Tag Archives: Janis Hutchinson

Behavior Control, Uncategorized

Loss of Absolute Answers

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   In two previous posts, Janice Hutchinson’s work in her book, “Out of the Cults and Into the Church” (copyright 1994, Kregal Pub.) is referenced. Those links are here.. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=261 and here.. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2235 .  Janis, as an ex-Mormon, works mainly with ex-Mormons.  She has taken on the task of helping others make the transition from cult groups to the Christian church. While reading the first part of this book, I have been so shocked in some ways that ex-Mormons would have the same struggles as former Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) members!

    The format Ms. Hutchinson uses to present her information is a synthesis or compilation of many sessions spent with former cult members. She draws on her experience in actual real life cases to give insight for those wanting to help ex-cultists.  In chapter 3 of her book, titled “Conflict of Soul”, she explains how certain “losses” are emotionally traumatic to an ex-cultist. One way to look at the “losses” of former cult members would be to say that these are areas, which cults perform well in meeting certain needs. The items in the list may or may not be true for all former WOFF members. My belief is that not all WOFF members experience the same level or measures of mind control. There are group control efforts and individual control measures used. Nevertheless, I will comment on the areas I experienced in hopes of helping others in the same or similar situation.

    An area of “loss” for former cult members is listed as “loss of absolute answers”. “Dress standards, health habits, and moral guidelines, all the way to world problems are authoritatively answered by cults. (page 62) Ms. Hutchinson goes on the say that former cult members may feel that Christian churches don’t give them the absolute answers on the many subjects. That can leave them feeling a loss or need for direction. A need for someone to tell them what is right and wrong.

     Continue reading Loss of Absolute Answers →

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Why Go Back?

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    Over the years, members who have left Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC have been allowed to return and rejoin the group. While I was inside the group, it was not a major question for me as to why folks would leave and then come back. However, now that I am out, the idea of someone returning to WOFF is intriguing. Why would former members see or feel the need to return? I find answers as I read more on the subject and reflect on my years at WOFF.

    Janis Hutchinson in her book, “Out of the Cults and Into the Church” (copyright 1994, Kregal Pub.) writes about the struggles that ex-cultists go through upon leaving a cult. Her work has been mainly among the ex-Mormons. In the chapter 3, titled “Conflict of Soul”, she explains in an easy to understand format, how certain “losses” are emotionally traumatic to an ex-cultist. One way to look at the “losses” of former cult members would be to say that these are areas, which cults perform well in meeting certain needs. Ms. Hutchinson develops a list in this chapter that is too long to cover here. A few of the losses were covered in a previous post. ( see here… https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=261  )

   One of the major areas of loss that former cult members experience is the “loss of friends and community ties”. “…Enduring excommunication and losing the regard of others provokes a sense of loss that is impossible to describe. It’s one of the strongest motivations to return to the cult. It’s also why Christian fellowship is crucial.” (page 65 emphasis added) I certainly can attest to this statement. Members of WOFF certainly help each other as no other group I have been a part of in the past. There were several folks that seemed to always be available to help anyone whether day or night. The value of that support is hard to calculate or replace. When you spend hours and hours working beside someone or helping each other in various ways, there is a special friendship that develops. I had that with several folks at WOFF, or thought I did.  

    Continue reading Why Go Back? →

Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Everyone Loves Jane and Jane Loves Everyone- Sorta

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    In two previous posts, it has been mentioned the phrase used by Jane Whaley of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) to describe her relationships to members and non-members. This post contains material from several different statements that Jane Whaley has made over the years. The statements may not be presented in correct time order but, the main points will be clear.

     The statement by Jane early on, was “Everyone loves Jane Whaley and Jane loves everyone. If they don’t (love Jane) then they are listening to devils.”  This was first mentioned in post about terms.. here is the link:  https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=101    

    There was a statement later about the “love of God”. “The love of God is the love of God.” Jane goes on to explain:  “I love Sam and O____ (man in church leadership..) the same. It is the same love. I just show that love differently to Sam”.(Whaley)

     Yet, another time she was talking about folks that had left and how she loved them all. “Well, there may be two folks if I saw them walking down the street, I would cross over so I didn’t have to speak to them. Only two, or maybe three…”

     Again, these statements may not be in time order and may not be exact quotes, but the meaning is clear. The first statement is revealing all by itself. For Jane to say that if you don’t love her, you are listening to devils??? How narcissistic can a person be? But, Jane was allowed to say it and sincerely believes that statement about herself and about its affect on others. She is no doubt the center of her world. If you don’t agree – you are of the devil.

     Concerning the second statement, I remember being in the service where she uttered those words. She knew it would be “misunderstood”, so she quickly added the part about showing the love of God to Sam– differently. No further explanation was given and the impression was that it was not much “differently”.

     The third statement only ignited a wondering and inquiry into who had made Jane mad enough that she would not even meet them on the street? In public, Jane can be the sweetest thing since jelly toast. But, for her to admit that she was so put out with someone was strange. Well, not that strange since she was referencing those who had “betrayed God” and left WOFF. That left the list wide open.

Continue reading Everyone Loves Jane and Jane Loves Everyone- Sorta →