Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Thought Reform, Uncategorized

Let Me Explain, If I Can…

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     Yesterday, I began to consider certain aspects of my time in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The group is led by Jane Whaley and has been in the news lately. See the previous post “WOFF Member Sues Clerk of Court (1)” found here.. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3549  In reflecting back on my many years under the teachings of Jane Whaley, I realized during that time, it did not dawn on me that living the WOFF life could be hurtful to relationships inside or outside of WOFF. Even if the thought had come that living in WOFF may be detrimental to relationships with family and friends outside of WOFF; those thoughts would soon be replaced with thoughts such as “this is the cost of following Jesus”, or “they just are not walking where we are walking where we are in the Spirit,” or “after all, Jesus said – “Who is my mother and my brother?; But, those who do the will of God.” And for sure, I am doing the will of God and this is just what happens, some will follow Him and some will not…  

    Here is another thought that may not be verbalized every time, but for sure is internalized in the hearts and minds of WOFF members. When they shun or ignore or stop seeing or cut off, either a present or former member and/or a family member outside of WOFF- it is for the good of that person. Yes, in WOFF, that is taken from various Scriptures such as this one:

   “For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes.” Hebrews 12:6

    This is the line of reasoning that allows WOFF members to cut-off ones they love. It is an effort to keep the teachings of Jane Whaley. The effect becomes a closer and tighter knit group of those who agree and never doubt or question anything Jane Whaley says or does. Those who “attack” Jane are the ones that may simply question her authority to do and say some of the things she does and says in whatever area of life it may be. Pick one; there are many areas that Jane regulates in her members’ lives.

   Continue reading Let Me Explain, If I Can… →

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

Exclusive Brethren Compared to WOFF (2)

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     Concerning the Exclusive Brethren: “For 175 years the sect has counted among its strange proscriptions – no public entertainment, no novels, no eating with outsiders, no university, no membership of other organisations of any kind, no shorts (“God has no pleasure in the legs of a man”), no party walls shared with non-Brethren, no films, no radio, no television and no mobile phones – an absolute ban on worldly politics.” This is an excerpt from the article found here.. http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/hidden-prophets/2006/07/01/1151174401719.html

    This post is part two of a comparison sent from a survivor of this religious cult group called –“Exclusive Brethren”. He has taken the list of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) “don’ts” that was posted earlier on this blog and reviewed it for similarities with the Exclusive Brethren.  The survivor who we will call “Paul” has taken the list and commented after every few rules with his observations. The list of “don’ts” can be found here.  WOFF Don’t list from 03 10  Follow down the home page of this blog for the first post in this series. Also, the first post about Exclusive Brethren on this blog can be found here. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3198  

    These comments are from an email returned to me from “Paul”. His comments will be italicized after he quotes from the WOFF list. My comments will be after his comments. 

Comparing the list between WOFF and the Exclusive Brethren– From Paul

WOFF Rules on Pictures, Videos and such….

Don’t take pictures during a regular service.
Don’t make your own recording of a service.
Don’t bring visitors unless you tell someone in the office so they
can tell Jane.

EB- Pretty much never ever happens.(Paul mentioned in the previous post that visitors were very rare, to none, in the EB)

Continue reading Exclusive Brethren Compared to WOFF (2) →

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

Exclusive Brethren Compared to WOFF (1)

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  A survivor of a religious cult group called –“Exclusive Brethren” (EB) has taken the list of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) “don’ts” that was posted earlier on this blog and reviewed it for similarities.  The survivor who we will call “Paul” has taken the list and commented after every few rules with his observations. The list of “don’ts” can be found here. (WOFF Don’t list from 03 10)  The first post about Exclusive Brethren on this blog can be found here. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3198   

    These comments are from an email returned to me from “Paul”. His comments about EB will be italicized after he quotes from the WOFF list. My comments will be after his comments.  

 Comparing the list between WOFF and the Exclusive Brethren– From Paul

WOFF- Do’s-
You will be required to attend every service. If for some reason
unforeseen at this time, you miss a service; you will be required to
listen to the tape at the church. (Death, severe illness and surgery may
be considered excused absences.)

EB- Yes, in the early stages of the cult known as the Exclusive Brethren
which here after will be refer to as the EB, there was a rule of strict
adherence of need to be attending all services .Members risked being put
under assembly discipline by way of separation for a period of time, and
ex–communication for any who were not repentant or those who became
repeat offenders. However, these days these rules have needed to become
relaxed a little, this being because of fear of losing to many of the
youth should these rules be kept as strict as they once were …. (in my
opinion) Public scrutiny has also played a big part in the relaxing of
these rules, the EB doesn’t want to seen as a domineering cult by the
public.    (That is what WOFF needs- PUBLIC SCRUTINY!)

Continue reading Exclusive Brethren Compared to WOFF (1) →

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) →

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

The Net Effect

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    Many companies or ventures of some type look at the “net” effect or in some cases- the bottom line. Is the company or group producing or providing that which they promised? Granted this view is not always the best assessment of a plan or purpose, but it is a valid one. After spending 16 years either directly or indirectly under the teachings of Jane Whaley, what is the net effect? For those still in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF); what has been the net effect or outcome of that stay? Has Jane Whaley produced in their life that which she promised? Or have there been other effects of WOFF membership that were either unpredictable or unplanned? Or effects that worse yet, were unaccounted for in any previous assessment?

   As an example, one could say that the net effect of politicians has become spending money. Many would argue, spending someone else’s money – quite frequently and quite profusely. Is that the expected or projected net effect of any form of government? What was the original plan of a central or state government? But, alas, this year will be more evident than in years past, politicians “effectually” spend money.

    Closer to home, what does Jane Whaley and her group promise and what do they deliver? What is the net effect of a membership at WOFF, whether that is for a few months or a few years? Jane says in so many words, Jesus came to set us free from sin and teach us how to walk perfectly in Him. How could anyone who has been at WOFF for any length of time- forget? So, do WOFFers live free from sin? If that is the case, why do they frequently hear from Jane how sinful they are and how likely they are to be kicked out and how more likely it is that they are going to hell if they leave her and the WOFF fold? If Jane could deliver on her stated goal to teach others to walk sinless as she does, then why all the countless hours of prayer “to get the devils out”? If she was sinless, then would it seem likely she could teach others to walk in her sinlessness? Well, the student is no greater than the teacher. That is if the teacher is truly teaching.

   Continue reading The Net Effect →

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”? →