A survivor of a religious cult group called –“Exclusive Brethren” (EB) has taken the list of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) “don’ts” that was posted earlier on this blog and reviewed it for similarities. The survivor who we will call “Paul” has taken the list and commented after every few rules with his observations. The list of “don’ts” can be found here. (WOFF Don’t list from 03 10) The first post about Exclusive Brethren on this blog can be found here. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3198
These comments are from an email returned to me from “Paul”. His comments about EB will be italicized after he quotes from the WOFF list. My comments will be after his comments.
Comparing the list between WOFF and the Exclusive Brethren– From Paul
WOFF- Do’s-
You will be required to attend every service. If for some reason
unforeseen at this time, you miss a service; you will be required to
listen to the tape at the church. (Death, severe illness and surgery may
be considered excused absences.)
EB- Yes, in the early stages of the cult known as the Exclusive Brethren
which here after will be refer to as the EB, there was a rule of strict
adherence of need to be attending all services .Members risked being put
under assembly discipline by way of separation for a period of time, and
ex–communication for any who were not repentant or those who became
repeat offenders. However, these days these rules have needed to become
relaxed a little, this being because of fear of losing to many of the
youth should these rules be kept as strict as they once were …. (in my
opinion) Public scrutiny has also played a big part in the relaxing of
these rules, the EB doesn’t want to seen as a domineering cult by the
public. (That is what WOFF needs- PUBLIC SCRUTINY!)
WOFF-
You will be required to tithe (10% of your gross earnings) give
offerings. Jane will check your records from time to time.
EB: As I have previously mentioned there has been some “expectations”
around these issues. At this time, I would like to also add; (at this
present time) many members within the EB are now fast becoming a little
angry about the way they seem to have been used as cash cows. In some
areas (inside information) seems to suggest there is some general unrest
growing.
WOFF- You will be required to smile on command. This is called “keeping
your happy face”.
EB- I cannot honestly say this was an actual rule …. However, you were
certainly not expected to show any disapproval of the M.O.G. (MAIN
LEADER) or even those other men delegated as his henchmen that existed
in each sub area. People might have aired disapproval, but would have
been very careful about doing so in public among other members. Plenty
have sure been withdrawn from, for daring to be getting involved in
such type of practices
WOFF- You will be required to participate in group work projects. Enjoy it.
We have need of many skills.
EB- Once again not any written rule… But, yes, though unwritten it was
still most certainly also an expectation of the EB members. Anyone who
didn’t get involved, would soon get a visit from the local head honcho,
who would surely want to know reason why not. (Paul missed the point that these were not actually written rules at WOFF- that was the point; to put them in writing so others would know about life within WOFF. I probably did not make that clear to him.)
WOFF- After each service, you will be required to clean the church and
fellowship hall on a rotating basis.
EB – Yes, when I was involved in the EB this was also the case. And as far
as I know it still is. (Interesting!)
————————————————————————————————————————————————————
WOFF -Don’ts – (this is a partial “living” list… at times, it takes
on a life of its own, continuing to grow..)
EB- Takes on a life of its own you say? ….Yes, I do fully understand
this ….and often it was much the same within the EB …In the EB, it
could grow or it could shrink …. Depending on which way the wind blew? Or maybe how the leaders decided .. or what could help provide more
money …or maybe even to try and make the EB look a little better with
public scrutiny. (Seems as if Paul was VERY familiar with what motivated CULT leaders- $ !)
WOFF: Don’t drink alcohol. (includes beer, wine or liquor)
EB = Do drink alcohol ..It helps the open members up to the spirit …
any members who don’t drink or refuse to drink .. may risk coming under
assembly questioning! and maybe even assembly punishment! …..over
the years a number of people were even withdrawn from over these very
type of issues… Specially elder folks (Okay, this difference floored me!)
WOFF: Don’t cook with alcohol.
EB- Cook with alcohol, if you please.
WOFF- Don’t eat at places that serve alcohol.
EB- Don’t eat with anyone not in the EB (fullstop) never ever be caught
eating or drinking with a non-member…. P.S these laws may or may not
be becoming relaxed slightly? At present moment in time ….. I’m not too
sure.
WOFF- Don’t drink “Root beer”. Don’t drink Cheerwine®. Don’t drink diet Cheerwine®. Don’t drink ginger ale.
EB- All above are fine …The law was simple not to partake of while in the
close presence of non-EB members (not sure if these rules are now slowly
becoming relaxed a little at this present time )
WOFF- Don’t smoke cigarettes. Don’t dip snuff
Don’t use chew tobacco. Don’t associate willingly with those that do use tobacco.
EB- The same.
WOFF- Don’t watch movies. (Unless Jane gives approval.) Don’t watch videos in your cars!
Don’t enter a movie theater- (unless Jane gives approval.)
EB- Getting caught involved in any of the above at one time used to pretty
much equal automatic excommunication. Still think this rule applies
….Although the youth today may be(?) given some warnings. (this being
because they are trying to stop any youth from thinking of possibly
leaving) (I am not shocked at this similarity, it is about control)
WOFF- Don’t read newspapers. Not even the headlines.
EB- They used to have silly rules like don’t read the newspaper while
sitting or laying down (not sure of rule at this present moment in time)
WOFF- Don’t listen to the radio.
