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. Somehow I always imagined theyd be better than the original TWI. 2.) endstream endobj 3 0 obj <> endobj 2 0 obj <> endobj 61 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 21 0 obj <> endobj 25 0 obj <> endobj 29 0 obj <> endobj 30 0 obj <>stream We believe and speculate it was attributed because of the known cult The Way International. It's one thing to simply not condone homosexuality because it's a sin against God. 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. When Wierwille wrote, he commonly used these mens writings and copied them, idea by idea and often word by word. 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 . I dealt with it as a kid by pretending not to notice the issues in my family and in the cult. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The reason it was called that was because we imagined the whole ministry all over the world as one big tree. First, the assumptions and structure of the new groups are like The Way International. Michael Rood - Apologetics Index What Are Long-Time Wayers Thinking About? Para ms informacin o para Join now to access this Journal subscriber only content. This article only sketches the most prominent and publishable charges. The 27-storey building hotel is the tallest building in Phu Ly and has been carefully designed for contemporary travellers looking for sleek comforts, simplified luxury and bleisure. Your experience brings so many new things into perspective and reflects the things we noted about her 10yrs when we were younger but never questioned because well how much can a teenager really articulate? Pacific West Fellowship,13 headed by Steve Sann (who also was once a Limb and Region Coordinator), seems to be the second most aggressive splinter group. 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. He never credited his sources, in effect lying to his readers by leading them to believe that he originated his teachings under Gods direct tutelage. One ex-member said the Corps residence training was sometimes like a bordello, with promiscuity, adultery, orgies, wife swapping, and even gang-rape.4. Groups like the Way Ministry where you are expected to have instant familiarity with and trust for other members (who are practically strangers) by virtue of you all being "like-minded" is an environment absolutely rife for abuse. Boy howdy that was an ear-full. One CES leader, with a touch of irony, attempted to distance CES from The Way by explaining that CES would do "Christian study," not "biblical research" (A Way term). Not that a college degree is by any means the only metric of intelligence, but there arent a lot of college degrees in the faith. He also hopes to produce more printed materials, provide a network of fellowships, and serve as a traveling teacher. 4 Lionel Recio and Steve Lefevers, The Way of Life or the Way of Death (self-published, 1987), 106. 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. This conflict has increased as ex-Wayers have persuaded many of their friends to leave Martindales group. At 29yrs old. But they are open to friendships and the Bible, and are reevaluating many teachings and practices. I think youre absolutely right in that educating others will help with the grieving process. Each fellowship was just one small twig connected to a branch, then a limb, then a trunk and so on. See also Elena Whiteside, The Way Living with Love, 2d ed. The new policy may reduce The Ways recruitment. We are near 70 years of age now, but the "Way" still affects us. CES now wants to be seen as an independent ministry, not just as a Way splinter group, even though its glaring similarity to The Way is obvious to outsiders. We are talking about a lot of people who fall for get-rich-quick schemes and fad diets. In addition, the account includes several insights into The Way. She was born into it and her home was a Twig if my verbiage is correct. .~?mq3\n7C. Sale of assets, reduction of overhead, smaller Corps classes, large numbers of defections (which left more staff openings), staff purges, and the sale of the The Way College of Emporia, Kansas, campus helped make this possible. Cliffes book Lessons in Successful Living addresses similar topics. Heart-to-heart sharing with those who have . "Christian Educational Services"-- The nature, strengths and weaknesses of the largest of the Way split-off groups, led by John Lynn. At first I was told how loved and adored I was but quickly that facade died and it was clear I was not loved. At the time, Schoenheit was on The Ways research team. 