Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized, WOFF and Money Issues

“Know the Marks of Cults” Part 7

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   For now, we continue on with yet more comparisons and observations from the book:  “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). We have been reviewing the insights from the author and comparing them to my experience at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) led by Jane Whaley. In the sixth post from this book we reviewed several characteristics of cults as put forth by Breese. The last one in the post was the “Enslaving Organizational Structure” as explained in chapter 10.  We have been comparing some aspects of these “Marks”, to what I have known about WOFF. As a note, I will not write full length posts on the entire list all of “The 12 basic errors of false religion” that are mentioned in the subtitle of this book. Reviewing each one in depth is not for this forum. However, a brief reading would affirm that out of the twelve listed errors, I have seen and experienced all of them during my time at WOFF.  I encourage readers to obtain their own copy and read this book.

   Breese states in Chapter 11 that a cult would/could display “Financial Exploitation” of its members. This was another chapter from which it was hard to only pull a few quotes. The author writes, “It is clear also from the Word of God that the Christian is never put under obligation to do, give, sacrifice or expend himself in any way in order to be more sure that the has the Gift of God which is eternal life.” (page 105 emphasis added) He continues, “The Word of God, however, is clear that service for Christ is a voluntary proposition on the part of the Christian, and nothing that he does will increase his own guarantee of eternal life.” (page 105) For those who are now or have been at WOFF, do these statements take your breath? I read them and found myself reeling with doubt then catching myself, as I saw this was old patterns of WOFF-think kicking in. Is “service for Christ” really voluntary? Do you mean that “pleasing Jane” or “doing the will of God- the WOFF way” does not get you on the inside track to heaven? Is this cause for pause?

    Continue reading “Know the Marks of Cults” Part 7 →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

“Know the Marks of Cults” Part 6

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     We will continue with a few more comparisons and observations from the book:  “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). We have been reviewing the insights from the author and comparing them to my experience at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) led by Jane Whaley. In the fifth post from this book we reviewed the “Doctrinal Ambiguity” as noted by the author and compared some aspects of that, to what I have known about WOFF. As a note, I will not write full length posts on the entire list all of “The 12 basic errors of false religion” that are mentioned in the subtitle of this book. Reviewing each one in depth is not for this forum. However, a brief reading would affirm that out of the twelve listed errors, I have seen and experienced all of them during my time at WOFF.   Again, let me repeat that I will not be able to cover all the good information given by the author. I encourage readers to obtain their own copy and read this book.

    Breese titled chapter 7 “The Claim of Special Discoveries”. From those who have been at WOFF, what shall we say then? Do we have space to list the “Special Discoveries” claimed by WOFF? We go from the WOFF-talk to WOFF-dress to WOFF-lifestyle to WOFF-prayer to WOFFness in general. The whole experience at WOFF was billed as “special”. Does this lead to problems and/or does it reveal the error inherent with WOFF? For sure we must ask does the “special” aura of Jane and WOFF give place to even further deceptions.

   Continue reading “Know the Marks of Cults” Part 6 →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

“Know the Marks of Cults” Part 5

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Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese Part 5

    We will return to a few insights from the book:  “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). In the fourth post from this book we reviewed the “Presumptuous Messianic Leadership” as a mark of a cult. Next, Breese writes about “Doctrinal Ambiguity”. Again, let me repeat that I will not be able to cover all the good information given by the author. I encourage readers to obtain their own copy and read this book.

    Breese mentioned several points in this chapter from which I will use a couple to support my opinion about Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) lead by Jane Whaley. I will be cautious not to assess every doctrinal area that is proposed from WOFF. Some of the areas I am still working through myself after having been under Jane Whaley’s teachings for so many years. After I left; there was a time when I put everything I believed about Christianity and the Bible on a figurative shelf. One by one, over time, I have been examining my beliefs and attempting to hold onto to what is true and right. What I have found as questionable or unsupported by Scripture and “good sense”- I have been throwing out. Contrary to the confession of some, I do not believe that the two standards are mutually exclusive.

