Also there are no mental health issues, only devil spirits influencing or possessing your mind. Heads up on Another Splinter off the Way International Tree. TWI now is less than a tenth of what it was in the early 1980s, but TWI was far less than a tenth of what its . Way-Showers. Bullinger is that they had already heard Wierwille teach Bullingers material as his own. 10 These are actual experiences which Wayers, ex-Wayers, and others have shared with me. The current turmoil surrounding The Way presents an excellent opportunity for Christians to befriend ex-Wayers and help them discover biblical truths they have forgotten or never known. (The PFAL classes had been open to anyone who paid the $50 fee.) That made it harder for me to get a centered view on my life. His complaint, however, implies that he realized there were significant errors in PFAL. This is hard to accept for those who knew V.P. Maybe it will help to read what I experienced. But small IRA splinter groups have continued to launch sporadic attacks on security forces. One of the many difficult things about digesting this for us is that her personality and character did not reflect this at all. As a result, many Wayers view Geer as being the true spiritual heir to Wierwille. He added, We have flushed homosexuals and homo fantasizers and sympathizers out of our Way Corps and Staff.2 The Corps coordinator, a Rev. Yeah Um would you look at the time? In addition, anyone who is well-acquainted with Wierwilles writings and reads Kenyons and Bullingers books is struck by the close parallels, even though one cannot always trace exact word-for-word plagiarism. The crowd of 11,000 applauded the changes, hoping that this would help remedy the severe decline and turbulence of the past 10 years. My sister, mom and I put up with constant abuse from our dad, who was a fellowship coordinator after we moved to Arizona in about 2008. A name used by Share International. haga clic aqu para obtener ms informacin. . I am sorry for your loss. What practices are different from the 80s? Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly. Martindale hopes that the Disciples will have more strict and disciplined lives than WOWs did, which itself is an implicit indictment against the lifestyles of many WOWs. Juedes is a Lutheran paster who has written extensively on the Way. Not only is it about reading the Bible and having a personal relationship with God, but there are various levels of classes that you take to be better scholars. In opposition, John Schoenheit produced a paper that confronted this error and biblically explained that adultery is a sin. This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). The most prominent of these groups are John Lynns Christian Educational Services (CES) and Chris Geers The Way of Great Britain. Lots of people in the world are critical of the ways churches spend money on a building that sits empty six days a week: home fellowships remove that and focus on whats important to them. Many people did not believe in medical care. Myself and others are looking to cope and find closure or understanding from a recent loss/death due to suicide. About The Way International. Three editorials which answer misconceptions common among followers and ex-followers of The Way such as distrust of Christians outside The Way and the forming of Way splinter groups. The Way used to mail cassette tapes of the Sunday service to those "in good standing". Allen wrote, I read it and all is true.So I will change to do my best for the man I helped kill.7 They apparently could not reconcile the death of the man of God with their teaching of the law of believing. Since they considered Wierwille the epitome of believing, he should easily have been able to will himself to health simply by believing he was well and free of cancer. Available from: Capitol Saints/John A. Lynn, 5918 Chesterbrook Road, McLean, VA 22101. Growing up, I remember hearing stories about people who had drifted from the Way, and they were always spoken of as dangerous people. Your last sentence though. dagger to the heart ..internal turmoil reconciling her faith with just being a person in the world. Still involved. Additionally, ex-members have on file letters and transcripts in which Way president L. Craig Martindale defends sex outside marriage in many situations. See John P. Juedes, Looking at Lamsa, Personal Freedom Outreach Newsletter (Jan.-Mar. Youre not going to have to perform penance. Despite a pattern of members losing their lives to the insanity of this group, proving negligence/culpability in Court regarding a suicide is very, very difficult. He is a former follower of The Way International, the same group from which I escaped in 1987. Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is the university she attended as a non-traditional student and place of employment. For Feb 24, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. Leonard. Prominent ex-Way leaders took with them networks of ex-followers of TWI. Spirit and Truth Fellowship International, Out of the Way: The Offshoots Latest Topics. I wouldnt say my experience is at all recent since that was 2001, but I can absolutely say their tactics are manipulative. