How Cult Leaders Use Both Self-Love and “Dying to Self”

How Cult Leaders Use Both Self-Love and “Dying to Self”

From The Pilgrimage With Shelby Bowen by The Bowens

January 3, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the tension between self-love and self-denial in Christianity and offers a perspective anchored in God's character.

Many Christians feel caught swinging between two extremes: love yourself through manifestation and self-focus—or die to yourself until you disappear. Both promise freedom. Both often leave people anxious, insecure, or confused. In this episode, we talk about the Christian pendulum between self-love and self-erasure—and why neither reflects the heart of the Gospel. We explore how “biblical manifestation” mirrors prosperity theology, how extreme self-denial can become self-focused, and what Scripture actually offers instead: a faith anchored in God’s character, not control or shame. If obedience ever felt like fear, or faith left you distrusting yourself, this conversation is for you. There is a way to follow God without disappearing—and a way to grow without making yourself the center.

People in this episode

Host: Shelby Bowen

Topics covered

  • self-love
  • self-denial
  • Christianity
  • Gospel
  • faith
  • obedience

Keywords

  • self-love
  • self-erasure
  • biblical manifestation
  • prosperity theology
  • faith
  • obedience
  • Gospel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Christianity, Scripture

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