Let’s get one thing straight: Christianity doesn’t operate like a cult—it is a cult.

cult
/kəlt/

noun
A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.

Christianity has become the very thing Paul the Apostle and Jesus warned against: a system built on division, thriving on sectarianism, and twisting the Kingdom of God into a tribal game of “us versus them.” This isn’t an attack—it’s an undeniable truth no one wants to talk about.

Sectarianism, a sin so blatant and destructive, has become woven into the fabric of Christianity itself, undermining the power of the Gospel. Instead of uniting believers, it divides them through factions, conflicting doctrines, and self-righteousness.

Even more, many Christians quickly forget where they came from before finding God. Once saved, they often place judgment on those who aren’t “righteous” or haven’t had the same spiritual awakening. While this judgment may not always be overt, it’s often subtle and easy to recognize for those who are discerning. Instead of remembering the grace that saved them, they fall into a mindset that alienates others, creating walls instead of bridges.

This is not the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom unites under truth and purpose, while sectarianism and judgment divide, weakening the very message of grace, mercy, and love that Jesus exemplified.

Paul the Apostle’s Warnings Against Division

Paul addressed the issue of division head-on when he wrote to the Corinthians:

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided?" —Apostle Paul

Paul’s question—“Is Christ divided?”—was as piercing then as it is now. Today, the church remains fractured into denominations,non-denominations, factions, and theological camps, all claiming to follow Jesus but often at odds with one another.

Here’s the hard truth: Christianity is inherently sectarian. It draws lines, creates camps, and builds walls that Jesus never intended. Jesus called us to make disciples, not Christians. 

Paul’s frustration with the Corinthians reflected his deep concern for unity in the church and its faithfulness to the Gospel. By the time he wrote 1 Corinthians, approximately 20 years after Jesus’ death, the church was already struggling with internal conflicts, factions, and leadership disputes. A few years later, in 2 Corinthians, Paul’s concerns had intensified as these divisions persisted, further fueled by external influences and false teachings.

The Root Causes of Division

In 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, Paul explicitly addressed the divisions among believers. Some aligned themselves with specific leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter), or Christ—creating factions within the church. These divisions were rooted in:

• Pride: Personal loyalties to leaders over Christ.

• Preferences: Misguided priorities that elevated human leadership above spiritual truth.

• Misunderstanding Spiritual Authority: A failure to grasp that Christ alone is the head of the church.

Just as a father’s role in the family is to guide, protect, and unify, teachers and leaders in the church who call themselves shepherds bear a similar responsibility within the spiritual community. But when fathers neglect their role or prioritize their pride and preferences, families fracture. Likewise, when spiritual leaders elevate their own authority or doctrines above Christ’s message, the church becomes divided. These failures mirror one another, showing how both familial and spiritual unity are essential for growth and strength. Yet, too often, these leaders build walls instead of bridges, distorting their role as shepherds.

Paul identified the devastating effects of these divisions:

• Undermining Unity: The church was meant to function as one body, unified under Christ. These divisions distorted that vision.

• Distracting from the Gospel’s Power: By focusing on human leaders, the church lost sight of the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

• Weakening Their Witness: A divided church could not effectively represent the message of reconciliation and love central to the Gospel.

Paul’s Growing Concern in 2 Corinthians

By the time Paul wrote 2 Corinthians (55–57 AD), his concerns had escalated. Reports from Corinth revealed that while some had repented, others persisted in their divisiveness, questioning Paul’s authority and embracing false teachings. This prompted Paul to defend his apostleship and address the divisions with even greater urgency.

Paul’s alarm stemmed from several key issues:

• Persistent Divisions: Despite his earlier corrections, factions continued to undermine his leadership and the church’s unity.

• Influence of False Teachers: Paul referred to “super-apostles” in 2 Corinthians 11:5—individuals who sowed discord and distorted the Gospel for personal gain.

• Spiritual Decline: These divisions and false teachings threatened to erode the church’s foundation, pulling believers away from their “sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Paul’s Vision for Unity

Across both letters, Paul passionately appealed for reconciliation and unity under Christ. He reminded the Corinthians that their allegiance belonged to Jesus, not human leaders:

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." —Apostle Paul

In 2 Corinthians, Paul’s warnings took on an even more urgent tone:

"But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ." —Apostle Paul

Paul envisioned a church marked by love, humility, and spiritual maturity—qualities that transcend the petty divisions threatening its fellowship and witness. His timeless call remains a challenge to today’s believers: reject division, embrace unity, and keep Christ as the ultimate foundation of faith.

