Brooke Covington is one of five individuals indicted with charges against them ranging from second degree kidnapping, assault and attempting to inflict injury by strangulation. Adam Bartley, Robert Lewis Walker, Jr., Justin Covington and Sarah Anderson are the others who were indicted. The case has been delayed beyond reasoning with pre-trial motions, rulings, and disqualification of the original WOFF attorneys attempting to represent all five defendants. The disqualification was appealed to the NC Court of Appeals and later withdrawn after one of the petitioners in the appeal, Sarah Anderson, left WOFF and requested new representation.

During Monday’s session, five motions were slated for review.
1. The Defendant’s Motion for Change of Venue;
2. The Defendant]s Motion for a Bill of Particulars;
3. The State’s Motion for Jury View & Testimony During Jury View;
4. The State’s Motion for Joinder of Offenses for Trial; and
5. The State’s Motion for the Alternative for a Special Venire.

The State’s Motion for Jury View required a notice sent to Joshua Farmer as he is known as the “general counsel’ for WOFF. However, attorney John W. Gresham was hired to represent WOFF in opposition to the motion. He has represented Jane Whaley in years past and it came as no surprise he was brought in for this hearing.

As ADA Byers gave the judge a recap of the case, he explained that Judge Thomas Davis has recused himself from the proceedings. Byers has originally scheduled the hearing for May 22nd, but rescheduled for April 24th upon learning that Judge Gary Gavenus was not available in May. Attorney Teddy used the rescheduling as a reason to request for further delay stating he was not prepared to argue the Change of Venue with all the recent publicity about WOFF.

At several points, Gresham attempted to interject his views that the Motion for Jury View was unconstitutional and that he was prepared to provide large photographs of the scene. Finally, Judge Gavenus rebuffed Gresham and told him not to worry about the Motion to View at this time.

The outcome included Judge Gavenus putting all parties on a two hour notice pending another unrelated case which was set to begin on Tuesday. Should that case conclude within the week, the attorneys would be given a two hour notice to appear in court ready to argue at least three of the motions; the Change of Venue, the Motion for Special Venire (jury pool) and the Motion for a Bill of Particulars. Judge Gavenus appeared frustrated that this case had languished for so long without moving forward. He seemed ready to do his part in helping the case along.

So, after about an hour of discussion, the case may be heard again this week or it may not. Hopes have been expressed that we will have another hearing on Thursday. One thing for certain, the small group of WOFF members in attendance did not exude the same jubilant confidence as in days past. Yes, there smirks of disgust as certain ones entered the courtroom or spoke, but overall the attitude was one of concern. Yes, this case has moved from an unlikely negative to the possible or probable serious chance for a negative outcome for WOFF and its leaders. There is no doubt who the unnamed defendant is in this case, right? Yes, she was there on Monday.

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Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.
Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.

(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 598.

Several months ago, I wrote on the difference between “brainwashing” and “mind control.” The post was titled- WOFF Members are NOT Brainwashed- Really? – found here . The supporting text for this was found in Steven Hassan’s book, “Combatting Cult Mind Control” (Copyright©1988, 1990- by Steven Hassan, Park Street Press, ISBN-0-89281-311-3). In short, the idea was that in a case of brainwashing, the controllers are thought of as adversarial or “… typically coercive. The person knows at the outset that he is in the hands of the enemy. … Abusive mistreatment, even torture, is usually involved.” (page 55)

“Mind control, also called “thought reform”, is more subtle and sophisticated. Its perpetrators are regarded as friends or peers, so the person is much less defensive. He unwittingly participates by cooperating with his controllers and giving them private information that he does not know will be used against him…. Mind control involves little to no overt physical abuse. Instead, hypnotic processes are combined with group dynamics to create a potent indoctrination effect. The individual is deceived and manipulated – not directly threatened – into making the prescribed choices. On the whole, he responds positively to what is done to him.” (emphasis added- page 56)

Let me state that for avid readers of this blog, I don’t want to confuse you. I have stated that there is increasing physical abuse inside WOFF which from the text is characteristic of “brainwashing.” My contention is that the abuse is INTENSIFYING the effects of the mind control dynamics which have been in place for many years. For now, we will call the dynamics “mind control” and address the reasons for the transition later. I also contend that the increasing abuse is causing frequent angst in those who have labored under the idea that leadership was “friends or peers”. For some, the abuses have begun to severe their allegiance to the group and will cause them to leave WOFF.

Let’s restate the growing theory. WOFF members keep inner group dynamics secret because in the mind control environment, they see the leadership as “friends or peers.” Let’s add the pseudo spiritual parental notion here. Many in WOFF refer to Jane as Momma Jane or Grandma Jane or some derivative thereof. Who would willingly tell the family secrets and violate the trust of “family” or “friends or peers?” This allegiance presents a big hurdle for those feeling violated or abused inside the group. Members may have thoughts such as; Who will believe me that a person as harmless looking as Jane would approve or even participate in abusing me? Something must be wrong with me. This is the guilt/shame dynamic we discussed previously.

The resulting behavior is to ignore and try to excuse any abuses seen as a result of WOFF life. Faithful WOFF members, who witness abuse, whether emotional or physical, must lie to themselves in some way to settle the inner conflict that these behaviors ignite. Here is where the Scriptures have been abused as tools to soothe the inner conflicts. Scripture was not meant to cover abuse – but to expose it. Inside WOFF, Scriptures are used to justify the abuses as “the will of God.” This inner lying brings with it a heavy price and a huge emotional burden. Some who leave still refer to Jane as Momma Jane. I suspect this is to continue the charade and to cover the inner conflicts which WOFF life spawns. After all, when Jane ceases to be Momma Jane, what other results will the survivor have to deal with in relation to the inner conflicts created by WOFF-life?

In previous posts, we have cited resource material from “Escape” written by Carolyn Jessop. (“Escape”- authors Carolyn Jessop and Laura Palmer, Copyright©2007 by Visionary Classics, LLC, published by Broadway Books, ISBN 978-0-7679-2756-7). Today, we will use another excerpt to explain the dynamics inside of WOFF.

“… Even if a family knew there was severe abuse going on in another family, no one intervened… We would hear stories about sexual and physical abuse in other families, but nothing was ever done to stop it. As a community, the feeling was that the outside world was our enemy. Its laws and rules did not apply to us in any way. There was no way that someone in the FLDS would report abuse that they’d witnessed or suspected to the authorities for investigation. Anyone who did that would have been seen as a traitor to the entire community.“ (emphasis added- page 37)

This, my friends, is the same attitude inside of WOFF. No one reports the abuse because you would be seen as a traitor to the entire community and to Jane and to “the will of God.”

John, are you saying that WOFF members believe it is “the will of God” to hide abuse? It is not made that simple. It is “the will of God” to protect “the will of God” for the people of God and the gift of God in Jane Whaley. If that means that abuse does not go reported- then they feel justified by doing “the will of God.” It is difficult for any WOFF member to see the inside practices as abuse. They are confused by the confession that the person was experiencing a new level of “the will of God.” If a member admits that abuses are happening inside of WOFF, they will soon be on their way to more of “the will of God” or OUT of the group.

John, what about all the lawyers inside WOFF? How do they reason away not reporting any abuses to authorities? I can’t say, I have not asked them directly. My contention is that Jane has her lawyers not to uphold the law, but their real job is to protect her right to do “the will of God.” They are mere marionettes on her strings of total control.

As a recap, faithful WOFF members under mind control keep inside dynamics secret because leadership is seen as their “friends or peers” who want “the will of God” for them and everyone else inside the group. To report WOFF inner dynamics as “abuse” would be to betray “the will of God” for themselves and the entire community. This conflict is complicated by Jane’s use of Scripture to excuse her edicts and excesses as “the will of God.”

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 483.

