Tag Archives: Michael Cuneo

“… a special spiritual class…”

This is the second post in review of the book,   “One Last Kiss” written by Michael Cuneo. (Copyright©2012 by Michael Cuneo, St. Martin’s Press, ISBN 978-0-312053972-6) The subtitle reads “The True-Story of a Minister’s Bodyguard, His Beautiful Mistress, and a Brutal Triple Homicide.”  The first post is found here: “One Last Kiss” by Michael Cuneohttp://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=5265

The book outlines the story of Chris Coleman who grew up in a home where the father was a pastor. After a career in the military, this young man landed a job with a very prominent ministry.  Chris would later be convicted of murdering his wife and two sons apparently in hopes of taking up with his new girl friend. We ended the previous post describing Chris Coleman, the convicted murderer, and his attitude: “He believed he occupied a special spiritual class. That what counted for sin for other people didn’t count as such for him. And as far as disabusing him of these delusions over the years, his parents likely only would have strengthened them.” (page 318 emphasis added) This post will review the author’s ideas on the development of this attitude of being in “a special spiritual class” and its consequences.

Continue reading “… a special spiritual class…”

“One Last Kiss” by Michael Cuneo – Part 1 (Video)

Recently, while ordering books from Amazon.com, I chose “One Last Kiss” written by Michael Cuneo. (Copyright©2012 by Michael Cuneo, St. Martin’s Press, ISBN 978-0-312053972-6) The subtitle reads “The True-Story of a Minister’s Bodyguard, His Beautiful Mistress, and a Brutal Triple Homicide.” Admittedly, my interest was piqued by two things. First, the minster’s body guard worked for Joyce Meyer Ministries. Second, I had read a previous book by Michael Cuneo which he included a chapter about this visit to Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC. In that book, he retold his observations during his visit to WOFF and conversations with Jane Whaley. Previously on this blog, we reviewed parts of his book, “American Exorcism” –Expelling Demons in the Land of Plenty (Copyright©2001 by Michael Cuneo, published by Doubleday, ISBN- 0-385-50176-5)

Not every time do I write a post immediately after reading a book which contains material pertinent to this blog. That was the case here. It has been several weeks since I finished reading the book.  Recent events have prompted me to take time to share some quotes and observations from Cuneo’s work. I never expected to find the analogies and references to “authoritarian cult” while reading this book. However, you read the quoted passages; it will become obvious why I could not let this post go unwritten. Before we proceed, let me say that my purpose here is not to impugn Joyce Meyer Ministries in anyway. Any reference to Joyce Meyer or Joyce Meyer Ministries is solely to give context to the true story of this tragic event.

Continue reading “One Last Kiss” by Michael Cuneo – Part 1 (Video)

Does Everyone Have “Devils”? Part 2

    In order to understand this post, please take time to read part one. Also, before I share my thoughts on the similarities between Agape Bible Fellowship and WOFF, let me say that “Battle with the Devil” went on to explore other questions about heavy rock music, prison ministry and even “Hookers for Jesus”. None of which was quite as interesting as their piece on the deliverance at Agape Bible Fellowship in New York. The entire episode can be found searching “Battle with the Devil- ABC”.

   There were so many thoughts in my mind about the two churches and the similarities in their practices that it is easier to start with the differences. Some of the differences will seem too small to mention, but, I want to be thorough. First, Pastor John Goguen had formal theological training. He may have left or modified some of those roots, but, he had the training nonetheless. Jane Whaley has no formal training as far as I know. Another obvious difference was that John is male and Jane is female. That statement stands for itself. Pastor Goguen dressed very casual, he even wore JEANS! Jane Whaley would not stand behind her pulpit to preach in casual dress- and never jeans. Another difference between Agape and WOFF was that the deliverance sessions did not start out in circles at Agape as it did at WOFF. Not every time did WOFF start their sessions in circles, but, most times that was true. Agape did not appear to have group leaders for the deliverance as it appeared only the Pastor led the prayer. At WOFF, there were deliverance group leaders who would lead the prayer and be the one to say what “devils were to be hit”. Higher level WOFF leadership or Jane herself would ultimately approve of the deliverance group leaders. The Agape congregation also appeared smaller than WOFF.