A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand

Jesus made it clear:

"Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." —Jesus of Nazareth

So why are we surprised that those who claim to follow Jesus have lost their power? Why are we shocked that the world doesn’t take “Christians” seriously? When the church is more concerned with defending its brand and doctrines than embodying the love and power in the Kingdom of God, it becomes just another divided empire.

Let me be blunt: Christianity is not the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom is a realm of unity, authority, power, and freedom under the reign of Christ. Christianity, on the other hand, is a fractured system of man-made rules, traditions, and power structures. It’s everything Jesus came to destroy.

Jesus Didn’t Preach Christianity—He Preached the Kingdom

Jesus didn’t come to start a religion. He didn’t die to establish denominations, build church buildings, or create doctrinal statements. He came to bring the Kingdom of God—a realm of power, purpose, and relationship with the Father.

Jesus wasn’t interested in reforming the religion of the day; He came to replace it with the Kingdom of God. He was a revolutionary, not a reformist. His mission was rooted in freedom—freedom from the heavy burdens of religious legalism, freedom from the fear of condemnation, and freedom to walk in relationship with the Father. The Kingdom is not about rules and rituals; it’s about living in the authority, power, and purpose that come from being fully aligned with God’s will. True freedom is found not in religion, but in the Kingdom—a realm where love, grace, and truth reign.

His mission wasn’t to tweak broken systems or improve flawed traditions but to establish something entirely new. The Kingdom of God isn’t a patch sewn onto the old garment of religion—it’s a completely new way of life, built on relationship with the Father, not rituals or rules.

Revolution, not reform—that’s the message of the Kingdom. Yet somewhere along the way, man decided the Kingdom wasn’t enough. We replaced the simplicity of Jesus’ message with a religion that glorifies division.

Why This Sin Is Overlooked

The reason no one talks about this is simple: exposing the sin of Christianity threatens the entire system.

• Leaders won’t challenge it because their power depends on it.

• Believers won’t confront it because it’s comfortable.

• And the world looks on in confusion because the church’s message is fractured, weak, and hypocritical.

Here’s the harsh reality: a divided church has no power to lead a world seeking unity, truth, and reconciliation.

The Kingdom Is the Answer

The “church” as written in the New Testament, translates from the Greek word ekklesia. Ekklesia is a combination of the Greek words kaleo (to call) and the prefix ek (out), which means "the called-out ones"—I call them Outliers.

It’s time for "the called out ones"—the Outliers—to unite and equip themselves to save their families and advance the Kingdom. If you’re tired of the division, hypocrisy, and powerless religion of Christianity, there’s good news: the Kingdom of God is still available.

The Kingdom is not a belief system, theology, doctrine, religion, denomination, or a set of rules. It is the reign and rule of God, a supernatural realm where His will is accomplished on earth as it is in heaven. In the Kingdom, believers live as its citizens, unified under Christ, walking in the authority He has given, and reflecting God’s power in every area of their lives.

• This is what Jesus preached.

• This is what Paul fought for.

• And this is what Christianity has abandoned.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." —Jesus

Reclaim What Religion Stole from You

Many people struggle to articulate the difference between the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached—marked by power and freedom—and the superficial, confusing religion of Christianity that many have inherited. Over the years, truth seekers have turned toward spirituality instead of Christianity because they saw the flaws in the religious system and in many of its followers.

This is why I created Outpost Groups.

In 2005, God revealed to me the vision for Outpost Groups—a global discipleship network and resource cooperative for the called out ones (the Outliers) who were fed up with routines and powerless religion, but wanted to walk with God and experience the power of the kingdom. During prayer, I heard Him say to create a decentralized network where believers could unite and be equipped with the mind of Christ, the heart of the Father, and the power of the Spirit.

These groups aren’t about building another system—they’re about reclaiming the simplicity and power of the early church: the ekklesia.

Early disciples of Christ were the called-out ones, the Outliers, not participants in Christianity as we know it today—the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, along with its beliefs and practices.

This Network Was Designed to Prioritize

• Conviction Over Program: Genuine faith and belief over structured religious activities.

• Movement Over System: Organic growth and action rather than rigid institutions.

