In today’s social media age, we are inundated with personalities who seem to have all the answers. These individuals host podcasts, run talk shows, and often write bestselling books. They are lauded as empowerment experts and modern-day philosophers, claiming to hold the key to personal success and happiness. But beneath the surface of their polished images lies a troubling truth: many of these so-called thought leaders are merely repackaging age-old religious teachings—particularly those rooted in the Bible—and passing them off as their own.

A significant portion of these empowerment figures borrow heavily from Christian theology, especially from the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. Concepts of silence, humility, and transformation through suffering, which are foundational to Christianity, are spun into trendy self-help mantras. Yet, rather than acknowledging the spiritual roots of these ideas, these “prophets” claim them as original thoughts, all while distancing themselves from any form of religious belief.

This, in essence, is a modern form of plagiarism. They take what is good and pure, the values of God, and present it without giving credit to the source—often removing the spiritual depth and reducing it to a consumer-friendly package. They market themselves as authorities, gaining millions of followers, while those who humbly dedicate their lives to the teachings of Christ, like priests and nuns, are overlooked and dismissed because they don’t live in multimillion-dollar homes or have glamorous lifestyles.

Why are we so easily captivated by these false prophets? It’s simple: they know how to sell a glamorous image. They package their message in a way that appeals to our desire for success, wealth, and approval. Their luxury lifestyles and massive social media followings make it easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking they must know something we don’t. But in reality, they are leading people astray by glossing over the spiritual essence that empowers true transformation.

If we were to truly understand the message of Christ—His crucifixion, His silence, His dying to self—we would see that the path to resurrection and rebirth is not through material success or glamorous lifestyles. It’s about humility, surrender, and giving up one’s ego. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life,” and when these social media figures strip away His teachings and replace them with shallow soundbites, they lead people further away from the truth.

The priests and spiritual leaders who live humbly, rooted in the teachings of Christ, may not have glamorous platforms, but their message is authentic. They offer the genuine path to peace and fulfillment, grounded in centuries of wisdom and spiritual practice. It’s time we start recognizing the truth in simplicity and stop glorifying those who exploit sacred teachings for personal gain.

These false prophets disguise themselves as purveyors of wisdom and purity, but beneath their curated images are cracks, contradictions, and a lack of true love. When you look deeper, you’ll find that what they offer is hollow. America’s social media landscape is rife with these figures, but we must learn to see beyond the surface and seek out the real truth—a truth that can only be found when we give God the credit He is due.