Tag Archives: thinking for myself

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Cult Leader News, Uncategorized

Update: Raimund Melz – Mountain Rock Church – Pictures

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   In previous posts, we have drawn from the movie “Join Us”. We have provided several posts reviewing material in the movie. The film is presented by Interloper Films along with Lusitan and was produced by Ondi Timoner and Vasco Lucas Nunes. (Copyright© Third Floor Productions, LLC 2007). The film has a dedicated website with supporting information. The site is www.joinusthemovie.co . One of the posts was titled: Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (3) link: http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3511

    Toward the end of the movie, I found several points of interest I believed worthy of mention. My point of reference was/is comparing and contrasting the material found in this documentary of members of a religious cult in South Carolina to my time of involvement with Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC. We have noted several comparisons in previous posts, but yet I have found more.

   Near the end of the film, Patrick Provost-Smith a Professor of the History of Christianity at Harvard Divinity School was shown saying these words: “Anyone can claim to be a pastor, if they have a following… What one can look at in terms of a warning sign for realizing one is involved in an extreme group is that one can no longer account for one’s self as a human being as a person with thoughts, with ambitions… if only your pastor can tell you who you are to the extent that you have no story left of your own – leave.”  Does this happen at WOFF? Do any of the faithful regular members have their own story or does Jane Whaley tell them who they are – either directly or indirectly through the use of religious mind control? Quite frankly, while I was in the group, I did not have see how much control WOFF/Jane and her leadership had over my life. I was under the illusion until the last few months of my time there that I was in control of my life and “walk with God”. What a joke! That was the major part of the deception.  In my opinion, WOFF members do not see or are even allowed to admit to themselves or others that there is a problem with WOFF-life. WOFF members are required to check their religious freedoms, as well as other freedoms that others in this country enjoy- check them at the door give them up for the faux promise of “fulfilling their call” and making it into heaven. It is no wonder people leave that group in emotional turmoil and upheaval. There is such an adjustment to make when exiting any religious control group. “Join Us” documents some of the struggles.  

Continue reading Update: Raimund Melz – Mountain Rock Church – Pictures →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

The Impact of Cults on Health

In one of my recent searches for information on cults, I came across a document that caught my attention. The document was a syllabus for a class taught to those in the medical profession- specifically nurses. The title was “The Impact of Cults on Health” – written by Anne Tapper, RN, MA, MSN. She is a therapist/case manager at the Opioid Treatment Program, Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. The material was interesting and several quotes worth noting here. The source document is here The Impact of Cults on Health

The purpose/goal of the continuing education class is stated as familiarizing nurses with healthcare issues related to cults. The material covered would help folks to:

–          “Identify six characteristics of a dangerous cult and three ways they affect health

–          Name nine symptoms of membership in a cult

–          Describe six types of help that may be needed by those recovering from cultic involvement”

Do you realize what this says of the medical profession as a whole? There is obviously enough evidence in the medical community to openly admit and address the needs of ex-cult members from a medical perspective. There is enough concern and foresight to offer nurses and others in the medical profession baseline knowledge of cults and the effects they have on the health of members! From the course outline, “A conservative estimate is that between two million and five million Americans have experienced cult participation1. With this level of involvement, even a low incidence of abuse is likely to mean that thousands of people are affected.”

Continue reading The Impact of Cults on Health →

Behavior Control, Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

What is “Framing”? How Is It Used at WOFF? (4)

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Framing Defenses:

   This is the last post in the series on “framing” (as far as I know). Our source text, which is authored by Kelton Rhoads, Ph.D. is found here.. http://www.workingpsychology.com/index.html . In the previous post, we mentioned the definition of “framing” written by the author: “A frame is a psychological device that offers a perspective and manipulates salience in order to influence subsequent judgment.” We have covered several aspects of how this influence tool is used at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). As stated in previous posts, my opinion is that this framing tool is compounded with fear to actual form a “fear-frame” that explodes on its hearers with such power to freeze the listener and hinder rational decisions. Jane Whaley has constructed a total control environment for the WOFF faithful. This control is exercised many times with the use of such “fear-frames” as we have explained in the previous posts.

