Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan “Conspiratorial Demonology” in the New Apostolic Reformation: LGBTQ Students and Undue Influence in Schools with Jonathon Sawyer
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May 27, 2024 Jonathon Sawyer, a doctoral candidate studying neo-charismatic Pentecostal movements, speaks about the New Apostolic Reformation’s conspiratorial demonology and its impact on LGBTQ students. He recounts traumatic exorcism rituals, trance-like worship, and how victim-to-victimizer projection spreads harm. He warns about NAR influence in K–12 education, charter expansion, and threats to democratic norms.
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Conspiratorial Demonology Shapes Schools
- Sawyer argues NAR teaching frames inner LGBTQ experiences as demonic conspiracies, shaping curriculum and policy in affiliated schools.
- He warns this 'conspiratorial demonology' can be embedded across P–16 education influencing pedagogy and student welfare.
Demand Informed Consent From Religious Schools
- Teach people to recognize mind control techniques and the 'influence continuum' to protect autonomy.
- Require informed consent and transparency from religious organizations, especially schools, to reduce harm to children.
Use Respectful Curiosity To Help Loved Ones
- Steven Hassan recommends offering alternative explanations and respectful curiosity rather than direct confrontation when helping someone in a high-control religion.
- He suggests asking open questions and encouraging critical thinking to avoid deepening the cult identity.
