Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Information control, Uncategorized

Link to “The Cult Test”

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“The Cult Test” from “A. Orange” Shows Many Characteristics of Cults

     Rarely, would I depend on an outside link for the bulk of a post. However, the link below leads to a “The Cult Test” which has some very good information. I came across this link several months ago and had forgotten about it until recently. I do not endorse all the information on the site for this link. There is no way that I have been able to proof read every bit of information on the site. There is no benefit to me for you to click to the site from the link below. You may open a separate browser session and copy, paste the link in your new browser, if you would feel more comfortable.

     There are 100 statements which “A. Orange” believes help determine if a group is a cult. There is information about several groups including A.A. Several sources which I am familiar with are quoted.  Frankly, the information about the Eastern religious groups I am not very familiar with and have a hard time pronouncing the names. However, when I first read the list, MANY of the statements rang true in my experience with Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and Jane Whaley. A few have been listed below. The purpose is to give you some idea what is included in the entire list. The complete list is on the first page of the site.

(The name for the website is listed to a Terrance Hodgins from Portland, OR. One of his main point seems to be exposing AA as a cult. Some information may be repetitive and/or lacking organization. That being said; this is one site that gathers a lot of information in one place and is still worth reading, in my opinion.) 

22. The cult is self-absorbed.
That is, the cult is the most important thing in the lives of the cult members. Sometimes, it is their entire life.

Continue reading Link to “The Cult Test” →

Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

What is a “Cult”? Part 2

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     After a short break, we are back to the subject at hand. Here is the ending paragraph and quote from that first post in this series:

“We will review further information which helps define “cults” and “religious cults” in the next post. What are some common characteristics in “religious cults”? Who joins a religious cult? How do folks get involved or recruited in these groups? Why is it important to study and know about this subject of cults?”

 We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them. Livy 

    The first post ended with this quote and text. Let’s start there in our understanding of the word “cult” and more specifically “religious cult”. In order to put to rest the inordinate fear of cults, let’s take time to learn about them. What are common characteristics of cults? What are the control methods used in cults and how can we be alert so not be trapped in a cult or other controlling group?

    The term “cult” has many negative connotations in our society today. Here is a definition from one source: cult (followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader) from a word search for “cult” found here…. http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu .   This definition includes words such as “unorthodox”, “extremist”, “false religion”… The connotation is clear. In my opinion, which comes from time inside and outside of WOFF; I believe Word of Faith Fellowship would qualify under this definition.

    Continue reading What is a “Cult”? Part 2 →

Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized, WOFF Don'ts, WOFF Updates

Fathers’ Day at WOFF? Fourth of July?

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     Am I too predictable? How could I NOT post about the lack of yet another holiday celebration at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF)? Is this a surprise that there is no recognized celebration for WOFF members on Fathers’ Day? Do we forget the matriarchal structure? If mothers are out on their day, then fathers have no chance. Let me restate from a previous post… “Certainly, in this country, we are not required and should not be required to participate in any national, regional or cultural celebration regardless of the origin. Freedom to opt out or in is still a freedom.” Well, it is a freedom in the society at large. In order to continue at WOFF, you give up your ability or choice to opt in on several issues as they relate to family life. But, why is anyone surprised. Religious cults are known to do extensive damage to relationships between group members and their family members who do not believe. Pick a cult, any cult and examine this trait. You may be surprised how common it is. Well, many of the readers of this blog will not be surprised.   

    Let’s get a little background on the celebration from our trusty US Federal Government.

    Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington, first proposed the idea of a father’s day in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran who was widowed when his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mrs. Dodd wanted to celebrate the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

    The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910. June was chosen because it was the month of William Smart’s birth. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. However, the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was not issued until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made it permanent.

Source- us.gov-  http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=7115

    Continue reading Fathers’ Day at WOFF? Fourth of July? →

Behavior Control, Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Why Did You Go Back? Answers from Present WOFF Member

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     What a day! And what a night! We take a short break from our posts on the definition of “cults” to explain what happened this evening. As I made my way through Rutherford County, I stopped for gas. As I pulled up, so did a Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) member. I recognized them as one who had left and returned to WOFF. At first, I was going to ignore the situation. Then I realized this was a great moment to ask this person face to face why they went back. So, I turned and called their name. This person obviously did not recognize me right away. They said “Where do I know you from?” I said WOFF. Then I said that I had heard they went back. They said – yes. I asked how long ago? This person said about a year.