  Previously, we discussed studies that make it clear –“that a human’s first priority is not to lose–gains are secondary to the “no loss” rule.” Add the tendency to “not lose” with the “fear-frames” used by Jane Whaley at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and it becomes clear that life at WOFF is not what a first impression might reveal. Jane uses “fear-frames” to build into her faithful fears of losing something near and dear such as family, jobs, houses, salvation, and prospect of missing heaven, friends and so on. In order to gain “fear-relief”, her faithful members go to Jane for “the word of the Lord”. Actually, that is a super-charged religious euphemism which actually means they are seeking relief from the fears of losing that “something” where Jane holds sway over them. As I agreed with another former member earlier this week, this whole scenario is hard to understand unless you have been inside WOFF or a group like WOFF where fear is the modus operandi of the leader. I am trying to break it down as best I know how. This forum does not allow me to cover all the material Rhoads covers on the subject. I suggest you take the time and read the series on his website.  

    Continue reading What is “Framing”? How Is It Used at WOFF? (4) →

Behavior Control, Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

The Simple Truth is….

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     A few weeks ago, I was talking to a couple in the church I attend. They came out of a cult after many years. The husband was in for about 30 years and he has commented before on this blog. The wife was in about 26 years. Both are very understanding when I mention my concerns and questions. We were talking and the wife began to explain her views. She took her two hands and designated one as “truth” and one as “error”. She then interlocked her fingers as she asked the question, “When you mix “truth” with “error”, what do you have?” The answer of course is – error. That analogy made a big impression on me. It helped give answers to several questions I had about why folks who live in and around Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) folks still can be confused as to the soundness/healthiness of the group. Let me explain my understanding.

    A resource I recently acquired has helped me through these questions, also. It is “Charts of Cults, Sects, and Religious Movements” by H. Wayne House. (Copyright ©2000 by H. Wayne House, published by Zondervan, ISBN -10: 0-310-38551-2). It explains some brief background as well as doctrinal positions of several groups/sects that have been labeled as sects, or controlling or cultic. The brief history and background information I find extremely fascinating. Some of the groups mentioned are Alamo Christian Ministries, The Family/ Children of God, Freemasonry, Jehovah Witnesses and Unification Church, as well as many others. The copyright is 2000; so, some information is dated and needs to be checked out with current sources. However, the history would not change. The layout gives the groups position and if that position is orthodox or error.  It shocked me how many groups actually held orthodox positions on certain basic Christian positions or practices or doctrines. Then a light went on. This is the draw for many folks. First, there is general ignorance as to the true orthodox position. These folks are easy prey for abnormal groups. (ask me, I know…) Then there are folks who excuse an alternate position or practice and accept the orthodox or tried and true positions to compensate and make up for a doubtful area. Then there are those that are so caught up in the main thrust of a group- they could care less about doctrine. If their needs are met, then the practices and extremes can be overlooked. If there is an appearance of “gospel work” like helping the poor or visiting the sick or prisoners, then other doctrines or even unorthodox practices are accepted as part of the package.

    Continue reading The Simple Truth is…. →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Do You Think It Is Possible?

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     As many readers already know, I spent many years under the direct or indirect influence of Jane Whaley, the leader of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC. Since my departure in July of 2008, I learned many things about my time spent inside WOFF. Even now, 32 months later, I admit there are areas of my life where I still recognize the influence of WOFF teachings and more specifically the teachings, sayings and doings of Jane Whaley. The process of recovery continues. As I move forward, I have been reading accounts of survivors of other groups and seeing the similarities between their groups and life at WOFF. These similarities are fascinating to me since while at WOFF, I was told and believed that there was no other place quite like WOFF. A person could travel the world and not find a place filled with such love and support. For many years, I believed it. Then as the control upon my life became tighter and the methods became clearer, I began to doubt that what I saw and how I was treated was actually God’s plan. As the curtain over my eyes was lifted, I began to see how others were being treated in a new light. This all came into play as I made the decision to leave WOFF.    

