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I have been thinking a lot about how we learn how to show love to others. In TWI we learned a specific brand of love. First, through love-bombing (constant attention, super close friends, praise, etc.), and then through the withholding of that attention and praise to straight-up condemnation, ostracization, and public shaming. And all that negative side of this was also branded as "LOVE" ... They made God into VPW's own image - an abusive Father. And if God is Love... then in order to be godly, we must be the same way. I hurt a lot of people because I "loved" them. I cut my ow

Such a frikkin ego trip, to say that. Though I don't remember it as "the ministry would fail" but more along the lines that "the word of God would be lost" or some such nonsense. Too long ago to be sure. When I heard whatever it was, it was a "Whaaaattttt?" moment - a red flag, really, but one of many I ignored. Immediately forgot about. But then, I had decent, giving, Christian parents as role models. My parents weren't denominational - dad went to the Anglican church, mum to the Methodist (when she could manage to). I couldn't see either of them losing their faith or their l

Just trying to keep up with the vendor releases. Failure to do so is what caused the gallery to disappear for awhile.

Thank you Pawtucket. I just want to say I wish everyone here on Grease spot cafe all the best. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today had I not found this site. Thank you for being there. I don't know if whether I would be in a better place right now had it not been for Grease spot cafe. I really don't. Anyway, Happy Labor Day all. I thank God that our country is a free democracy with unalienable rights.

You are entirely right that God works in small settings. Early commandments and instructions to the fledgling people of Israel include this: Deut 7:7 7The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples and if you read the early chapters of Deuteronomy (it's well worth the re-read), it's all about staying pure and close to the heart of God, rejecting falsehoods, and taking care of those who can't look after themselves. This tiny nation was to be an example to the rest of the world and

This just in: Nana has changed course and is now headed for the local bingo hall.

Thank you! It has been an adventure for sure. I wrote it with the idea of helping myself, and maybe in the process helping others. Helping people who were in groups like TWI, and also helping others outside to understand that the people who fall for cults are not stupid or ignorant. The rank and file of TWI were some of the best quality people I have ever known - but the belief system and top down control of the group ruined all of it. The world could have been enriched 1000xs over by those people's kind hearts and abilities. But we wasted them on a false cause. I am going to get those

I usually just right-click the image to copy it and then paste it here. Apparently, that copies all the embedded information, as well. George

Found the pictures in the back room under some crates of coffee beans. Took a bit to figure out how to bring them back. Still working on cleaning them up. If you find (like most are still) images showing all black and complain about a template error when you open them, just means I haven't got to it yet. I will though. If they're your own pictures you should be able to open them, then click the configure icon in the upper right corner and select "Edit details" then save that without changing anything. Should fix it. Do the same for the album info. T-Bone's should be good now. S

"Top Secret!" was from the Zucker-Abrams team that gave us "Airplane!" and "Police Squad!" If you liked those, then see this movie.

So - I finished re reading the book, Mr Rocky and figure to close the loop on this discussion. I can't think of anything Bell says logically or scripturally that makes me want to adopt his position, to be honest. Saying that, I think the emotion, the charis, of his message is closer to the truth than the hell and damnation stuff. As I understand and teach salvation, "hell" isn't really a topic. Jesus did talk about it but not in a way that I think me spreading His message now, needs to deeply consider. In the big context, it's another topic. Jesus Christ revealed God to mankind,

Too late – since TWI usually thinks in absolutes – “almost” doesn’t count – and since you’ve already confessed it into the senses realm, there ain’t no telling how the Adversary will use it; TWI’s response to any suspicious emails will probably be something like “Did Twinky put you up to this?” (P.S. Twinky - I'm always wondering how far I can push the comedic envelope )

I liked this quote from the blurb: And therein is the challenge.

