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. Sometime after reading that I came across Religion Trauma Syndrome (RTS) and learned about repressive cognitive dissonance. I'm a robot. I cannot stress enough how much the control and fear is internal. Followers 0. 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. He is a former follower of The Way International, the same group from which I escaped in 1987. 8 Ibid., 67, 68. Also there are no mental health issues, only devil spirits influencing or possessing your mind. Wierwilles stance that the whole Bible was authored in Aramaic, that parts of Scripture have been lost, that many Bible passages in popular translations were deviously inserted by pagans, and his Nestorian-like view of Jesus Christ (which drives a wedge between the human Jesus and the divine Christ) all trace to mystic George Lamsa. Ironside, which addresses aspects of ultradispensationalism.15 It is often perplexing to Wayers, though, that teachers Wierwille respected such as Bullinger, Kenyon, and Stiles staunchly held primary orthodox beliefs which Wierwille rejected, including Trinitarianism. The Way published three books by Lynn, more than any author other than Wierwille. 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. I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. 16 Wierwille noted that acquiring young people from the Jesus movement caused the Ways growth (Whiteside, 230-35). I saw your post a few days ago when it was first posted and having been thinking about it ever since. Homey, reported that 163 sodomiteshad been purged, marked and avoided by January l995.3. Third, help them to relearn. Ultimate question, do you think The Way or anyone that endorses the way is worth pursuing as - culpable? Although Guideposts helped popularize Cliffes writings and he claimed to be Anglican, Cliffe held New Thought beliefs, seeing God as impersonal principle. In my research since leaving in 2013 I have found a number of people who reported that their loved ones died in the way dating back to the 70s. Please keep in touch. The Rock had been held annually for 25 years, and had been used to teach, recruit participants for Way ministries, and send out Way Ambassadors. New classes were also needed because the existing video version, filmed by Wierwille in 1967, was obviously dated in its style, production, and dress. . Ultimately we would also like to provide and seek justice on her behalf. There is a great diversity of emotions and viewpoints among those who have left The Way International. Again - really helpful and it has expanded my perspective as well as empathy much more. The Way Worship Centre. The Way International - Biblical Research, Teaching, and Fellowship And I am glad you are with us. Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly, Phu Ly (Ha Nam) | 2023 Updated Prices, Deals I don't talk to my family that's "in" much anymore though I do see them every so often. No one is going to beat you. That exes from his life are all crazy.. The immediate cause was metastatic melanoma of the liver, which means that the cancer spread from the eye to the liver. 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. And we have to consider the times: inspired by peace movements and anti-war efforts. They also feel the need for teaching and fellowship with other believers. My mom was a single mother and had registered for an upcoming class. What Are Long-Time Wayers Thinking About? Jun 10, 2009. I went to a couple fellowship meetings shortly after they took the "foundational class" and wouldn't shut up about it. 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. 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. 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. Oral Robertss The Red Thread in his Lifestyle of Gods Word. In fact, Martindale considers homosexuality to be devil-spirit possession.. (St. Louis: Personal Freedom Outreach, 1987), 50 pp. 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?. 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. Word TL;DR: the Way seems chill and relaxed on the outside but its pretty intense on a personal level. Way-Showers. Each link takes you to a menu of articles on that topic, most by Dr. John P. Juedes, who has researched TWI for 30 years. European Christian Press (which Geer controls) then published it a few years after Wierwilles death. Disciples serve only four months, and The Way plans to send out two waves a year. 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. Juedes is a Lutheran paster who has written extensively on the Way. I remember he looked at her with sympathy but didnt say anything. We are all at a complete loss and clueless in some ways. Cules son las creencias bsicas del budismo? The Corp is their leadership training program where you live on campus and attend their unaccredited "college." The Way International Except they pretty much worship the bible. For Feb 24, 2023 | Christian Articles, en Espanol. The foundational class is 36 hours I believe and I can't tell you how many times I took it. Omg this info about splinter groups is shocking. Former Member: The Way International Biblical Ministry Was Rife With Prominent ex-Way leaders took with them networks of ex-followers of TWI. Christian can also help (ex-) Wayers through four basic steps of reorientation: 1) expose, 2) emotional reaction, 3) relearning, and 4) reconstruction. Our dear and sweet beloved friend. 