   The author defines doctrine as the “systematic presentation and understanding of truth”. (page 60) In a previous passage he writes; “Doctrinal ambiguity is a mark of a cult. One of the very fascinating characteristics of the cults is the interesting and sometimes hilarious changes of doctrine through which they pass. Their doctrines are being continually altered in order to adapt themselves to new situations, arguments or the whims of their leaders.” (page 59)

   Continue reading “Know the Marks of Cults” Part 5 →

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

But There Is No Pain? (sorta)

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     Recently, I was reminded of a typical experience of someone who has been lured into Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) which is lead by Jane Whaley. No experience is considered the exact same, but there are similarities to be sure. Some folks meet a WOFF member on their job on in some other way in the community. It may be at a softball game, a department store, a business meeting. Somehow the contact is made and the relationship begins. The WOFF member seeks to gain trust and at some point bring up the question of relationship with God. The normally unsuspecting person begins to respond to the inquiries and soon may be invited to WOFF for a special service of some type or even a Friday night fellowship. Once at WOFF, other members would notice the new person and automatically go and “show themselves friendly”. All this is meant to dispel any negative notions of the new person(s) from what they might have heard previously. You know “rumors out in the county…”

    At some point, the new person would be brought to meet Jane so she can “get a feel for that person”.  Since Jane would have already been briefed and determined if they could attend, the next step would be to “help them see their need for Jesus”. The WOFF recruiter would get a telephone number and begin “keeping in touch” with the interested person. Many times, the member of WOFF (recruiter) would be told by Jane or someone in leadership, how to help this new person keep coming. Objections raised by the new person may or may not be answered directly. Many times, vague replies would be given, enough to soothe the doubt and keep the person coming. The needs of the new person would be met in some way, either with transportation, money or food or just loving, caring, acceptance.  Many folks are not aware of all the religious or lifestyle ramifications of joining a group like WOFF. They are just drawn in by the “love bombing”- special attention that every new person receives.

     Continue reading But There Is No Pain? (sorta) →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

“Know the Marks of Cults” Part 4

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“Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese Part 4

    We will continue with insights from the book:  “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). In the third post from this book we reviewed the “False Basis for Salvation” and “Uncertain Hope” as marks of a cult. Next, Breese writes about “Presumptuous Messianic Leadership” in cults. This is the longest chapter in this book, 12 pages, however; the whole book is only 128 pages. I will not be able to cover all the good information given by the author. I encourage readers to obtain their own copy and read it to learn many details that I will not be able to give here.

    Breese starts out this chapter with “Only Jesus Christ deserves disciples!” (page 45, bolding added). That sums up the main point of the chapter very well. He goes on to make several points from which I will only draw a few for support. “One of the marks of a cult is that it elevates the person and the words of a human leader to a messianic level.” (page 48) “All too often converts to a religion stand in inordinate awe of the person who brought them into the faith. Many religious persuaders have been unable to withstand the temptation to personally promote themselves so as to retain their exalted image in the minds of their devoted followers. The temptation to change from a simple servant to an exalted messiah can be very strong in the life of a charismatic leader.” (page 49) Though, I must add that the strength of the temptation is no excuse for the action of receiving the status of “messiah” from your followers.   

   Continue reading “Know the Marks of Cults” Part 4 →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

“Know the Marks of Cults” Part 3

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“Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese Part 3

    We will continue with insights from the book:  “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). In the second post from this book we reviewed the “Extra Biblical Revelation” as a mark of a cult. Next, Breese writes about “A False Basis for Salvation” in cults. Upon reading the title for this chapter, I was remembering all the Scripture references I had learned at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). Jane Whaley taught what felt like from dawn to dark and beyond on certain subjects. Several meetings were spent on Scripture references centering on salvation and knowing if one was truly saved. So, I had my ideas about skipping over this chapter.

    However, as I read Breese’s work, I noted several alarming points he makes about cults and their denial of true Biblical salvation. For sure, Scriptures are taught at WOFF. But, to be true to our methodology of assessing WOFF and other groups; what are the practices that go along with the teaching of salvation at WOFF? Members of WOFF are taught chapter and verse. That impression is confirmed by the number of Scripture references on their website. But, what is practiced that either confirms or denies, the Scriptural understanding for salvation?

    Continue reading “Know the Marks of Cults” Part 3 →

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

“Know the Marks of Cults” Part 2

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“Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese Part 2

    We will continue with insights from the book:  “Know the Marks of Cults” by Dave Breese, (copyright 1975, SP Publications, ISBN 0-88207-704-x). In the first post from this book, we reviewed the definition of a cult and some of the traits. Breese writes next about the “Extra Biblical Revelation” as a mark of a cult. At first, I was going to move over this point and not comment since there is no written “Extra Biblical Revelation” at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The leader, Jane Whaley has not written a “revelation” that she claims to supersede or be equal to the Bible.

    Breese goes on to explain about this “Extra Biblical Revelation”: “Sometimes this extra-biblical revelation” comes in the form of a “divinely inspired leader”.  Many religions have invested divine authority in the person of a visible individual who speaks infallibly, his words having the same or higher authority than Holy Scripture. Some of these religions have made their leaders equal with God.” (page 26) He goes on to admonish Christians to give themselves to study of the Word of God.

     Continue reading “Know the Marks of Cults” Part 2 →