Cultish

Tony Robbins, NLP, and the Battle for Your Mind

Aug 13, 2025
Marcia Montenegro, a former astrologer and New Ager turned Christian, dives deep into the world of Tony Robbins and the self-help movement. She analyzes the implications of his teachings and the ethical concerns surrounding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). The conversation highlights the potential idolatry of self-help philosophies and calls for critical thinking amid persuasive rhetoric. Marcia provides a unique perspective, urging listeners to discern genuine spirituality from manipulative tactics. It's an eye-opening exploration of personal development and faith.
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INSIGHT

Robbins Echoes New Thought Theology

  • Marcia argues Tony Robbins' affirmations reflect New Thought theology, e.g., "I am one with God" and "infinite intelligence."
  • She suggests these present-tense affirmations reveal a pantheistic, self-focused worldview.
INSIGHT

Results Don't Prove Spiritual Truth

  • Marcia warns that apparent results from self-help can be coincidental or due to other effort, not spiritual truth.
  • She stresses "just because it works" does not make a practice godly or true.
INSIGHT

Simplistic Roots For Complex Problems

  • Marcia and hosts critique Robbins' habit of attributing complex problems to single causes like father relationships.
  • They call that simplification misleading and insufficient for true healing.
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