Recently, while in a conversation with a co-worker, I realized some things that I have learned since leaving WOFF. This will not be a complete list, as the learning is ongoing. This co-worker made mention that they were considering joining the Jehovah Witnesses (JW). The comment came after we talked about birthdays and the fact they did not celebrate theirs. I had asked them why, thinking maybe it was said in jest. But, they mentioned they had a relative in the JW group and he had approached them a couple of times with reading material. This person had visited the local Kingdom Hall – but was not 100% convinced. They asked, “What do you think?” This person was very sincere.
First, I mentioned William Coburn’s book “The Spanking Room” (copyright 2008), and his fair treatment of the Jehovah Witness movement. Fair in that he recounted his views and observations as a child trying to learn the doctrine and ways to survive in the Kingdom Hall. (see link here… williamcoburn.com) Mr. Coburn had doubts early, especially the more he read the Bible. His book is a good read; especially, the account of “Knocking on Doors” and the fear it brought in him.
Next, after I realized that giving someone else’s testimony about the Jehovah Witnesses was not what this person had asked. They wanted to know my thoughts. So, I recounted some of the things I found out while at WOFF. When it came time to explain to anybody about the WOFF beliefs on not celebrating holidays, the first thing most folks would ask, “Are you a Jehovah Witness?” At first, it was cute or funny. A few times while in services at WOFF, others mentioned to Jane Whaley about getting the same question. Jane Whaley seemed to make light of the question. For the most part it was ignored.
I told this person I did not celebrate Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or birthdays for years. That had become the order of things at WOFF. For years, I spent very little time with family and other relatives. The co-worker asked, “Was the only way to get together with family a holiday?” That is when most folks are off work. Jane Whaley herself gave that reason for having her seminars during weeks around holidays. Skipping seminars to visit family was a general “no-no” at WOFF. What was missed by not gathering with family was the love and togetherness that comes during those shared family times. There are still many questions and struggles for me with the WOFF doctrine and prohibitions against holidays. But, for sure I now want to take advantage when I can, of family gathering times.
From here, I could not recommend membership in the Jehovah Witnesses. It would be WOFF with a twist. But, becoming a control freak and shouting to this person that they should not join the JW’s, would not serve them well. That much I did know! So, I shared something learned after my exit from WOFF. I looked at this person and told them that whatever church group they joined; they must be able to at times, to voice their dissent or have a way for their opinions to be heard. If there was no room for a dissenting voice, then that group is not for them. (or me!) I said, “Don’t waste a chunk of your life in a group that you disagree with their beliefs or practices and have no way to change or at least be heard.” This person had read some of my blog and could understand a little about where I was coming from. They knew I had made that mistake. We had to decide to pick-up the conversation another time.
Actually, being heard is not the only requirement. Is there a way to be heard AND affect changes? At WOFF, you may have a moment to voice your insight to Jane or you may not. It depended on the subject and how the change would affect the present power structure. As a member, there were times when questions were brought up in “family meetings” and the outcome was the same. What ever Jane Whaley wanted was the order of the day.
Steven Hassan in “Releasing the Bonds”, (copyright 2000) explains Thought control as he has observed and been under. He says, ” Cult members are taught that the leader is always correct, and are not allowed to doubt or question him or her. Thoughts that go along with the leader are good. Any other thoughts need to be pushed down by chanting, praying, or speaking in tongues. Any negative feelings are blamed on the individual. … No room is left to say, “Maybe the leader is wrong” or “Maybe the doctrine misquotes the Bible.”… Meditation or prayer, used in an automatic way, can shut off critical thinking. “ (page 51) He goes on to explain “thought stopping” and its effects when used to control others. At WOFF, one of the thought stopping phrases was “Help me, Jesus”. At times, I witnessed people repeating this one phrase over and over and over. For sure, you did not voice negative thoughts about Jane Whaley or other leadership. If you did, you were “attacking” or “not taking hold”.
WOFF and FLDS share many characteristics. Before Warren Jeffs of FLDS was arrested, there was “one man rule” and he was it. Years previous there had been a ruling group of elders. But, power was wrested from them when Rulon Jeffs was the Prophet. Upon Rulon Jeffs death, Warren Jeffs took the power he had craved for years. There was no sharing power with Warren Jeffs.
Jane Whaley is “one woman rule”. She talks about a time when she and Sam had come back to Rutherford County from Tulsa, OK. She mentions that everyone including Sam, was “full of demons”. She stayed up for hours many nights “casting out devils”. My opinion is that in reality, this is when she was setting up her “one woman rule”. She had to convince everyone else they had demons and she could get them out. I cannot tell you that there ever was a ruling group at WOFF other than Jane Whaley. Yes, at WOFF, there is a Board and occasionally you heard about meetings. But, the folks on the Board have no real power. They are invisible when it comes to the members seeing who runs the church. Jane Whaley claims she has to “answer to God” for whatever goes on in the church. Remember, ” Your sin affects me…” (see post here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=143 )
Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. It could very well save their life. There are readers at WOFF. I hope this is a help to them. Of course, there are many other reasons not to join a religious mind control group.
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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. )