February of 2010 on this blog, I wrote about Jane Whaley’s Toilet Paper Revelation. I was in that service when the “revelation” was introduced to the members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). Yes, some went overboard and it got out of hand. Jane actually tried to moderate the exuberance with which some began to monitor the bathroom habits of their fellow members. It was in reality a fiasco. But, at the time, I did not understand the lasting detrimental effects. During my stay at WOFF, I witnessed CH get publically rebuked by Mark Doyle for using a urinal in an airport bathroom. It was not God’s will for WOFF members to use urinals. This was just a hint of the controls yet to come. During my years there, the urinals were partitioned off so you could not view the person beside of you. Apparently, this is not the end of the controls of personal bathroom habits. Allow me continue. 

Fast forward to this year and yet more bathroom controls have been explained to me. Recently, I have been told that the urinals were totally removed from the bathroom s at WOFF. For recent visitors- is this true? I have no reason to doubt it. If that were the end of the controls, I would not be writing this post. Reports coming out of this group have gone into more detail. I will try to be as tasteful as possible in explaining the restraints that I understand to be in place at WOFF.

Also, let me just clarify it is not my intent to embarrass or harass. After I recount what has been told to me, I will outline the seriousness of such controls, the lasting effects and dangers of such details being focused on such matters. Honestly, the first few times I heard about the new revelations, controls and restraints- I laughed. I laughed a lot. However, the more I have considered these new measures which in reality rob the privacy of members- I have not been laughing. As I will explain, the effects of such measures have been and will be far reaching for WOFF members. Additionally, it will prove an example of the freedom Jane Whaley feels and uses to invade, take over and actually prove ownership over her members; before you dismiss this notion, please, read on.

Over the last few weeks, I have been hearing about an impromptu meeting the Jane called of a group of young boys/men in the hallway of the school. I don’t know the exact words, only a phrase here and there. If I get events out order then please, understand I aim to present the main content which I heard and not offend by leaving out something that a WOFF member would feel was important. The meeting was called to explain new rules, new revelation new guidelines in using the bathroom. These young men or boys were not to touch their private parts when using the toilet. I understand Jane was asked to explain and she demonstrated; in a half squat position, arms extended, elbows out from the body, as if over the toilet. The men were told not to touch or wipe their private parts unless it was absolutely necessary. Touching the waste emitting equipment was forbidden as you might give to the “unclean.” It was not clear if you only had to pass water, if you could put your bottom on the toilet seat of not, but, for certain touching your equipment to guide the urine into the receptacle was a new “no-no.” My thinking is that is you had a solid discharge to expel; you would have to sit-right? Anyway, I don’t want to digress.

Let’s recap what you just read. Jane Whaley – who has NO male equipment, was now directing those with male equipment, how they were to use that equipment and of course casting a dark cloud of guilt and shame over those who did not follow the new rules. If you touched your self – you would be guilty of giving to the “unclean.” Did I get that right? Can you see why I laughed OUT LOUD when I first heard this?  Does the word picture need to be any clearer? Jane Whaley in her ministerial grace, is seen demonstrating how to not touch what she does not have? And using all the AUTHORITY she has to convey this new edict as if it was STRAIGHT from the holy throne room?

 There is so much I want to say all at once, I hope I don’t lose any of it. First off, does Jane know more than God? He DESIGNED males and do you think at some point He knew we would possibly  need to direct our equipment with our hand to make sure the liquid waste makes it into the receptacle? We are not like dogs.  I personally know of a young man at WOFF who would NOT take aim and made a mess just to get extra attention. He seemed to get better aim after he was made to clean –up his own urine. Now, I do stray from the point.

After hearing this new rule at WOFF for a few times, I stopped laughing. It became clear to me that with this new rule over personal bathroom habits, Jane was expressing a new level of ownership over her most faithful and pliable members. In fact, today, I spent a good amount of time speaking into my phone as I recorded my thoughts on the emotional damage that these new restraints would be over the young boys and men at WOFF. Does this new rule seem to be congruent with a matriarchal sub-culture? I think so.

Before we explain the consequences of this new rule, allow me to quote a couple of passages from “Releasing the Bonds” by Steven Hassan. (Copyright© by Steven Hassan 2000, published by Freedom of Mind Press, ISBN: 0-9670688-0-0) Hassan says that Behavior Control is one characteristic of a cult. He writes, “Behavior control is the incremental regulation of a person’s physical reality, which includes both his environment (where he lives, who he associates with, what he eats, when he sleeps) and his conduct (tasks, rituals, and other activities). Behavior control comes in many forms, including sleep deprivation or manipulation, change of diet, invasion of privacy, separation from friends and other newcomers, and isolation workshops and other indoctrination exercises.” (emphasis added, page 46)

When you regulate a person’s bathroom habits with such intense spiritual authority, would that be an invasion of privacy? Does your salvation and eternal destiny pivot on how you use the bathroom? You think? Does YOUR spiritual leader inspect and monitor YOUR bathroom procedures and results? Why or why not?

While explaining Thought Control as a characteristic of cults:

“Cult members are taught that the leader is always correct, and are not allowed to doubt him or her. Thoughts that go along with the leader are good. Any other thoughts need to be pushed down by chanting, praying, or speaking in tongues. Any negative feelings as always blamed in the individual. Any disillusionment means the member is doing something wrong: “You are not meditating correctly.” No room is left to say, “Maybe the leader is wrong,” or maybe the doctrine misquotes the Bible.” Consequently, the member’s ability to reality-test is suppressed.” (page 51)

At no time while this new revelation was being explained to me did the persons telling it say that anyone in WOFF ever expressed doubt as to the validity or correctness of Jane’s authority in regulating personal and private bathroom habits. Who doubts Jane inside the group and stays for any length of time? Inside WOFF- she is ALWAYS right. For a young man to express doubt as to Jane’s authority to regulate, monitor and punish those who do not follow the new bathroom etiquette- would be rare.

John, what is the deal? Can’t WOFF members do what they want when they use the bathroom? Isn’t the door shut? Well, for most, it probably is. For others, who are deemed giving to the unclean, they would be closely monitored and at times have the bathroom inspected after they left for evidence of sin. For some, there are time limits as to how long you can even be in the bathroom- alone. It is my opinion that most everyone inside WOFF wants to do “the right thing.” And when Jane says this is how you use the toilet, then they want to obey the rules no matter how demeaning and silly others may think it would be.

How does this type of new rule fit into the overall scheme of control at WOFF? Along with this new bathroom revelation came the retelling of other meetings where young boys and young men were called aside and required to “open their heart.” This forced confession was a regular event during my days there and apparently still is a tool for leadership at WOFF. (This is another mark of a cult according to Hassan- “Ritual and often public confession of “sins.” – page 45) For the meeting I was told about, Brooke Covington was running the show and if she did not feel you were opening your heart, you would receive a slap across your face! Many times, it would be loud enough to hear out in the hallway by the others waiting their turn for torture. As reported in previous posts, the physical violence inside WOFF appears to be increasing.

After taking a step back to consider this new set of rules and the increase in physical violence, I am more than regretful for ever stepping foot inside the doors of WOFF. I lived INSIDE that group for six years and was under the influence for a total of sixteen years. I truly regret that those I love are still under this far reaching destructive influence.

For certain, just because you leave WOFF does not mean that automatically the things were put inside of you such as shame over not using the bathroom correctly or folding the toilet papers just so- it does not mean those things automatically leave you. The doubt and angst over the fears instilled in WOFF members can take years to relieve and process. This is the sad destructive effect of Jane Whaley and her religion. I was angry and sad today as I begun to get a small glimpse of the emotional and physical destruction of WOFF on its members. The rules and commands that are born out of Jane’s self-proclaimed divinity are classical cult mind control measures. But, just knowing about those mind control measures does not make it any easier to witness the intense, deep personal destruction in the lives of previous and present WOFF members. In my opinion, by Jane Whaley telling men and boys how to use the toilet AND outlining the consequences for not obeying her directions is a fine example of how she views herself as the ONLY God in the Earth and proves her belief of OWNERSHIP of her members. Can there be another plausible answer for her behavior?  

