Are the practices of any group to which you belong- portable? If you move to another group of the same type, will these practices be accepted and embraced as beneficial? The answer to this question can determine if your group is helpful or harmful. Let’s apply this to different examples.
Keith Raniere, leader of Nxivm has been convicted in New York of seven felonies involving unique practices of his group. The guilty verdict involved charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child and human trafficking. He billed his group as ‘self-help and empowerment’ and yet, the closer one became to the leader, the less true ‘help or empowerment’ you received. Some victims were actually physically branded with the leaders initials.
In closing arguments of Rainere’s recent trial (link below), federal prosecutor, Moira Penza said, “The whys of this case are as old as time… sex, money, power.”
Rainere “used tactics that destroyed victims ‘sense of self,’ created financial dependence and isolated them from their friends and family…”
There are several “self-help” groups one can be a part of in this country. Many center on a leader and espouse methods and techniques which they claim are the keys to improvement. Self-discipline, reading, habit cultivation, physical exercise and meditation are just a few of techniques which these groups advocate.
Yet, in the end, the unique practices of Nxivm were not transferable to similar self-help or empowerment groups. The sexual exploitation and trafficking were illegal. The leader used common techniques listed above by Penza, to fashion a cult-like dynamic supported by his top leaders. Raniere did not promote his followers to be free to join other “self-help” groups in seeking additional help. Why? I believe because he never was about truly helping his followers. He was after “sex, money (and) power…” To many of his followers, he had it all. He was “Master.”
I have attended several different types of Christian churches. Once I learned about Methodist, I could move among other Methodist churches and feel comfortable about the practices and process of being Methodist.
I attended Baptist churches and found the practices to be for the most part similar in nature. Most of them observed certain practices in similar fashion. In retrospect, I was never warned not to visit other churches or keep certain practices secret.
Over the years, I have spent time in several independent churches. The differences were more pronounced when comparing these churches. Some differences were explained by differing doctrinal beliefs. Some differences in practices were due to the individual beliefs of the church leader. Some leaders required more “loyalty” than others.
When thinking about my years spent at the very independent Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), I never considered the fact that the main signature practices of blasting prayer, communal living and absolute obedience to unwritten rules were not transferrable to other churches. At WOFF, there were certain unique practices you knew were not for public viewing. We acted in certain ways around visitors and other ways when just among members. Somehow, this double-standard was okay.
We were never encouraged to visit other churches or even have friendships outside the group. WOFF had all you needed.
In order to be a member of other Protestant churches, I did not need WOFF-unique practices. In fact, I don’t believe I would be welcome in other churches if I insisted on practicing unique WOFF-ness. Loud, blasting deliverance prayer is not common in many churches. While I lived the WOFF-life, acceptance in other churches was of no concern. Who I became and how I lived depended on the WOFF-environment around me.
In Penza’s words, we were in a group where the leader, like Rainiere, “used tactics that destroyed victims ‘sense of self,’ created financial dependence and isolated them (members) from their friends and family…”
Anyone who has followed the plight of ex-members can agree with this. Broken families and lost friendships are the norm for members and ex-members.
Also, similar to Raniere, in my opinion, the recent court cases have shown that WOFF’s leader is all about “(inordinate control of) sex, (stealing) money and (exercising) power over members and others….”
It may not be physical, but likewise, there is a “WOFF-brand” for many ex-members which is hard to erase. This “brand” is not a badge of honor.
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(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation) This is post number 664.