What It Rejects

• Doctrinal Statements: Outpost Groups prioritize unity in Christ, rejecting divisive theological debates.

• 501(c) Non-Profit Constraints: Free from government oversight, the mission is guided solely by God’s Spirit.

• Hierarchical Leadership Structures: God grants each believer authority in Christ, emphasizing mutual accountability and Spirit-led participation.

• Performance-Based Faith: Faith flourishes through relationship with God, not through deeds, attendance, or financial contributions.

• Shame, Guilt, and Obligation: Motivation stems from love and freedom in Christ, not manipulation or obligation.

• Institutional Building Campaigns: Resources are invested in people and communities, not physical structures.

• Clergy Dependence: Every believer is empowered to hear directly from God and walk in their unique calling.

• Routine Over Relationship: Worship and connection with God are authentic, happening anywhere and anytime, rather than confined to rituals.

Instead, Outpost Groups form a community of unity—believers sharing resources to advance businesses, strengthen communities, and build families. Together, they live in authentic devotion to Christ, embodying the freedom, power, and purpose of the Kingdom

Outpost Groups leverage online connections while centering on personal, intimate gatherings—whether in homes, on outings in nature, or in workplaces. These gatherings, whether two or more, are about seeking God and experiencing His love and power.

This network of Outliers is designed to walk in the authority of sons and daughters of God, defeating Satan’s attacks instead of standing defenseless. Christianity has modeled “a form of godliness without power”—Outpost Groups exist to change that.

What Paul the Apostle Said About Christians

It was today’s Christians that Paul warned about in his letter to Timothy:
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." —Paul the Apostle

These weren’t “worldly” people, as Christians often describe those outside their faith. These were religious people with a form of godliness but no real power. Paul’s instruction was clear: have nothing to do with such people.

Breaking Free from the Cult of Christianity

If you’re ready to break free from the cult of Christianity and step into the Kingdom, it starts with reclaiming your identity, your authority, and your purpose.

That’s why I wrote The Good Cult.

In The Good Cult, I expose the lies of religion and show you how to live in the freedom and power of the Kingdom of God. This isn’t about tearing down faith—it’s about rebuilding it on a foundation of truth, unity, and purpose.

Transformation Happens in Community

But reading a book isn’t enough. True transformation happens in community. 

That’s why we’ve created Outpost Groups, a global fellowship of Kingdom-minded leaders who refuse to settle for the mediocrity of Christianity.

Outpost Groups are where believers come together to:

• Live boldly.

• Think differently.

• Embrace the lifestyle of the Kingdom.

Are you ready to leave behind the powerless form of religion and step into the fullness of the Kingdom?

Enter the Movement—The Outlier Brand

Fellowship rooted in authenticity, freedom, shared purpose, and an openness to the tangible presence and power of God.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” —Jesus

Outpost Groups foster genuine connection, spiritual empowerment, and Kingdom advancement.

Why Outpost Groups Matter

Outpost Groups meet the deep yearning for koinonia—a Greek word describing close, intimate fellowship marked by shared purpose and mutual encouragement.

By reclaiming the simplicity and power of the early church, Outpost Groups prioritize:

• Unity Over Division: Building bridges, not walls, to strengthen relationships and shared purpose.

• Empowerment Over Control: Encouraging every member to grow, contribute, and lead.

• Encounter Over Routine: Seeking God’s power to transform lives in real, tangible ways.

• Movement Over System: Prioritizing dynamic growth and action over rigid structures.

• Conviction Over Program: Rooting every gathering in heartfelt belief and purpose rather than religious activities.

Outpost Groups are not a return to religion—they are a call to rediscover the Kingdom lifestyle Jesus intended. They offer the freedom, power, and purpose needed to create a lasting impact both personally and within the faith community.

Take Action

This is your chance to break free from religion, connect with others who share your vision, and step into the life you were created for.

Christianity is the sin no one wants to talk about. But now that you know the truth, what will you do? 

This is an invitation, not an obligation. 

Will you stay loyal to a system that divides and deceives? Or will you step into the unity, freedom, and power of the Kingdom of God?

• Pick up The Good Cult.

• Start an Outpost Group.

• Begin living the bold, unapologetic life of the Kingdom.

Vist TheOutlierBrand.com to get started. 

Be Pure. Stay Savage. Live Boldly.
—Trevor Dunbar