This is hard to accept for those who knew V.P. 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. In addition, the account includes several insights into The Way. Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. Edited to add: Would anyone be interested in an ex-Way subreddit? Myself and others are looking to cope and find closure or understanding from a recent loss/death due to suicide. Take The Diary of Anne Frank for example. About The Way International. I am glad I am not the only one who dealt with growing up in TWI. And I am glad you are with us. Good call. In short, the Way (though it started much earlier) at its highest participation rates was essentially home fellowships with hippies talking about Jesus. The Cults podcast on Stitcher has a 2-part special on The Way and River Road Fellowship, which was one of the splinter groups. 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. Maybe it will help to read what I experienced. Hotel Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly, Vietnam | Melia.com First, it is helpful to present facts of doctrinal, organizational, and personal error in Way leaders. Press J to jump to the feed. This is just awful, horrible and egregious in every way possible. When I arrived back home my entire bedroom and all my belongings had been searched for anything ungodly. Lynn retains all the critical Way doctrines of concern to Christians, such as anti-Trinitarianism, ultradispensationalism, soul sleep, and the belief that speaking in tongues is infallible and essential proof that one is saved. 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. 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). By word, character, and example, show them that there is more-than-abundant life outside The Way International.Dr. With the more aggressive and cultic mindset of current Way leadership, followers can expect more years of turbulence and change. But thats the thing: the adversary throws you curve balls, and its our job as athletes of the spirit to make smart moves. 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. Yeah Um would you look at the time? Way trustees fired Schoenheit for writing the paper and sternly warned Wayers not to read it, ask about its contents, or have contact with those who read it. 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. Way followers say the first commandment is the most important: no false Idols before God. This means that we live in the world, but that doesnt have to impact our relationship with God. One response still in print is Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth by H.A. 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. 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. 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? Wait, it's "The Word of God" and then some other follower will utter "The Word of God is the Will of God" like some sheep bleating "four legs good". Based at . Incidentally, only Geers group has published a book by Wierwille since his death. His appendices offered reasons Way leaders gave to justify adultery, along with his own rebuttals. This is certainly helpful and appreciated. Lynn summarized this when he assured listeners that many stories would curl your hair.12. The kind of stuff people go to therapy for years to get over. That exes from his life are all crazy.. 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. Off-shoot of The Way (formerly Christian Educational Services) 6.3k posts. 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. I want to be clear that if you think something nefarious has happened here, go with your gut. That made it harder for me to get a centered view on my life. 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. Heads up on Another Splinter off the Way International Tree. Still involved. As a result, Martindale told everyone to eliminate this and other spirit-driven malignancies from Way circles. There are certain rules Mandalorians must adhere to . But in reality, women in the Way were valued primarily for sex and as caretakers. 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. Juedes is a Lutheran paster who has written extensively on the Way. In the 90s as home internet was starting to become a thing, and ex-Way followers were posting their experiences on message boards, I remember fellowship leaders told us to limit our time online and to not Google search (or in those days Yahoo?) Long story long. 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. 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.. 11 Morton and Juedes, Integrity and Accuracy, reveals many of Wierwilles errors in scholarship and Bible interpretation. 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. The Way used to mail cassette tapes of the Sunday service to those "in good standing". A few, but not tons. 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. Many Wayers have accepted these allegations in part because they explain and confirm previous experiences. But if you fall out of line, you risk being shunned by the people most important to you. This includes Wierwilles plagiarism, approval of adultery, authoritarianism, errors of scholarship and Bible interpretation, and so forth. Current Way affiliates are more than welcome to utilize . But they are open to friendships and the Bible, and are reevaluating many teachings and practices. All because of "homosexual devil spirit possession" will not be welcome at their festival. 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. Splintering and Subjugating.as night follows day, Remembering a woman of courage, who stood up to a monster. I told them never to bring up The Way in my presence again. 