We close with these few questions. For pastors of other churches, do you tell your members how to use the toilet and expect them to tell you if they misused it? Do you slap your members in the face if they do not confess every sin YOU think is in their life? Do you allow hitting, pushing, kicking and screaming from those in “leadership” toward other members to get them to obey your “word from the Lord?” For outsiders looking into WOFF, does this sound like Christian behavior? Jane’s control over her members is NO laughing matter. We will continue our discussion of this ownership/control in future posts.

“It is never too late to wake up and leave and reclaim your life!” Steve Hassan

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 439.

The video is less than twenty-five minutes long. He recently spoke at the Society for  Ethical Culture in NY and apparently he has many friends there.

Mr. Hassan gives a brief synopsis of his background, telling of his involvement and exit from the Moonies, He was there for two and one half years and had risen to a level of leadership within the group. His family performed an intervention and he subsequently left the group. After speaking to Robert Lifton; he began his journey to learn more about what had happened to him and thus how to help others. Thirty-six years later he has been on many media sources and has helped many group members in their quest to learn to think for themselves. His books outline the “Strategic Interactive Approach” for helping group members.

In his opening, Hassan shares his thoughts on the deception used in cults during recruiting. Mind control groups to do not give full disclosure and allow for prospects to make informed decisions about joining their group. This lack of informed consent is paramount to the determination of a group’s validity and motives. Prospects are not told what the group believes or what will happen to them once they accept the gifts or invitation to a meeting and proceed to join. Were you told what would happen to you before you joined WOFF? I had no idea of the level of intense commitment of members who lived inside the group. It was a shock to see the day to day requirement to “lock-in with Jane” when we first moved in October of 2002, thus followed the surrender of any privacy in the family and marriage. It was a slippery slope for sure. Back to the video…

Next, he reviews his B.I.T.E. model and its application to understanding mind control. This model is used as a test to examine a group in order to determine if they are using mind control. We have reviewed this model before, but, with many new readers we will give a brief overview. Hassan is not concerned with a group’s beliefs but their acts or practices. The B.I.T.E. model stands for B-behavior control, I-information control, T- thought control, E- Emotional control. Does the group in question practice any of these areas of control? We determined in previous posts that Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) scored a 100% on this test! Please, watch the video and read Hassan’s books to learn more.

As Hassan continues, he puts forth several nuggets of wisdom garnered over the many years of his experience in helping cult members. He cautions that in this country we over emphasize or protect the freedom of religion to include the inordinate freedom to act. Yes, there is freedom of religion but, that is not a license to take advantage of others. He warns against being “convinced by the member’s passion” that they are happy and in complete control of their thinking and their life. This is simply not the measure needed to determine one’s actual condition.

Later in the video he recognizes that phobias are real and “You can install phobias in someone’s mind.”  He lists several phobias he has dealt with over the years in his clients – fears include losing your salvation if you leave or do not follow the group’s directives. He explains the continuum of ethical influence and unethical influence. Instilling fears would be an unethical influence technique. Does WOFF instill fears? The fence of fear surrounds the group and keeps many of them inside Jane Whaley’s influence and control for years! She is very effective in undue influence.

Hassan explains that Abrahamic religions have been based on choice. The followers choose to follow their God. God did not does not make us robots and force us to follow him. Hassan explains how cults pervert the “choice” process all under the guise of freedom of religion. At about 13 minutes into the video, he says that these groups actually violate the freedom of religion by the use of deceptive recruiting and mind control techniques. We touched on that recently in a post asking Frank Webster questions about his attorney’s oath and involvement in WOFF. In my opinion, the practices of WOFF violate a person’s freedom of religion for the very same reasons Hassan shares.

Even with undue influence, Hassan says the mind control is not 100% captivating. Everyone, including those born into a cult, still has the desire to be free and to be loved and have rewarding relationships. Given that mind control groups do not allow these desires to exist outside of the group’s methods and practices, he says this is the reason people walk away after 20 or 30 years of cult involvement. He says that in practice, cult members “have to be obedient rather than be in touch with their conscience.” (We will expand more on this in a future post!) He cites the Internet being a resource for those wanting to know more about a group and this access has helped many.

Hassan tells the story of a friend who had been in Scientology for 30 years. They left because someone was nice to them and helped them start thinking about the conflicts and doubts they had while in their group. He said while telling this story, “It is never too late to wake up and leave and reclaim your life!” (19 minutes into video) Hassan continues with this truism, “When you are in a cult, you don’t think you are in a cult, when you have been brainwashed, you don’t think you have been brainwashed. But you think other groups are cults and other groups have been brainwashed…”  This key can help you speak to your loved ones to start them thinking about other groups and lovingly help them consider their group. He suggested having members watch the exit interviews of Heaven’s Gate member to show the results of brainwashing. Then consider the B.I.T.E. model when applied to their group. His main key was that if any group is legitimate, they will stand up to the (B.I.T.E.) test!

In his close, he says, “Love is stronger than mind control.” That, my friends, is the thought of the day. Please, learn more about his work and contact me with any questions. I will help in any way I am able to help.

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 429.

During my research, I came across a video put out by Steven Hassan. This video is an informal conversation filmed in a hotel room about 2 years ago. The participants were Steven Hassan a leading cult expert, Attorney Paul Grosswald, ex-Scientologist, and Karen Pressley also a former high ranking ex-Scientologist. Much of the content does center on Karen’s experiences and her successes since leaving the group. During the discourse, there are several notable quotes which include answers to why folks stay in controlling groups, as well as other points of interests for those trying to understand the cult experience.

Before we begin, let me explain that I have no experience with Scientology or the Moonies. The purpose of this video is only as an aide to help answer the question: Why do members stay? The video is over fifty (50) minutes long and there is no way I can review the full content here. For this post, we will just hit on some major keys for understanding given by the participants. Some of the terms describing the rules or actions within Scientology were foreign to me and can only be explained by context.

Ex-Scientologist Karen Pressley, Paul Grosswald and Steve Hassan talk from Steven A Hassan on Vimeo.

About eight minutes into the video, Karen very vividly describes the treatment she saw of a particular member inside her group. This included physical and emotional abuse and the dehumanization of the individual. At that point, the attorney asks Steven Hassan, “So, Steve, you’re the mind control expert. Can I ask you to briefly explain why people would stay in that kind of environment when there is that much abuse taking place?”

Steven Hassan who has been visibly moved by the account pauses for a second and then introduces himself. Mr. Hassan was in the Moonies, after he got out, he has for many years been helping folks leave cults or who have already left cults. He has a website- www.freedomofmind.com and had authored two books at the filming of this video. (There is a third book which has just been released which we will cover later- Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs – available on Amazon.com.)

Mr. Hassan continues to give a very brief and succinct answer. “Basically brainwashing and mind control exists. People get deceptively recruited into totalistic organizations not knowing what’s really going to happen to them¹. Their mind gets twisted and they get split into a cult identity that suppresses their real identity and they are trained to “thought-stop” any negative thoughts against the leader, the doctrine or the organization². They are given phobias that if they ever leave they are going insane, or they will get cancer, they will become a drug addict or commit suicide … Chapter 10 of my 2^nd book I have listed on four pages single space the most common ones³…”  

Here I will review this answer and comment from my experience during and after my time in WOFF. Concerning the first part of the answer: Which present member or survivor of WOFF knew fully the extent that their life would be controlled BEFORE they went into WOFF? I certainly did not. And as the years passed, who could accurately see how much their life was being consumed into WOFFness? That my friend is part of the effects of living immersed into the WOFF sub-culture; you lose perspective and your bearings. When you have no non-WOFF sources to compare your life to, then all that is happening appears normal and acceptable.

