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From today's blog at https://charleneedge.com Happy almost-7th birthday to Undertow in November. In this post, I’m pleased again to honor the very first former devotees of The Way International who read drafts of my memoir, Undertow, offered valuable feedback, AND THEN stuck their necks out to publicly endorse the book. If you know anything about The Way, their speaking out is HUGE. FREE copies of Undertow On Nov. 1st, I’ll send you the scoop about getting a free copy of Undertow. I have only seven (7) to give away. So, stay tuned. A few words about Undertow If you’re not acquainted with my story, here’s a section from the Preface of my book: In its heyday in the 1980s, The Way International was one of the largest fundamentalist cults in America, with about forty thousand followers worldwide.1 Founded in 1942 by a self-proclaimed prophet, Victor Paul Wierwille (1916–1985), who marketed the group as a biblical research, teaching, and fellowship ministry, The Way still operates in the shadow of its dark history. I knew Wierwille personally. As one of his biblical research assistants and ministry leaders, I am a witness to his charisma, as well as his abuse of power and manipulation of Scriptures to serve his own agenda. I discovered his sexual abuse of women and chronic plagiarism. Today, those underbelly facts are hidden, denied, or otherwise squelched. The years of Wierwille’s authoritarian reign and the chaos after his death provide the context of my story. Former Way devotees endorse Undertow “Undertow could be called ‘The Great Mystery of The Way Revealed: How the Research Department Really Worked.’ Every sentence rings true. In telling her story in Undertow, Charlene has also told mine. Holding degrees from the University of Toronto, having studied Hebrew, Aramaic, and Syriac, I taught and conducted biblical research for The Way International, albeit in a minor role, from 1976 to 1978. With remarkable clarity, Charlene tells her journey of recruitment, service, eventual disenchantment, and escape, which mirrors much of my own. I heartily recommend and endorse this well-written, captivating, engagingly told tale.” —Marty McRae, former Eighth Way Corps member and former faculty member, The Way College of Emporia “A tenderly written, intensely personal narrative about being swallowed alive by a cult. Charlene Edge’s encounters with the abusive Victor Paul Wierwille and her firsthand observation of how The Way’s Research Department twisted the Scriptures are enlightening and chilling.” —Karl Kahler, author of The Cult That Snapped: A Journey Into The Way International “In Undertow, Charlene Edge manages to bring to life the inexorable, age-old struggle of light triumphing over darkness, of the search for truth in the misty range of a ‘false prophet’s’ deception which she encountered firsthand as a research assistant in The Way International. While she was promised liberty, she found herself a ‘servant of corruption’ (2 Peter 2:19). Ms. Edge’s heartfelt and earnest journey will leave you in awe of what the human spirit can conquer when it launches out in the search for truth. Well-written, compelling, and inspiring.” —Kristen Skedgell, author of Losing the Way “Undertow is a gift to young people and their families who want to understand the inner workings of fundamentalist cults. Charlene Edge’s experience parallels much of my own twelve years as a follower of Victor Paul Wierwille’s ministry. Undertow sheds light on the decisions, questions, and longings that she encountered, and ultimately worked her way through. In the words of Canadian author Matshona Dhliwayo, ‘Books are kinder teachers than experience.’ May Undertow be a kinder teacher to you than Charlene’s seventeen years in The Way International were to her.” —Steve Muratore, publisher of award-winning political blog the Arizona Eagletarian —END— Public Service Announcement International Cult Awareness Day November 18th is set aside to honor victims of dangerous cults and help others avoid the lure of harmful groups. For more information on this topic of public concern and interest around the world, visit here. Next post: November 1 – How to get a FREE copy of Undertow Thanks for reading! Your writer on the wing, Charlene

There's your sign. Every time. The one claiming to have the truth is the one who surely does not.

Hi Annio, thanks for your post. Sorry, I have no names, but your mention of the Covenant theology is interesting. I like the idea of focusing on God's covenants throughout the bible because of the relationship He had with those involved. Hebrews 8-19 is about the new covenant we have with God through Christ who just so happens to be the mediator of this covenant. It's great reading. No wonder vp/twi wanted to demote Jesus' importance in our lives with God and promote the "written word" as his replacement which, as you said, was really the written word according to vp. All cult leaders declare he/she has "the truth" as it was revealed to them only. I can't believe the number of cults that are out there.