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Just remember back well before 50 years ago. Maybe 75 years ago? It's something nobody needs to be taught.

Mike, What I see in your 4 paragraphs, and I appreciate brevity, is a flow chart Collaterals/PFAL --> The Bible --> Life --> Love See which way the arrows flow? Maybe try reversing the arrows? Maybe your end goal was always available without all the layers you've given yourself.

If you haven't already done this, or haven't done it recently, it would be worthwhile checking out EVERY scripture that Jesus quoted and referring back to the OT and reading the whole context surrounding the quote. Why did he say that thing at that time? To which people? What situation is being referenced in the OT, and how does that reflect on the situation that Jesus is addressing? Certainly the whole context would have been part of the whole reference brought in with just a few words, to the hearers. Just as the saying "The word of God is the will of God" brings with it to Wayfers a whole raft of connotations, so what Jesus said would bring with it a whole raft of scriptural and rabbinical teachings of the time.

https://read.cesletter.org/first-vision/#contradictions So one of the sites that debunks Mormon history is CES letters above in link. More recently the “apostles” of Mormonism have determined that the “first vision” that Joseph Smith had is of utmost importance to people’s life today. This page shows that there were 4 versions of the “first vision” that Joseph Smith had of the angel Moroni, he was between 14-16 years old, and that he never told another soul about it for 12-22 years. Moroni in the vision supposedly told Smith that all of the denominations had apostasized away from the true church and that he JS would lead Gods people into a church with latter day saints. This story led to the creation and development of the worlds largest cult at 17 million followers. I see quite a number of parallels between this story and the “1942 promise” that VPW claimed and that the Way loves to have rumors circulating about but no official commentary on or support of.

here's the link - Rocky's comment on the Why PFAL sucks thread

So much of the Bible is self-evident – and needs no explanation (Psalm 119:130) – which speaks to the practicality of the Bible (Matthew 7:24) - and we find in choosing to do God’s will the Bible is self-authenticating (John 7:17). In my opinion the Bible is not a book to be worshipped where Gnostic-types assume they can dole out gems of hidden meanings to appease their imaginary audience. Rather the Bible is a means to an end – and not an end in itself. The Bible is really just a starting point. We contemplate the Holy Spirit-enriched contents, and then the Lord has something to work with . I think if we make that a habit, there’s an ongoing process – a dynamic transforming relationship with the Lord (II Timothy 2:7). Contrary to the picture that wierwille drilled into my head – that I desperately needed his PFAL class and thereafter would sit at his feet enthralled by his interpretation of the Bible. I find that God has got an all-in-one 'package' going on: God the Father - - > Jesus Christ - - > the Holy Spirit - - > me reading, reflecting, and doing the will of God (I John 2:27). New King James Version The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple…Psalm 119:130 New International Version “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock…Matthew 7:24 New International Version Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own…John 7:17 New International Version Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this…II Timothy 2:7 New International Version As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him…I John 2:27

Yeah – that’s creepy…On another thread, I think Rocky mentioned something along the lines of mass hypnosis.

I think of Saint Vic more as a vacuum, attempting to suck in everything within his grasp like a monsterous black hole.

Abusers are insidious people. They start by love bombing to get you hooked. Once you're hooked they start attacking your self-esteem. When you've had enough and leave, it can go one of two ways. If they feel they can't get anything else out of you, they'll let you go and give you the silent treatment. However, if they feel they can get more out of you, they shift back to the love bombing phase, promising this time it'll be different. It is different, until they have you hooked again, then the cycle starts anew. Sounds like the ministry is in the remember what it was like love bombing phase.