After a short break, we are back to the subject at hand. Here is the ending paragraph and quote from that first post in this series:
“We will review further information which helps define “cults” and “religious cults” in the next post. What are some common characteristics in “religious cults”? Who joins a religious cult? How do folks get involved or recruited in these groups? Why is it important to study and know about this subject of cults?”
We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them. Livy
The first post ended with this quote and text. Let’s start there in our understanding of the word “cult” and more specifically “religious cult”. In order to put to rest the inordinate fear of cults, let’s take time to learn about them. What are common characteristics of cults? What are the control methods used in cults and how can we be alert so not be trapped in a cult or other controlling group?
The term “cult” has many negative connotations in our society today. Here is a definition from one source: cult (followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader) from a word search for “cult” found here…. http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu . This definition includes words such as “unorthodox”, “extremist”, “false religion”… The connotation is clear. In my opinion, which comes from time inside and outside of WOFF; I believe Word of Faith Fellowship would qualify under this definition.
The term “religious cult” would be a cult that has as its foundation some religious or “divinely inspired” beliefs and/or rituals. For example, as mentioned in the previous post, these groups may use the Bible or some other inspired writings for their foundation. To my surprise over the last few months, I have learned of these groups in religions other than Christianity! Control and its effects are felt and known in religions all over the world!
Some of the common characteristics of religious cults are listed below.
- Group is personality driven. A strong charismatic leader holds tremendous sway over the members.
- Group practices isolation. The comings and goings of members is monitored and restricted in many ways, cutting off family members and any dissenting voices.
- Religious cults will most often exhibit a persecution complex. It is often “us vs. them.”
- These groups will teach that those who leave are flawed and there is no good reason to leave.
(extracted from article listed here- http://www.rickross.com/reference/brainwashing/brainwashing56.html )
Ronald M. Enroth in “Churches That Abuse” (copyright 1992 held by author) reviews several testimonies of survivors of abusive churches. The stories are sad and yet I have no trouble believing the content because of what I have been through over the last several years. He states certain characteristics of abusive churches that I will quote, “Abusive churches, past and present, are first and foremost characterized by strong control-oriented leadership. These leaders use guilt, fear, and intimidation to manipulate and keep members in line. Followers are led to think that there is no other church quite like theirs and that God has singled them out for special purposes. … Subjective experience is emphasized and dissent is discouraged. Many areas of member’s lives are subject to scrutiny. Rules and legalism abound. People who don’t follow the rules or who threaten exposure are often dealt with harshly. Excommunication is common. …” (page 32-33) He uses the term “abusive churches”, I liken that term to “religious cult”. As far as I know, he never spoke to WOFF survivors. But, for those readers who are former WOFF members, does this sound like WOFF?! This book as one of the first I read during the time of my departure. The churches and their leaders featured in this book were so like my experience at WOFF; that while I was reading the book, I would exclaim aloud “WOW!”- or start crying in disbelief. One of the major things to get over when leaving groups like WOFF is the thought that the experience in that group is unique. It is not.
What kinds of people join religious cults or more specifically, what kind of folks joined WOFF? First, let me dispel the notion that intelligence or lack thereof, has anything to do with being a cult. WOFF had/has doctors, nurses, lawyers, an assistant district attorney, teachers, public school administrators, financial directors, company vice presidents, as well as very successful businessmen and women. We have already mentioned they have their own private detective. There were/are construction workers, factory workers, office personnel. WOFF young people have done very well in colleges and universities. So, intelligence has no bearing on who joins a cult. One common characteristic is that each one longs to be true to what they believe is their purpose and call.
Many, including myself, were recruited or allowed to join through friends or family members. Jane Whaley approves every member who joins. Many come when they are at a personal crisis in their life or in the life of a relative. The tactic cited in other groups of “love bombing” is common at WOFF. In many ways, there is a “courtship” once Jane “feels that WOFF is your place”. I have seen this over the years and at times it made me feel sick. There is a “honeymoon” period after the” marriage” or relationship with WOFF begins for the new member. It differs for each person, but soon thereafter the restraints begin and behavior modification intensifies. You may be moved into a shared housing situation. You may be required to put your things in storage. All of this would be “for the call of God to be fulfilled in your life…”, right? What would you not give up in order to “walk with God?” Eventually, the new member will learn the “WOFF Don’t List..” here WOFF Don’t list 03 10
In my opinion, learning about the subject of mind control and cults cannot be overstressed. Many innocent folks of all ages and backgrounds come in contact with religious cults and do not have the discernment or tools to rightfully assess a group and its affect on members. These encounters can change their lives forever! I did not see the encroachment on personal freedoms and destruction that WOFF was exercising in my situation. It has cost me dearly. Am I worried that someone considering a group that is NOT a cult will read this blog and dismiss a valid opportunity for membership in a “normal” church? No. Additionally, as Ronald Enroth acknowledged about his work, because his book was critical of other Christians, he ran the risk of being labeled “judgmental” or arrogant. (page 9) I too, run the same risk, however, because the foundation of the blog rests on my experience INSIDE WOFF; I leave the labeling to other folks. I do not claim 100% clarity in my memories and as each days passes and I learn more; my perspective of the mind control dynamics used at WOFF becomes clearer.
It has taken a long while, but my opinion is sure, I am now comfortable with calling WOFF a religious cult and Jane Whaley a religious cult leader. Along with this recognition, I know that many precious folks were/are members of WOFF. They are struggling in many ways, as I did, to obey the many rules and changing edicts, while rearing their children as best they can. Being in a religious cult, shunning your family that is on the outside, not celebrating holidays, not participating in community activities and basically living in a sub-culture- does not make you less of a person or undeserving of the love God. Cult members should not be demeaned or slighted in any way when it comes to respect. In my opinion, having been in this group for years, regular WOFF members are struggling to serve God in faith and sincerity. Prayers are to be offered for them and those like them, who need light to come.
“Nobody joins a cult. Nobody joins something they think is going to hurt them. You join a religious organization, you join a political movement. Most of all you join a group of people you really like!” These are the words of Deborah Layton on the PBS Home Video- “Jonestown” (copyright 2007).
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.
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(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. ) Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 133.
That is so true, you really like the people in the church. I had many close friends. I do miss them, we use to have a lot of fun together in the early years of the church. But, it got where your activities with them became less and less because the church was getting “more strict” on activities and what you could talk about. You never knew when a conversation you had with someone would turn into a major deal and you would be “punished”. It became increasingly hard to be close within the church because everyone watched every word or thing you did, so they could report your sin.