In recent years, a term has come to the forefront in the consumer finance and/or mortgage lending industry. That term is “predatory lending”. What does that term mean? Is it a new practice or a recently discovered term to describe practices that have been in existence for years? A simple search will reveal an explanation for the term. Here are two sources. First, from HUD.gov website link found here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/pred/predlend – the short intro reads as follows:
“Over the last several years, our nation has made enormous progress in expanding access to capital for previously under-served borrowers. Despite this progress, however, too many families are suffering today because of a growing incidence of abusive practices in a segment of the mortgage lending market. Predatory mortgage lending practices strip borrowers of home equity and threaten families with foreclosure, destabilizing the very communities that are beginning to enjoy the fruits of our nation’s economic success.”
Next, another source at Wikipedia explains the term as follows:
“Predatory lending describes unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of some lenders during the loan origination process. While there are no legal definitions in the United States for predatory lending, an audit report on predatory lending from the office of inspector general of the FDIC broadly defines predatory lending as “imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers.”[1] Though there are laws against many of the specific practices commonly identified as predatory, various federal agencies use the term as a catch-all term for many specific illegal activities in the loan industry… One less contentious definition of the term is “the practice of a lender deceptively convincing borrowers to agree to unfair and abusive loan terms, or systematically violating those terms in ways that make it difficult for the borrower to defend against.”[2]… Although predatory lenders are most likely to target the less educated, lowest incomes, racial minorities, the elderly, victims of predatory lending are represented across all demographics.[4][5] (source link- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predatory_lending )
Since 1982, I have been involved in some segment of the consumer finance industry. There have been many additional regulations enacted to curb abuses, perceived or real, within the industry since 1982. From the definitions above, the major qualifications for “predatory lending” appears to be “unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices”. Using the less contentious definition of “the practice of a lender deceptively convincing borrowers to agree to unfair and abusive loan terms, or systematically violating those terms in ways that make it difficult for the borrower to defend against.”; it is not difficult to see the association I have made between this and what I experienced for years at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). I experienced “predatory religion”. Let me explain.
During the recruitment process for new members of WOFF, Jane Whaley nor her leadership explain fully just how pervasive their reach into the new member’s life will be. The “loan terms” are UNWRITTEN. Could “loan terms” or terms of membership into WOFF be easily violated when NONE of them are written down? I think so. One ex-member pointed out that WOFF does not have a Church Constitution. Why should they? Before the ink would dry, Jane could/would change her mind and thus the rules would change. If there is nothing written as to what is expected of the borrower and any obligations of the lender- could deception and abuses occur? Why do reputable loan companies use written forms? So, there are no questions later as to what was loaned and how it was to be paid back and what happens when repayments are not made. Ways to resolve disputes are spelled out and no party to the transaction is supposed to leave the closing table with unanswered questions. This does not occur when new folks join WOFF. You are not told exactly what is expected, what will be provided or how you will be expected to “support God’s work” while a part of WOFF. In fact, ending the relationship is NEVER discussed with new members. You begin to learn what happens to members who leave LATER after you have shown you are fully in “submission to God’s ways” as lived at WOFF.
Many of the rules that govern the relationship of WOFF members are supposedly “given to you by the Holy Spirit”. You are expected to know the rules and may be asked “Why didn’t you already know that?” KR is famous for asking “Why you did not already know that? God showed us that Truth years ago”. During the first few months of membership, there is a “honeymoon” period when new members arrive within the group. Experts call this “love-bombing”. Plainly put, obvious infractions of WOFF rules are excused. “They are not walking where we are walking, yet”. The new members are often showered with new clothes, new furniture or other items in order to help them become suitable in appearance and learn to appreciate “God’s blessings”. That seems great- right? It seems as if the Lord is opening up the heavens pouring out blessings too many to contain, right? Oh, the joy for God that overflows as Jane and her crew begin to meet your needs, right? Jane Whaley will soon provide a job, a place to live and maybe even transportation to the newest member. There may be support for child care and even a new “friendship relationship” with someone of the opposite sex. Who would not be wooed at all this positive “God sent blessings” that would come into a person’s life? But, with these “blessings from God” comes a price. Let me explain.
The “unfair and abusive loan terms” would equate with many new members not being told the long list of “WOFF don’ts” that will soon rule their life. WOFF Don’t list 03 10 Additionally, these “blessings from God” are like a loan disbursement. The terms for repayment are not fully explained. That is where this part comes into play: “the practice of a lender deceptively convincing borrowers to agree to unfair and abusive loan terms, or systematically violating those terms in ways that make it difficult for the borrower to defend against.” Unlike a normal loan disbursement, there are NO written agreements. The “loan” terms are conditional and therefore easier to enforce and/or change. What are the “repayment” terms at WOFF? Simply put, you give up personal freedoms and eventually you are obligated to “stay in the move of God” for the rest of your years on earth. Otherwise, if you “default” on your loan, there could be serious “repossessing” going on. A simple question or two about Jane may be tolerated; a few more and you could be “out of the church”. Continue in your refusal to “come back under God’s authority” or “repent to Jane for having thoughts of your own” and all the benefits of your initial “love bombing” episode could be foreclosed on. How would that look? You could be fired from your job working for a company owned by a church member. Your company benefits; car, laptop, insurance or cell phone benefits- could be taken because the owner does not “want a person like that” working for him. You could be or would be shunned within your WOFF household. All you will be told is you “must repent” and you “must submit to God” and “go talk to Jane”. Repent to Jane, talk to Jane and submit to God are all referred to together because in WOFF-dom, they all mean the same.
Worse than a loan from a finance company or mortgage company, at WOFF all your family and friends are up to their eyeballs in hock to Jane Whaley, too. How does Jane keep many folks in her religious group? It goes like this, in addition to the things that were given you when you joined WOFF, the new relationships and even your family members can be “foreclosed on” when you default on your unwritten loan agreement with Jane Whaley. Jane knows this and she or her leadership will tell you ahead of time- If you don’t repent or leave, you will lose your family, your friends, you home, your car and whatever else God has given you! Your family and friends are indentured to Jane also in this WOFF-zone of predatory religion. If you leave WOFF, “You could be taken over by the devil and not make it to heaven!” Were you told THAT when you joined? You can check out any time you want – but, you can NEVER leave! Sound familiar?
In my opinion, Jane Whaley is a purveyor of predatory religion that enslaves her followers in deceptive and destructive practices. They are not told the “price” for the “blessings” she gives them. The repayment terms exact a heavy toll on those involved. When you default– you lose everything she gave you and more. It amounts to religious slavery. Abraham Lincoln said, “…If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” (resource link here: http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/hodges.htm ) I have modified it somewhat to read- If religious slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.
Some may say I am crazy or making a big to do about nothing. Not so. I still have “skin in the game”. Many who leave think they have no more “skin in the game”. Many locals and others who read this blog may have nothing but a passing interest, as they see themselves with no “skin in the game.” What does it take to wake up those caught in the WOFF-drama and those just watching, that we all have “skin in the game”? We all have an interest in exposing the “unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices” within WOFF. What is the restoration or preservation personal freedoms worth? Is WOFF the only group where such things happen? NO, there are others. I am just expressing my concern about the experience I had in WOFF.
Jane uses extensive deception on her followers. Has she become imprisoned within her own deception and does not see the effects of her predatory religion on the lives of her followers? I think she sees it and in some way systematically rationalizes the destructive outcomes as either the results of “sin” or “God’s will”. She does not see herself as the problem. She does not see the practices within her group as the problem, no predatory lender ever does.
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 304.