   This next difference may not make some folks happy. But, in my 16 years of attending meetings at WOFF, I never saw someone directly praying over Jane Whaley for deliverance. She was seen in a group of select leaders joining with her to fight the devils attacking her, but, NEVER did anyone touch her hair to help cast devils out of her. There was a scene showing Pastor Goguen with hair ruffled, throwing-up into a brown paper bag. That did not happen while at WOFF. After all Jane has proclaimed “that sin (whatever it may be) does not affect her, since it is not in her”. Translation: she has reached a level of perfection that needs no deliverance or even open admission of or repentance from sin. A former member told me recently that in meetings he attended, Jane had proclaimed her perfection. That statement should stand by itself.

       Continue reading Does Everyone Have “Devils”? Part 2

Does Everyone Have “Devils”? Part 1

  This past Wednesday, on ABC, there was a PrimeTime® show titled, “Battle with the Devil”. Here is the trailer which is about 5 minutes.

 

  Earlier in the week, I had heard about the show previous to Wednesday from another former member of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The show was of particular interest because in the previews there was a lead piece about a church in New York that practiced “deliverance”. The preview showed members of the church wrenching and coughing up in brown paper bags. As a previous member of a WOFF and having been under the teachings of Jane Whaley, this was particularly interesting as I participated in similar activities while in Greenville at Grace and Truth (Word of Life) and while at WOFF. I shared the information about the show with yet another former member and they refused to watch saying that “there would be too many unpleasant memories”.   

  Even with my interest, I did not record the show. So, in commenting, I may have certain scenes out of order. The show started with material about Catholic exorcisms. There were clips from movies which I had not seen and interviews with Catholic priests that perform(ed) exorcisms. One lady was shown testifying as to her great relief as her demons left her body.

   Next, there was an interview with Pastor John Goguen of Agape Bible Fellowship in East Aurora, NY. This interview was interspersed with different scenes from his church services showing people singing and praying. Then the announcer said that “fireworks” were about to begin as a man prepared paper towels and plastic bags for the last part to the service.

   Continue reading Does Everyone Have “Devils”? Part 1

The Illusion(s)

   Before we turn to our subject of “Illusion(s)”, I must share some thoughts. Today is April 9, 2011. In looking back, April 9, 2008 was a pivotal day in my time at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). That Wednesday evening after a church service, I was summoned into a meeting in a small office on WOFF property. That meeting lasted from just after 9:00PM until around midnight. In attendance were GS, LS, RF, JF, BC, AK, my wife and myself. It also included a cameo appearance from Jane Whaley. Her part was screaming and pointing her finger at me as she proclaimed that I was “full of the unclean”! She then turned to my wife and declared that she “allow(ed) him to be so…” On that cue, my wife turned and took up the screaming fit toward me. At that moment, she took on a piece of the WOFF modus operandi. Results of that meeting included, but, were not limited to me losing my job and the accessories that went along with the position. The relationship with my wife also took a fatal turn that night. It was coincidentally our 20th wedding anniversary. WOFF members do not celebrate that, so it was not on the discussion list for the evening. One of the biggest shocks of the whole evening was that those in attendance other than me considered the events that transpired as NORMAL! That is what jolted me into doubting that WOFF-ways were God’s ways.

    At this time, my life is in yet another transition. Life issues have come and gone, battles not related to WOFF have come and been won. Some battles have been lost. Other battles are ongoing. (Jane talks a lot about “battles”…) The tone of this blog is in transition, as well. The main subjects have moved from retelling only my experiences to including resource material that helps explain what I went through and how WOFF compares to other groups labeled as cults. I have begun to read material written by cult experts and survivors of other groups. I have found that my experiences are not abnormal compared to other survivors or other groups. Several survivors of other cult groups have contacted me to confirm that their experiences have been very similar. Readers have come, consumed several posts and then moved on to other concerns in their life. Some only read enough to confirm their own suspensions that Jane and her group are “bad” and should be avoided. Others continue to read to learn just why things were/are not healthy.  