Welcome to Grease Spot, Utopian/Lunch - cool name what's the story behind that? That resonates with me...funny - I didn't think it was weird until I left...it's been said that nobody ever intentionally joins a cult - I think that's true...Grease Spot is a good place to figure some things out and unravel some of the convoluted weirdness...I've met a lot of good helpful folks here...also it's been a good place for me to think out loud - and from that I've learned how to explain my experience in a much clearer and concise manner and don't feel embarrassed or concerned about some stigma...

try this link - Passing of a Patriarch you can find a lot of stuff by using the Grease Spot search tool in upper right of the web page

Agreed, your conclusion re Weirwille. Haven't read Kierkegaard, but have heard from some of my church leaders of him, and they like his challenge to live authentically.

I'm sure you're all wise and savvy enough to pick your own charities to support at this time. I'm sending my relief donation to the Foundation Beyond Belief. https://foundationbeyondbelief.org/civicrm/

That's it exactly, T-Bone. Having worked as a matrimonial lawyer for some years (not my fave bit of law) - I have to say that the no.1 reason for marriage breakdown is lack of communication between the parties. Not being able to say how you feel/think/want about something (whether nice or a potential difficulty) and/or not listening when your spouse tries to talk to you. Parties need to say honestly what they want to say and not leave it to the other person to guess/mind read/know by intuition or revelation; and the listener needs to listen and hear what's said, not just the words used.

Your posts made me think of an old definition that I haven’t thought of in a long time – “the love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation”…besides sounding so wordy and clinical (impersonal) it revolves around the “renewed mind”. You say your marriage isn’t working? Just renew your mind... ...I think that tended to put the kibosh on communicating our true feelings and needs in an honest and respectful way…I’m no expert on relationships but I’ve found that trying to be emotionally transparent takes work and courage (especially to undo old mental habits); it does make you vulnerable – b

Do you remember veepee introducing the concept in PFLAP that the label on the can may say one thing, but inside the can is something else? This IS it. Twi consciously taught abusiveness as a culture. Undershepherding developed abusers. Ultimately for me, it (I) caused my post-twi marriage to fail because of it.

It's an interesting point you raise, JJ. There is a place for "tough love" and sometimes it can be loving to leave someone to take the consequences of wrong actions. BUT in TWI it was constant "tough love," constant "vigilance" for "spiritual errors" in the fantasy world that was HQ. Doncha love the way that you could get a face-melting from - well, I got several from LCM, who was a master at it (the manipulative b@st@rd) - and then, shortly afterwards, you'd get a visit from a Corps bro or sis, who was sent lovingly to see that you were all right. In reality, I think this check

PATIENT Quick to find fault KIND Aggressive DOES NOT ENVY Always trying to do one better, esp better than Christian churches DOES NOT BOAST Knows the WoG as it hasn’t been known since the 1st century IS NOT PROUD Never does anything wrong NOT RUDE Foul-mouthed NOT SELF SEEKING Always self-promoting NOT EASILY ANGERED Angry at the slightest mistake; sustained slow-burn rage KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. Has a file of all sorts of supposed misdemeanours DOES NOT DELIGHT IT EVIL, Full of “spiritual suspicion”

Java Jane, just bought your book. Looks good. You got some good reviews.

Dare I say, it was Wierwille's failure of both imagination and a massive failure due to his narcissism which stunted the "auxano" growth that the dancing president talked about before he got side tracked by the sexual abuse Wierwille told him he needed to practice. That narcissism appears to have totally displaced the agape love we read about in the Bible.

A good quote:

ya know...recycling way ministry books means something else to TWI-Splinter groups

Twi has evolved. When wierwille was president......he was the CEO, the Chairman of the Board, the Founder, the Teacher, the Preacher, the Researcher, the Plagiarist (oops), the Book Author, the Music and Talent Screener, the Way Corps Director and the P.T. Barnum of the Traveling Circus. No one could fire him. No one could confront him. His enablers and inner circle were loyalists to keep his secrets to his deathbed. Martindale assumed the same power.......but he did not have the same leverage over the youth as wierwille. The presidency held the power over the cult followers. A

Why do I think Rosalie and Donna cunningly set this in motion? LOL. Give Vern and John little perky titles and a micro-managed lane to run in......to stroke their egos. Yet, behind the CEO-curtain is where the power, control and money-management resides. Rosalie and Donna win the long game of power!!! 1. Vern Edwards is the president..........he oversees Sunday Service Teachings and outreach/class promotions 2. John Rupp is the chairman of the board.........he sets up board meetings and manages hqtrs staff concerns 3. Donna Martindale is the CEO.........as Chief Executiv

