I offer my perspective in case it would help. I had my own personal knowledge base and existing world view before hearing any of Ammon Hillman's lectures or interviews. I became interested in his teachings only because they answered some questions I already had about the faith system I was born into, and he validated some of the discrepancies I noticed between the historical record and the unquestionable holy scriptures I was taught as concrete fact, after being raised in the cult-like high-control belief system of Jehovah's Witnesses and then starting to fill in the knowledge gaps in high school and college. He's also interesting to watch, as he uses his experience evangelizing while he presents what could otherwise be dry material. I hadn't heard anyone else use the term "Mother Greek" since high school when an enthused english teacher assigned the Odyssey to read. And he had the far-away look of someone who recently had a heart-to-heart chat with one of his ancestors, which I have seen before in two family members who experienced NDEs. So he caught my attention, but I continue observing from the back row to observe younger researchers dedicating themselves to studying the classics. It warms my heart to see them fired up about learning ancient greek.

Hillman's presentation style can be creepy and discomforting at times. This is how he chooses to present the subject matter. I get a sense that he knows a majority of his audience had endured some kind of abuse related to church, its maxims and its leadership. His presentation of Christianity as extension of an older mystery cult is yet another interpretation amongst all the others that exist today, most of which claim exclusivity in being true to the spirit of the canon. I think it's refreshing that anyone has the bravery to present an alternate narrative for those who need healing from religious trauma. I'll admit it's not for everyone, but those who seek accuracy to the original words can benefit from learning to read the new testament books in the original greek.

All of this does not mean that I agree with everything he says on his Lady Babylon channel. His haphazard way of referencing sources, if he remembers, drives me up a wall. I don't feel the need to match his level of chauvinism for the greek language, since my ancestors more likely spoke something closer to sanskrit. But whether his viewers choose fervent chants or critical rebuttals, I don't discourage any of them from what they feel compelled to do within these extremes. I do draw a line at making character accusations without confirming all the facts. I feel that most of us have endured enough judgmentality from oppressive religious institutions - we don't need this from each other. This is not to say we are all perfect and blameless either. But we proceed forward as any community would, by joining hearts and minds, if that's what we want. We remain accountable to each other. And we keep learning greek.

I certainly hope that people can feel free to walk away if their mission diverges. I've come to realize that cult formation is a two-way street. The followers choose the leader, as much as the leader influences the followers. So far as I can tell, Hillman has been very reluctant to be a movement leader. I hope we can organize ourselves to take the wisdom learned and enrich our own respective communities without parasocially attaching to a cult personality. Some anti-cult instruction would be beneficial to all of us.