Over the last couple of weeks I have heard more and more disturbing information about this strange Christian sect called Shofar . The straw that broke that proverbial camel's back was when a fellow blogger informed me that he had had his website taken down by this cult.

I decided to do a little more investigation and what I have found out scares the heck outta me. This cult activly goes around to pubs and clubs, harassing and recruiting vulnerable lonely youth for sect.

The more I learnt about this cult sect, the more I was reminded of Scientology. People in this cult are "not allowed" to date people outside of their cult. Reminds you of Scientologist's "disconnects" does it not? However Shofar take it to a new level. Not only are you not allowed to date someone outside of this cult, but you have to date someone on the same "level" as you (apparently you get levels 1-7). Simple things like holding hands is also considered taboo.

This cult actively talks about "harvesting souls" for the "Lord of the Harvest". When reading their site I had to keep reminding myself that I was not reading up on ancient Celtic pagan sect, but rather a 'supposed' "Christian Church" in South Africa.

A bit more research revealed the following comments from people in the area who have had the misfortune on been on the receiving end of their brainwashing techniques.

A religious sect registered as an official University of Stellenbosch society is fighting for the hearts and minds of impressionable students.

Academics have spoken out against the sect, known as the Shofar Christian Church, and have said they believe "some brainwashing" is involved, prompting students to walk out of lectures in protest.

Shofar is the Hebrew word for ram's horn.

Also opposed to the church is documentary film-maker Jan Dekker, who says he's going to make a film about it called Devil's Church, claiming it is "violating" members' human rights.

But church members say Dekker's hostility stems from his love for a woman member who doesn't want to have anything to do with him.  The church says he is "stalking" her.  Dekker has admitted he is in love with the woman.

Concerns about whether the church is a "fringe cult" have been raised by some Stellenbosch University lecturers, parents and students.  Some members of the broader Stellenbosch community are also worried.

The university initiated an inquiry into the organisation after student newspaper Die Matie ran an article.

The church is the subject of a heated debate on various Internet websites and blogs.  Even Facebook.com has two groups set up, one called "Shofar is evil and must be stopped", and another called "Shofar is a cult".