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. I thought of myself as a good person, but Id grown up to believe that you couldnt be both good and a homosexual. When The Way International splintered in the years following the death of founder V. P. Wierwille, many splinter groups formed. The Way International introduced sweeping changes at the annual Rock of Ages gathering last year. 1 John P. Juedes and Douglas V. Morton, The Integrity and Accuracy of The Ways Word (St. Louis: Personal Freedom Outreach, 1980), 43-48. Incidentally, only Geers group has published a book by Wierwille since his death. For Feb 24, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. The Way International introduced sweeping changes at the annual Rock of Ages gathering last year. Sann also circulates periodic newsletters and regularly publishes teaching tapes. John P. Juedes is the pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Highland, California, and has written extensively on The Way International. She was loved by many because she was easy going, fit in with many and different groups - a legitimate interest in others, etc. I don't talk to my family that's "in" much anymore though I do see them every so often. as I got older I was terrified of doing something that would have me cast out because my whole life THESE were the people I knew and had history with, and it made me deeply sad to imagine suddenly being cut off from that. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. Hotel Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly, Vietnam | Melia.com Word Take The Diary of Anne Frank for example. Juedes is a Lutheran paster who has written extensively on the Way. The Way president is accustomed to using crude speech and profanity, even in public settings. 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). Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. The most ridiculous instance was when he beat me for clinking my fork too loudly in my plate at the dinner table. 60, Bien Hoa Street, Minh Khai Ward, Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province,, Minh Khai, Phu Ly (Ha Nam), Vietnam, 400000 - See map. We were taught that debt was inherently evil and that it made you a slave to the lender. Additionally, ex-members have on file letters and transcripts in which Way president L. Craig Martindale defends sex outside marriage in many situations. The Way stressed that these gatherings were for committed, faithful followers, unlike the Rock, which was open to anyone. But apparently, he doesn't want people to know what he did in the 1970s and 1980s. I was born in Sidney, Ohio in 2001 and lived at the Way Headquarters in New Knoxville. The book asserts that the president and trustees were untrustworthy and spiritually corrupt, did not listen to God or Wierwille, killed Way ministries by neglect, avoided responsibility, were hypocrites, led selfish lifestyles, and so forth. Spirit and Truth Fellowship International. While ex-Wayers want the groups to be much different than The Way, there are many similarities in teaching and goals. My parents are still standing, as they say. I was left on the bathroom floor for a week because "there's nothing we can do if you're not believing God to heal you." These people were rarely spoken of again, and if they were it was in hushed tones. Again - really helpful and it has expanded my perspective as well as empathy much more. See John P. Juedes, Looking at Lamsa, Personal Freedom Outreach Newsletter (Jan.-Mar. 16 Wierwille noted that acquiring young people from the Jesus movement caused the Ways growth (Whiteside, 230-35). Think of an abuser boyfriend who doesnt let you have friendships with other guys or other people, really, because it distracts your attention from him, the most important person in your life. Second, give ex-Wayers space to vent their emotions and hurts, and pray for them and their healing. She was sobbing and apologized profusely that she hid this from them. SPIRIT AND TRUTH FELLOWSHIP / CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES / JOHN LYNN. New classes were also needed because the existing video version, filmed by Wierwille in 1967, was obviously dated in its style, production, and dress. True Story: My Family Was In A Cult - Yes and Yes Dont get me wrong, we should all have some financial literacy, but the extent to which Believers internalized their shortcomings was heart-breaking. Many people did not believe in medical care. 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.. Until then I was personally fighting acceptance because I wasnt able to understand and someone else had not articulated a realistic and plausible answer. These classes replace the Power for Abundant Living (PFAL) classes by Way founder, Victor Paul Wierwille, who died of cancer in 1985 after losing an eye to the disease and suffering strokes. So obviously if you're feeling depressed or suicidal you CANNOT tell ANYONE or you will likely be told you're possessed and have to have it cast out of you, at which point you have to pretend to be healed or else it means you're a bad believer and it's your fault you harbor spirits. Im going to say something rude here: my experience of adults in the Way is that they arent exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. These people are capable of anything. All of the various groups claim to hold the true legacy of Wierwille's teachings. 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). RECOVERY FROM THE WAY INTERNATIONAL - empirenet.com x*"fhR*_l*I&mLRQnG.O@o(UU7Wn?\6t]~mak-tX}zn[z,.o,o.