“When I read that, it struck me as something many other frum cults have- an overwhelming focus on one figure and the elevation of said figure to a godly status that can never be questioned. Thoughts?”
How bout Sefer hamitzvos:
“Respecting the Sages
“You shall stand up before an elderly person and give respect to a sage”—Leviticus 19:32.
We are commanded to accord respect to Torah scholars and respectfully rise for them. Although everyone is required to respect sages, even one Torah scholar must respect another of equal stature, this mitzvah is compounded with regards to the respect a student is expected to have for his teacher.
A student is required to respect and revere his teacher, he is forbidden to challenge his teachings, and always must give him the benefit of the doubt. Indeed, our Sages tell us,
******”Your reverence for your teacher must be akin to your reverence for G‑d.”*****