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. This practice was common back in the 70s-80s as well as taking people's medications away so they could "prove God." The logic has more dangerous consequences when people literally think God will cure their Cancer, Lupus, diabetes. This is just awful, horrible and egregious in every way possible. 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. Take The Diary of Anne Frank for example. I was born in Sidney, Ohio in 2001 and lived at the Way Headquarters in New Knoxville. 10 These are actual experiences which Wayers, ex-Wayers, and others have shared with me. Not something I wanted to read, but something I needed to read. My family transitioned to a splinter group in the mid 90s, and later when I was a teenager I moved into a "Way Home" which is like a group home for the cult. Many Wayers have accepted these allegations in part because they explain and confirm previous experiences. The Way began to grow significantly only when Wierwille traveled to California and recruited followers from the Jesus movement.16 Like Eve and the Corinthians, these young believers (and many since the 1960s) were virgins with simple devotion to Christ, but were not grounded in Scripture and thus were easily led astray. Few know that many able scholars have effectively refuted some of Bullingers ideas. 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. Almost every long-time member has had at least one question such as: Why did Dr. Wierwille never speak against adultery in his Christian Family and Sex class? Why does my Limb leader often spend the night with certain twig leaders of the opposite sex? Why did our womens meeting leave the impression that a woman should satisfy any physical desire of visiting Way leaders? Why do Way leaders give contradictory answers when I ask about the biblical stance on sex outside of marriage? Why did the twig leader make sexual advances toward me the first time I attended?10, Ex-Wayers are increasingly charging The Way with false teaching and scholarship. If you have done your reading about cults, then you are probably familiar with Dr. Steve Hassan's BITE model. 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. We could go into particulars like the Holocaust denying, the speaking in tongues, how women are supposed to be subservient to men, the homophobia but I just wanted to provide you with some context. 5 Lamsa considered himself an apostle and believed in clairvoyance and universalism. This means that we live in the world, but that doesnt have to impact our relationship with God. Defectors also accused Way leadership of practicing and approving adultery as a godly practice. . I can remember being a teenager and being intellectually curious and asking a lot of questions. This practice is intended to weed out any opponents. In the weeks leading up to it, she got sick and missed a few shifts at work and ran up a few hundred dollars of credit card debt to cover bills. Answer. The manipulation tactics come from many angles. 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. His appendices offered reasons Way leaders gave to justify adultery, along with his own rebuttals. The Way, International Profile Wierwille exercised very little discernment in learning from others, readily accepting teachings from itinerant mystics, Christian Scientists, and spiritists. 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. Carol's Story: About The Way Part One The Life and Times of Bruce 5 Christopher C. Geer, The Passing of a Patriarch (Attrincham, Cheshire, U.K.: European Christian Press, n.d.), 34. That is to say, other people are nice and fine, but its only the true Believers that are truly living Godly lives. Again, thank you for taking the time to provide concise details. This present controversy is serving to alert pure believers that Wierwille and his successors are false apostles after all. Wierwille was always more effective at turning people away from the church of Jesus Christ than he was at turning people toward the Bible or The Way International. Oh my goodness. Many have realized that they have also been falsely taught on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and have turned to evangelical beliefs instead. 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. Geer is damaging to The Way because of his previous close ties to Wierwille. 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. I was isolated from my family physically because they didn't live close, and during private conversations about leadership I was told that my family didn't love me and that they could understand why because I was so horrible, but at least I had them. The new policy may reduce The Ways recruitment. One Scripture passage (2 Cor. A few, but not tons. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. What is The Way International? | GotQuestions.org 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). 1 See The Way Tree Is Splintering, Christian Research Journal, Fall 1988. 