Category Archives: Books, Resources

Books, Resources for learning about religious cults

Books, Resources, Uncategorized

“Lord, Save Us From Your Followers”

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    “In the spirit of wondering why we all can’t just get along, filmmaker Dan Merchant takes to the streets to ask the average folks about religious faith and why it seems to be such a divisive force in America’s so-called “culture wars.” (from DVD cover) This film, Lord, Save Us from Your Followers, is produced by Virgil Films and is a Thunderstruck Film, Inc release from 2008. The movie is subtitled “Why is the gospel of love dividing Amercia?” With a title like that how could I pass it up when viewing the Netflix® options?

    This movie has so much content and so many subjects and points to make, it is hard to select just a few and relate them in this post. Admittedly, my perspective after being many years in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) was very limited when attempting to understand all of the references to recent events and folks in the news who had things to say about religion. Why? It should be obvious, while in WOFF the exposure to the news and outside world is LIMITED to none. So, when the movie mentioned Bono and showed a clip of George W. Bush praising him, I did not know who Bono was- still don’t. Apparently he has helped alot of folks.

    The film maker travels to different cites wearing a suit made plastered with different religious or Christian bumper stickers and emblems that may be found on a car. He stops to allow folks to view them, and then he begins asking questions meant to learn how others think of Christians and religion in general. The responses are genuine and sincere which is a definite plus to the richness of the movie. However, not all the people interviewed spoke positively of Christianity or Christians.  The film in rated PG-13 due to some language and subjects discussed. It was hard to absorb the full effect of the movie with one viewing.

     Continue reading “Lord, Save Us From Your Followers” →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults

WOFF Member Sues Clerk of Court (1)

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   Though the suit was filed November 30, 2010, the local newspaper is just now reporting the story. The Digital Courier (www.thedigitalcourier.com) reports Ramona Hall is suing Robynn Spence, the Rutherford County Clerk of Court. Ms. Hall is alleging that she was not re-appointed due to her membership in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).  The suit also claims Laura Bridges was not re-appointed for the same reason. The claim is based on religious discrimination which violates State and Federal Laws.

   In the suit, WOFF is described as

“…Word of Faith Fellowship (“Word of Faith”), a Protestant, Non-Denominational church, whose members believe in powerful prayer in tongues and do not participate in the celebration of commercial holidays or the playing of secular music ….

     There is so much to comment about concerning this situation; I really do not know where to start. Let’s start with the description of WOFF. As a former member, I am not surprised at the self-description or that it would leave out some vital points. A more accurate description would include that fact that WOFF does not play ANY MUSIC not APPROVED by Jane Whaley. That INCLUDES, but is not limited to Christian music, hymns, and instrumentals of any type. (at least, while I was there.) Yes, I realize that what type of music NOT played is NOT the main point. The point of the description is to outline that for which WOFF feels like it has a right to do or believe and yet, others may not think so or agree with. As having been on both sides of the fence and having great respect for the laws that have allegedly been broken, let me state IT IS THE DEED- NOT THE CREED.  It is what is DONE inside of WOFF that I know violates human decency and good common manners. There are basic rights guaranteed by the same Constitution that Ramona claims was violated; which are denied the faithful WOFF members! In a former post, I have outlined the rights. Here is the first post of relevance in that series… https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2677

  Continue reading WOFF Member Sues Clerk of Court (1) →

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

What is an “Omen”?

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   The question is a simple one. However, as I pondered the meaning and more importantly, the purpose of many omens, the whole concept made sense – sorta. The first definition of omen is simple: a phenomenon or occurrence regarded as a sign of future happiness or disaster. (found here: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/omen ) Why even bring it up? After recently seeing an episode of the Andy Griffith Show, the question came to me: “Do religious control groups or cults, use “omens”?

   The show was titled, “The Darling Fortune”. It originally aired 10/17/1966 and can be viewed on the CBS DVD series published from Paramount – a VIACOM company. The plot includes the Darlings coming to town to seek wives for the sons in the family. Andy is befuddled as Briscoe Darling announces their intention to seek “city girls” for his sons. While the Darlings are in town, their hopes are doused and they proceed back to Andy’s house to pick up Charlene. As they are leaving, they see an owl perched on their truck! This is where the excitement picks up. Briscoe and Charlene are immediately elated as she repeats the omen, “You see an owl at day time and the next female you see is sure enough a bride for thee.” Aunt Bee expresses her doubt and Briscoe says, “Ma’am, You don’t doubt the omen of the owl!” In order to not ruin the experience of seeing the show, I will stop here in revealing the sequence of events that take place, save one.

   Later in the show, Andy is totally frustrated and says about the Darlings: “If you could just reason with them, but people who live by omens and witchcraft and stuff like that, you just can’t get through to them.” From there, the show continues and the ending turns out satisfactory to all concerned. But that one statement by Andy stuck with me. Why? I could see myself on both sides of the life ruled by “omens”. Let me explain.