EB- Never own a radio …Its best to try not to be caught listening to one
either ( I am NOT shocked at this as in these groups- it is ALL ABOUT control!)
WOO- Don’t read or handle magazines.
EB – Depends what magazine it is …As it does also with what book it is one
reads …The EB run their own schools and all books and mags, etc in the
library are censored ….Even biology books have parts talking about sex
education covered over or ripped out. Evolution is not taught in science. (As mentioned, WOFF censors books, also!)
WOFF- Don’t watch television. (Except, when allowed at church)
EB- Never– ever. (Yes, the control is similar in EACH group!)
WOFF- Don’t read books that are not approved by leadership.
EB- Pretty much the same
WOFF- Don’t read your Bible, too much. (Amplified version is acceptable)
EB- No rule …but many don’t read it much anyway… (to busy drinking ?
…L.O.L )
WOFF- Don’t take notes during the services. You may only record scripture
references.
EB- I never once saw people taking notes. Meetings taken with main leaders
were recorded. And ministry recording were published also. These
ministry books were expected to be brought by all members. (Oh, another fund raising idea for WOFF!)
WOFF- Don’t forget to go to bathroom before the service.
EB- Yes, preferred. (What we don’t know is if EB members get called out for getting up during service to go to the bathroom!)
WOFF- Don’t get up to go to bathroom during a service.
EB- preferred.
WOFF- Don’t bring knives of ANY type on church property. Even small pocket knives.
EB: no
WOFF- Don’t be late for a service of function.
EB: Frowned upon
WOFF Parking Rules:
Don’t park alongside the left side of the sanctuary unless you are
approved.
Don’t park in the spaces closest to the back steps. Those are
reserved for parents with infants.
Don’t park in the first spot along the front sidewalk. That is
reserved for those on watch.
Don’t park along the street. Use the field only when not raining.
Don’t park on the drive to the school. (unless approved for that
service.)
Don’t park in the first handicap space unless approved.
Don’t park under the awning and leave your car running.
Don’t speed when driving around the church
Don’t go opposite to the accepted traffic flow of counter-clockwise.
It causes confusion
EB: No set rules …. local leaders and church member elders will deal
with these type situations.
WOFF: Don’t be on your cell phone when approaching the school.
EB: Cell phones are pretty newly allowed gadgets… I’m pretty sure they
are brought via central leadership.. ie: the EB sell special ones… Ones
that are not capable of going onto the world wide net etc. (Wow, that seems like real control over communication!)
WOFF- Don’t drive your car with expired tags. You will be reminded. (in the service, you could be called out by the parking lot security guy)
EB- Tags? … Warrent of fitness? .. Registration? …. Maybe parents or
elders may remind.
WOFF- Men: Don’t wear a color of dress shirt except white or light blue.
EB- Unspoken rule ….it is preferred that certain types of clothes be
worn to church and elders or local leader may remind folk.. men cannot
wear hats at church …neither may they have beards or mows or grow long
hair or grow side burns. (WOFF had a service where “God spoke to the men to shave beards and mustaches and facial hair”.)
WOFF- Women: Don’t get your heart set on a dress until you check with
others to see of anyone else has that dress. You may need to return
yours.
EB- Clothing used to be a big thing, but, lately laws have become relaxed a
little.. specially for the younger folk (due to fear of them leaving)
however, I’m pretty sure women must wear a scarf on their heads at church
services and may not (!) wear hats at church.
WOFF Rules in the Sanctuary:
Don’t “check out” during the singing.
Don’t look around at others when you are supposed to be singing.
Don’t close your eyes when singing. You could give over to a
“religious devil”.
Don’t stare at visitors.
Don’t bring your cell phone into a service. Exceptions are rare and
you will be told when you can bring your phone into the service.
EB – No real rules with regards to these type of things… Although people
were encouraged to sing with everyone else. I’d say it is very
unlikely that cell phones would ever be brought into a service. P.S
…..The EB never ever have visitors! … Only EBs are allowed in EB
churches…. They don’t really even try to convert people …people are
only born into the church….. However, some church services may becoming
opened up to public visits (these days) but, only due to public pressure
...with regards to tax free status.. which is supposed to be for public
churches …not EB cults.
So, in short EBs never ever used to have visitors, having outside
visitors to church stopped back in the late 60s-early 70s? … this
rule is possibly (?) being slightly relaxed at present time… but, only to
try to meet and keep the government money offer of tax-free
…rates-free, etc.
As a summary for this post, we can note several similarities and a few differences. EB operates in several countries on several continents and has been in existence for about 175 years! (see article below) They obviously use at least the same level of control in many areas as WOFF. Paul mentions several times about changes coming due to the “youth leaving” and “public scrutiny” that may jeopardize their tax free status. Wow, that sounds like a PLAN! As Jane and her group throw down on the Baptists in Rutherford County, it seems the right time to bring “public scrutiny” on WOFF and its leaders!
Here is a picture of EB leaders found with an image search….
The link for the picture and accompanying article is here- http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/hidden-prophets/2006/07/01/1151174401719.html
We will finish Paul’s comparison in another post. He goes into great detail in comparing the two cult groups.
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