For the second part of the answer; I would say some folks have a more obvious change of identity when they go into WOFF. Others may not have an outward change so much as an inward change that dictates their life-choices and the way they relate to former friends and relatives. There are great changes in priorities and activities when a person joins a mind control group. Concerning the “thought-stopping” phrases and attitudes during my time at WOFF: there was a unique WOFF-language and within that code talk, there were NO critical words or thoughts allowed about Jane, her decisions, her actions or her choices- NONE. She demanded complete loyalty and allegiance. For a member to waiver was an invitation for church discipline.

The third part of the answer addressed the phobias instilled or forced upon members to keep them from whatever the leader did not want them to do. The main no-no was of course to leave. There was a confliction here as you would be threatened with being put out of the group for certain behaviors then are told you could not leave. Then you would be threatened with being put out. Then you would be told you are free to go. If you leave, you were called a Judas, God-hater, lover of self rather than God, reprobate, backslider, apostate. Some were told if they left then they would be murdered, return to their drugs, become a prostitute, go to HELL, lose the call of God, get cancer and so on… I feel certain Jane has come up with some new expressions since I left.

(During the conversation, there is reference to a show involving Anderson Cooper. I am not familiar with the show and it appears the content has no bearing on the answer to our question. We will skip those references for the most part. )

Hassan continues and summarizes his answer with this: The answer is no person in volitional control of reality and mind-body experience would ever allow a crime like that to be committed and not be appalled and run away or call the police or something like that… much less go on international television and lie about it. … But, lying is major piece of mind-control cults.

So what does this mean? What is he saying? First, he explains the process of being recruited into the mind control group. Then he explains the obvious impairment that exists for a person to take the treatment that is common in such mind control groups. The mind control process renders individuals too impaired to see the similarities between the way they are being treated and stated crimes against a person as defined in the code of law. Faithful cult members may think they deserve their treatment since they are so bad or sinful or “full of devils”. MANY cult members are probably very ignorant as to the definitions of what constitutes assault or kidnapping or torture.

The hard part comes for individuals on the outside to understand why a person doesn’t just leave a group like WOFF, is because those on the outside are NOT under the mind control, the fears, the “thought –stopping” blanket of control which falls on WOFF members. When you have never been under the mind control, it is hard to understand the effects of it and how it clouds or rules your thinking.

Another key is in the last part of the answer Hassan gave. “But, lying is major piece of mind-control cults.” Potential recruits are lied to in order for them to NOT know what will really be required of them when they join. As the process or recruitment and merging into the group continues, there comes point where individuals will choose to rationalize or lie to themselves that what they are seeing or experiencing is not really all that bad or in some cases necessary to “know God” or be a part of “God’s people”…They first believe the lies and then repeat them to themselves to quash their anxiety or their concerns. Thus begins their travel into the WOFF fantasy.

That is my reason for staying so long. I rationalized and believed the lies being told to me for many years. All of this was in order to not face the real and growing agitation and concern on the inside of me that things were not right. My concern that Jane was not the only person who could hear God and that she does not hear God perfectly every time and that here was something strange about her telling folks when they could have relations with their spouse. She claimed to not be able to control 400 folks, but, she went into a rage when she did not know the minutest of details about an event or happening within a household or family. She flew into a rage when she was not told ahead of time or asked about certain things. So, what she claimed she could not do was obviously something she wanted to do – with her whole heart and soul.

The answer Hassan gave outlined the foundation as to why someone would stay when they were treated so badly. Each person goes through their own personal thought processes in order to succumb to the deceptive mind control. There is a major disconnection with their true identity and thus, a person’s full rational capacity is impaired and in some cases extremely suppressed to appear non-existent. For WOFF members, all of this while appearing perfectly normal and even successful, to those looking in from the outside. (Notice that Hassan’s answer included nothing about a certain level of intelligence that could protect you from the deception. Many intelligent folks join cults of all types.) Many on the outside of WOFF are not fooled by the big cars, house and nice clothes. There are some who know that these are all an outward sham to hide the hurting folks who strive to meet the legalistic rules and ever changing standards within the group, often suffering severe consequences for the most minor infraction.

Later on in the video, Karen talks about her life two years after she had left Scientology. “I was literally afraid to surf the Internet, because when we were in Scientology we were forbidden to ever access the Internet, under threat of going to the RPS… I took pleasure with using scented soap, because for all my Scientology career I had been forbidden from using scented product.. I was at the store and realized I could buy scented products… just a real simple pleasure like that made a huge impact on just regaining my autonomy…”

Hassan commented on the Internet, “It (the Internet) is the enemy of any totalitarian group… because they want to do information control…they don’t want members to talk to former members and critiques and think for themselves. And make their own decisions, and the extent they can phobia-tize people to stay away that is one thing and to not allow them access to computers is another way…My experience is that deep down people want to know truth and they want to be free and they want to feel love and be loved. And in an environment like a totalitarian cult run by a narcissistic psycho-pathological leader. (Megalomaniac) You are not only NOT going to feel love, you are going to feel terrorized and helpless…”

This is one of the saddest consequences of being in a mind-control group, especially one that is using the Scriptures to justify their devious doings. The treatment members receive inside WOFF is labeled as “love”, worse; much of what is done inside is called “God’s love”. Combine the desire to be loved with the desire to know God and make it into heaven with the dynamics of mind control and you have an irresistible draw for many folks and a formula for disaster. This could be the reason for such bewilderment and angst when a person leaves. If what you just left was called “God’s love” and you were treated so badly, why would you seek any more of “God’s love”? Why would you jump into the water again after being nearly boiled to death?

On the other hand, just because you leave a group like WOFF, does not stop your desire to be loved and feel love. But, in the confusion of leaving, how can you trust anyone else who comes toward you in a similar fashion as those did when you were approached about WOFF? Can you also see why some former members resist going to church for fear of being ambushed by their idea of God or “God’s love?” Who wants to sign up for more of a WOFF-experience?

In closing, during the video, Hassan makes note to applaud Karen for once being so high up in the group for so many years, and yet still being able to come out and rebuild her life. Yes, there is hope. Karen credits much of here rebuilding to her education. For each survivor, there may be a different source or combination of things that helps them rebuild. But, rebuild we shall, and we must. Each survivor can come out and make the most of their lives, in order to prove wrong the edicts of failure from their previous group!

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 410.

In a previous post titled, “Another Exit Drama Unfolds …” found here: https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=4782 . In that post, we did not name the survivor for various reasons. As of a few days ago, by his choice, his name was put into public record and therefore we will mention it here. Michael Lowry was born in 1990 in Rutherford County while his family was a part of WOFF. The family was from Michigan and have lived in the area every since his birth. He grew up in WOFF as his only social environment. In the previous post, we recounted his experiences in the “fourth building”. Those experiences had been traumatic to say the least and were a major part of his decision to leave his family and the only group of “friends” he had ever known. Today, we will give you excerpts from an incident report he filed with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s department outlining some of the events in the fourth building.

  Remember, this report is listed as “Further Investigation” needed. The people listed in this report are innocent until proven guilty.  No event or claim in this report has been proven in a court of law and no person in this report has been convicted of any crime(s). This is an incident report that is in public records that anyone can obtain a copy of from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s department.

The date the report was taken is listed as February 20, 2012. The OCA number is 2012-000720. Several of the terms in this report I am not familiar with but, I will provide them as needed. The incident was reported to have taken place on or about August 1, 2011.  The location is listed as 209 Old Flynn Rd, Spindale, NC at a church. Under the M.O. section, the activity is listed as “by holding the victim down and hitting him”. The block for “Forcible” is checked. Weapons are listed as “Personal- hands, feet, teeth, etc.” the number of victims is listed as one and he is named- Michael Lowry.