  Admittedly, the subject matter of cults has lasting appeal for only a certain group of folks who have been touched in some way by the behaviors, methods and outcomes of either their own involvement or a loved one’s involvement. I would like to think that it is forever settled in my mind and heart that Jane Whaley and her WOFF-ways were/are dangerous. There is nothing else to prove in my thinking. WOFF is what it is and the years I lived in that group cannot be changed or restored. Lives have been forever altered as me and others have lost pieces of our beings to the group called Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale, NC. How could all this take place? One tool used to accomplish these things was/is by illusions.   Continue reading The Illusion(s)

“Carolina Blues” at WOFF? (3)

      We pick up here in the third post using the book, “American Exorcism” by Michael Cuneo (copyright 2001, published by DOUBLEDAY, ISBN 0-386-50176-5) as the author is sharing his encounter with Word of Faith Fellowship, (WOFF) led by Jane Whaley. While we go through this chapter, remember we are looking for the reason the author named it- “Carolina Blues”. Cuneo is beginning his efforts to reach RF- “a prominent minister in the Spindale church, a kind of point man for the Whaleys.” He writes, I phoned a dozen times, leaving messages, once having an agreeable chat with RF’s son, JF, but RF himself was always just now away on business, or just now entertaining guests, or just now otherwise occupied. (page 188) The author then decides to take a chance and go to WOFF unannounced. What he encountered was so typical, it made me laugh out loud! His account of the Saturday afternoon encounter so reminded me of WOFF-days and WOFF-ways.

   “It was a late Saturday afternoon, and I turned into the empty parking lot with the thought of making a brief reconnaissance swing around the property.” (page 188)  This was obviously his first mistake. You do not go onto WOFF property, unapproved or unescorted, if you are not a WOFF member. Even when a WOFF member gets a new car, they could be stopped and mistaken for a “visitor”. Remember- WOFF is a closed shop. He continues, “All at once the church’s internal security system sprang into action. A family that had been playing baseball on the front lawn of the house across the road dropped their bats and balls, the woman ran into the house, and the man headed for the parking lot and intercepted me at the entranceway. “Can we help you?” he said.” This scenario is all so typical and WOFF-normal, if there is such a term. I have seen it and been a part of it – so many times!

    Continue reading “Carolina Blues” at WOFF? (3)

“Carolina Blues” at WOFF? (2)

    At the end of the previous post titled “Carolina Blues” at WOFF? (1), the author of the book titled “American Exorcism” by Michael Cuneo (copyright 2001, published by DOUBLEDAY, ISBN 0-386-50176-5) was beginning to share his encounter with Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC. This encounter is in Chapter 12. In Chapter 11, Cuneo writes about his encounter with Hegewisch Baptist Church. This is important to note, since at the end of Chapter 12, Cuneo makes a comparison of the two churches- Hegewich Baptist and WOFF. We also mention in the first post the question regarding the title- “Carolina Blues”; we are looking for a reason for the title to this chapter.

   The author page found here.. http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=6157 states that Michael W. Cuneo serves as a teacher of sociology and anthropology at Fordham University. He wrote “The Smoke of Satan” and has had his research quoted in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. The book listed as a reference for this post; “American Exorcism” is the only work that I have read by Cuneo, so far.

   Cuneo noted that his sources had told him the Whaleys “run a closed shop”. (page 186) So, who would agree with that? How long has that been true? The author continues with his interview of Pete Evans, the detective who went undercover and filmed the deliverance sessions for the Inside Edition story in 1995. Evans said “he personally submitted to deliverance eleven times.” Evans went on, “Anywhere from six to twelve people would form a circle around you and scream the devils out of you at the top of their lungs. ..They wanted you to vomit the devils out in plastic buckets they put in front of you… The screaming was so intense that some people suffered hearing damage or damage to their vocal cords. When you join up, you’re asked to sign a waiver releasing the church from liability for injury.”  (page 187)

    Continue reading “Carolina Blues” at WOFF? (2)