jkboehme

Hey Toad, RP has requested that I ask you to clarify the conflicts of interest that you & MT represent in the Peeler vs. TWI et al litigation. A conflict of interest is a situation in which someone in a position of trust has competing professional and/or personal interests. Such competing interests can make it difficult to fulfill his or her duties fairly. [/size][/font] More generally, conflict of interest can be defined as any situation in which an individual or corporation (either private or governmental) is in a position to exploit a professional or official capacity in some way for their personal or corporate benefit. A conflict of interest can, however, become a legal matter if an individual tries to (and/or succeeds in) influencing the outcome of a decision, for personal benefit. [Personal information removed by the moderator] By the way, why did your Corps brothers & sisters refer to you as a 'toad?'[/size]

Danny, Point well taken. Would you consider adding to this thread via info regarding Marcion, Montanus, Basilides, Mani, Valentinus, Carpocrates, & others? I will proceed with an brief survey of the Hermetic Arcane because most ex-twi folks are not familiar with it & how it was a significant component of TWI teachings {which supposedly were the 'God-breathed' 'Word' taught as it had not been taught since the first century}. Thus VPW's admixture of the Arcane with the 'Biblical,' in my opinion, amounts to deception, fraud, misrepresentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, plagiarism, lying, etc. jkb

"Esotericism" elaborated: Esotericism generally evokes the concept of secrecy, of a discipline of the arcane, of knowledge limited to groups or associations that are called "secret." It is certainly a truism that familiar things easily lose their charm, that mystery makes for dreams and confers a dimension of depth upon the world – and so esotericists such as Wierwille willingly cultivate mystery. The etymology of esotericism suggests the view that one has access to the comprehension of symbol, of myth, of reality, only through a personal struggle for progressive elucidation on many successive levels {e.g., Foundational, Intermediate, & Advanced}, that is, through a form of hermeneutics. Since the beginning of the Renaissance in the late fifteenth century, there was a popular desire to assemble a variety of ancient and medieval writings, in the hope that these writings would constitute a relatively homogeneous whole. There is then born the idea of a prisca theologica, a philosophia occulta, a philosophia perennis, which is essentially a pure, secret, timeless system of metaphysics, endowed with a relative autonomy which is detached from 'theology proper.' Several streams of thought begin at the end of the fifteenth century and influence one another: Christian Kabbalah, which is an adaptation of Jewish Kabbalah Neo-Alexandrian Hermeticism, i.e., the discourse inspired by the ideas of the metaphysical perennial philosophy and the "Primordial Tradition" A Paracelsian and romantic type of philosophy of Nature (a part of Germanic Naturphilosophie) Starting from the seventeenth century, Theosophy and Rosicrucianism (beginning in Germanic countries), as well as later groups (initiatic societies more or less arising in their wake) Western esotericism is composed of three traditional "sciences:" alchemy, astrology, and theurgic magic, this latter "science" associated with some of VPW's & LCM's favorite AC 'junk table' remnants, i.e., arithmosophy, numerics, & gematria. Alchemy involves the personal experience of transmutation and metamorphosis. This illuminated knowledge promotes a "second birth" of deep insight, termed "gnosis." This "science" attempts to uncover the relationship of humankind to the cosmos, working from the premise of "as above, so below." Hermetic alchemy appears to have developed as an extension of Hermetic astrology, proceeding from the notion of a sympathetic correspondence between particular planets and metals. Its "secrets" are sublime and ineffable. Per VPW, the greatest "law" in all of life is the so-called "law of believing." Recall the camera analogy. Recall believing images of victory. The alchemy of believing is that supposedly, one can take a thought such as an object of desire, dwell on it, picture and confess the attainment of it, act on this 'positive confession,' and actually achieve the desired results. The fundamentals of the so-called TWI-styled "renewed mind" involve the alchemical transmutation and butterfly metamorphosis from one mode of thinking {one's true historical self} to a supposedly new and improved waybrain way of thinking {the TWI-induced synthetic pseudo-self & pseudo-identity}. Astrology, as noted above, proceeds from the notion of a sympathetic correspondence between particular planets and metals. This is then extrapolated to include the study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs. VPW's JCOPS & JCOP are both chocked full of astrology, which VPW attempts to explain away as 'biblical astronomy.' Theurgic magic involves the "science" of arithmosophy, numerics, & gematria. Theurgic magic also involves the idea that memory and imagination can be associated to such an extent that they become essentially identical. Thus understood, imagination is a tool for knowledge (gnosis) of the self, of the world, of myth. Imagination in this sense functions as the eye of fire penetrating the surface of appearances in order to make meanings, connections, burst forth, to render the invisible spiritual realm, visible. Some of TWI's theurgic magic involves the imagination involved in believing images of victory to bring into concretion & fruition the manifestation of the "law of believing." The gnosis implied by the first Way Corp objective fits the description here also: To acquire an in-depth 'spiritual' perception and awareness. Next installment: the 4 intrinsic elements of modern western esotericism.