The narrative contains these statements: (all caps in the original report)

   Victim stated he used to be a member of the Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale. Mr. Lowry stated that last August a group of men held him down and hit him about the face and chest area. Mr. Lowry stated that (he) told them to let go but they would not. The reason they done this was because he was homosexual. When this incident was taking place, the group would tell him he had demons in him and he was going to hell. Mr. Lowry also stated he was told his family would have nothing else to do with him. The group stopped and he was let go. Mr. Lowry stated that it was months later he left the church. The names of the church members who were involved in this are Adam Sudano, Kerrick Hudson, (redacted name- a minor), Warren McKnight, Mark Morris and Chris Hall. Mr. Lowry did not stated (state) which subjects hit him. No other information at this time.”

I redacted the name of the minor but, it is in the original report. That is the bulk of the report. There are crime codes listed and explained as “0890 All Other Simple Assault” and “2490 All Other”. I could not find the exact definition for the numerical codes. One could probably find out from the sheriff’s office.

There is so much background to give as this report is just a skeletal outline. Hopefully, more details will emerge with proper investigation. Michael has confided much more detail to me and others. He told of more overt body contact when he conveyed the incidents to me. With the proper environment, he will retell and enhance this scenario with more detail as to the abuse he suffered. Every time I have talked to him, the details coincide and are all linked together nicely. In my opinion, these events took place. As with all trauma and emotional upheaval, you can remember some parts at times and other parts at another time, with additional details. You may agree that events such as this can be as a sea of nightmarish pictures, smells, sounds and feelings. Not all of the details emerge at once as there is a tendency to concentrate on certain aspects at certain times according to your mindset and emotional state. I believe further interviews of Michael Lowry are essential to obtain more detailed information.

Before we review certain parts of the narrative, let me share some thoughts.  I am learning that being held down and beaten has become a method of choice for certain “sins” inside WOFF. This practice has emerged even with the young children, I am told. Two different survivors, independent of each other, report that children under ten are being allowed the physically correct their classmates by hitting, punching, shoving and kicking. The fears and pressures to conform must be extremely traumatic for the children who are the focus of this activity. I have also been informed that Jane’s grandson has been allowed to lead sessions containing these measures — used on children and adults. From the descriptions, it sounds like a feeding frenzy wrought with hyper –spiritual justification for the physical abuse and blasting loud prayer. How can this take place? Let me quote from one source to explain at least part of the answer.

Again, quoting from Steven Hassan’s book, “Releasing the Bonds”- Empowering People to Think for Themselves (Copyright© by Steven Hassan 2000, Freedom of Mind Press, ISBN-0-9670688-0-0), he has a section titled: Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Evolution of the BITE Model. He begins by explaining the theories of Leon Festinger.

“In 1950, psychologist, Leon Festinger summarized the basic principle of his cognitive dissonance theory: “If you change a person’s behavior, his thoughts and feelings will change to minimize the dissonance.” ¹³ As Festinger described, “dissonance” is the psychological tension that arises when a person’s behavior conflicts with his beliefs… People prefer that their behavior, thoughts, and emotions be mutually consistent, and can tolerate only a certain amount of discrepancy between these three components of their identities. Psychological research has shown that if any of the three components changes, the other two will shift to reduce the cognitive dissonance.” (page 40)

He then lists certain situations where this theory is seen at work. One of them fits the activities listed in the narrative above. “When people who think of themselves as reasonably humane are in a situation where they hurt innocent people, they reduce the resulting dissonance by marginalizing or “putting down” their victims.” (page 41) Let me explain how this applies here.

It is reasonable to think that the men participating in this events listed above thought of themselves as “reasonably humane” and in fact- faithful WOFF believers- “Christians”- if I may be so bold. Would you agree that physical aggression and abuse of someone is NOT a NORMAL Christian activity? After all, weren’t Christians the ones persecuted for their beliefs and physically abused (martyred) in times past and now, in other countries- certainly NOT in North Carolina- right?  Notice in the narrative, Michael repeats what his attackers were saying about him.

“…The reason they done this was because he was homosexual. When this incident was taking place, the group would tell him he had demons in him and he was going to hell. Mr. Lowry also stated he was told his family would have nothing else to do with him…”

I believe this was their way to quiet their own cognitive dissonance and justify why they were physically attacking another member of their own church! They were not saying what a non-partisan observer would say, “Why is that man being beaten? What did he do to deserve physical abuse? Why are the attackers forcing themselves on him and taking away his right to physical safety? Why are his civil rights being violated? Is this a hate crime?” These would be the natural questions for a non-member to ask if they were viewing this event- do you agree? Do you have other questions I missed?

We will close with two observations. Mark Morris is a NC attorney and has been mentioned here on this blog in previous posts. If he was present or had knowledge of these events or ones similar, it would be interesting get his justification for such treatment. How does he “reduce the resulting dissonance” if there is any for him? If there is no trouble for him in being a part of events such as these, that would be very concerning, do you agree? As an attorney, he has sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Does this sound like Michael Lowry received – “the due process of law” while inside WOFF? Will he have it now? Did Mark or any other person present try to stop the beatings and verbal abuse? If so, how long did that take?

Second, gender identification issues are common with second generation cult members (those born into the group) according a cult expert I spoke with recently. Several other young men have admitted, in their WOFF days, to confessing to “sins” without even knowing what the sin actually consisted of. Is it possible that young men and boys inside of WOFF who are accused of being homosexual confess to being so just to get out from under the inordinate pressure to confess?  And they actually may not even know what being a homosexual means? I think it is very possible. We will continue to follow this investigation and report on meaningful developments. Your comments are welcome.

Remember, this report is listed as “Further Investigation” needed. The people listed in this report are innocent until proven guilty.  No event or claim in this report has been proven in a court of law and no person in this report has been convicted of any crime(s). This is an incident report that is in public records that anyone can obtain a copy of from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s department.

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 388.

Over the years, the ball of string went with me as I moved from place to place. Actually, for many years it ended up in a box of other “trophies” from my childhood. Years passed and every so often there would come a purge to the box as I would release certain items as “no longer needed”. But, for years the ball of string made it through purge after purge. After I married and we had children, I would come across the ball of string and tell the story of its origin to my children. They would laugh and at least for the first few times, so would my wife. It seemed like a harmless memento from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, well you know what I mean.

So, what good was the string? I can remember two specific times when the string came in handy. First, I used the string to tie up tomato plants in a garden when we lived on Central Ave. in Mauldin, SC. Next, I remember cutting off pieces of the string and tying it in a loop. I took the loop and showed my children the string “tricks” or exercises we would do as children. Remember those little games to see who could make “Jacob’s ladder” or a teacup out of the string? It took a little practice, but, I eventually was able to pass on that valuable knowledge to my children — with the help of my ball of string. Yes, there were practical uses, but, the ball of string has come to mean so much more. Let me explain.

During the first few years my family lived in Greenville, SC, we began attending services in Spindale, NC at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The WOFF leader, Jane Whaley, would preach about generational curses and familiar spirits. One of the outcomes of this was for church members to examine their possessions and toss out anything that reminded them of previous “sins” or times of “serving the devil”. This process happened over time and many yard sales became populated with toys, clothes and items that were indicative of years where we had “not walked in God’s ways”. I look back and see that this whole process ended up changing our perception of our individual pasts. This seemingly “natural process”  set us up to believe more and more that each little thing in our lives could be “what takes us out of the move of God” and “into hell”. Previously, I wrote a post titled “Salvation Critical Issues” which explains this mindset.  The purging of our past set us up to believe everything could be a matter of life or death – heaven of hell. We lost parts of our own identity as we excused our past as evil.