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. 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). For example, Vince Finnegan formed a new splinter group primarily from the block of Wayers he led in New . That was deep, honest and almost liberating because it brought some of us closer to understanding as well as closure. The Ways decisions to terminate the WOWs and PFAL classes are partly due to the damaging influence of Way splinter groups. They perpetuation of mental health that manifested in suicide with no accountability. This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). Somehow I always imagined theyd be better than the original TWI. I once broke a bone and had to secretly crawl to my car to go to the hospital. Many people did not believe in medical care. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. They all have been visible in speaking, writing, and leadership positions such as Region and Limb Coordinators and headquarters staff (Region Coordinator is the highest Way position other than Trustee). 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. 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. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. 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. Because of the work of splinter groups, in recent years The Way has been marked by heightened paranoia, attention to security, and bitterness. And we have to consider the times: inspired by peace movements and anti-war efforts. 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 ). Accusations have disturbed many people and strained or broken numerous friendships. Sann also circulates periodic newsletters and regularly publishes teaching tapes. Bullinger is that they had already heard Wierwille teach Bullingers material as his own. Martindale openly and vulgarly expressed his contempt for the splinter groups during his Rock of Ages 95 sermons. Ultimate question, do you think The Way or anyone that endorses the way is worth pursuing as - culpable? The Way president is accustomed to using crude speech and profanity, even in public settings. I've even attended a wedding at HQ. Like Wierwille, Bergs teachings became the ultimate authority, and when he committed adultery, he reinterpreted the Bible in order to defend his sinful practice. 16 Wierwille noted that acquiring young people from the Jesus movement caused the Ways growth (Whiteside, 230-35). I think youre absolutely right in that educating others will help with the grieving process. Technically, the group has only three members the trustees who control all aspects of The Way International, Inc. Oh! I get the impression her experience was exactly as youve shared. See the CultFAQ page Types of Cults for information about cults of Christianity or see CARM's The Way International page for more about the group. What Are Long-Time Wayers Thinking About? This article only sketches the most prominent and publishable charges. What do they make members do? 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. It begins to be the only thing you can do and the only people you can see. Dont get me wrong, we should all have some financial literacy, but the extent to which Believers internalized their shortcomings was heart-breaking. 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. 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. 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. Followers 0. Although Wierwille has written against spiritism, he welcomed this spiritist with open arms. Gross, right? 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." 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. This practice is intended to weed out any opponents. The group itself says it is a Christian ministry. graduates of the PFAL Series (Power For Abundant Living) may find links to fellowship, study, friends, and loved ones, believers and seekers of all congregations or none at all may find wonderful links at this page. You were expected to advance through them, and you typically developed bonds with your cohort in the Foundational, Intermediate and Advanced classes. Nonetheless, hundreds of Way refugees are resisting the new groups' pleas to "join up.". I'd recently read a secular book and they also blamed that. The Way International Until then I was personally fighting acceptance because I wasnt able to understand and someone else had not articulated a realistic and plausible answer. And you mentioned twig earlier. Experiences, questions, observations about offshoots who trace their roots to The Way International. 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. Splinter group of the Worldwide Church of God (WCoG). My mom thought God helped her get a good parking space once (Im not kidding). (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). And to answer your question, yes, people do commit suicide after being in the cult. Cliffes book Lessons in Successful Living addresses similar topics. Not even post TWI as a survivor. Strangely, that means that TWI is responsible for my birth. Atheism. She was sobbing and apologized profusely that she hid this from them. How do they suffocate you as a person? - Nowadays, Finnegan runs another Way splinter group called Christian Biblical Counsel. The Way International introduced sweeping changes at the annual Rock of Ages gathering last year. 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. 