Tag Archives: WOFF

Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Other Uses for the Word “Cult” – Fear Being a Key

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        The word cult is used in many ways in our culture today. When my tenure ended at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and I began to experience different areas of media, I was surprised to hear and see the word “cult” used in many other ways besides “religious cult”. Terms such as “Personality cult” or “cult of personality” and “cult like following” were some odd examples that I can remember.

     A “cult of personality” in its origin has referred to certain government leaders in totalitarian regimes or dictatorships placing their image or likeness at the forefront of their country. Examples cited here … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_of_personality include Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Mao Zedong and more.  The modern use has used the term to describe less about governments and more about individuals in the public eye that have a large following that seems to adore them incessantly.

    The term “cult like following” refers to “to a small or large group of fans that are either somewhat or highly dedicated to a specific area of pop culture. A film, book, band, or video game, among other things, will be said to “have a cult following” when it has a small but very passionate fan-base.” Defined here… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_following

   Well, that makes sense; I had been out of regular touch with “pop culture” and had not been exposed to movies, bands, books or video games. I had no idea or memory about these emotional groups or intense followings. Honestly, when I first left WOFF, there was so much that has occurred in the areas or entertainment, news, sports and the like, while I was inside WOFF, that it was impossible catch-up. Many times, friends would ask me if I had seen a certain movie or read a certain book, I would say “no”. Then the person would have the light come on and say, oh, yea, I forgot. The terms to describe my time in WOFF vary. Some say that I had been “in a box”. Others say – oh, you were “out of town”. Whatever fits, I can’t change my past, I can only move on with this day and the time I have going forward.

     Continue reading Other Uses for the Word “Cult” – Fear Being a Key →

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Don’t Read That Article! July 2006

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      One service, in July of 2006 at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), the church secretary came into the sanctuary and began to explain an article written in the local paper. The article was about another member who had filed bankruptcy and was asked to appear in the bankruptcy court as a normal procedure. This church secretary, the person filing bankruptcy, her company secretary who helped with the books and another man had been in court. The person who filed bankruptcy was Leigh Valentine.  A synopsis of the article which originally appeared in the Daily Courier, USA on July  23,  2006 is found here.. (http://www.religionnewsblog.com/15355/bankruptcy-filing-reveals-ties-to-word-of-faith-fellowship )

    After stumbling upon this article today, I remembered the church service and how it was handled. The church secretary had come and told the congregation in general terms about the article. I don’t remember the exact words, but it was something to the effect of- “don’t read it, it’s about Leigh’s bankruptcy and there is a bunch of stuff in there that is not true… “.  She waved her hand toward the members sitting in the congregation, as if to say don’t waste your time and it really is nothing to be concerned about. But, when the article was not even brought before the group and read in brief; it caught my interest and of course, I found a copy online either the next day or the day after.

    Over the years, I have had to learn about bankruptcy and certain proceedings and the schedules that are required to be filed. Let me first say, I am no lawyer and do not know the ins and outs of the case in question. Leigh Valentine has been a part of WOFF either “in” or “in discipleship” or “out” over several years. The circumstances surrounding her involvement had raised questions for me during the previous years. For one, the WOFF “bookstore” sold her make-up after each service or after evening services when the room was open. In the words of a new friend, “What’s up with that?”

    Continue reading Don’t Read That Article! July 2006 →

Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

What is a “Cult”? Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fathers’ Day at WOFF? Fourth of July?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behavior Control, Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Why Did You Go Back? Answers from Present WOFF Member

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

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

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

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

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

What is a “Cult”? Part 1

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

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

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

Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

Keep Reading and Asking Questions

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

  Continue reading Keep Reading and Asking Questions →