*?Y~,vYj8P]w1$'ZfL1sr&E7pc'R7_\veb_ CES holds two national meetings per year in Chicago (drawing about 150 people per meeting), publishes Dialogue magazine bi-monthly, circulates periodic newsletters, and distributes tapes. I can remember being a teenager and being intellectually curious and asking a lot of questions. One CES leader, with a touch of irony, attempted to distance CES from The Way by explaining that CES would do Christian study, not biblical research (A Way term). Many Wayers have accepted these allegations in part because they explain and confirm previous experiences. 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. Way-Showers. 12 Lynn, Overview of Events. 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. It's 2am and so I decided to reminisce in Google-land by doing a search on the The Way International; a group I was once affiliated with . All of these classes are weeks long, have an enrollment fee, and have their own expensive materials (books, binders, etc.) I grew up in the Way and drifted from it the year I went to college (though I went a few times reluctantly to a new fellowship in the town where my college was). After Dr. Weirwill died and leadership was given to Craig Martindale, TWI essentially split into those who followed Craig and stayed in TWI's proper organization, and those who moved into splinter groups. That ego had gone to their heads; that the Adversary had gotten to them. Needless to say, growing up in a large communal living situation for 2 years of my childhood had unique benefits and DEFINITE drawbacks. I mention these because these are classic isolating manipulation tactics. The most important change involves the new The Way of Abundance and Power classes by Way president, L. Craig Martindale. Off-shoot of The Way (formerly Christian Educational Services) 6.3k posts. The reason I created that thread was initial to gain some more insight. The Way International is a shell of what it was during the lifetime of Victor Paul Wierwille. The Way is predominantly financed via its course fees and tithing. Martindale openly and vulgarly expressed his contempt for the splinter groups during his Rock of Ages 95 sermons. The Way To Happiness International. Nonetheless, hundreds of Way refugees are resisting the new groups' pleas to "join up.". (St. Louis: Personal Freedom Outreach, 1987), 50 pp. The logic has more dangerous consequences when people literally think God will cure their Cancer, Lupus, diabetes. I grew up in the Way Ministry in the 80s and left in my last year of high school in 96. See also pp.38 and 52. 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. Since then, The Way has sought to purge (that is, totally shun) all who do not tithe or who question Martindale on any issue. The Way, International, page 2 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. Un apologista cristiano responde a la actuacin satnica de Sam Smith y Kim Petras en los Grammy, Connect with the Christian Research Institute. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The Way also teaches its followers to receive an impersonal power (called holy spirit, power from on high, or Christ in you) by inhaling, and that speaking in tongues is the only proof that one is born again. Michael Rood is a self-proclaimed Messianic preacher who was ordained as a Christian minister in The Way International (TWI).. Rood has continued many of the themes and practices which made TWI theologically a cult of Christianity. Geer repeatedly promotes himself as the only man left in The Way Ministry who is fully informed, spiritually adept, and capable of leading the Ministry and stemming its speedy decline. 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 But small IRA splinter groups have continued to launch sporadic attacks on security forces. Splinter group of the Worldwide Church of God (WCoG). They did not understand that Wierwille preached another Jesus (who was only a man) and another spirit (not the Holy Spirit personally indwelling them). 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. Martindale seems determined to remake The Way and close ranks, which may result in an increasingly cultic mindset. Defectors also accused Way leadership of practicing and approving adultery as a godly practice. A place for discussion about cults and other new age religious movements. Bill Green, who handles some public relations for The Ways New Knoxville, Ohio headquarters, declined to be interviewed about the classes and related developments. The Way is considered a cult by many former members, by most mainstream churches, and by certain secular groups. The last fatal attack on a police officer in Northern Ireland was the April 2011 killing of Constable . Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly, Phu Ly (Ha Nam) | 2023 Updated Prices, Deals Pretty sure "in good standing" meant you "tithed" over a certain amount each month. Prominent splinter groups include Christian Educational Service (CES) led by John Lynn, Pacific West Fellowship, Great Lakes Fellowship, and The Way of Great Britain headed by Chris Geer. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. About The Way International has the most comprehensive collection of articles on The Way International found anywhere-- over 110. My splinter group was one of them. Last year, The Way Magazine lauded the organizations success at quickly beginning new PFAL classes through street witnessing; but now fewer classes are likely to be held since many recruits drop out of the twigs before attending a full year. 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 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. Accordingly, several groups have arisen to try to meet these needs. Some still in The Way are ignorant of the controversy, while others refuse to listen to the charges, deny them, or rationalize how Wierwille could have done such things without guilt. Because of the work of splinter groups, in recent years The Way has been marked by heightened paranoia, attention to security, and bitterness. There were people who were sexually assaulted while hitchhiking and injured due to accidents. . I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. My parents met in the Way in the late 80s through the WOW program. Show love and patience throughout this trying time of change. Some find it hard to reevaluate the Trinity, perhaps because they heard Way leaders ridicule Trinitarianism so often, and because they themselves also berated the teaching. They believed that God heals and if you believe enough he can heal anything. My Mom got heavily involved in the ministry straight out the gates - going WOW (their outreach program) shortly after taking the PFAL class in the early 80s and then we went Family Corp right after that. I know this is a bit long, but I hope it gives you some insight into what it's like to be inside this group. Have others committed suicide? No Way Out: Why Talk About V. P. Wierwille's Death? I get the impression her experience was exactly as youve shared. 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. This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). This present controversy is serving to alert pure believers that Wierwille and his successors are false apostles after all. 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. How do they suffocate you as a person? New Zealand Cults, Sects, Religions, Christian Organisations, and other 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. Martindales classes include material from PFAL as well as new topics. And unjustified bullshit. 1987). 2 John P. Juedes and Jay Valusek, Will the Real Author Please Stand Up? Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. Lynn summarized this when he assured listeners that many stories would curl your hair.12. Gross, right? Many people follow Wierwille in part because they were impressed by his claim that he took over 3,000 books on theology to the city dump3 and resolved to study the Bible alone without mens teachings.4 Although Wierwille sometimes said he learned from others, he often explicitly claimed originality. 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. Im so sorry for your loss. I was berated, told I did this to myself because I didn't have my head in the word enough and allowed devil spirits in. The share and contributions of another Reddit member way help you with perspective and provide some form of comfort or solace as you and your family are ensuring the struggle currently. I tried explaining to the family member that "reverend" Martindale just advocated for mass murder. However, BGSU is a Way Campus where members are sent for their education as well as recruiting practice; all things already mentioned. Tired from excessive bible study, didnt share and/or complain about any of her home life and doodled a lot which always made me ponder what she was thinking about?. Splintering of the group since 1985 has greatly reduced its active membership, from a peak of about 35,000 to less than 10,000.1. 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. Growing up, I remember hearing stories about people who had drifted from the Way, and they were always spoken of as dangerous people. It has now become apparent to many of them that Wierwille was instead an eclectic plagiarist. Could you elaborate on the manipulation? Edited to add: Would anyone be interested in an ex-Way subreddit? How about a little more candor, Vince? Atheism. I am glad I am not the only one who dealt with growing up in TWI. At that time I had recently come out as bisexual to my mom, which went as well as you'd expect. 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. Many remember current leaders as friends, but at the same time despise them for wrongs they believe they have done or allowed. Hahahaha. Beep. 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. 3 Highlights of The Way Corps Graduation (June 1995), cassette tape. Please keep in touch. Box 18503, Anaheim, CA 92817. I was forced to eat food I'm allergic to in order to prove God healed me. OVERVIEW OF THE WAY'S SPLINTER GROUPS. Their arguments included: women who traveled with Jesus and Paul supplied them with sex because it satisfied their legitimate needs; men have needs for sex with a variety of women and God provides for this; all things are lawful when done in faith (Rom.