In two previous posts, Janice Hutchinson’s work in her book, “Out of the Cults and Into the Church” (copyright 1994, Kregal Pub.) is referenced. Those links are here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=261 and here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2235 .  Janis, as an ex-Mormon, works mainly with ex-Mormons.  She has taken on the task of helping others make the transition from cult groups to the Christian church. While reading the first part of this book, I have been so shocked in some ways that ex-Mormons would have the same struggles as former Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) members!

    The format Ms. Hutchinson uses to present her information is a synthesis or compilation of many sessions spent with former cult members. She draws on her experience in actual real life cases to give insight for those wanting to help ex-cultists.  In chapter 3 of her book, titled “Conflict of Soul”, she explains how certain “losses” are emotionally traumatic to an ex-cultist. One way to look at the “losses” of former cult members would be to say that these are areas, which cults perform well in meeting certain needs. The items in the list may or may not be true for all former WOFF members. My belief is that not all WOFF members experience the same level or measures of mind control. There are group control efforts and individual control measures used. Nevertheless, I will comment on the areas I experienced in hopes of helping others in the same or similar situation.

    An area of “loss” for former cult members is listed as “loss of absolute answers”. “Dress standards, health habits, and moral guidelines, all the way to world problems are authoritatively answered by cults. (page 62) Ms. Hutchinson goes on the say that former cult members may feel that Christian churches don’t give them the absolute answers on the many subjects. That can leave them feeling a loss or need for direction. A need for someone to tell them what is right and wrong.

   During my time at WOFF, very rarely were you ever left to figure things out for yourself. There were rules for almost everything. There were so many rules and “don’ts”, it was hard to remember them all. But, the folks around you could help you remember. Jane Whaley would certainly help folks remember. I still have occasions where a situation will arise and the thought comes, “We don’t do that.” Or “We don’t say that…” or “We don’t wear that.”  Old tapes and behavior patterns go away slowly and are hard to just erase.

    If you have not read the series explaining “WOFF Don’ts” see this link.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=650 start there and don’t miss the list here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/WOFFdontlist-03-10.doc   

    Later in chapter 3, the “group” discusses a list of Biblical guidelines that could replace the list of do’s and don’ts issued by each of their cult groups. All guidelines were supported by scripture. In pondering the list, the question was posed, “Is there a need to replace “cult rules” with Christian “rules” because there is still a “fear mentality” from the cult? For so long we (cult members) believed if we did not live up to the rules we would incur disapproval?”(page 73) This scripture was then suggested;

¹⁵For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.^[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,^[b] Father.”  (Rom. 8:15 New International Version)

    Certainly, this passage does not say we are to live be a list of “do’s and DON’TS”; that is what the Jewish people attempted under the Old Covenant. A “rule” list can be written as in some groups, or verbal and fluid as at WOFF. My experience at WOFF showed that a verbal list was more fluid and adapted well to the leader acquiring more “fear-based power”. The leader, Jane Whaley, could then not only give the rules, but define them and imprint them on the minds of the people with her “authority”.   For those who are true believers, living by the Holy Spirit is God’s plan. It is His purpose to lead Christians into good works and away from the bad works. How can a man-made list replace the Spirit of God? But, in religious cult groups, this is exactly what is attempted. I know I lived in it for years at WOFF.  

     As I have read this book by Hutchinson, I am shocked in many ways to see that religious cults have many of the same traits and characteristics. The methods remain almost constant from group to group. The outcomes remain constant, also.  

    Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

    Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

      (Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) This is post number 109.