychological pressure.
Questions or questioning the cult leadership are vehemently discouraged or even punished physically.

Relationship to Society
Christianity

Engages with society through charity, education, hospitals, and public life.
Encourages participation in community and family life.
Does not require isolation from the outside world.

Cults:
Often isolates members from outside influences.
Creative “us versus them” mentalities.
Restrict access to information, relationships, or outside authority.

Transparency of Beliefs
Christianity

Doctrines are public, published, and globally accessible.
Anyone can read the Bible, attend services, we study theology.
Practices are open and consistent across denominations.

Cults:
Teachings may be secretive or revealed only to insiders.
Police can shift based on leader’s needs.
Practices often hidden from outsiders.

Treatment of Members
Christianity
Calls for love, service, humility, and mutual accountability.
Emphasizes human dignity and moral responsibility.
Encourages confession, forgiveness, and restoration.

Cults
Uses guilt, fear, or shame as tools for control.
Often exploits members financially, emotionally, or physically.
Prioritize loyalty to the leader over personal well-being.

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So what’s the bottom line?

Christianity is a global, historical faith built on shared scripture, open doctrine, and voluntary commitment.

Cults are closed, coercive groups centered on control, secrecy and/or manipulation.

The two operate on fundamentally different principles – even if some unhealthy churches or fringe groups may behave in cult-like ways.

Remember this:

Satan is your enemy! He will use any and all means at his disposal to accomplish two main things. The first is to cause doubt in the you and, to try and steal your Salvation. Part of the atonement, the price for Jesus paid on your behalf, give you the opportunity to gain salvation, and how to keep it!

(James 1:5)  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

(Mat 7:7-8)  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.