“Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese Part 4
We will continue with insights from the book: “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). In the third post from this book we reviewed the “False Basis for Salvation” and “Uncertain Hope” as marks of a cult. Next, Breese writes about “Presumptuous Messianic Leadership” in cults. This is the longest chapter in this book, 12 pages, however; the whole book is only 128 pages. I will not be able to cover all the good information given by the author. I encourage readers to obtain their own copy and read it to learn many details that I will not be able to give here.
Breese starts out this chapter with “Only Jesus Christ deserves disciples!” (page 45, bolding added). That sums up the main point of the chapter very well. He goes on to make several points from which I will only draw a few for support. “One of the marks of a cult is that it elevates the person and the words of a human leader to a messianic level.” (page 48) “All too often converts to a religion stand in inordinate awe of the person who brought them into the faith. Many religious persuaders have been unable to withstand the temptation to personally promote themselves so as to retain their exalted image in the minds of their devoted followers. The temptation to change from a simple servant to an exalted messiah can be very strong in the life of a charismatic leader.” (page 49) Though, I must add that the strength of the temptation is no excuse for the action of receiving the status of “messiah” from your followers.
Remember, Breese is writing BEFORE the scenes of Jonestown (1978) and BEFORE WOFF was started. He is simply making keen observations, many of which hold true today. He goes on in describing the messianic cult leader, “They then often cleverly continue to promote the image of external humility while in fact spending millions to keep their names in lights before their starry eyed followers. “My people need me,” is their assumption, “and bless them; they can have me- for a price.” (page 49 emphasis added) Breese hits on the self-deception that many cult leaders exhibit. We have mentioned that here before. From all appearances to me, Jane Whaley true believes she is “helping her members walk with God”. To quote Jane directly, “When you are deceived, you are deceived.” Well?
We will look at two more aspects of “Presumptuous Messianic Leadership” that Breese explains. First, “.. the claim of some leaders to their own ability as special intercessors with God”. (page 52) Would anyone who has attended WOFF deny that though Jane may deny it to your face on occasion, she in fact practices her “special place in God to pray”- frequently? Was I the only one who noticed that?
Next, “The cult leader also strengthens his presumptuous leadership by arrogating to himself the position of being the only repository of divine truth… In doing this, he is pushing the heretical proposition that he has been made the true custodian of some private revelation from God.” (page 56) Do we need to cite more than one example? Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance for a start, Jane practices and preaches these as her unique revelation. Does anyone have something say to the contrary? Concerning the first part of this quote, Jane directs and approves of whatever and whoever is allowed to preach behind her podium. She is the final say and does openly correct other preachers or teachers. In practice, it is evident, she considers herself “the only repository of divine truth”… Do we hear anything different from former or even present members?
At Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), Jane Whaley professes that she is “no one’s Savior”. However, in practice, members of WOFF are corralled into her fold by the continual badgering to “check it out with Jane”, or “what does/did Jane say about that?” “Are you under authority?” is another code phrase used to “guide” members into the “protection” that Jane offers. These statements reflect what amounts to an internal, basic, fundamental “Law of WOFF”; which permeates to the very core of every faithful WOFF member. Jane Whaley must approve all decision and the direction of every member. If you do not follow this “law”, then there will be consequences to pay.
The excuse for such junk is the “Jane will help you hear God”, Jane just wants to help you “walk in a higher place in God and fulfill your call”. These and other rationalizations flow freely from the WOFF faithful and thus direct new and old members alike into the aura or presence of Jane. In my opinion, this “law” serves to stifle the very growth that Jane confesses she wants for her members. After years and years of deliverance and Jane’s direction, members are still wondering around in the desert of WOFF-land searching for holiness, true peace and direction from God. As mentioned before, the years of Bible school must have been a failure for the fruit was non-existent, to any degree. Who matured to take out the message, one? One couple who were allowed to return to their native country, out of how many faithful Jane Whaley students? That does not speak well of the leader of the Bible School.
How many former or present members would deny the assertion that while at WOFF, you were expected to submit to Jane Whaley and submerge your will into the “Lake of the Forever Lost” and only move when Jane said move or act when Jane approved of the actions? If you “ventured out on your own” you were chastised and pummeled with “loving correction” until there would be no more desire to be “out from under authority” by “doing your own thing”. Were you or are you truly learning, growing disciples of Jesus or of Jane?
Does this help explain why leaving could be such a struggle for some folks? Those who leave are searching for many things including control over their own will, the ability to think for themselves and make certain decisions which some folks would consider basic. The struggles are determined by how deep into the “cult-ture” of WOFF they were when they left. The understanding of the struggles on the inside should make understanding the struggles of former members easier. Comments are welcome from former or present members. We will continue to learn about the “..Marks of Cults…”
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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. ) Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 158.
That is the word I have for WOFF, arrogant. Once someone goes into the “leadership” role they become arrogant. The children are arrogant. Jane teaches that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord. So, there are no titles. The children call adults by their first names. They do not use titles for anyone, no Mr., Mrs., Dr. or Rabbi. Remember how Jane talked about the Baptists? They were deceived and not saved. So, if you do not go to WOFF, you are not saved and going to hell. WOFF has an air of arrogance so that even those in the county can distinguish who goes to WOFF. The children are afraid to talk to people outside of the church because of fear of talking to those who are in sin. The people outside see the children as zombies or too scared to look at them or talk. This is why Jane always says to be friendly in the county. It is hard to be friendly to someone you think is the devil or a Judas. From this teaching there is no respect for the authorities over us, in government or law. Even though it is said we respect the laws of the land, there is an undercurrent that you do not trust the law of the land. So, when the DSS came and the court trials were going on, it was easy for everyone to lie. If you look at those who are the “ministers” at the church, they came from nothing and now in a place of “authority” under Jane, they do have an arrogant attitude. They have a sense of importance and superiority over those they watch. This is why there is no love coming from the WOFF. If you leave the WOFF there is not love extended to you because you are in sin, out of the will of God, a Judas, and going to hell. Who would want to say hello to you, then. I admit when I was there I had that superiority attitude towards others, because I was one of the chosen ones. I have asked God to forgive me for having that attitude and for others to forgive me the way I treated them. There are thousands of people out there that truly love the Lord. So, the word arrogant is a good word for WOFF and many within its walls.
Randall,
Thank you, for your honesty. It is sad that in order to see the certain truths, you need to step away and not be in the middle of “THE SHOW”. As much as I would like to convince myself of my sincere nature toward outsiders, while at WOFF, I do not think it would prove true with those outside of WOFF who knew me then. It is as if WOFF members had/have a load of justification and defensiveness to carry in order to rationalize being at WOFF. That one observation should cast doubt on the sincerity and genuineness of the whole “cult-ture”. Being free of the onus or “incubus” that comes with being a faithful WOFF member is gratifying in itself.
John