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. About The Way International If possible, use Way terminology and address Way thought patterns, or put them in touch with ex-Wayers who can. Out of the Way: The Offshoots - GreaseSpot Cafe Sann distributes a free tape, A Ministry in Crisis: An Editorial on The Way International, in which he asserts that The Way became hierarchical in the 1970s, causing a deterioration of the Ministry in many areas. She probably could have just gone and not told anyone because its not like anyone checked your bank account, but her guilt consumed her and a couple days before, she called our fellowship coordinator over and confessed to him that she had debt. 13 Address: Pacific West Fellowship, P.O. J. Juedes, PFO Journal, 1990. The past two years have been a very unsettling time for Wayers. 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. 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. 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. 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. In opposition, John Schoenheit produced a paper that confronted this error and biblically explained that adultery is a sin. Para ms informacin o para Join now to access this Journal subscriber only content. Meanwhile, Way leaders apparently have tried biblically to defend adultery. Hotel Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly, Vietnam | Melia.com Have others committed suicide? The CES meeting in May 1988 sponsored two and one-half days of biblical teachings and allowed sales of books by those attending, including Lynn, Lionel Recio, and myself. 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. 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. 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. The Way of Life or The Way of Death (self-published, 1987), 106. The most ridiculous instance was when he beat me for clinking my fork too loudly in my plate at the dinner table. Im terribly sorry to hear that feel free to message me privately if it helps. 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). In 1983 I became involved with the cult the Way International or as it is commonly referred to by members, "the Way." I had a B.A. 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. The Way International fellowships are located throughout the United States, as well as over 30 countries. It is common for ex-Wayers to take several years to fully separate from The Way and reorient their lives. Still involved. It has now become apparent to many of them that Wierwille was instead an eclectic plagiarist. (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. Can you imagine? Youve saved me an extensive amount of grieving. Accordingly, several groups have arisen to try to meet these needs. There were people who were sexually assaulted while hitchhiking and injured due to accidents. As a minister in the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now part of the United Church of Christ), Wierwille developed . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2dshceGGvY&ab_channel=TheEyewitnesses. 4-5 maybe? The Way International introduced sweeping changes at the annual Rock of Ages gathering last year. In addition, the account includes several insights into The Way. John Schonheits paper on adultery was a thinly veiled accusation that Wierwille and other leaders falsely taught that adultery is a biblically acceptable practice. Michael Rood - Apologetics Index 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. Heart-to-heart sharing with those who have . Sann, on the other hand, considers people like Lynn to have gone too far in rejecting valid teachings. The reason it was called that was because we imagined the whole ministry all over the world as one big tree. To be honest, it sounds nice on paper in many ways. Splintering of the group since 1985 has greatly reduced its active membership, from a peak of about . They did not understand that Wierwille preached another Jesus (who was only a man) and another spirit (not the Holy Spirit personally indwelling them). This group was formerly known as American Fellowship Services. The largest group seems to be Christian Educational Services, Inc. (CES), which incorporated this fall in Indianapolis. 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. Martindale openly and vulgarly expressed his contempt for the splinter groups during his Rock of Ages 95 sermons. Way followers say the first commandment is the most important: no false Idols before God. 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). Protecting Colombia's Most Vulnerable on the Road to "Total Peace He also hopes to produce more printed materials, provide a network of fellowships, and serve as a traveling teacher. The Way International is a shell of what it was during the lifetime of Victor Paul Wierwille. My home life was very turbulent because of TWI. Edited to add: Would anyone be interested in an ex-Way subreddit? But thats the thing: the adversary throws you curve balls, and its our job as athletes of the spirit to make smart moves. The group itself says it is a Christian ministry. 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 ). Although Wierwille has written against spiritism, he welcomed this spiritist with open arms. terrified of seeing/interacting with a marked and avoided person because I thought their adversarial ways would rub off on me. 