From the Suicide in the Way thread: Per Catcup: Per Dot Matrix: Per washingtonweather: Per rascal:

Synopsis of my post from the SNAPPING thread: Douglas Hyde wrote a book which was first published in 1966 entitled, Dedication and Leadership. Hyde had grown up as a Roman Catholic, converted to communism in his idealistic adolescence, and then as a mature man returned to Roman Catholicism. One central premise of the book is that the Christian churches should use the thought reforming techniques (such as ‘struggle groups’ and the mobilization of peer pressure) of the communists, not to convert Christians to communism, but to “get” the maximum productive work out of Christian believers and workers, who appeared all too smug, complacent, and self-satisfied. The techniques of covert packaged persuasion, that is, coordinated thought reform programs, are strategically organized so as to: (1) Destabilize a person’s sense of true historical self and to destabilize his general reality orientation; (2) Get the person to drastically reinterpret his life’s history and radically alter his worldview and accept a new version of reality and causality; and, (3) Develop in the person a dependence on the organization, and thereby turn the person into a deployable agent of the cultic organization. Returning to Doug Hyde’s observations, he stated that the Christian church had much to learn from the ideological totalist’s techniques, methods, and attitudes. Following are some of the totalitarian methods and strategies that in my opinion were utilized by TWI. This description is all the more ironic in view of VPW’s supposed personal fear & loathing of totalitarian communism. 1) The strength of TWI lies in its people and “the way” in which they are “used.” They “use well” the human material at their disposal. 2) The most distinguishing mark of TWI members is their idealism, their zeal, commitment/dedication, devotion to their cause and willingness to make phenomenal personal sacrifices. TWI utilize their “own means” by which they are able to “evoke” an exceptional degree of commitment/dedication. 3) The majority of those persons who joined TWI were young at that time. The average joining age used to be from late teenage years to early twenties. Youth is a period noted to be characterized by a profound degree of idealism. TWI recruits these young people by appealing to their idealism and harnessing it to their “cause” with the end result of a tremendous pro-TWI effect. 4) TWI] becomes the dominant thing in the life of the TWI believer. It is something to which he “gives” himself completely. This is because the potential TWI recruit is experiencing a temporary emotional vulnerability. TWI’s non-consented covert packaged persuasion would appear to “meet a need” when the person is first recruited into it. In reality, it is really a matter of TWI preying on a potential recruits’ individual susceptibility and transient vulnerability at that unique point in time. TWI typically continues to be the dominant force in the life of the TWI member for as long as he or she remains in the “movement.” 5) TWI’s] appeal to idealism is direct and audacious. TWI says that if you make mean little demands upon people, you will only get a mean little response, which is what you deserve for your lack of a bold appeal; but, if you repetitively make huge demands on people, you will get a heroic response [manipulation by the rejection-then-retreat, perceptual contrast, and commitment-consistency principles, among others]. TWI works on the assumption that if you call for large personal sacrifices, people will “respond” to this and, moreover, the relatively smaller required sacrifices will come quite “naturally” [synthetic pseudo-self in relatively ‘automatic’ and consistent daily operation]. 6) Like attracts like. Those who are intrigued or attracted by the commitment/dedication they see within the TWI “movement” will themselves be “possessed” of a latent idealism, a capacity for commitment/dedication. This commitment/dedication tends to perpetuate itself. It sets the tone and pace of the “movement” as a whole. This being so, the movement can make huge demands upon its adherents, knowing that the “correct response” will come. If the majority of the members, from the top leaders on down, are characterized by their “single-minded” commitment/devotion to the “cause,” and it is quite clear that the majority of genuinely committed/dedicated, average members are “giving” until it hurts, putting in their money, time, thought, talents, and if necessary, life itself, then this living example of commitment/dedication, and loyalty is “inspiring” to potential members, who have never experienced the startling appeal of enthusiastic, duped, & deployable TWI agents. If one probes into the recruiting tactics of TWI, almost invariably one will find that it is not the theoretical or doctrinal elements that make the enticing initial impact, but, the shocking impact made on them by some commited/dedicated TWI member, when the individual was in a state of transient emotional vulnerability. Then TWI via clever psycho-social manipulation ‘conditions’ them to affiliate with this TWI “movement.” 7) Commitment/dedication must be met with commitment/dedication. Ideally, it should be backed by a genuine understanding of TWI’s sacred hermetic ‘science.’ The ‘science’ gives the illusion of rationality to TWI’s injurious conduct. 8) What distinguishes the TWI “movement” from essentially all others and makes it possible for such a small minority of people to make so great an impact is the commitment/dedication of the average individual TWI member and the dynamic force this represents when all those individuals collectively make their contribution to the TWI “cause.” 