     Then I said I would like to ask them a question, if it is not too personal, only answer if you feel comfortable doing so. They said, Okay. I asked them why did you go back. There was the momentary facial expression of “how do I answer this one…”? This person stopped and after a momentary reflection said these things. I may not remember them in the correct order. But, for sure I have the content right.

    Well, it is obvious. It (WOFF) is where the life of God is. After I saw how I was living when I left, wasting my life; I saw the will of God was for me to return.

  Continue reading Why Did You Go Back? Answers from Present WOFF Member →

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

What is a “Cult”? Part 1

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     Practically, this post should have been written months ago to help set the definition of “religious cults”. Though I now believe that it has taken this many months for me to realize in general terms, what characteristics are found in a cult.  Also, I now understand that different folks focus on different parts of the definition based on their individual experience, from whatever level that may be. So, what is a “cult”? More specifically, what is a “religious cult” and how is that term being used on this website? In defining these terms, I will be using definitions that I have found mixed with my experience through the years and during my direct involvement in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC. First, let me share two experiences that may help illustrate my point.     

     In 1984, in a “Christian coffee house” in North Charleston, SC, I met and spoke with several young members of the local church that sponsored that “outreach”. It was held in the older section of the town where many retail stores had vacated several years previous. The meeting place was open Friday and Saturday evenings, as best I remember. There were places to sit and talk, local Christian musicians would play the popular songs or new Christian songs of the day. It all seemed so innocent in many ways.

   Continue reading What is a “Cult”? Part 1 →

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Keep Reading and Asking Questions

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     While reviewing the comments today, I read the following from a reader. Here is a partial quote… “ I have a friend who was a part of a cult for years because her family was and that was all that she had known until she got older and began to question and (she) was sent out because she questioned those in charge.”  Though I know this reader from years past, I do not know her friend. It saddens me to learn of anyone who is or has been in a controlling group, religious or otherwise. However, the reader admits she can understand the scope of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). After writing these posts consistently for about five months, I still learn of folks who have a hard time believing that the events I tell about were real and actually happened. I believe some may go so far as to think that these events happened to him; but they can’t still be happening, can they? After all, wouldn’t Jane Whaley and her leadership change and stop controlling each other and the regular members after these posts expose their dealings and doings? I have no evidence to support that statement. This blog is not the first or the only place where former members share their testimony of the controlling measures used at WOFF. Still the control continues, month after month, year after life stealing year.

  Continue reading Keep Reading and Asking Questions →

Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Why Go Back? Part 2

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     In a previous post, the question was raised- Why Go Back?- to WOFF. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2235

     Recently, I have had opportunity to speak with several former members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) either directly or indirectly. These folks arrived and left the group in different time frames. All were present at some point during my 16 year association and membership in WOFF. Jane Whaley’s preaching emphasis may have been different for each one of them during their stay, but many of the same observations are present in their stories.

  In response to a recent post, I received an email from Jerry Cooper.  He has been mentioned previously in other posts, as he had two tours of duty at WOFF with a five year break in between. The second time he was in the group for one year. His testimony of why he went in, left and then returned is insightful and hopefully will help others. In his own words.. “In that journey I came upon WOFF during a crisis and turning point in my life. In my desperation I found a group of people (WOFF) who “appeared” to be seeking what I was seeking. I saw zeal and passion and experienced an emotional and fulfilling “God experience” that I jumped in all the way-bearing no resistance.”  

    I have found this a common thread in the testimonies of other former members including myself. When I joined the Greenville group in 1992 after a time of personal crisis, I was impressed with the “zeal” in the members to follow after and know God’s ways. Other former WOFF members have expressed the same thoughts; they came to WOFF to seek a deeper relationship with God and to be who He wanted them to be. “Fulfill the Call of God”…This would only make sense as many members have moved long distances to come and be a part of WOFF. There were/are several folks from other states and other nations. As many as 19 different nations have been represented in the congregation during my time there. Hunger for God is not contained only within one particular culture or national border. Though in time, I began to see that a zeal for God was not the only requirement to know God.

   Continue reading Why Go Back? Part 2 →