14:21-23); stringent laws are done away with when one is born again (Col. 2:20-21); God punished David for killing Uriah, not for having sex with Bathsheba; and the Bibles word for adultery has a spiritual, not a physical meaning. The Way International (TWI) has been on cult watchers' radar screens for decades. 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. This video covers some of the deaths and suicides of former members. See also Elena Whiteside, The Way Living with Love, 2d ed. Boop. Not something I wanted to read, but something I needed to read. 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. After I had a fight in elementary school, TWI advised him to beat me into submission. After all, it is their friends who have left and made accusations of severe error against The Way leadership. In spite of its name, however, The Way . 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. In 2000, the president of The Way, Craig Martindale, resigned following . He rightly exhorted them to reactivate critical thought rather than just change from being a Wierwille disciple to a Bullinger disciple. I can remember being a teenager and being intellectually curious and asking a lot of questions. Additionally, ex-members have on file letters and transcripts in which Way president L. Craig Martindale defends sex outside marriage in many situations. I mention this because in the athletes analogy, theres always an adversary. The figure other Christians might call the Devil the Way often calls the Adversary (lol it looks weird to write it out). Explain teachings carefully, and give them time alone to read the Bible in a newer version (such as the New International Version or New American Standard) which has clearer wording and lacks Wierwilles marginal notes and deletions marked in their old King James Versions. We ourselves have two articles in our website concerning that movement. I grew up in the Way Ministry in the 80s and left in my last year of high school in 96. My mom was a single mother and had registered for an upcoming class. Youre not going to have to perform penance. 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. 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. I'm still dealing with a lot of the trauma. Although Guideposts helped popularize Cliffes writings and he claimed to be Anglican, Cliffe held New Thought beliefs, seeing God as impersonal principle. haga clic aqu para obtener ms informacin. 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. They justify ANY abuse by saying it was reproof and you needed it. Growing up, I remember hearing stories about people who had drifted from the Way, and they were always spoken of as dangerous people. 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. 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. Somewhere in the 90s someone in charge of such decisions recognized that it was probably a good idea to stop calling it twig because it sounds weird to newcomers. 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. My impression is that BGSU Staff/Administration is unaware that she was a Way member. The creed and The Way are very much one and the same; The Way is just the religion they follow. My story might be pretty different compared to those of you who grew up in the 80's/90's. 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?. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2dshceGGvY&ab_channel=TheEyewitnesses. Our dear and sweet beloved friend. The Way International also claims trademark rights in the following: . 2013-08-01T19:56:36Z Could you elaborate on the manipulation? 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. 6 Albert Cliffe, Let Go and Let God (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1951), 157. 14 Letter by Steve Sann, Pacific West Fellowship, 2 March 1988. John Lynn described in detail how Way leaders practiced and tried to justify adultery in the audiotape, Overview of Events-1.. Thank you thank you for replying and contributing to the thread. The Passing of a Patriarch greatly damaged The Way because it summarizes the accusations Wierwille made against the three trustees who alone are technically members of The Way and who control all assets and policy. For the most part this conceptualizing of the world as being on Gods side or influenced but the Adversary makes me roll my eyes. Meli Vinpearl Phu Ly, Phu Ly (Ha Nam) | 2023 Updated Prices, Deals 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. Available from: Capitol Saints/John A. Lynn, 5918 Chesterbrook Road, McLean, VA 22101. Homosexuals Purged, Wow Ambassadors Terminated, Martindale also hopes the new classes will hinder homosexuals from joining The Way, because he condemns homosexuality. The Way International - Free Christian Ministry I remember he looked at her with sympathy but didnt say anything. As a minister in the Evangelical and Reformed Church (now part of the United Church of Christ), Wierwille developed . The Way International is a shell of what it was during the lifetime of Victor Paul Wierwille. Point out that Wierwilles adultery and lying (plagiarism) mark him a false teacher, not just a teacher with failings (Matt. There is a great diversity of emotions and viewpoints among those who have left The Way International. 2013-08-09T12:10:58-05:00 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. The termination of the WOW Ambassador program led to the start of the Disciples of The Way Outreach program. Many former Way members are flocking to break-off organizations some of which are led by well-known and respected ex-leaders.
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