Continue reading What is an “Omen”? →

Books, Resources, FLDS, Uncategorized

Sons of Perdition- Interviews with the Producers

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   “Sons of Perdition” The story of polygamy’s exiled teens. – is a documentary about three boys who had been a part of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS). We have posted many times before on the FLDS and its destructive nature. This post will link to an interview done with the film’s producers at the Tribeca Film Festival, earlier this year. The interview is in two parts and gives some insight into the struggles for the producers as well as the boys involved in the film. The subject of polygamy and the many effects it has on ones who stay inside and ones who leave are well documented. The producers, Jennilyn Merten and Tyler Measom talk very openly about not only what they learned, what they filmed, but how they took steps to become personally involved in the lives of their subjects over the four years in making the film. Jennilyn and Tyler are both former Mormons which helped them have a beginning in understanding the scope of the subject, as well as the trauma involved in leaving a group such as FLDS.

    “Sons of Perdition” is presented by LeftTurn Films and is pleased to announce that the film has been acquired by the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).   The film will be presented as part of Oprah’s Documentary Film Club.  The link to the website for the film ishttp://www.sonsofperditionthemovie.com/Sons_of_Perdition_Home.html 

Part 1

Part 2


 
Here is a second interview done by Nick Gillespie of reason.tv with the producers. It presents a few different points about FLDS.

  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.

    Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

      (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 232.

Behavior Control, Books, Resources, Thought Reform, Uncategorized

Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (3)

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     We have provided several posts reviewing material in the movie- “Join Us”. 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 . I have been intrigued by this film. It is no doubt the most intimate look at real ex-members of a religious cult. This cult was in Anderson, SC and was named Mountain Rock Church. The pastor was Raimund Melz. He and his wife, Deborah, exercised control over their members predicated on the idea that they were “family”. From all indications, Raimund Melz was the one who made the decisions and exercised the discipline.   

    In the second clip from the movie after the trailer (shown below), one ex-member, Tonya, is telling a counselor that the members were unable to know what sin was, the pastor had to point it out. “…You have to have him point out the sin, …because you are a dumb baby, dumb sheep..You can’t see them (the sins)..So, he has to be the one, he hears from God, you are inmature, he has to point them(the sin) out…” And then in a moment of revelation, this ex-member says to the counselor, “You act like you have seen this before?” The counselor answers- “.. This is what we hear all the time…” This exchange started at one minute and three seconds into the clip. I was glued to this exchange. Why? Because, for years while in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), Jane Whaley would be asked by members to tell them – what is sin? Did I do right? What should I have done different? While I was in WOFF, members were continually chided and berated for not knowing what was sin. While in WOFF- Jane ruled and made the determination who did right, who did wrong and what to do about it. She determined who got punished and how.  The only source of the knowledge of sin was Jane Whaley. In reality, Jane replaced the Holy Spirit in member’s lives as apparently did Mr. Raimund Melz. But, from the counselor, we learn this happens all the time- IN CULTS!

    Continue reading Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (3) →

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

Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (2)

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   The opening three minutes of the film “Join Us” is available below. “Join Us”. 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). Joaquin Sullivan opens the film giving a brief introduction to his background and experience in Mountain Rock Church in Anderson, SC. He makes a statement that “It is hard to tell from the outside when a church has gone too far”. That is so true. Not until a person can learn the “rules” (verbal and non-verbal) and consequences for breaking the rules; do they know if a church – more specifically the pastor and leadership in the church – have gone too far.

     What is “too far…”?  That is a topic that some would rather ignore. But, as the years have passed, I have some insight into what is “too far”. I spent 16 years under the direct and indirect influence of the teachings of Jane Whaley at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). During my time there and now that I am out, I have more understanding as to what would be “too far…”  When a pastor and/or the leadership of a church begin to control the lives of their members as shown in the film, it is a dangerous environment for anyone- adult or child.

    Joaquin Sullivan also expresses his present doubts and questions about other churches he passes and may nothing about. He shares questions that I fully understand. It is only a natural reaction after coming through an experience like his to question any other church, their beliefs, as well as the pastor/leader. He lists his questions about other churches; is the pastor telling them who can be married, how much money to give or how much of their time is required to make it to heaven?

   This clip reveals the members from Mountain Rock Church arriving at Wellspring retreat center in order to get help with understanding what they had been involved in. The lives of the folks had been affected by the pastor- Raimund Melz and his wife. These are real people, not actors. The counselors are real people, not actors. Actual counseling sessions are shown in the film with real questions and real emotions from the former cult members. Please, take time to view the clip and consider seeing the entire documentary. It will change your ideas about cults, who can be caught in one and where to get help.

   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.

    Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

      (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 228.

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (1)

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     In the previous post, we introduced the movie- Join Us. 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) This award winning film released in 2007 captures the fear and torment in the lives of four families caught in a religious cult in South Carolina. The families are shown receiving help at the Wellspring Retreat in Ohio. Actual footage of counseling sessions led by the late Dr. Paul Martin show former cult members receiving instruction, asking questions and dealing with the issues facing them as they struggle to find “normal” lives. The emotions are real and the language reflects the intense struggle with guilt, anger and remorse.     

    The clip below is from a radio interview with Ondi Timoner. She talks about how she came to learn about cults and mind control. She also gives some insight into how the group came to light. It is worth the time to listen.

      Continue reading Join Us – Reflections and Comparisons (1) →