As the years, past, I too would get rid of items such as books, clothes and even items from my years as a Boy Scout. But, I never got rid of the string. It seemed harmless enough. A ball of cotton string, could it be of the devil?  Today, the ball of string stays in my top dresser drawer and I look at it almost every day. If only in the back of my mind, I am reminded that I had normal childhood and all in my past was not evil. My past shaped me and I am not ashamed of it as we were taught in WOFF. No, everyone has things in their past they are not proud of, but, that is all part of growing up and learning who we need to be.

While in WOFF, many things were done to separate us from our past and cause us to take on a new identity and “teach us the ways of God”. For many, this meant leaving your home and job and moving to Spindale to “be a part of God’s people”. Because of that move, many would become more and more dependent on Jane and her practices. Relationships from the past would be discouraged as you had “common ground” with those not in the move of God and needed to break free from them. People, activities and things from your past were “holding you back from moving on with God.” It all sounded so spiritual. There certainly was pressure to “take your place in the move of God”. At times, you were told how unique you were and at other times, you were castigated for thinking or believing something that others in WOFF did not believe. After all, why would God show you a different way from all of “His children”? There was great pressure to give up your individuality and become “one of God’s Children” according to what Jane believed that meant. Looking back, it was easier for Jane to control a group of folks who were all thinking and acting as she thought they should. After all, her members should want and desire to “please God” – right?

In Steven Hassan’s book “Releasing the Bonds”- Empowering People to Think for Themselves (Copyright© by Steven Hassan 2000, Freedom of Mind Press, ISBN-0-9670688-0-0), he reviews the findings of a study done by Dr. Flavil Yeakley, a well known psychologist. In brief, his study found that in cult groups the members over time will shift to take on the personality type of the cult leader. In other groups without evidence of mind control, this shift does not take place. The study and the results are in the book “The Discipling Dilemma” which is available on the Internet- here: http://www.somis.org/TDD-01.html

Hassan writes, “Everyone has an authentic self. Although a healthy individual will grow and mature over time, his personality type should never change. Changes in personality type often indicate unhealthy social pressure that forces a person to act as if he were someone else. The results of Yeakley’s study showed that cults create this kind of pressure. It also verified the existence of a cult identity that binds and gags the authentic self like a straight jacket. In my opinion, Yeakley statistically demonstrated the effects of destructive mind control techniques. … Even people who are born into cults have an authentic self that was suppressed at birth. It is the strength of the authentic self that makes it possible ot rescue people cults years, even decades, after becoming involved in the group.”  (page 60 emphasis added)

For outsiders looking into the WOFF environment, this should help explain why WOFF members tend to act and dress alike. Many act as Jane-clones to one degree or another. Which survivor would deny the pressures inside WOFF to agree with and take on attitudes and behaviors approved by Jane? All the while thinking you were acting as Jesus would have you act. After leaving WOFF, many either search for who they were before WOFF or begin a search to find who they were meant to be – having been born into the group. For me a simple ball of string represented memories from my childhood and who I had been in years past. Though my past life was not perfect, it was still me and in many ways an indication of who I would always be. I don’t plan to get rid of the ball of string any time soon.

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 387.

   Hassan writes, “When I lecture in colleges, I usually challenge my audience with the question, “How would you know if you were under mind control?” After some reflection, most people will realize that if one were under mind control, it would be impossible to determine it without some help from others. In addition, one would need to understand very clearly what mind control is.” (page 53) From the previous posts I wrote, “WOFF members do not believe for one second that they are under either brainwashing or mind control! I know since I did not have any idea that the “gift” that Jane operated in was full of mind control techniques.” In light of this acquired disbelief, it does little good to tell WOFF members they have been brainwashed or are under mind control. Hassan writes, “Whenever people yelled at me and called me a “brainwashed robot”, I just took it was expected persecution. It made me feel more committed to the group.” (page 53)  

   We also reviewed the basic difference between brainwashing and mind control: “Brainwashing is typically coercive. The person knows from the outset that he is in the hands of the enemy. It begins with a clear demarcation of the respective roles—who is the prisoner and who is the jailer—and the prisoner experiences the absolute minimum of choice…” (page 55).

   “Mind control, also called “thought reform,” is much more subtle and sophisticated. Its perpetrators are regarded as friends or peers, so the person (being influenced) is much less defensive… Mind control has little to no overt physical abuse… The individual is deceived and manipulated – not directly threatened – into making prescribed choices. On the whole, he responds positively to what is done to him.” (page 56)

     In my opinion, what happens at WOFF is a fluid mix of mind control techniques with massive amounts of fear indoctrination and on occasion, physical restraint used to hinder free exit from the group. There is also unashamed confiscation of personal property to enforce the strict communication control and information control. Does this technically meet the textbook definition of brainwashing? Probably not, since while inside WOFF the administrators of these control measures are labeled “ministers” and not “jailers” or outright enemies. It is said that the techniques are for the good of the member to get them to serve God…Really? After reading about life inside of WOFF, do you want to live under these mind control techniques?

   Hassan shares some moral questions he had to wrestle with before he could leave his cult- the Moonies. “Does the God I believe in need to use mind control and deception? Do the ends truly justify the means? I had to ask myself whether the means determine to ends. How could the world become a paradise if people’s free wills were subverted? What would the world truly look like if Moon assumed total power? Through asking myself these questions, I decided I could no longer participate in an organization that used mind control practices. I left behind the fantasy world I had lived in for years.” (page 54)   

      As I was leaving WOFF in 2008, my thoughts were not on mind control techniques, for at the time, I had not yet read Robert Lifton’s work and did not understand the control techniques being used on me. As best as I can remember, my questions were different. Why do the people in leadership act as if the methods used by Jane Whaley of screaming and intimidations are acceptable and normal and expected and “Christian”? Has she used these same techniques on them and afterwards they felt “uplifted and edified and loved”? If so, why did it affect me differently? Why did the “blessing” from being screamed at by Jane not just run over me and give me that loved, cared for and secure feeling? How could Jane think that screaming at folks was God’s way to help them? Why did living at WOFF require giving up so many seemingly innocuous activities? Why did I have to live in a household where there was SOOO much turmoil? Were loud prayer, blasting and deliverance really required to make it to heaven? Why am I being shunned by the very people I love and have been with for so many years? Was shunning truly a way to make me submit to Jane? Were submitted WOFF members really the only ones who will make it with God, fulfill their call and go to heaven? How do we stop this nightmare being played out around me and get back to some sane life where we are able as a family to love and care for each other? Where did my wife go and when will she get back? Why did she send the children off to places and not tell me where they were going? Who told her she should/could do that and it was acceptable or necessary?

    Steven Hassan did not have immediate family members inside his cult. I did. That changed the dynamics of leaving. After leaving and beginning to reflect on my WOFF-life, I could agree that what I had been living was a fantasy- similar to Hassan. Though it would be denied, WOFF was/is built on fantasy and lies. We have gone over them in previous posts. The pivotal lie includes the idea that is it okay to treat Jane as a spiritual guru – all seeing, all knowing and as having all authority to dictate the direction of the lives of WOFF members. The fantasy atmosphere is no more evident than when Jane walks into the sanctuary to begin a service and all heads turn to look at her and see how she is dressed and to discern what kind of mood she is in on that day. Why? At WOFF, members realize that as goes Jane, so goes their life and their spiritual fortunes with God. If you doubt, just watch the congregation. Their identity is wrapped up in Jane.

