This next contradiction is such a common practice at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) that it may be difficult for present or former members to see. I did not see this contradiction until I left WOFF and read “Out of the Cults and Into the Church” (copyright 1994 Kregel Resources) by Janis Hutchinson. Ms. Hutchinson writes in chapter 7 about rituals and how they can impact those inside or outside cults. She also explains the power of symbols. A symbol “may act as a trigger for a former cult member to the cult… This effects powerful emotions, often misinterpreted as God confirming the cult.” She goes on: “A symbol only has the power given it by the individual who is observing it”. (page 145) Former cult members may confuse the “remembering” of spiritual feelings and devotion once experienced in the cult and think this is confirmation that they should return to the cult. I believe this is at least part of the answer for why former members return to WOFF.

    The contradiction for me was revealed in this statement made by Ms. Hutchinson- An observed symbol in a Christian church, whether object or Scripture may have traditional connotations for the Christian, but for the new convert (former cult member) it may act as a trigger to the cult.” (page 145) Before reading this, I had not thought of Scriptures as being “symbols”. But, while at WOFF, certain scriptures would be preached and thus became a part of the arsenal of scriptures that would be used to elicit an automatic response from a member. This “symbol” of certain Scriptures were  tools used to mold and hold folks from making certain decisions or actions.

   

     So where is the contradiction in this practice? Aren’t Christians supposed to observe the message(s) of Scripture? Yes, that is true. However at WOFF, certain Scriptures repeated over and over were used as thought stoppers and cognitive restraints in order for members to not question Jane Whaley’s “authority” and directions. Often only the chapter and verse reference need be quoted and the member would finish the verse in their head. Then the required action would seem so “spiritually right” since the person in authority had just quoted Scripture. There were certain basic foundational Scriptures that were used for behavior modification on a regular basis. In my opinion, the net effect negated true relationship with God and furthered a subservient relationship to Jane Whaley and the leadership at WOFF. Scriptures were not intended to be tools to make one person a servant to another.

     I can hear to WOFF members rushing to defend their lifestyle as “the way God has taught us to walk in righteous holy living”. Why should WOFF members be expected to reply in any other way? The support pillars of the fantasy castle called WOFF are made of blind faith and absolute obedience to Jane Whaley and her “gospel” that separates families. Jane’s use of Scriptures to demand absolute obedience to her designs and wishes is a direct contradiction to the intent of those Scriptures. Is she the only person to ever commit such a “crime”? No, but shall we excuse her because of that?

   Therefore, I will list a few of these tools of bondage used at WOFF. I have the utmost respect for God’s Word and that is the VERY reason I felt compelled to expose this most deceptive contradiction. For sure, I will not be able to list them all. Former members please, review these and send by email the ones that I have missed.

Job 36:5 – Behold! God is mighty, and yet despises no one nor regards anything as trivial; He is mighty in power of understanding and heart.  

This was used to justify even the smallest WOFF directed standard in the member’s lives. The post here is an example… The Toilet Paper Revelation .. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=243

John 5:30– ³⁰I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord–but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.

This was used to let member’s know they could not do (think) for themselves. They needed God (Jane) to help them know what to do… One thing was said- and another was meant- go to Jane.

Col 3:17 – ¹And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.

“Dependence upon His person” became translated – “checking it out” with Jane. What is “God” saying through her?

Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (King James Version)

This was used to keep fear in member’s heart that their own heart may deceive them, go check it out – with Jane. Again- pushing the reliance on Jane Whaley and not the Holy Spirit speaking to one’s heart. Going against Jane’s counsel was not the expected response, once she issued her decision. Did I need to mention that or was it too obvious?

Matt. 7:22-23– ²²Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (King James Version)

This was used to keep people in fear that they would miss God, if they left WOFF.

Romans 14:23 – But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].

This was used to justify not celebrating holidays of any sort. This practice had the effect of further separating members from family members outside the church.

2 Kings 2:23-24– And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

This scripture was used to keep folks from making fun or thinking bad about anyone in authority. (Jane) Just  a side note, Warren Jeffs used this same scripture to put fear in his members.

    Again, let me state affirm my reverence for God’s Word. The Scriptures listed above are rich in their original meaning and purpose. That is where the deception is so elusive. It is the net effect of how these Scriptures quotes are used that brings to bear on members at WOFF the emotional pressure to obey Jane and miss true relationship with God. Have I made it plain enough? There are more examples and it may be a subject for a future post. Please, comment whether you agree or disagree.

     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 other wise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 127.