As a grad of the 2nd Way Corps, I thought I'd pipe up and say a few words. It's no secret that I've rejected associating with The Way and have left its teachings in my rearview mirror. Nevertheless here's my opinion about what Vern should consider doing as the new Way president (although I'm not convinced he'll ever read this). Consider this, Vern: Many former Way Corps besides me have realized from personal experience that there is no "accuracy of The Word" that exists for anyone to "return to." In light of that, I ask: What is the purpose of The Way? This is just my opi

I'll ask GreasyTech

IIRC, it was around 1953 that he encountered both Leonard's class and Stiles' book (and Leonard and Stiles.) Yes, a decade after that, with him showing no real success in his ministry- at least as HE measured success. Once he encountered Leonard's class and Stiles' book, that changed. He taught a class identical to Leonard's and printed a book identical to Stiles', with later versions of each actually adding changes. What vpw taught was based almost entirely on a mix of what other people taught first- Leonard, Stiles, Bullinger, Kenyon.... Yes, his stealing from Leonard and S

When I got involved in the mid-70s.........the pitch was "This PFAL Class has the keys to understanding the Bible, God's Word. Dr. Wierwille has put this class together from decades of researching the Scriptures to help anybody and everyone who wants to receive holy spirit into manifestation and see the power of God in their lives." Like so many things.......the messaging was evolving. But back then, in my state........there was major emphasis on receiving holy spirit into manifestation so that I could have the power of God when I needed it most. Very little emphasis was put on wierwil

I have forgiven myself; I hear it too many times not to listen, from my counselor, male survivor support group, my faith resources, and a few pertinent online pages. I don;t worry about closure with the ex-Way community, or anyone acknowledging this male being sexually assaulted. But I am very active in the general community; my non Way related friend who helped me break my silence also having co founded a national abuse prevention group, and helping me to laugh and smile (That's her job with everybody). But being loosened up (I heard those words specifically used about me) was not a loosening

and now as we leave Fantasyland, we hear the echoes of Roy Rogers singing"Happy Trails to You Until We Meet Again", or have we entered into Once Upon a Time with Roselie portraying Regina the evil Queen/Mayoress, and who is TWI's version of Emma Swann to save everyone from this nightmare, created by Rumpelstilkin/VPW(or is that LCM, CG, or Mr. Linder perhaps?). My name is Rod Serling and you have just entered the Twilight Zone(cue music). Or maybe I am Dan Curtis and this is Dark Shadows, with Wierwille portraying Barnabas Collins and Martindale is Quentin.

Welcome, Richard! As promised, here are the fresh baked cinnamon rolls today. Please, help yourself. :) I don't know a thing about John Hendricks, but I do know a bit about TWI and I would never get involved with a group that bases their doctrine on the things taught by TWI, but that's a personal decision. You may agree with the things they teach, believe and stand for. I don't like the way they treat people. I don't agree with how they run their business - and yes, it IS a business. Things I would ask: - How does VP Wierwille and TWI doctrine fit into what they teach? - Do they open t

My good friend is a member of that fellowship. I know that John did not adhere strictly to all that DR Weirwille taught. He reworked things and greatly encouraged people to go to the Word and figure things out on their own. My friend has been a member of that fellowship for at least 11 years and I believe that the fellowship is sweet. Bottom line - take things slow and be ready to speak up if you dont' get or trust something. I don't see anything wrong with getting involved with any group as long as you are willing to not turn your brain off.

Richard, Welcome to Gspot and I applaud you for wanting to do a little background check on any group that you are considering "joining." I have never attended any of their fellowships, but I am an "expert" on the way (does 28 years in count?) I knew John and his wife and I think they are personally decent people, and they THINK they are serving God in their own hearts. THAT SAID..................their entire doctrine is based on and copied over from A CULT. Their foundation in the bible comes from what they learned from A CULT. Their structure, and teaching styles come from what they lea