   Hassan writes, “Perhaps the biggest problem faced by people who have left destructive cults is the disruption of their own identity. There is a very good reason: they have lived for years inside an “artificial” identity given to them by the cult. While cult mind control can be talked about and defined in many different ways, I believe it is best understood as a system which disrupts an individual’s identity.” (page 54)  I can relate to this as being true at WOFF. We were always encouraged to “find your place in God”. We were also told we would never find that place, until we helped someone else get their deliverance and find their place. What did this translate to in WOFF-life? As regular members, we were always seeking the next “place to submit”, the next sin to deal with or devil to get out of us. It was a constant state of flux pushed forward by new rules, “revelations” from Jane, edicts and turbo-charged legalism. You would not, could not stay at WOFF for very long until you came under this constant state of searching for something to change to find “who you were to be in God”! What did this result in? So many talked the same language, wore the same type clothes, had the same type haircuts, drove the same type cars, frequented the same places of business. Many even had the same décor in their house as Jane was also in charge of that for most everyone. If you take a step back, you would see the regular member’s identity was submerged into the group identity which was totally dictated by Jane and “what she heard from God”. Does this sound like “a system which disrupts an individual’s identity”?

  We move on with more from Hassan, “The identity is made up of elements such as beliefs, behavior, thought processes, and emotions that constitute a definite pattern. Under the influence of mind control, a person’s original identity, as formed by family, education, friendships, and most importantly that person’s own free choices, becomes replaced with another identity, often one that he would not have chosen for himself without tremendous social pressure… Mind control practiced by destructive cults is a social process, often involving large groups of people to reinforce it. It is achieved by immersing a person in a social environment where, in order to function, he must shed his old identity and adhere to the new identity desired by the group. Any reality that might remind him of his previous identity—anything that might confirm his old sense of self—is pushed away and replaced by the group’s reality.” (page 54- emphasis added)

   This social process to conform members goes on at WOFF. Do other survivors agree? But, John, what about the spiritual principle and promise that in Christ all things are made new, old things are passed away? I will agree that this “new beginning” is a part of the Christian walk and those who walk with Christ will change. But, do we all change into the same thing? As we walk with God, are we all to wear the same clothes, drive the same cars, live in the same neighborhoods, have the same haircuts, work for companies owned by church members and have marital relationships with only those already in our local church? When we begin a relationship with God are we required to only do what the leader of our local group allows us to do in order to “know God? What does that sound like? Is that freedom in Christ or bondage?

I am reminded of this Scripture:

¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where [would be the sense of] hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where [would be the sense of] smell?  ¹⁸But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation. ¹⁹But if [the whole] were all a single organ, where would the body be?  ²⁰And now there are [certainly] many limbs and organs, but a single body. (1 Cor. 12 17-20 Amplified Bible)

As I see this, all Christians are different parts of one body with their own identity as shaped by God’s grace – not by Jane Whaley’s “gift”. Does this make sense?

   Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

     Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

     Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

       Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.  Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 354.

   Tonight, while driving home, I happened upon a radio station where a well known preacher was explaining his point from a Scripture. At this moment, it does not matter the Scripture or the point he was trying to make. Just realizing that I was listening to a preacher on the radio expounding on some Scripture reminded me first of what a forbidden sin that was at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). Listening to the radio in your car was evil- period. Even worse was listening to another religious speaker from outside WOFF!  RL was castigated and threatened with church discipline or worse for this suspected sin, plus, the fact that his wife found a newspaper under the front seat of his truck! He tried to explain he was “just reading the sports scores”. That sent Jane Whaley into another orbit as her volume elevated to paint -peeling heights! Several jumped as she screamed some of her trademarked announcements meant to bring fear upon us all. And here I was partaking of just such a “sin”.

   It was there that I began to ponder the emotional destruction and traumatizing dangers of being in a religious cult. For those that read this blog regularly, you know my experience has been with Word of Faith Fellowship. Though I have read of others and have documented the obvious similarities between WOFF and other cults, my “expertise” stems from my hands-on, up-close, inside day to day observations of Jane Whaley, her leadership, and the other regular members. I was never considered “inside the leadership circle” but, no matter, my perspective is still valid and reflective of life as a “regular member”. For those that attempt to still excuse the WOFF environment as “safe”, I only ask you to read other posts found here; other informative websites on religious cults and the many accounts of other previous members. Can every former member of WOFF be “of the devil”, God-haters, traitors, a “Judas” or lying?

   For me, the whole bank of memories from that time serves as a reminder that “No one joins a cult…” That which seemed good, turned out to be not good. Those who were set-up to represent God  and God’s ways in my life- turned out to be repeating what they had been taught as “God’s ways” and in my efforts to “believe the best about every person”; I give many of them a pass as cogs in the machine of Jane’s controlling, legalistic, self-serving, matriarchal, pyramidal religious structure. I have seen and heard other former members of WOFF speak and share their own individual memories, traumas and losses. Over time, it grows less sensational, but, none the less heartbreaking and sad.

    Recently, a former member shared her perspective after reading the post about Morgan Sample and the efforts needed to force WOFF to return her personal property. Cheryl wrote, “…no matter how much time passes things there never really change!! I have been gone for 13 years, and here is a story that could have been written 13 years ago; different person, different articles, same kind of sad story. I have known people that left with nothing but the clothes on their back and (they) were so glad to be gone never even thought about trying to get anything back, just let them have it!!! There is a testimony to not be that proud of!!” Oddly enough, Cheryl’s comments were echoed by another former member who has been gone for a while. He chuckled when we talked about the post, “nothing ever changes, same old story”… I was taken aback. He was right and I just had not pieced it together in that way. What seemed new to me was really old. As the tide comes in for new WOFF members, so the tide recedes taking other members away! The tides of WOFF are not as predictable as the ocean, but, the effects are the same.

   For many WOFF members including myself, in the midst of “good times”; you believed you were right where God wanted you! There may have been some small nagging doubts about WOFF-life, some slight nudging at the outer edges of your mind or corners of your heart, but, they are too far from the middle of life’s experiences to warrant any significant attention. Then the winds change, the tide begins to recede and that which was once a mountain top experience becomes one valley followed by a dry sandy beach or dune followed by fog and thick mist. Why do I doubt “God” this way? Where did I get off track? Where did I close my heart to “God’s will”? Why have I cut Jane off? What is wrong with me? Why can’t I submit like Jane says I need to?  All of these questions and more can and do pound away at a member’s heart and soul when in a religious cult such as WOFF. It was Jane and her leadership’s job to repeatedly use such questions to control the regular members.  In a place such as WOFF, when a member is seen as weak or not having enough faith or not submitting to authority or rebellious or whatever else you want to call it; the problem always lies with the member- never with Jane.

    In Steven Hassan’s book, “Releasing the Bonds” (Copyright© by Steven Hassan 2000, A Freedom of Mind Press Book, ISBN: 0-9670688-0-0) he quotes Margaret Singer’s work on thought reform. Her book titled “Cults in Our Midst” (Margaret Singer and Janja Lalich, Jossey-Bass 1997) contains “Singer’s Six Conditions of Thought Reform”.  Number 5: “Creating a tight controlled system with a closed system of logic, wherein those who dissent are made to feel as though their questioning indicates that there is something inherently wrong with them.” (page 39) This is true at WOFF. Do other former members agree? Reviewing the other conditions of thought reform from Singer will be in a future post.

   Now, let’s get back to the time in the car listening to the radio. So many thoughts, coming so fast, it was hard to follow at times and remember them all. Yes, I know that WOFF and groups like them will give their members new identities. We will share more on that in a future post. But, today, in my thoughts I saw the most dangerous aspect or result from time spent in WOFF: many come out with an altered or incomplete or polluted view of who God was/is and wants to be. Today, as I considered the rules, the overt control, the spooky spiritual mysticism, the pretended spontaneous revelations and hocus-pocus conniving junk that takes place at WOFF- all under the pretended banner of a Christian Church- no wonder people leave scarred, scared and wanting nothing to do with God or those who pretend to be God’s people. Now, not all people leave with visible emotional scarring that is so obvious when you meet them. But, many do and for such obvious reasons.

