233. Counterfeit vs. Holy Spirit: How to Discern What's Real with Riaan Swiegelaar233. Counterfeit vs. Holy Spirit: How to Discern What's Real with Riaan Swiegelaar
Strong Tower Mental Health with Heidi Mortenson
Heidi Mortenson talks with former satanic church leader Riaan Swiegelaar about his encounter with Jesus, the difference between discernment and a critical spirit, and how counterfeit spiritual practices can creep into church life. They focus on identity in Christ, deliverance, and a real relationship with the Holy Spirit as the basis for lasting freedom and mental strength.
49:19•30 Mar 2026
Counterfeit or Holy Spirit? Riaan Swiegelaar on Discernment, Freedom and Real Change
Episode Overview
- Spending time with God is presented as the foundation of true discernment, rather than relying on criticism or online "exposés".
- Riaan claims the most dangerous influence he has seen is a religious spirit that shames people and makes them doubt God’s love and their place in the body of Christ.
- The conversation highlights how occult-style practices and manipulation can be hidden inside church life when people chase prophecy or power instead of God Himself.
- Identity in Christ and personal relationship with Jesus are emphasised as key to freedom, authority, and long-term transformation.
- Riaan stresses obedience to God’s calling, saying he trusts he is safe when he stays obedient, and encourages believers to seek the Healer and Deliverer more than the experience itself.
“The most evil thing I've seen in my life is the religious demon that we see in churches, because it makes people question if God truly can love them.”
What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction, darkness, and spiritual confusion? This conversation between host Heidi Mortenson and guest Riaan Swiegelaar takes that question seriously, pressing into how you tell what’s truly from the Holy Spirit and what’s just a convincing fake.
Riaan shares his background as a former co-founder and leader of the South African Satanic Church, and how everything changed in May 2022 when, as he says, “Jesus actually came and met me as I was preparing for a satanic ritual.” From there, he talks about leaving the occult, walking with Christ, and now spending his days helping people out of satanism, the occult, and other forms of spiritual bondage. A big theme here is discernment.
Riaan and Heidi draw a sharp line between genuine discernment and a critical, religious spirit. Riaan doesn’t mince words: “The most evil thing I've seen in my life is the religious demon that we see in churches, because it makes people question if God truly can love them.” He argues that many Christians confuse criticism with discernment because, in his view, they haven’t spent enough time with God to actually recognise His voice.
You’ll also hear them talk about counterfeit spiritual practices inside churches—divination, manipulation dressed up as prophecy, and occult-flavoured methods sneaking into ministry. Riaan keeps pointing back to identity in Christ, time with God, and the work of the Holy Spirit as the real foundation for freedom, inner healing, and mental strength.
For anyone in recovery from addiction or other life-controlling issues, this episode speaks strongly about authority, grace, and why a real relationship with Jesus can break chains that pure willpower never could. It might leave you asking: whose voice have you been trusting, and what would change if you truly believed you are loved, free, and deeply known?
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