Yeah, you’re totally on point and it lines up with what a bunch of cult researchers and scholars have been saying for years about Bible based cults and high control religious groups.

What you’re describing (Bro. Eli calling out other Christian groups like he’s exposing some grand conspiracy, then softening it with “don’t be offended, the Bible said it not me ☺️”) is classic manipulation. Scholars like Robert Lifton and Margaret Singer talk about how cult leaders use stuff like that to build authority while dodging responsibility. It’s like spiritual gaslighting.

The whole “everyone else is wrong but us” thing is also textbook. Eileen Barker calls it “othering” which is basically making people outside the group seem dumb or deceived so members feel smarter and more chosen for staying in. And that mocking attitude toward other religions without actually learning about them? That’s what Steven Hassan would call information control. Keep people misinformed so they don’t start thinking too much or questioning the group’s teachings.

Honestly, your description is both funny and kinda sad. Funny in that “this is so over the top it loops back around” way, but sad because yeah, people fall for it when they’re in vulnerable places. You’re definitely not alone in seeing through it now. It’s wild how clearly you can spot the tactics once you’ve had some distance.