Tag Archives: Jane Whaley

Books, Resources, Uncategorized

My Passion- My Weakness?

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? →

Uncategorized

Detox After WOFF?

5 Comments

Every so often, there are questions and thought paths that just won’t leave me until I write them, consider them and in essence explore them. The idea of “detox” after time spent at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) has become one of those ideas. Recently, the question came to me, “How can my true health be assessed when there are “toxins” in me?” Well, that led me to begin a search on just what it means to “detox” or go through a detoxification process. There are so many angles to view this subject; I will just cover a few in this post.

A simple search for “detox” will bring a list that covers a wide range of subjects. There are music albums and films which include “detox” in the title. One of the first sources listed casts doubt that the process of detoxification of the body is real and may just be a perceived benefit. Wow! There is such a varied spectrum of perspectives! I am not sure how far I will go into the whole idea. One thing I am convinced of at this point- the human body is so resilient. Think about it. People living all over the world eating such a varied assortment of food stuffs. Some of us would doubt that what people eat in certain countries should even be considered food. Somehow the body gleans nutrition of some degree from many different substances. What I question are the chemicals and substances which we ingest everyday which I can’t pronounce. Do we really understand how these chemicals travel through our bodies and if they remain in certain levels or are they completely eliminated – without help?

Next, I began to consider such substances with the long complicated names which are tasteless. Well, if they are not tasteless, they have such little flavor our taste buds don’t reject them or sound an alarm when they first reach our mouth. Are there chemicals or substances in our food that are “to protect flavor”- which are really not good for us? I am still learning and am just beginning to search for answers.

Continue reading Detox After WOFF? →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Where is Your Happy Face?

Leave a comment

In the last post, we used this 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) as a resource. Today, we will continue in this resource and compare more material to my experience in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). I experience a gamut of emotions when I discover results from studies used in a resource book that coincide or mirror what I experienced at WOFF. It brings me joy and sadness at the same time to identify with material that researchers have discovered about cult groups- religious or otherwise.  The years within the group can’t be changed, but, by sharing my thoughts on this blog, I hope to help others who have been in such groups find resources that will help. There is sadness in knowing that those I love and cherish are still a part of WOFF.

Where is your happy face? How many times did we hear that, say that, think that, while inside WOFF? Now, don’t get me wrong, every group that asks that question of their children or even the adults is not automatically a cult. But, as we review the following excerpt, just remember what it felt like when you were asked that question or witnessed others being prodded and pushed to smile- no matter how ugly or emotional the scene had become. Remember the consequences for those children who would not submit to the prod and crack even a little smile. For sure, the use of this saying would ebb and flow over the years. But, no one can deny that “Where is your happy face?” was a favorite for years at WOFF.

In our resource text, the editor reviews different research studies along with clinical observations which tell when people are most likely to join a cult as well as the circumstances around a person leaving a cult.

Continue reading Where is Your Happy Face? →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Post- Cult Questions and Struggles (Video)

1 Comment

When I first began this blog, it was so important to me to tell what had happened to me and my thoughts about those events. I started recording my memories as early as October of 2008. From those writings, my desire to start this blog was born. As I first started, it was such a relief to put into words my questions, emotions, feelings and concerns. Starting in January of 2010, I began on a regular basis to tell what had up until that point had only been shared in forums by other ex-members.  Eventually, I began to compare my experiences to insights and material in books written about other groups. Along the way, we have compared Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) to other groups and found WOFF to not be so unique. Jane Whaley may seemingly have a unique “gift”. But, in reality, her methods and means are not new, but are found in many other religious cults. She may have used different shellac on the outside, but what goes on behind the closed doors is as predictable as any other religious cult. The longer I am out, the more certain this observation becomes.

Previously, we have used this 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) as a resource. In previous posts; we have reviewed material written about and by Dr. Margaret Singer. Here is one of them:

Dr. Margaret Singer–Voice for the Cult Survivor – https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=3789

Today, I will quote more from this resource and share some questions. In the last week of so, I have been talking to other survivors and reading this book. There are some insights which are found in the book that go right along with our discussions. Even though this book was published almost twenty years ago and uses some sources from the 1970’s; there is some important background information about cults as well as other material which is still valid.

Continue reading Post- Cult Questions and Struggles (Video) →

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

They Live in Darkness…

Leave a comment

Last weekend, I saw the movie titled: “Mao’s Last Dancer”. This film is based on a true story of a Chinese peasant boy who was chosen to learn ballet as part of China’s culture ministry. The film has been out since August 2010. From the director of “Driving Miss Daisy”, Bruce Beresford, and the producer of “Shine”, Jane Scott- the film is an inspirational story that I felt needed a review here on this blog. Some may object to the analogies and similarities that I will point out between the Chinese government and life in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), but before you dismiss them, please, see the movie. The lead actors are listed as Bruce Greenwood, Kyle Maclachlan, Joan Chen, Amanda Shull and Chi Cao. The rating is “PG”. (Source link for the trailer- http://www.maoslastdancermovie.com/ )

Continue reading They Live in Darkness… →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Religious Freedom or Abuse?

Leave a comment

On Monday, there will be oral arguments in front of the Supreme Court on a case involving Obamacare. Regardless of your position, these arguments and the ruling expected sometime in June should be of interest to all US citizens. Included in the debate is the requirement under the new law for religious institutions to provide contraception services to their employees. On Friday, there were rallies held across America protesting the mandate under this “new” law. In an article titled:

Contraception law sparks rally, debate      Insurance groups required to offer antifertility drugs

Here is a quote from that article telling about a rally held in Green Bay: “The event in downtown Green Bay at the Brown County Courthouse was held in solidarity with similar rallies on Friday in more than 200 cities across the nation, said organizer Cate Zeuske of Suamico. “This event is not about contraception. This event is about religious freedom,” she said.” (source link- http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120324/GPG0101/203240624/Contraception-law-sparks-rally-debate?odyssey=nav%7Chead )

Continue reading Religious Freedom or Abuse? →

Books, Resources, Criteria for Cults, WOFF Updates

Findings of Fact….

1 Comment

During many years of the history of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), there have been several drawn out custody battles in which church practices became a main focus. In 2000, there was the McGee custody battle, Ben McGee- plaintiff; in which an eleven page “Findings of Fact” was rendered on or about December 5, 2000 by Judge Randy Poole. The case was heard in Rutherford County General District Court – case #FILE NO. : 00 CVD 0686. Included in this ruling from the court were definitive statements about church practices and their danger to children. I will include a few here. After each one, I will offer my opinion about the “fact”. Remember, during this hearing, I lived in Greenville, SC and only attended special meetings. For certain, this material was shared on a “need to know” basis. Let me also point out that when/if some or all of these “facts” had been shared with regular WOFF members, there would have been major spin presented and a dare put out there to question or voice any agreement with the “facts”. Does that sound plausible? If you showed or expressed questions or doubts– that was your invitation for an open rebuke and/or church discipline.

16. There is a hierarchy of control and authority within the WOFF organization. Subordinate members are encouraged to report any perceived aberrant behaviors of other subordinate members to higher authorities within the organization.

This was such a common occurrence at WOFF, who would dispute the validity of this “fact”? We were all required to tell the sins of others or “that sin was in you!” and you were as guilty as if you had committed the act. Yes, this could be a reason it is hard for present and former members to trust – ANYONE.

Continue reading Findings of Fact…. →