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2dshceGGvY&ab_channel=TheEyewitnesses. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. There are people who spend 7 nights a week at fellowship or taking classes or teaching. This means that we live in the world, but that doesnt have to impact our relationship with God. Thank you thank you for replying and contributing to the thread. I don't talk to my family that's "in" much anymore though I do see them every so often. My father also advised the members of our fellowship to beat their children. Spirit and Truth Fellowship International. 8 Ibid., 67, 68. I'm pretty sure that "The Word" has quite a bit to say about murder. Martindale seems determined to remake The Way and close ranks, which may result in an increasingly cultic mindset. 2.) When I was talking to my mom about climate change she just waved me off with Gods not going to let it get that bad! Oh. I was told by a leader that having an understanding of the Word as it is supposed to be understood helps you form opinions. Nonetheless, hundreds of Way refugees are resisting the new groups' pleas to "join up.". I told them never to bring up The Way in my presence again. Word (Ex-)Wayers would also benefit from Robert A. Moreys Death and the Afterlife (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1984), Stuart Olyotts The Three Are One (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing Co., 1979), and Cal Beisners God in Three Persons (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1985). nase ahora para acceder a este contenido exclusivo para suscriptores de Journal, http://www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/, To the Cancel Culture: We Respectfully Decline When Believers are Told What We May or May Not Say, Polite Refusal is Called For, Christ or Lucretius: Nature and Natures God in the poems of Mary Oliver. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Can you imagine? Ive started this process in some form and would like to invite you to take a peek at another thread. However, it sucked to consider our loved as anything less than brilliant, observant, and aware. It was founded by Victor Paul Wierwille in 1942 as a radio program, subsequently becoming The Chimes Hour Youth Caravan in 1947, and The Way, Inc., in 1955. Nevertheless, The Ways situation has improved. Experiences, questions, observations about offshoots who trace their roots to The Way International. At the time Martindale saw the suspension of WOW as the response to an attack by evil devil spirits, but by the summer of 1995 he recast the suspension as a Way victory. I had been a professional lead singer and performer since I was 16, and although I . But thats the thing: the adversary throws you curve balls, and its our job as athletes of the spirit to make smart moves. It is not known if Martindales strong stand against homosexuality is in some way related to widespread reports of rampant adultery and promiscuous sex in The Way, including the highest levels of leadership. I was very moved by that story as a young person, and I remember talking to my mom and my fellowship coordinator about it. I get the impression her experience was exactly as youve shared. Can any recent survivors provide their reflections if its not to much: What are the manipulation tactics used? I did look your friend up on facebook and we have friends in common from the cult (I should probably just start a new FB to rid myself of them), which would lead me to believe it's a splinter group since the two don't typically mix. The most debate arose when the topic of financing CES was raised, which prompted fears that their donations would be misused by yet another organization. Homey, reported that 163 sodomiteshad been purged, marked and avoided by January l995.3. It is fundamentalist due to many non-negotiable beliefs, most notably the inerrancy of the Scriptures, and it is a cult, a high-control group, due to its social . We were taught that the Adversary is always looking for ways to break down our spiritual fortitude and that can come in the form of media, indoctrination in schools and even our own families. Children who grew into adults in the Way are another matter because it is hard to go out into the world and maybe get your own place or go to college and have your worldview challenged by people you were taught were lazy, selfish, or had an agenda. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Martindale told his followers at the 1995 Rock of Ages conference that new classes were needed because The Ways opponents had attended PFAL classes and learned how to use this material against The Way. The splinter groups made a lot of sense because fellowships (church) was held in people's homes anyway, so they continued to hold them and they all have their own little names like "Harbor Light Fellowship" or "Living Word Fellowship" however they still are Weirwill purists and teach his ideas. Bill Green, who handles some public relations for The Ways New Knoxville, Ohio headquarters, declined to be interviewed about the classes and related developments. I dealt with it as a kid by pretending not to notice the issues in my family and in the cult. The logic has more dangerous consequences when people literally think God will cure their Cancer, Lupus, diabetes. How do they suffocate you as a person? As Wayers recognize false teachings, they further see the inaccurate scholarship Wierwille used to defend his teachings.11 Therefore, they also criticize Wierwilles skill as a Bible researcher and teacher and call into question everything they learned from him. And as much I would dislike the idea of looking into my own rear view mirror her close friends and myself would deeply appreciate your vulnerability and transparency. Although the Way brags that 5,027 people have attended these seminars, that figure actually indicates an average of only about 100 per state. They run off anyone who is not currently active in a Way-controlled twig and who doesnt have a Way escort. Defectors also accused Way leadership of practicing and approving adultery as a godly practice. Christian can also help (ex-) Wayers through four basic steps of reorientation: 1) expose, 2) emotional reaction, 3) relearning, and 4) reconstruction. Way followers say the first commandment is the most important: no false Idols before God. They use Wierwilles teachings, jargon, and writings, and have drawn off many of The Ways followers by accusing International of authoritarianism, misuse of power, adultery, misuse of funds, spiritual corruption, departure from the Word of God, and denominationalism. Strangely, that means that TWI is responsible for my birth. For example we had fellowship in our home 3 days per week and if I were to miss one I might be interrogated about where I was, or told that I'm unequally yoked with "worldly" people, which is how they describe anyone outside the cult. The Ways decisions to terminate the WOWs and PFAL classes are partly due to the damaging influence of Way splinter groups. Some retain great respect for Wierwille, while a few joke about him. All of the various groups claim to hold the true legacy of Wierwille's teachings. 5 Christopher C. Geer, The Passing of a Patriarch (Attrincham, Cheshire, U.K.: European Christian Press, n.d.), 34. I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. 4-5 maybe? Ex-Wayers also charge that The Way teaches falsely on the topics of believing, abundant sharing, tithing, interpretation of tongues, and athletes of the spirit (the belief that every warfare metaphor in the Epistles should be understood as an athletic metaphor instead). One ex-member said the Corps residence training was sometimes like a bordello, with promiscuity, adultery, orgies, wife swapping, and even gang-rape.4. They have been active and effective at exposing problems in The Way through personal influence and meetings of Wayers around the nation. In addition, the account includes several insights into The Way. When I arrived back home my entire bedroom and all my belongings had been searched for anything ungodly. Point out that Wierwilles adultery and lying (plagiarism) mark him a false teacher, not just a teacher with failings (Matt. It has now become apparent to many of them that Wierwille was instead an eclectic plagiarist. If youve seen the documentaries about Scientology or even that Nxivm sex cult this is practically a template for revenue income for these religious organizations. Are other families struggling to watch their loved ones involved? Splintering of the group since 1985 has greatly reduced its active membership, from a peak of about . Moving on: I know a lot of people who grew up in strict religious contexts, but the thing that I always found kind of culty about the Way was how we were always supposed to prioritize people in the ministry to the exclusion of others. They have rejected some Christian teachings (such as the Trinity17) primarily because they have accepted Way caricatures and have not fully understood them. Although Guideposts helped popularize Cliffes writings and he claimed to be Anglican, Cliffe held New Thought beliefs, seeing God as impersonal principle. They assume that honest, objective biblical research and a fellowship of true believers cannot be found among Christians outside Wierwilles heritage of teaching, so they limit research and fellowship to their own narrow circles. The apostle Paul warned of deceivers when he told the Ephesians, I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock, and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:29-30). However, BGSU is a Way Campus where members are sent for their education as well as recruiting practice; all things already mentioned. No. Many of us were had gotten the impression that she was back. My mom was a single mother and had registered for an upcoming class. To me this is the core of the Way: the planting of the idea that its us against