Several of the books I have recently purchased and will be reading deal with recovering from cults and the effects of cults. One such book is “Recovery from Cults” – Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse– Edited by Michael Langone- (copyright © 1993 American Family Foundation – ISBN 0-393-31321-2). The preface is written by Margaret Thaler Singer, Ph. D. (1921-2003). Her biography in this book contains these statements about her work. She served as Adjunct Professor of Psychology at University of California, Berkley. …Dr. Singer has been a contributor to many edited volumes on cults and related subjects, including The Family Therapist as Systems Consultant (Guilford Press) (page xiii) A brief review of additional information about Dr. Singer found here… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Singer reveals her work against cults. “She developed theories about how cults recruit and retain members (such as her Theory of Systematic Manipulation of Social and Psychological Influence) and was on the board of the American Family Foundation, the major anti-cult group in the United States.”

     In the preface, she outlines her pathway into research and study of cults, their techniques and the results upon members, ex-members and families of cult members. Toward the beginning of her research she “concluded that cultic groups were not using mysterious, esoteric methods, but they had refined the “folk art of human manipulation and influence”… The cults created programs of social and psychological influence that were effective for their goals.” (page xvii)  She goes on to describe “pioneer families” of the 1960’s who were seeing their children enter cults and the subsequent search for answers. “The parents’ concerns were not that their young-adult children had taken up a new religion, nor were they concerned that their loved ones had left school and home or had completely redirected the course of their lives to help mankind by joining altruistic groups. They were concerned that these young adults were doing none of the above but seemed to have closed their minds to the past, their families and friends and were simply helping a band of itinerant gurus, pied pipers, self-proclaimed messiahs become wealthy and powerful.” (page xviii emphasis added)

 That is the paragraph that got my attention! So, what I had been through was not new! My sixteen years of being under the direct and/or indirect of the teachings of Jane Whaley were not a “new thing under the sun”. My involvement in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) reflected the experience of a “self-proclaimed messiah becoming wealthy and powerful.” We have posted before about Jane’s modest $600/month salary and her modest 40+ acre estate. To her members, she functions as the one who “hears God for them” and makes decisions where they live, work and who they can have as friends. She rules her faithful members’ lives with a long list of rules which not written, but are ever fluid according to her needs at that moment.

    Dr. Singer continues, “Each cult is a reflection of the personal interests, persuasion, and choices of the leader.” (page xviii) Now, we can affirm that statement! During my time in WOFF, I saw Jane influence member’s lives in many ways. Jane acted as interior decorator, home improvement and re-design coordinator, wedding director/coordinator, worship leader, employment recruiter, business consultant, relationship-engineer, clothing buyer and consultant, jewelry buyer, drapery and wall hanging advisor, property manager (her properties, mainly), furniture buyer, funeral director, cemetery owner, floral arranger and consultant, canine consultant, medical advisor, debt collector, preacher, teacher in the school, school principal, floral consultant, political advisor, flight director, dietary consultant, quartermaster, labor recruiter, video advisor, music advisor, content advisor/originator, insurance endorsement provider, missions director, international relations coordinator, college advisor and course advisor, conference director and host, adjunct professor and other functions as needed. Yes, Jane’s handprints are all over WOFF. Her members and their lives reflect her “personal interests, persuasion, and choices.” Is that a shock? No. That is not a shock, it just needs to be stated and examined for what it is- control. Certainly, free-will and personal choices were/are checked the door of the WOFF sanctuary. (or before..) How does Jane have time to do all of this? Certainly she must have help! And yes, she does. Certainly, one could/should conclude that WOFF is a “total experience”…  

   Dr. Singer also notes a very important fact. “In reading this volume, remember none of us is beyond being manipulated by the intense, dedicated, and persistent persuader who meets us at a time when we are vulnerable, needy, and lonely. …Cults are not all simple, odd little groups “doing their own thing.” Nor are those who join aliens in our midst. The potential cult victim is you and I.” (page xviii) In reply, I must add that apparently, her research, years of study and desire to help others did not cloud the knowledge of her own weaknesses. ANY ONE could be trapped in a controlling group.

   In conclusion, Dr. Singer writes, “Above all this book is dedicated to those coming out of cults now, as well as to those who have been out for some time and have never had the opportunity to read an discover what some of the effects of cults can be. It is also for those yet to emerge from abusive groups who need a book to study and to see that they are not alone, and that what is happening to them is understandable. This book is a giant step both in validating the anguish felt by former cult members, their friends, and families and in acknowledging the special recovery needs of ex-cultists.” (page xix) I look forward to sharing further excerpts and insights from this book. It promises to be a help in many ways. This book is available from Amazon.com

     Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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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 259.