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. Wierwilles ideas on sense knowledge, confession, and healing (among others) he found in E.W. Homosexuals Purged, Wow Ambassadors Terminated, Martindale also hopes the new classes will hinder homosexuals from joining The Way, because he condemns homosexuality. Some people started their own non-Way affiliated Bible fellowships. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. 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. 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. In 2000, the president of The Way, Craig Martindale, resigned following . And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. One of the many difficult things about digesting this for us is that her personality and character did not reflect this at all. Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is the university she attended as a non-traditional student and place of employment. CES includes Wayers who were respected or well known, such as Lynn who had three books published by The Way, more than any author except Wierwille. 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. Like Wierwille, Bergs teachings became the ultimate authority, and when he committed adultery, he reinterpreted the Bible in order to defend his sinful practice. Sweeping Changes in the Way International - Christian Research Institute 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. At first I was told how loved and adored I was but quickly that facade died and it was clear I was not loved. Spirit and Truth Fellowship International, Out of the Way: The Offshoots Latest Topics. My splinter group was one of them. You were expected to advance through them, and you typically developed bonds with your cohort in the Foundational, Intermediate and Advanced classes. See John P. Juedes, Looking at Lamsa, Personal Freedom Outreach Newsletter (Jan.-Mar. I figured out I was gay in college, and having grown up in a household that called people faggots, fudge-packers, rump-riders and played count the queers when we went to amusement parks, I knew this wasnt going to fly. No. haga clic aqu para obtener ms informacin. .~?mq3\n7C. This book condemned not only the trustees but all Way leadership, including the clergy, headquarters staff, regional leaders, and Corps around the world. Many former Way members are flocking to break-off organizations some of which are led by well-known and respected ex-leaders. Although the Way brags that 5,027 people have attended these seminars, that figure actually indicates an average of only about 100 per state. But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 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. Most ex-Wayers are confused, not knowing where to turn, whom to trust, or what to believe. Every splinter group or offshoot of the Worldwide Church of God claims I was lucky enough to leave in high school when I was about 16. Para ms informacin o para Join now to access this Journal subscriber only content. As a kid, I was always 1.) Someone previous mentioned and shared something that we really needed to hear and hit home profoundly, she expressed that (paraphrasing) she was struggling to reconcile with her faith and being a person in the world. Ive started this process in some form and would like to invite you to take a peek at another thread. This video covers some of the deaths and suicides of former members. No Way Out: Why Talk About V. P. Wierwille's Death? Myself and others are looking to cope and find closure or understanding from a recent loss/death due to suicide. Another splinter group By Fredchopin, September 3, 2021. Sann also circulates periodic newsletters and regularly publishes teaching tapes. 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. Thank you thank you for replying and contributing to the thread. Nonetheless, hundreds of Way refugees are resisting the new groups pleas to join up. Second, the doctrine of the splinter groups is nearly a carbon copy of Way doctrine. Stiles, a leader in the early charismatic movement. 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. There are certain rules Mandalorians must adhere to . 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. UPDATE: Victor Barnard convicted of rape. - Charlene L. Edge She didnt take the class. The class aside (because who cares), can you imagine being made to feel like youre a bad person because of things beyond your control? This is certainly helpful and appreciated. Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly. In spite of its name, however, The Way . Like the new classes and the Disciples, this is a sign that The Way is striving to further restrict access to its activities, purge anyone who questions current Way leadership, increase control, and consolidate. 2013-08-01T19:56:36Z Cules son las creencias bsicas del budismo? They perpetuation of mental health that manifested in suicide with no accountability. Im not saying that people in the Way avoid doctors entirely, but theres definitely a sense of what counts and doesnt or that people are putting waaay too much trust in men and not in God. I told them never to bring up The Way in my presence again. Several thousand followers have severed ties with The Way International as a result of the allegations and evidence they have seen, including the entire state (Limb) of South Carolina in April 1988 and about 80 percent of the Washington, D.C., Limb.