them. Over time that can be very isolating considering that there arent that many people in the ministry. There were some other elite leadership groups in the faith (like Way Disciple that you mention) but the three I listed are the ones that most people in fellowships are expected to take. That exes from his life are all crazy.. Homosexuals Purged, Wow Ambassadors Terminated, Martindale also hopes the new classes will hinder homosexuals from joining The Way, because he condemns homosexuality. All because of "homosexual devil spirit possession" will not be welcome at their festival. These were known as splinter groups and were always talked about as deceptive as if they were scheming their followers. I dont know if any of this is helpful to you. Accusations have disturbed many people and strained or broken numerous friendships. Although Wierwille has written against spiritism, he welcomed this spiritist with open arms. When The Way International splintered in the years following the death of founder V. P. Wierwille, many splinter groups formed. In response, he defends such Way teachings as that on interpretation of tongues.14 Ralph Dubofsky told the May 1988 CES meeting that the reason they like so much of E.W. I saw your post a few days ago when it was first posted and having been thinking about it ever since. Sometime after reading that I came across Religion Trauma Syndrome (RTS) and learned about repressive cognitive dissonance. Answer. Wierwilles writings on the topics of interpreting the Bible, soul sleep, the distinction of impersonal holy spirit from the Holy Spirit, ultradispensationalism, gospel harmony, and the mystery are all drawn from Bullinger. %PDF-1.7 % 0 replies; 812 views; Fredchopin . Im not educated or enlightened by any metric, but reading that after your personal experience as well as observation grounded and solidified what you were sharing. Some people started their own non-Way affiliated Bible fellowships. Most ex-Wayers are confused, not knowing where to turn, whom to trust, or what to believe. This thread is like a walk down memory lane - Sunday Service tapes, the Rock of Ages, Athletes of the Spirit, all the lingo others have quoted, and Martindale's violent tirades against homosexuality in the mid 90s bring me right back. 35 0 obj <> endobj 60 0 obj <>stream Ancient Aliens and the Bible: What the Popular Television Series Says about Extraterrestrials in Scripture, Famous for Jesus: A Review of Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church by Katelyn Beaty (Brazos Press, 2022), Famosos por Jess: Resea de Celebridades por Jess: Cmo los personajes, las plataformas y los beneficios estn perjudicando a la Iglesia por Katelyn Beaty (Brazos Press, 2022). I think another thing to think about with the Way is that it is in many ways a pyramid scheme. The Way, International, page 2 Wierwille as father, friend, and teacher, but both the Scriptures and the empirical evidence demand it. 3 Victor Paul Wierwille, Power for Abundant Living (New Knoxville, OH: American Christian Press, 1971), 119-20.4 Victor Paul Wierwille, Receiving the Holy Spirit Today, 6th ed. I was born in Sidney, Ohio in 2001 and lived at the Way Headquarters in New Knoxville. The group itself says it is a Christian ministry. The main groups vying for control of rural settlements - including the National Liberal Army (ELN), two rival splinter or "dissident" groups composed of reconstituted FARC remnants, the Gulf Clan and smaller illicit bands - are now the focus of government efforts to pen deals aimed at halting the hostilities. At that time I had recently come out as bisexual to my mom, which went as well as you'd expect. This book condemned not only the trustees but all Way leadership, including the clergy, headquarters staff, regional leaders, and Corps around the world. I grew up in the Way Ministry in the 80s and left in my last year of high school in 96. What practices are still common? Brainwashing is in part convincing you that the world is evil and filled with devil spirits that are everywhere and you must be vigilant, and part CONSTANT information about the bible. The false apostles disguises are being pulled from their faces, and the virgins who were led astray are returning to the one true Jesus, Spirit, and gospel, and the church of Jesus Christ. These people are capable of anything. I went to a couple fellowship meetings shortly after they took the "foundational class" and wouldn't shut up about it. Wierwilles death certificate lists ocular melanoma, or malignant tumor of the eye, as the underlying cause of death. Unlike the WOWs, the Disciples program is open only to Advanced Class graduates, and therefore probably consists mainly of members of the Way Corps. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. He would beat me for nearly any infraction. If the person refuses to read or hear material which exposes such errors, then take the time to obtain the primary sources which demonstrate them and ask his or her opinion of them.
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