We are continuing on the subject of thought reform. This post is the ninth in a series which will tell what thought reform is and what behavior is evidence of a thought reform environment. Our reference book is “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism” by Robert Jay Lifton (original copyright 1961, later published again in 1989, ISBN 0-8078-4253-2 [alk. Paper]). This work has been from Chapter 22 titled “Ideological Totalism”. The eighth post explained the “Doctrine Over Person” and how that affected members within WOFF. Next, we will review another characteristic of thought reform- “The Dispensing of Existence”. Did I see this characteristic of thought reform during my time at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF)? WOFF is run by Jane Whaley. As a review, I spent 16 years being involved in WOFF. My experience within the group is a “normal” one as far as I can tell.
In this post, we will examine the last characteristic of the totalist environment as explained by the author- Robert Jay Lifton. Before we go on, let it be known that by writing this series, I am not claiming to have the depth of understanding that the author possesses on this subject. Also, in no way will I pretend to have written a complete argument of the thesis that I experienced these same thought reform techniques while at WOFF. I found that each time I sat down to write, more remembrances from the past came forth in relation to previously mentioned thought reform techniques. So, in short, the aim of explaining the author’s observations in comparison to my experience is in reality – a work in progress. At this time, I cannot give a methodical explanation how Jane Whaley and her leadership took on these devices that were/are also found in Chinese thought reform. The author’s ideas on the origins of thought reform should be restated here: “…the coming together of immoderate ideology with equally immoderate individual character traits—an extremist meeting ground between people and ideas. (page 419) The first post in this series is worth a reread… http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3225
During a few of the ramblings of Jane Whaley in years past, she recounted the beginnings of WOFF; especially retelling about the time in the 80’s. Jane would say statements along these lines… Everyone had major devils, I could trust no one. I was up day and night casting devils out of everyone in the church. Sam had major religious systems.. She talked of being the only one who would stand for truth. She definitely shows how much she takes credit for the church even making it through that time. As a point of reference, could this be the time when “immoderate ideology” ( Everyone had/has major devils..) combined with immoderate individual character traits, ( Jane’s need to control and be in charge at ALL times..) — thus giving rise to the search for ways to implement her control goals and then the move toward totalistic control began? Remember- Jane submitted to no outside spiritual input (at times, she was braggadocios in telling that part..) and she ignored the “corrective modifications of other portions of the Word” .. as mentioned in this previous post found here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2896 We must move on.
Lifton writes about “The Dispensing of Existence” as a trait of a totalist environment. Put in simple terms, in the totalist world- the Movement or Organization leaders would assign personal worth based on a person’s position toward the goals, methods and direction of that group or movement. “The totalist environment draws a sharp line between those whose right to existence can be recognized, and those who possess no such right. … Being “outside the people,” the reactionaries are presumably nonpeople.”(page 433 emphasis added) In Lifton’s work, “the people” are in the Movement or totalistic group; the “reactionaries” are those outside the group. He is telling of the regimes that had taken sometimes very violent measures to change those who did not agree with them. Political prisoners were given a time to “show genuine progress in their reform” or face execution.
How did/does this correlate to members and former members of WOFF? During my time at WOFF, we were not told of any physical harm being done to former members who “attacked”? But, then why would Jane or others admit that? Read this post about a former member visiting WOFF.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=1285
In comparison, former members are cut off from family and “friends” that remain in WOFF. Once a person leaves, they are in essence a part of the “nonpeople”. Often people who had left WOFF would be referred to as a Judas, traitor, person on their way to hell, God-hater, liar and the like. If you leave and never say anything about your time there, then you may have a hope to “show genuine progress in your reform”, as Jane may consider you a candidate for rejoining WOFF. Some folks do go back after leaving. I feel sure there are different reasons for that.
Lifton goes on to explain why this attitude is essential to thought reform (cults) such as WOFF. “Are not men presumptuous to appoint themselves the dispensers of human existence? Surely this is a flagrant expression of what the Greeks called hubris, of arrogant man making himself God. Yet one underlying assumption makes this arrogance mandatory: the conviction that there is just one path to true existence, just one valid mode of being, and that all others are perforce invalid and false.” (page 434) How else could one better describe WOFF-life, WOFF attitudes and WOFF treatment of former members? Lifton points out the arrogance. He says it is essential to life in these groups. That would include cults. I never thought of WOFF-arrogance as essential. But, it makes sense having been there and done that. If Jane Whaley and her WOFFers were not arrogant and didn’t believe WOFF-life was THE only path, then their whole reason for being who they were/are would crumble and fall completely apart. In their thinking and justification of their choices, they would have no reason to be God’s “special” people. Arrogance must then be essential to being a WOFFer.
Lifton makes several other key observations about “The Dispensing of Existence” within a totalist environment. “Existence comes to depend on creed (I believe, therefore I am), upon submission (I obey, therefore I am) and beyond these, upon a sense of total merger with the ideological movement.” (page 434-435) I have seen this in my time at WOFF. Once you believe and obey then you are on your way to merging in as a complete, true WOFF member. Once you cease to believe and obey- you are out, unless you “find a place of repentance” and “lock back in with Jane”. (confess belief [in Jane] and promise to obey – once more.) To not believe in Jane definitely moves you to the group of “nonpeople”.
Conclusions
The author makes some keen points as he closes this chapter. He suggests that a group may ebb and flow in and out of totalist traits and that “the more clearly and environment expresses these eight psychological themes, the greater its resemblance to ideological totalism; and the more it utilizes such totalist devices to change people, the greater its resemblance to thought reform (or “brainwashing”).” In my years at WOFF, I saw all of these devices being used. At times, some were more common or easier to distinguish than others. But, the fabric of life at WOFF is interwoven with these control devices being used on its regular members, as well as leadership.
Lifton adds “No milieu ever achieves complete totalism.” (page 435) He admits that these environments “may offer a man an intense peak experience… But, these peak experiences, the result as they are of external pressure, distortion, and threat carry a great potential for rebound, and for equally intense opposition to the very things which initially seem so liberating.” (page 435) In my thinking, this aspect of thought reform and consequentially life at WOFF, gives the best reason for the constant drama that surrounds WOFF-life. It is obvious, to anyone who either lives inside of WOFF or in the community surrounding WOFF; there is ALWAYS personal or group drama of some type playing itself out. Why? Because individuals inside the group are ALWAYS looking to either repeat that “peak experience” or find a way to stay in the group that brought them or someone they know, an “intense peak experience”. They are fighting the constant battle on the inside to justify the “external pressure, distortion, and threat(s)” that brought the “peak experience”, while at the same time denying the “intense opposition” they find creeping its way into their heart and mind. Jane would call this “the devil trying to pull folks out of their place in God.” I call it trying desperately to make sense of an insanely twisted environment that has the potential to confuse and mar its members for years to come. Yes, another reason to call WOFF a sham.
Lifton also mentions this toward the end of Chapter 22, “During periods of cultural crisis and of rapid change, the totalist quest for the omnipotent guide leads men to seek to become that guide.” (page 437 emphasis added ) He is making statement in reference to individuals making sense of issues from as far back as their childhood. In general terms, could one say that when a person experiences certain types of intense searching or crisis, that they may in turn seek an “omnipotent guide”? In reaction to this search and through the eyes of their own strengths and weaknesses, they may then in turn “become that guide”? Could this have happened to Jane Whaley and/or other leaders of groups such as WOFF? Do these group leaders become their own “god”? It is worth considering.
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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 201.