Martindale openly and vulgarly expressed his contempt for the splinter groups during his Rock of Ages 95 sermons. This includes Wierwilles plagiarism, approval of adultery, authoritarianism, errors of scholarship and Bible interpretation, and so forth. I want to be clear that if you think something nefarious has happened here, go with your gut. Way followers say the first commandment is the most important: no false Idols before God. 5 Christopher C. Geer, The Passing of a Patriarch (Attrincham, Cheshire, U.K.: European Christian Press, n.d.), 34. (New Knoxville, OH: American Christian Press, 1972), 209, 174, for Wierwilles claim that his book is the most original coverage of the subject, and p. 178 for his claim that God audibly promised to teach him directly and personally. Second, give ex-Wayers space to vent their emotions and hurts, and pray for them and their healing. Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. OVERVIEW OF THE WAY'S SPLINTER GROUPS. Soooo, I guess to answer your question about how she was allowed to do non-Christian activities, I think the thing to remember is that the Way picked up steam in the late 70s when a big wave of evangelicalism was sweeping through the US. Since then, The Way has sought to purge (that is, totally shun) all who do not tithe or who question Martindale on any issue. Myself and others are looking to cope and find closure or understanding from a recent loss/death due to suicide. As well as the original post questions. Then there are all the other classes about specific topics. How do they suffocate you as a person? An Open Letter to You Who Are Disillusioned with The Way Ministry, J. Juedes PFO Journal. Stiles, a leader in the early charismatic movement. These people were rarely spoken of again, and if they were it was in hushed tones. Some people started their own non-Way affiliated Bible fellowships. 5 Lamsa considered himself an apostle and believed in clairvoyance and universalism. As a kid, I was always 1.) The Way president is accustomed to using crude speech and profanity, even in public settings. I'm a robot. Para ms informacin o para Join now to access this Journal subscriber only content. The Ways decisions to terminate the WOWs and PFAL classes are partly due to the damaging influence of Way splinter groups. The Way stressed that these gatherings were for committed, faithful followers, unlike the Rock, which was open to anyone. Un apologista cristiano responde a la actuacin satnica de Sam Smith y Kim Petras en los Grammy, Connect with the Christian Research Institute. 7:15). New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Prominent ex-Way leaders took with them networks of ex-followers of TWI. 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. An alarming statement from her the week prior to committing suicide and a recent appearance/presence on social media a few months prior is also what has really shaken everyone. 10 These are actual experiences which Wayers, ex-Wayers, and others have shared with me. He is a former follower of The Way International, the same group from which I escaped in 1987. 2.) Wierwille credits Stiles with showing him how to receive and manifest the Holy Spirit by speaking in tongues when they met at a Tulsa rally in 1951.7 He took his teachings on evil spirits, definition of humans as body-soul-spirit (with his peculiar exegesis), laying on of hands, and his descriptions and methods of operating the manifestations (gifts of the Spirit) from B.G. But at this point my goal has transitioned to educating the young and vulnerable population of college students by presenting an unknown and challenging thought. 35 0 obj <> endobj 60 0 obj <>stream When The Way International splintered in the years following the death of founder V. P. Wierwille, many splinter groups formed. I think another thing to think about with the Way is that it is in many ways a pyramid scheme. Each year The Way had sent out hundreds of WOW (Word Over the World) Ambassadors as volunteer missionaries to cities around the world, which was its primary outreach for 25 years. 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. Bill Green, who handles some public relations for The Ways New Knoxville, Ohio headquarters, declined to be interviewed about the classes and related developments. Splintering of the group since 1985 has greatly reduced its active membership, from a peak of about . We both are still active in the remnants of one of the many splinter groups and have become the inheritors of a fellowship in limbo. As a result, many Wayers view Geer as being the true spiritual heir to Wierwille. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light; therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their deeds. Heart-to-heart sharing with those who have . This article first appeared in the in the Ask Hank column of the Christian Research Journal, Feb 20, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol, Feb 13, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. TL;DR: the Way seems chill and relaxed on the outside but its pretty intense on a personal level. We are all at a complete loss and clueless in some ways. In opposition, John Schoenheit produced a paper that confronted this error and biblically explained that adultery is a sin. This practice was common back in the 70s-80s as well as taking people's medications away so they could "prove God." Spirit and Truth Fellowship International. In that same breathe, her sister/siblings believed she was waking up and coming to her own conclusion about her situation and the life she had created with the expectation that she would removing herself as they did during that similar age period of their lives. I mention these because these are classic isolating manipulation tactics. Have others committed suicide? John Lynn claims that Wierwille and at least four other trustees had sex with literally hundreds of women, many of whom Lynn and other ex-leaders have counseled personally.9 They also claim the Trustees fired long-time researcher John Schonheit for writing a brief paper summarizing the Bibles teaching against adultery. TWI splinter group leader John Lynn wrote a letter in 2008 defending and praising "the old" Way International, proof that the old Way Arrogance lives on as well. It is apparent that almost all Wierwille taught he acquired from other men, not from original study of Gods word. Although Wayers project a curt and indifferent attitude toward the many who have left the group, they have undoubtedly been hurt deeply in recent years. For the most part this conceptualizing of the world as being on Gods side or influenced but the Adversary makes me roll my eyes. For example, Geer describes Wierwille as one who was very hard to live with, often lashing out at those closest to him and hurting them.5 It includes a reproduction of handwritten notes in which the three trustees admit that the accusations against them are true. There hasn't been a good gathering place for survivors since the Greasespot Cafe and I think there is a need for one. Para ms informacin o para Join now to access this Journal subscriber only content. Except they pretty much worship the bible. John Schonheits paper on adultery was a thinly veiled accusation that Wierwille and other leaders falsely taught that adultery is a biblically acceptable practice. Your last sentence though. dagger to the heart ..internal turmoil reconciling her faith with just being a person in the world. This is very hard. I am sorry for your loss. Can any recent survivors provide their reflections if its not to much: What are the manipulation tactics used? But apparently, he doesn't want people to know what he did in the 1970s and 1980s. The kind of stuff people go to therapy for years to get over. 13 Address: Pacific West Fellowship, P.O. Although Guideposts helped popularize Cliffes writings and he claimed to be Anglican, Cliffe held New Thought beliefs, seeing God as impersonal principle. Im terribly sorry to hear that feel free to message me privately if it helps. The Way International was founded in 1942 by Victor Paul Wierwille as a radio program, then was renamed the Chimes Hour Youth Caravan in 1947. They have rejected some Christian teachings (such as the Trinity17) primarily because they have accepted Way caricatures and have not fully understood them. As a minister in the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now part of the United Church of Christ), Wierwille developed . By word, character, and example, show them that there is more-than-abundant life outside The Way International.Dr. They run off anyone who is not currently active in a Way-controlled twig and who doesnt have a Way escort. Making you afraid of other people and afraid of having attention withheld are other classic manipulation tactics. Current Way affiliates are more than welcome to utilize . J. Juedes, PFO Journal, 1990. Anyways, one summer afternoon on a car ride to grandma's with a Way following family member: the tape deck had one of these Sunday service tapes start playing when they started the car. What do they make members do? Many remember current leaders as friends, but at the same time despise them for wrongs they believe they have done or allowed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2dshceGGvY&ab_channel=TheEyewitnesses. My father also advised the members of our fellowship to beat their children. While ex-Wayers want the groups to be much different than The Way, there are many similarities in teaching and goals. The Corp program was insane and I could write a huge thread just about that experience. This is hard to accept for those who knew V.P. The Way International fits the criteria outlined to a T. One thing I didn't see mentioned much in the thread is how incredibly patriarchal and misogynistic the Ministry was, and I am sure that has not changed. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. Jun 10, 2009. 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. For Feb 24, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. Its not interested in interrogating deep questions of being and it doesnt hold up well to fact based challenges. The name became "The Way" in 1955, no doubt a reference to Jesus' statement that He is "the way, the truth and the life" ( John 14:6 ). The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. The Ways security force has become increasingly aggressive, quickly and thoroughly investigating anyone who appears at functions like the Rock of Ages conferences9 or is on their campus without a Way nametag. The past two years have been a very unsettling time for Wayers. