For now, we continue on with yet more comparisons and observations from the book:  “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). We have been reviewing the insights from the author and comparing them to my experience at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) led by Jane Whaley. In the sixth post from this book we reviewed several characteristics of cults as put forth by Breese. The last one in the post was the “Enslaving Organizational Structure” as explained in chapter 10.  We have been comparing some aspects of these “Marks”, to what I have known about WOFF. As a note, I will not write full length posts on the entire list all of “The 12 basic errors of false religion” that are mentioned in the subtitle of this book. Reviewing each one in depth is not for this forum. However, a brief reading would affirm that out of the twelve listed errors, I have seen and experienced all of them during my time at WOFF.  I encourage readers to obtain their own copy and read this book.

   Breese states in Chapter 11 that a cult would/could display “Financial Exploitation” of its members. This was another chapter from which it was hard to only pull a few quotes. The author writes, “It is clear also from the Word of God that the Christian is never put under obligation to do, give, sacrifice or expend himself in any way in order to be more sure that the has the Gift of God which is eternal life.” (page 105 emphasis added) He continues, “The Word of God, however, is clear that service for Christ is a voluntary proposition on the part of the Christian, and nothing that he does will increase his own guarantee of eternal life.” (page 105) For those who are now or have been at WOFF, do these statements take your breath? I read them and found myself reeling with doubt then catching myself, as I saw this was old patterns of WOFF-think kicking in. Is “service for Christ” really voluntary? Do you mean that “pleasing Jane” or “doing the will of God- the WOFF way” does not get you on the inside track to heaven? Is this cause for pause?

     Yet more from Breese, “We have no teaching in the New Testament whatsoever that one develops an inside track with God or a greater certainty of salvation because of his giving.” (page 106)  The old WOFF tapes kick in.. “But, doesn’t God love a cheerful giver?”  Here is the scripture: “Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. 2Cor. 9:7 (Amplified, emphasis added) Seems like to me, that while WOFF ministers would stress the “cheerful giver” part, they would slip over and violate the “not …under compulsion” part.  After all, Jane admitted to checking to see who was tithing and giving offerings and then supporting other solicitations for gifts was a big deal… Am I the only former member who remembers this? Certainly Jane Whaley would not put anyone under compulsion to give- right? Read about “The $50,000 Offering” here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=245 You tell me… Former members: Did these things really hapen?

    More from our resource book, “By contrast they (the Apostles) said that a characteristic of false teachers was that they were those “supposing that gain is godliness” (1 Tim 6:5). (page 107)  Am I dreaming or what? Does anyone else remember Sam Whaley saying words to this effect, “If you are submitted to God’s will, He will bless you.” And who can forget the phrase from Sam and others, “You can’t out give God.”  At WOFF, “submitted to God’s will” was translated into doing what you were told by Jane or others in leadership. “He will bless you” was translated into cars, houses, clothes and the like. Truth is, I heard these things and believed them for years. This is an area that is still “on the shelf” as I examine what I believe. The goal is to separate Truth from “old WOFF tapes” that still play in my mind and thoughts. Much of what I hear from “old WOFF tapes” has been coming up short. Are there others out there who have experienced the same?

    “In the financial structure of the average cult, tithing is but the beginning. Then comes the real pressure. The follower, as the screw is turned, is exploited to the point of economic exhaustion.” (page 108) I have not only seen this at WOFF, but I have seen others in other churches who have “given to God” until it hurts. It hurts them in paying their bills and supporting their families. Safe to say, WOFF is not the only place where “Financial Exploitation” takes place, but it is one. This aspect only adds to the overall “cult-ture” and the heaviness of WOFF-life on those that participate in WOFFness.  

      “The consequence is that conscienceless religious leaders have provided for themselves massive homes, spacious estates, and large holdings in the commercial world. Some even quote as their excuse, No good thing will He [God] withhold form them that walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11). (KJV) What is this but wresting the Scripture to one’s own destruction?” (page 109) Here is a picture of Jane Whaley’s home.

    The story told to me, by Sam, was that a friend of Sam’s was dying of cancer and sold the 40+ acre estate to Sam and Jane for $150,000 to avoid foreclosure. This transaction could be verified at the courthouse. However, later in the saga of a court battle, Jane admitted to having to mortgage the estate to pay attorney bills. After that statement, as a regular member, I was never told if the mortgage was ever paid off and what happened to the debt. Maybe I missed that service? Then again, Jane has never been in the regular habit of sharing with members how she directs ministry funds to be spent. Maybe this has changed? Some things are changing at WOFF, or so I hear. That would be for another post. We will continue with more from this resource book in the next post.

    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 162.