In the previous post, we used as a resource the book, “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). Today, we will return to this resource for the material in Chapter 2. The title of the chapter is “A Little Carrot And A Lot of Stick- A Case Example” by Janja Lalich. The author outlines the formation, operations and eventual implosion of a political cult in which she was a part of that lasted from 1974 until 1985. I have been amazed at the similarities between many of the inner workings and dynamics between this group and Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). For now, I have not done the research to find out the name of group or its leader, which the author covers with pseudonyms. Let’s go directly to the comparisons which caught my attention.

When describing the ages of the founding members of the WDU, Lalich writes, “ Baxter was 39 years old, while most of the others were in there mid 20s, which meant that they (with one exception) were 7 to 20 years younger than Baxter.” (page 54) It was similar with WOFF at the beginning- if you just look at Jane’s age compared to her main leadership. I suspect Jane is mid 70s (WOFF stopped celebrating birthdays – so who is counting?) and the rest of her main leadership early to mid 50s. There is another layer of leadership around Robin’s age that is even younger than the main leadership. What does this matter? Well, certainly Jane could/would use the reasoning that she had been walking with God longer than anyone- who is to doubt her? Right.

Continue reading “I didn’t want her screaming at me….” →

In previous posts, we have used as a resource the book, “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). Today, we will return to this resource for the material in Chapter 2. The title of the chapter is “A Little Carrot And A Lot of Stick- A Case Example” by Janja Lalich. The author outlines the formation, operations and eventual implosion of a political cult in which she was a part of that lasted from 1974 until 1985. Why should I even cover this chapter on this blog? I was amazed at the similarities between many of the inner workings and dynamics between this group and Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). There were obviously different terms and “reasons” to submit to the group leader- but, as we review this chapter, notice the similar control dynamics and the results on the members.

As an introduction and a way to answer some obvious questions, the author writes, “This chapter outlines the makings, workings and eventual demise of the “Workers Democratic Union.” I use pseudonyms for the name of the group, the leader, and all former members; also I use the terms organization, group and party interchangeably throughout. Since the group was leftist in orientation, I wish to make it clear that this is not a critique of political ideologies, nor an attempt to conclude that the organizational methodology of Marxism-Leninism necessarily leads to cultic formation. The Workers Democratic Union (WDU) was unique in many ways, but nonetheless a cult  like so many others in the techniques used to dominate and control its members.” (page 52)

This paragraph contains a great point. As Marxism-Leninism may not necessarily lead to the formation of a cult neither does the organization of an Evangelical, Protestant church with Charismatic beliefs and practices. The direction of any group is greatly, if not totally, affected by the leader, their desires, their weaknesses and strengths. As with this group and their leader- Doreen Baxter, so with WOFF; Jane Whaley is the hub of the wheel, the engine that makes WOFF what it is and why it is.

Continue reading My Passion- My Weakness? →