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The logic has more dangerous consequences when people literally think God will cure their Cancer, Lupus, diabetes. 2013-08-01T19:56:36Z It endured so long largely because members of The Way (Wayers) viewed Wierwille as their Father in the Word, who heard Gods audible voice and taught Gods Word as it had not been known since the first century.. I cannot stress enough how much the control and fear is internal. The Corp is their leadership training program where you live on campus and attend their unaccredited "college." Gross, right? Participants were sensitive (having been wounded by The Way), were open to friendships and ideas, and were reevaluating their beliefs. What practices are different from the 80s? Boy howdy that was an ear-full. The crowd of 11,000 applauded the changes, hoping that this would help remedy the severe decline and turbulence of the past 10 years. The Way International, Christian evangelical group founded in 1942 as Vesper Chimes, a radio ministry broadcast from Lima, Ohio, by Victor Paul Wierwille (1916-85). However, BGSU is a Way Campus where members are sent for their education as well as recruiting practice; all things already mentioned. Un apologista cristiano responde a la actuacin satnica de Sam Smith y Kim Petras en los Grammy, Connect with the Christian Research Institute. I am glad I am not the only one who dealt with growing up in TWI. He told Corps grads that the Ambassadors had accomplished their mission of getting Gods Word over the world. He called it WOW redefined, but he never explained how reaching only a fraction of a percent of residents of the United States (much less of the world) constitutes completing the mission. To be honest, it sounds nice on paper in many ways. This book condemned not only the trustees but all Way leadership, including the clergy, headquarters staff, regional leaders, and Corps around the world. Homey reported that it liquidated $29 million of debt by mid 1995. And to answer your question, yes, people do commit suicide after being in the cult. There are people who spend 7 nights a week at fellowship or taking classes or teaching. Followers are now tasting the matured fruit of The Way Tree fruit of promiscuity, adultery, plagiarism (a form of lying), authoritarianism, false teaching, unfaithfulness, and lack of self-control. The Way, International Profile I think the biggest thing I would emphasize is that the biggest way faith organizations control you is by fear. What practices are still common? (New Knoxville, OH: American Christian Press, 1972), x. There were people who were sexually assaulted while hitchhiking and injured due to accidents. 7 Whiteside, 205-9. TWI's was (and still is in a smaller capacity) an actual institution with employees, an unaccredited college, and evangelist programs that relocate people and had actual methods for indoctrination. Spirit and Truth Fellowship International, Out of the Way: The Offshoots Latest Topics. John P. Juedes is the pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Highland, California, and has written extensively on The Way International. 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 termination of the WOW Ambassador program led to the start of the Disciples of The Way Outreach program. That was deep, honest and almost liberating because it brought some of us closer to understanding as well as closure. 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 . Although the group emphasizes that it does not have members, it keeps very detailed records of its class graduates and donors, which are used as criteria to determine peoples status with the group and their access to some of its functions. This is just awful, horrible and egregious in every way possible. The new policy may reduce The Ways recruitment. I went to a couple fellowship meetings shortly after they took the "foundational class" and wouldn't shut up about it. Off-shoot of The Way (formerly Christian Educational Services) 6.3k posts. Way security personnel try to intimidate outsiders by dressing as police officers complete with utility belt, holster, CB-style microphone clipped to a shoulder, metal badge with the word patrolman prominently stamped on it, and white vehicles with a seal painted on the door and emergency lights on top. Yeah Um would you look at the time? I wouldnt say my experience is at all recent since that was 2001, but I can absolutely say their tactics are manipulative. The largest group seems to be Christian Educational Services, Inc. (CES), which incorporated this fall in Indianapolis. Juedes is a Lutheran paster who has written extensively on the Way. Martindales classes include material from PFAL as well as new topics. Bullinger is that they had already heard Wierwille teach Bullingers material as his own. Not something I wanted to read, but something I needed to read. There are less and less full time ministers on the field and in many Regions only one full time couple in the entire Region. TWI's splinter groups, formed at TWI's implosion in the late 1980's, are bigger than . When he first presented it verbally to gatherings of Way