"Dying to Yourself" Mean in Netflix's Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult?

Discover the meaning of "dying to yourself" in Netflix's Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. Learn how the 7M community used this concept to control members and isolate them from their families.

Faheem Hassan

10/11/20241 min read

The 7M TikTok Cult
The 7M TikTok Cult

What Does "Dying to Yourself" Mean in Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult?

In Netflix’s documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, the phrase “dying to yourself” is a central concept used by the leaders of the 7M community and the Shekinah Church, particularly Robert Shinn. It refers to the idea of abandoning personal desires, individual needs, and, in some cases, even relationships with family. Followers were taught that this sacrifice was necessary to ensure spiritual growth and ultimate salvation.

According to former members, "dying to yourself" meant relinquishing one's own goals or personal relationships in order to be fully devoted to the church and its teachings. Many were encouraged to cut ties with family members, with the belief that distancing themselves would save their loved ones spiritually and help them get into heaven. This form of spiritual manipulation often led to isolation and estrangement, further deepening members' dependence on the group.

This tactic is commonly found in high-control religious environments, where members are urged to submit fully to leadership in exchange for promised spiritual benefits. In Dancing for the Devil, numerous individuals share their experiences of how this doctrine affected their lives, especially in severing family ties.

The phrase "dying to yourself" is also associated with broader themes of emotional and mental control, as group members were encouraged to sacrifice personal freedom for the perceived greater good of the collective. This, in turn, increased the authority and influence of the leadership over their followers.

For more insights, watch Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult on Netflix.