In my home, I have a four shelf cart I use as a bookcase along with another four shelf bookcase, in the main living area. In the cart on the right are books mainly purchased before my time at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). In the bookcase on the left are books purchased after my leaving of WOFF in July of 2008. The physical space between them is about 18 inches. The gulf of time between the groupings of book represents about 16 years. Let me explain.

    During my time attending the church in South Carolina, I bought few books. In fact, the only books I can remember buying were bicycle repair manuals and a few gardening books. My Dad also gave me a few gardening books, which at this time; I need another shelf to display them. I do remember being given a book, written by Andrew Murray, by someone in the Greenville church during the time there.

    Previous to moving to Greenville, SC in 1992, I had purchased many books which were mainly by Christian authors or Bible reference books. There began a purge in 1992 as my perception of the value of several of these books changed. The Christian books that have made it through the purges are stored on the four shelf cart on the right. The authors include Andrew Murray, Charles Finney, Leonard Ravenhill, Watchman Nee, Martin Luther, John Wesley, F. B. Meyer, R.A. Torrey, A.W. Tozer and others. There are biographies of D.L. Moody, Charles Finney, Rees Howells, John G. Lake and more. I have read many of these in years past. However, during the time in Greenville, the books were stored in boxes and only reviewed when I felt a need to read a book by Finney or Murray.

     The book purging increased as we made the move to WOFF. More of these books became off limits or unnecessary as “we had moved on from that point” and did not need that revelation any longer. One time, I asked the “Holocaust teacher” about a certain author and his works. She said, “I would like to look at anything you are wanting to read- first.” Consider the deep irony surrounding this event.  Letting her review my books never happened as I kept my books to myself. I had seen what happened to folks who were caught with “contraband”. The books stayed for years in the basement. At times, I would rotate one or two out into my briefcase and read it on break at work or in the evenings. During the years at WOFF, I cannot remember buying or being given any books except more gardening books from my Dad. These appeared safe. However, after throwing away some “Birds and Blooms” magazines because of the mention of holidays in them, I was not too sure about any book. ( here is the link to a previous post about covering pictures in books at WOFF…  http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=284 )

     So what do regular members at WOFF read besides their Bible? I am not sure, since only one fellow ever mentioned to me that he was reading a history book for pleasure. In the beginning, I don’t think other books were “approved”. As more members started going to college, more textbooks and other reading books were seen in the church. Well, at first, the college textbooks were dealt with discretely, so as not to stir up the children’s curiosity. More recently, a member who is a public school librarian would bring in reference books and history type books to sell to parents. (after approval from Jane Whaley or her daughter.) Soon thereafter, children’s Bibles with pictures were allowed as well as other children’s books. I am not sure at what point, but in order to look like a more normal private school seeking accreditation, WOFF included a limited library in the Christian school. Rest assured, if you had no business looking at a textbook or any other book and you were seen just flipping through, you could be called out.

     There would be no surprise to say my collection of books did not grow while at WOFF.  In fact, the collection shrank. Upon my departure, I still did not consider buying books for the first few months. There was too much to sort through and learn otherwise. But, one Friday night in the Goodwill store in Shelby, NC; I ventured to look at the used book section. Honestly, I kept looking over my shoulder to see if any WOFF members had come into the store and would find me looking at the books! It still was that much of a “no-no” in my mind. I don’t remember what I bought, but it was probably history or biography type books. It was officially over. The ban on book buying had been lifted. I found a few at used bookstores. Oh, Amazon.com came to be my partner in “crime”. “Churches That Abuse” by Ronald Enroth may have been my first purchase from Amazon. I found “Slave and Citizen”, a book about Fredrick Douglass written by Nathan Irvin Huggins at a thrift store for 0.49 cents! ( see post on this book.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=558 )

     Next may have been the two books by Steven Hassan. The book shelf on the left is now full and I have started storing books on a shelf on another stand. For sure, I have found a deep interest for books written by cult survivors and professionals about mind control and cult involvement. And for every “King of Euphemisms”, what collection would be complete without a book titled—“The Vocabulary Builder” by S. Stephenson Smith. (copyright 1947 Vail-Ballou Press) Also, another find was the “Word Menu” by Stephen Glazier, (copyright 1992 Random House) this is the “Ultimate One-Volume Resource for Finding and Using Words”. Another source for books has been public libraries with “used book” sales! Recently, I bought a book titled “Mystery of the Ages” by Herbert W. Armstrong. What a research resource this will be! Herbert Armstrong’s Worldwide Church of God was a religious cult that was in existence for many years. A few weeks ago I met a man who had come out of that group after 30 years… see link for the post.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=903

    The span between the cart holding the pre-WOFF books and the bookcase holding post-WOFF books is quite a symbol to me. Many years have passed between these two groups of books. I am glad that the banning of books or the strict monitoring of reading material from “spiritual leaders” is over.

    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.

      (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 106.