     One aspect of life at WOFF was the continual naming of devils that Jane or someone in leadership would discover. In a previous post titled, “Jane Whaley Said…” found here- http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3449    the following paragraph was included:

    Some children get that “math devil”.  Yes, there are “math devils” in her school room! Jane made this statement June 1, 2008 standing in the breezeway (actually, it may have been the hallway near the fellowship room in the office building). She was talking to a visitor that came with me to the graduation ceremony that evening. Jane was telling how wonderful her class of four and five year olds was doing. Then she lamented that sometimes they get the “math devil.” In Jane’s world, there are lots of devils. Each one has a name and if you don’t know the name, ask her. She will tell you. While at WOFF, the entire list of “devils” that were named, I could not retell. There was the “video devil” for those watching DVD’s in their van… There were “ping pong devils” for that’s right, folks playing ping pong. Here is a quote from this (that) post… Jane had said folks may have a “music devil” if the music occupies too much of their time or a “religious devil” if they read their Bible too much. There was a “control devil”, a “money devil”, a “foolish devil”…  the list goes on and on and gets longer as Jane Whaley needs to demean another member in order to further her control over them and others. See here… http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=1976

   Continue reading Do You Think It Is Possible? →

Uncategorized

Time to Tell Your Experiences

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     A few weeks ago, I was contacted, through a third party, by a production company. They have been contracted by a major network to do a series of documentaries on “demanding groups/organizations”. This would include groups such as religious cults and thus –  Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). I have taken all steps possible to verify that this is a legitimate happening. All indicators point to a series of shows being produced and aired on these groups. One of the producers on this project was included in the movie, “Join Us” which we have posted about many times. (www.joinusthemovie.com)

    Will WOFF be included? The final decision is not up to me. However, what do you think I would say? Yesterday, I received an email asking for participants to tell their story. Here is the text I am referencing:

“Call for Participants: We are producers partnered with a major news outlet, and are seeking families or individuals who were formerly involved in demanding groups/organization(s) to share their stories. We are interested in both positive and negative experiences, and hope to hear from those who have separated from the group within the last 9 months. If you would like additional information, please email clpdocumentary@gmail.com and describe your current situation. Thank you.”

 If you reply to the address you will receive an auto-response email acknowledging your submission. In my opinion, in order to learn the larger frame in which any group exists, they need stories from anyone willing to speak. That is regardless of how long you have been separated from such a group. I am willing to help anyone frame their thoughts into a presentation to this group. This blog is read by survivors of many such groups. Anyone from any such group is welcome to reply. Admittedly, I am more aware of WOFF and the doings there, so I could help survivors of that group in a more complete way.

   Continue reading Time to Tell Your Experiences →

Behavior Control, Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Thought Reform, Uncategorized

Thought Reform? At WOFF? (8) “Doctrine Over Person”

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     We again continue on the subject of thought reform. This post is the eighth in a series which will tell what thought reform is and what behavior is evidence of a thought reform environment. Our reference book is “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism” by Robert Jay Lifton (original copyright 1961, later published again in 1989, ISBN 0-8078-4253-2 [alk. Paper]). This work has been from Chapter 22 titled “Ideological Totalism”. The seventh post explained the “Loading the Language” and how that affected members within WOFF. Next, we will review another characteristic of thought reform- “Doctrine Over Person”. Did I see this characteristic of thought reform during my time at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF)? WOFF is run by Jane Whaley. As a review, I spent 16 years being involved in WOFF. My experience within the group is a “normal” one as far as I can tell.

    The author of our reference text did not start out studying cults or their patterns of behaviors. The research for this resource book was from interviews from the 1950s. Lifton interviewed several who had survived Chinese thought reform techniques. After he had published this work, those who had been affected by cults, religious or otherwise, began to seek his counsel. The main focus was the material in Chapter 22 of his book. Those who had come out of a cult or who had relatives in a cult began to identify with the information in discovered Lifton’s research. This series of events is so vital in understanding why I feel this information is so basic to understanding WOFF and groups like them.

   Continue reading Thought Reform? At WOFF? (8) “Doctrine Over Person” →