A self-proclaimed messiah leading a virtual congregation through online platforms.
Raymond Elwood Howard-Lear, known on the internet as Lord RayEl, is a spiritual leader who proclaims to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Although he has gathered a growing cult-like following, captivating over 7,000 Twitter followers and nearly 8,000 individuals in his Facebook congregation, Lord RayEl’s past is shadowed with legal issues, including stalking and conspiracy, drawing widespread concerns and skepticism about his proclaimed messianic identity.
Early Life and Political Aspirations
Lord RayEl was born Raymond Elwood Howard-Lear on June 9, 1968 in Lynwood, Illinois. His early life saw a mix of endeavors, including unsuccessful runs in the Democratic primary for the Illinois 5th Congressional District in 2002, and with the Libertarian Party of Illinois in 2009.
Aside from his political pursuits, Howard-Lear also engaged in community activism. He served as the commander of the Chicago chapter of the Guardian Angels, an organization committed to fighting crime through community volunteer efforts. Additionally, he claimed to have established a US Naval Sea Cadet Corps to work with children. But, his background also included more controversial business ventures, such as running an online casino and being linked to a smutty magazine, further complicating the public’s perception of him.
Movement and Beliefs
Lord RayEl’s his life took a significant turn in 2011 when he proclaimed himself to be the risen Christ and declared that he had descended from heaven over Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. This event, reportedly witnessed by multiple individuals and captured on an Israeli government weather camera, marked the beginning of his movement.
Lord RayEl’s followers, known as the International Congregation of Lord RayEl, or the RayElites, believe in his divinity and the fulfillment of prophecies. They point to celestial events, such as the appearance of a second sun and fireballs coinciding with his pronouncements, as evidence of his divinity. Additionally, the Torah Code, a hidden message system within religious texts, is cited as validation of Lord RayEl’s claims.
His followers claim to have experienced significant, but varied, life changes as a result of their involvement in the movement. Some have reported a deep sense of purpose and spiritual fulfillment, while others have faced criticism and ostracization from their families and communities. Despite the controversies, Lord RayEl continues to deliver his teachings, emphasizing the need for Christian love and financial support in the form of tithes to him. His messages include a mix of religious teachings, fear-mongering, and calls to action.
Following the Phenomenon Online
Lord RayEl’s approach to leadership and religious teaching is unconventional in that he does not host large physical gatherings or have a large church. Instead, his influence is exerted through online platforms, where he has built a virtual congregation, allowing him to reach a global audience. He utilizes various online videos and social media platforms to disseminate his messages, which often include grandiose claims about his divine nature and apocalyptic warnings. He has gained a significant following, with thousands of Facebook likes and YouTube subscribers. However, his influence is not limited to the digital realm, as he has also made public appearances and delivered speeches to his followers.
His online presence is managed predominantly through The International Congregation of Lord RayEl, a group that operates under the guidance of appointed clergy on platforms such as Facebook and VK. Interestingly, RayEl himself does not engage directly with followers; instead, he communicates through the clergy of this group. From 2011 to March 2019, Lord RayEl’s online activity was sporadic, with only a few videos and tweets released. However, in March 2019, he made a notable appearance when he was anointed by a member of the clergy in a live Facebook feed. This event marked a resurgence in his online presence and continued to fuel the curiosity and dedication of his followers.
The online narrative surrounding Lord RayEl includes various claims and prophecies, one of which involved a follower, Cardinal Richard Ruff from Toowoomba, Australia. Ruff, who identifies as a “Prime Cleric” in the “Ecumenical Order of Christ,” claiming to have discovered a Bible code in November 2013 that predicted an individual named “Adam M” would bring public exposure to RayEl in February 2014. This prophecy was linked to former San Diego State running back Adam Muema, who publicly stated that he was following the instructions of God and believed in Lord RayEl. Lord RayEl acknowledged Muema in a tweet, further connecting the prophecy to real-world events and adding to the online phenomenon.
Controversial Teachings and Claims
Lord RayEl’s teachings and declarations have sparked a multitude of responses, ranging from devout belief to outright skepticism. His movement, often labeled as a cult, has been both defended and derided, with the following controversial aspects frequently cited:
- Misuse of Sacred Texts: Lord RayEl is known to quote the Bible, Torah Code, and Quran, but critics argue that these citations are often taken out of context to support his claims to divinity. This selective interpretation has led to debates about the authenticity and integrity of his teachings within religious communities.
- Cult Allegations: The term ‘cult’ carries with it a heavy stigma, and it is one that has been associated with Lord RayEl’s following. Critics raise concerns about the potential for manipulation and exploitation, citing the group’s intense devotion to a single leader and the expectation of financial contributions as red flags, creating a potential for psychological harm and an erosion of personal autonomy.
- Hoaxes and False Prophecies: The credibility of Lord RayEl has been further undermined by his involvement in several perceived hoaxes. His influence also reportedly derailed the NFL prospects of Adam Muema, a young man who believed in Lord RayEl’s divinity. These incidents have contributed to the skepticism surrounding his claims and have led to accusations of him being a false prophet.
- Criminal Background: Lord RayEl also has a history of legal troubles, charges of stalking, conspiracy to commit confinement, and several instances of legal confrontations with his ex-wife. In 2003, he was arrested for attacking his ex-wife and later sentenced to prison. Despite being released early, he was re-arrested for accosting his ex-wife again and was sentenced to additional time. His past is often seen as at odds with the moral and ethical standards expected of a religious leader, which has fueled debates about his legitimacy. Skeptics also argue that RayEl’s background as a failed politician raises further doubts about his credibility.
The future of Lord RayEl’s influence is uncertain, with ongoing debates about the legitimacy of his claims and the impact of his teachings. As the discussions continue, the movement’s trajectory remains a topic of interest and concern for both followers and critics alike.
Conclusion
Lord RayEl’s movement reveals a mix of his bold statements and the doubts people have about him saying he’s divine. While his supporters firmly believe in him, others question and criticize him, showing how he can both draw people in and make others skeptical. The story of Lord RayEl is filled with both legal issues and unbelievable claims, making people rethink what they believe about spirituality and leadership.
When examining Lord RayEl’s controversial statements, we not only see the challenges he faces but also how his situation affects new religious groups in today’s internet-driven world. As Lord RayEl keeps sharing his ideas, the conversation could grow, shedding light on how religion, technology, and personal identity come together.
image via Facebook