   When fear is used as the means of control in the name of Christian religion under the banner of God; what do you expect? I have found that the fear used at WOFF is not God’s chosen method to nurture His people. A few months ago, while telling my story, a lady asked me- “Do you have trouble trusting people?” I told her it was like trying to jump over the Grand Canyon. That difficulty has especially been with those who are leaders in a church or exhibit some responsibility over a group of Christians.  I have not talked to all former members of WOFF. I have talked to and heard about many. The results from WOFF-life are statistically NO DIFFERENT from other RELIGIOUS CULTS. Jane Whaley’s “religion” produces many who have dreadful dreams of WOFF, fear people who act like WOFF members acted, are hesitant to enter a church building, are fearful to return to Rutherford County, will not read a Bible, don’t like going in the Wal-Mart in Forest City or other places WOFF members frequent. Many ex-cult members have a polluted picture of who God is and what he wants from them, why? If the person who was supposed to represent God’s authority in your life treated/treats you the way Jane Whaley treated/treats her members, except by the supernatural grace of God, how could/would you be able to break away from those deep images planted by Jane?

   This post may have been too rambling for some. But, by now, I hope to have conveyed my point that beyond the visible destruction of relationships, beyond the struggle to regain some sense of normalcy and stability in one’s life after you leave WOFF, in addition to the struggle to reconnect with your true identity after leaving WOFF, survivors face a much deeper, many times unseen and undetected battle. The inner questions about who God is and/or who He wants to be and their relationship to that understanding can go undetected and unrecognized. From what I have observed, my opinion is that that struggle is directly related to and an absolute consequence of WOFF-life, Jane’s narcissism and her “gift”. God, help us all. Then again, maybe it’s just me.  

   Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

     Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

     Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

       Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.  Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 350.

   Mind Control Versus Brainwashing

   As we introduce the subject, allow me a few comments on the subject at hand. For some readers, the difference between brainwashing and mind control may be one strictly of semantics. Trust me; it is much more than that. Brainwashing has occurred in years past, and I have no doubt there are places in this country and around the world where individuals are being brainwashed. “Brainwashing is typically coercive. The person knows from the outset that he is in the hands of the enemy. It begins with a clear demarcation of the respective roles—who is the prisoner and who is the jailer—and the prisoner experiences the absolute minimum of choice…” (page 55). This is just not the case at WOFF. The roles are not clearly marked. Faithful WOFF members do not see themselves as prisoners- until it is time to leave!  And over time, within certain strata of the group, the roles can change and one who once was lower in the pyramid structure can be elevated higher than those who once where over them. For regular WOFF members, Jane and those in leadership are not cast as “jailers” until it is time to leave!

    Don’t get me wrong; when a person is being pressured inside WOFF to change and give up individual freedoms and choices, it can get ugly. There have been, and from what I have learned, still are abusive measures employed in order to help someone “serve God with all their heart”… Overall, and in comparison to brainwashing, the process of mind control used at WOFF is much more subtle. Hassan writes, “Mind control, also called “thought reform,” is much more subtle and sophisticated. Its perpetrators are regarded as friends or peers, so the person (being influenced) is much less defensive… Mind control has little to no overt physical abuse… The individual is deceived and manipulated – not directly threatened – into making prescribed choices. On the whole, he responds positively to what is done to him.” (page 56) Jane, Sam and the leadership certainly do not show themselves as “enemies” of those regular members who are “submitting to them” or “opening their heart” to them. Therein is a large part of the deception within WOFF-life. As we move on, we will compare in more detail what Hassan describes as mind control to what I experienced at WOFF.

    In my opinion, the major source of confusion for those who live in the surrounding community and for relatives of those still inside WOFF, lies in witnessing the extreme changes that occur when one becomes a faithful WOFF member. A new member takes on the dress, the language, the mannerisms and the legalistic lifestyle very quickly upon entering WOFF. For those unfamiliar with or who have not lived through the indoctrination process of a mind control group, these radical changes could only occur when someone has been forced at near gunpoint! I can understand the confusion and I am not ignoring the severity of the control measures used. But, for sure, the new WOFF member RARELY ever is aware of how many changes are occurring and how quickly they are changing.  The new WOFF member does not realize how those on the outside would view the obvious effects of WOFFness. Why? From one who has lived through the process, when mind control techniques are being used, the new convert feels as if they are an active part of the change process. The reality is that many folks are rendered helpless to make critical thinking choices as the sea of fears washes over them and the ground they stand on turns to quick sand. On one hand Jane is helping supply them with clothes, a job, a place to live, instant “friends”, structure and a “purpose to their life”. For every need supplied, valuable personal freedoms worth much more are being eroded and will eventually be thrown as far as the East is from the West.  

   Additionally, another point made to support the accusation of WOFF-brainwashing for outsiders is the total uniformity of the members of WOFF. It is not just the new converts, but, it is the obvious fact the individuality is outright destroyed for WOFF members. Set aside how and why; who can ignore that Jane obviously dislikes and does not allow freedom of choice. For those on the outside looking in, this is glaringly ABNORMAL. Before we end this series on mind control, I hope show why I believe this uniformity could not happen as easily with brainwashing, but, it could with mind control. The subtle processes of mind control include the use of peer pressures to assure acceptance of a group identity. Mind control used at WOFF is more seductive and harder to detect. After that lengthy introduction, we move on…

   Steven Hassan begins Chapter 4, “When I lecture in colleges, I usually challenge my audience with the question, “How would you know if you were under mind control?” After some reflection, most people will realize that if one were under mind control, it would be impossible to determine it without some help from others. In addition, one would need to understand very clearly what mind control is.” (page 53)

   This is a vital first point to make on the subject. WOFF members do not believe for one second that they are under either brainwashing or mind control! I know since I did not have any idea that the “gift” that Jane operated in was full of mind control techniques. Why, how could that be? When I was inside, I admitted to someone near the end of my tour that I knew there were things that were things not right with life at WOFF, but I stayed for the preaching. Can you see what I was really saying? For MANY YEARS, I was never willing to admit that anything was ever WRONG with WOFF-life. I defended WOFFness to my relatives and to my few acquaintances outside the group. Over time and somewhere in my thoughts, I came to admit some things did not measure up, but, I was willing to overlook those things- for what? Preaching from a woman who could at times rage with anger and excuse it as the anger of God? Was I duped? Was I under some type of influence? What do you think?  No, WOFF members have no idea the control measures being used against them are not “the way God’s people live”. God’s children should not be spiritually raped in order to benefit the person leading the group. That is not God’s will no matter how spiritual Jane makes it look to obey what she hears as “the word of the Lord.”

    But, to realize how far under mind control I actually had been was so far from my thinking that I still doubted it for months after leaving! For me to admit to having been under the mind control techniques of a person or persons I had at one time trusted to bring me the “word of the Lord”; that was a tough place to come to. It hurt on the inside. It prompted so many questions! Because WOFF was/is a religious cult and uses Scripture to justify the measures used against its members; there was/is the temptation to blame God for allowing “His ministers” to use you and fool you. Who wants to be caught blaming God? So, those who stay and many who leave, it is much easier to ignore the facts and scoff at the truth.

   Yes, I realize that not everyone goes through the same level of WOFF drama/trauma and everyone handled the stresses of WOFF-life differently. Not everyone has their family destroyed. Does that make it safe to say that WOFF-life must be okay since not everyone ends up vowing to never walk in a church for as long as they live? Though I must close for now, before we finish this series on mind control, I hope to make it very clear why after helping several former members, Paul Martin of Wellspring Retreat  assessed WOFF as “one of the top five emotionally destructive cults in America”.  

  Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

     Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

     Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

       Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.  Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 348.