leadership (at which, John Lynn reports, he carried a large-caliber pistol for self-protection), it caused tremendous turbulence, and its content was kept out of general circulation. At one point I got sick with an infectious disease that typically kills you within 48 hours. Maybe it will help to read what I experienced. While Believers with a history of Way International affiliation, esp. This conflict has increased as ex-Wayers have persuaded many of their friends to leave Martindales group. Personally I was depressed and suicidal most of the 5 years I lived there and for years after until I was able to seek help. This is a part of growing up for anyone, but I think its especially hard for people who grow empathy and conscience and recognize the way they grew up was manipulative and mean-spirited. 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). Most ex-Wayers are confused, not knowing where to turn, whom to trust, or what to believe. Strangely, that means that TWI is responsible for my birth. A place for discussion about cults and other new age religious movements. It's another thing entirely when the leader of a "Biblical Research and Fellowship Ministry" delivers a fire and brimstone sermon threatening to chain gays to the back bumper of an RV and go for a little drive. My parents are still standing, as they say. For Feb 24, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. And unjustified bullshit. 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 Heads up on Another Splinter off the Way International Tree. One Scripture passage (2 Cor. Although Lamsas blemished translation of the Bible appears in Christian bookstores, he held New Thought (Christian Science-like), not evangelical, beliefs.5 Wierwille drew his laws of believing, of tithing, prosperity, mental imaging (imagining good things to bring them to pass), and the more abundant life from Albert Cliffe. My mom was a single mother and had registered for an upcoming class. Accordingly, several groups have arisen to try to meet these needs. I think some of the main differences between the 80's and now is the infrastructure. The stories which former (and current) Way insiders hear include many more specific charges about shocking events. James K. Walker Scientology front group. For instance, trustee Donald Wierwille (Victor Pauls son) confessed, I apologize for not having followed my man of God.6. Youre a survivor. It begins to be the only thing you can do and the only people you can see. He also hopes to produce more printed materials, provide a network of fellowships, and serve as a traveling teacher. The reason I created that thread was initial to gain some more insight. It has shrunk in size and, as often is the case in cults when the original leader dies, splintered into various rival movements. Geer believes Wierwille actually caused his body to die: There were two points when I felt that he might change his mind and decide to go on living.I am fully convinced that he believed to stop the functions of his body.8 He seems to believe that Wierwille chose to commit suicide, using his spiritual weapon of believing, rather than to continue fighting the spiritual decline of the trustees. Youre not going to have to perform penance. See John P. Juedes, Looking at Lamsa, Personal Freedom Outreach Newsletter (Jan.-Mar. haga clic aqu para obtener ms informacin. When Wierwille wrote, he commonly used these mens writings and copied them, idea by idea and often word by word. 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. Oh! At first I was told how loved and adored I was but quickly that facade died and it was clear I was not loved. 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. 12 Lynn, Overview of Events. Are other families struggling to watch their loved ones involved? I was told by a leader that having an understanding of the Word as it is supposed to be understood helps you form opinions. 11 Morton and Juedes, Integrity and Accuracy, reveals many of Wierwilles errors in scholarship and Bible interpretation. The Way International, The Way, La Voie, El Camino, PFAL, The Way of Abundance and Power, The Way Magazine, The Way Corps are trademarks registered by The Way International in the United States and/or other countries. This practice is intended to weed out any opponents. We were required to eat every dinner together or we would be reprimanded in front of the whole house (about 10 people). 9 John Lynn, Overview of Events, two-cassette series, 1987. (St. Louis: Personal Freedom Outreach, 1987), 50 pp. Lynnes new teachings include the assertions that interpretation of tongues must always be praise to God (never a message to believers), and that believing does not work for saint and sinner alike, but is receiving Gods promises. The Way is predominantly financed via its course fees and tithing. Nevertheless, The Ways situation has improved. Like Wierwille, Berg drew young people from the Jesus movement to form his own group, the Children of God (now called the Family of Love), which uses sexual promiscuity to win new followers. Splintering and Subjugating.as night follows day, Remembering a woman of courage, who stood up to a monster. The Way International has a book value of all assets over $68 million, however believers often pay a facility fee to meet as a State or Branch, or they meet in only "budget" or "free" spaces. He also was a spiritist and claimed, Many of the subjects I have given in my Bible class have been dictated to me by the loved ones long since passed on.6 It would appear that Wierwilles gnostic leanings, healing emphasis, camp/advance (retreat) formats, divine laws, stress on physical exercise, desire to be the best, and even the term The Way itself were derived from New Thought speakers Glenn Clark, Starr Daily, and Rufus Moseley. The Way International fellowships are located throughout the United States, as well as over 30 countries. I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. And they were pretty insistent on saying that the Holocaust did happen but not nearly to the extent that Jewish people say it did, and that their agenda is to make us feel sorry for them and legitimize Judaism over Christianity. Available from: Capitol Saints/John A. Lynn, 5918 Chesterbrook Road, McLean, VA 22101. Also former TWI here, my parents are still in it, and its causing incredible family pain, now between my older sister. And if the world thought you were a good homosexual it was because you had an agenda to legitimize your perversion (the way Jewish people use the Holocaust to legitimize their ungodly faith). x*"fhR*_l*I&mLRQnG.O@o(UU7Wn?\6t]~mak-tX}zn[z,.o,o.*?Y~,vYj8P]w1$'ZfL1sr&E7pc'R7_\veb_ Her recent suicide however was as a member in leadership. Second, the doctrine of the splinter groups is nearly a carbon copy of Way . I've even attended a wedding at HQ. 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 Way International introduced sweeping changes at the annual Rock of Ages gathering last year. (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). Sometime after reading that I came across Religion Trauma Syndrome (RTS) and learned about repressive cognitive dissonance. Our dear and sweet beloved friend. Please keep in touch. that you have to purchase to participate. They have been active and effective at exposing problems in The Way through personal influence and meetings of Wayers around the nation. We are near 70 years of age now, but the "Way" still affects us. Instead of it being an isolated incident that sucks from time to time in life, its framed as The Adversary (the devil) is making your life difficult, and as athletes of the spirit we can outmaneuver him. .~?mq3\n7C. 0 replies; 812 views; Fredchopin . Just as 100 different Mormon groups all revere the Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri, because of founder Joseph Smiths attachment to it, the many Way splinter groups also revere Wierwilles New Knoxville, Ohio family farm and books. I just wanted to paint a picture here of the laid back approach to Christian faith that makes the Way appealing to people. 14 Letter by Steve Sann, Pacific West Fellowship, 2 March 1988. That is to say, other people are nice and fine, but its only the true Believers that are truly living Godly lives. Geers book also claims that Geer alone is spiritually able to reform The Way Ministry. uuid:a0e7d6d5-45d0-8c4c-9602-8d6d3c43e9ff 11:2-4, 13-15) gives insight into the nature of this controversy, Wierwilles work, and his followers: For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. During WOW training at the 1994 Rock of Ages conference, however, Way leaders decided not to send WOWs, because nearly 10 percent of their Ambassadors were homosexual. Fourth, help them through the reconstruction of their Christian lives by introducing them to sincere, Bible-believing Christians, small group fellowships, and churches. Any time I needed to see a doctor (I've had chronic health issues) I had to do it in secret and lie about where I was going, and have the bills sent to fake addresses so no one would find out. My mom thought God helped her get a good parking space once (Im not kidding). Many former Way members are flocking to break-off organizations some of which are led by well-known and respected ex-leaders. I dealt with it as a kid by pretending not to notice the issues in my family and in the cult. 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. First, it is helpful to present facts of doctrinal, organizational, and personal error in Way leaders. All of these classes are weeks long, have an enrollment fee, and have their own expensive materials (books, binders, etc.) I thought of myself as a good person, but Id grown up to believe that you couldnt be both good and a homosexual. Take The Diary of Anne Frank for example. Gotta run! Again, thank you for taking the time to provide concise details. Some people were asked to leave the ministry for some big transgression (maybe they were gay, maybe they bucked chain of command in some big way), and they were considered marked and avoided (I think stemming from the Cain and Abel story in Genesis). The leader was arrested recently as he had convinced the fellowship members to give him their eldest daughters which he physically and sexually abused for 9+ years until one girl escaped. Until then I was personally fighting acceptance because I wasnt able to understand and someone else had not articulated a realistic and plausible answer.
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