9) Commitment/dedication to TWI and willingness to experience the ‘awesome privilege’ to ‘sacrificially serve’ must be developed in a person, and then drawn out of him, not physically coerced. Recall TWI’s teaching of the “principle” of the so-called Biblical “bond-slave,” koine Greek, doulos/doule. The “unfolding and growth” of the “personality” of the recruit to TWI is frequently ‘spectacular,’ for TWI sets out to “create” men & women of a special mould, a consummately ‘formidable woman or man.” TWI fully expects and demands of their disciples to be so fanatically committed/dedicated so as to risk worldly victimization, to be prepared to lose their means of livelihood, to be black-listed by every employer in his particular industry, and to even see his own standard of life and that of his loved ones go down to poverty, illness, or even death. 10) Individual adherents of TWI] are “brought to believe” that collectively they and others like them can ‘change the world’ in their very lifetime. The exploiter has “put into their lives” a ‘dynamic force’ so powerful that the exploiter can manipulate them to do what would otherwise be impossible. The dull and humdrum takes on the ‘illusion’ of becoming transcendently meaningful. Life ‘appears’ to become extremely purposeful and immensely more “worth living.” TWI further “induces” members to make the inevitable comparisons between TWI and main-line denominational Christianity. The comparisons the TWI adherent is indoctrinated to make are of course consistently unfavorable to denominations or even TWI-spin off groups. They are labeled by TWI as being “smug, complacent, and self-satisfied.” Or they are stereotyped as being “brain-dead pew-warmers” sitting in a “stained glass whorehouses.” 11) The detailed instruction of the new TWI member does not normally begin immediately after he joins. Quite deliberately, and with good reason, TWI sends its new members, whenever ‘possible’ into some form of public activity [manipulation of the commitment-consistency principle] before detailed instruction [Advanced Class, Way Corps training, etc.]. For TWI this public activity would be something like the Word Over the World (WOW) program. This activity is of course deceptively and strategically designed by TWI to commit the new member publicly to TWI {via utilization of the commitment-consistency principle}. This public activity is of profound psychological significance. For this relatively new member, still having to ‘adjust’ his [thought reformed] ‘mind’ to the ‘realization’ that he is now a committed TWI member {realizing as he does that large segments of the general population consider the label of ‘TWI disciple’ to be very negative}, this public display of commitment/dedication is very psychologically significant indeed. He is making a public witness for the ‘cause’ which he is now ‘making his own’ [solidifying the coercively imposed synthetic pseudo-identity which has now largely suppressed the true historical self]. All of this public witnessing activity requires for many people {especially those who are not inclined by natural disposition to be an extrovert, dramatic, persuasive, pushy, etc.} a certain degree of moral courage to overcome the natural tendency of many people to be overly self-conscious, to overcome a social sense of inferiority, etc. As the new member/adherent embarks on his first public witnessing assignment, he usually feels to be such a fool that he is almost resentful of having been commissioned for such outreach work. But before long he begins to ‘understand’ the significance of it all. He receives a lot of low level, hackling-type of verbal abuse from those whom he has disturbed with his public witnessing. The self-conscious new member/adherent is embarrassed at the prospect of becoming the center of a ‘scene.’ But the crowd that begins to gather is a mixed one. He now finds himself having to deal with bystanders’ more rational questions than hackling. This rational questioning causes him ‘to draw deeply’ upon the small resources as he has received in the way of teaching about TWI. It requires yet another act of moral courage to remain in a war of ideological words for which, he by now realizes, he is not fully equipped. He now realizes that he does not have all of the answers to the questions he is likely to be asked as a practicing TWI member. He is conscious now that he knows far less than he thought he did. In all probability he is now dissatisfied with himself. ‘He or she’ [the new cultic pseudo-identity] would dearly have loved to put up a tremendous war of persuasive, winning, ideological words and concepts for his new found faith, taking on and defeating, or converting, all comers. He has now learned of his own inadequacy as far as in-depth, detailed knowledge of TWI’s supposed sacred science is concerned. This realization creates in him a deep feeling to become highly ‘educated’ as far as his new faith is concerned. He is now seeking to make himself more adequate, more worthy of TWI, better able to ‘serve’ the ‘cause.’ And his new found thirst for knowledge about TWI’s sacred science, the manipulated sense of urgency he feels has grown from his manipulated actions and behaviors. CONDUCT and sacred—those apparent opposites—have now found a manipulated ‘unity’ in his ‘re-educated mind’ and in his mystically manipulated experiences. The stage has now been set for the TWI member to ‘desire’ to enter the Way Corps so as to acquire this promised “in-depth spiritual perception and awareness.” 12) The Power for Abundant Living ]PFAL] series of classes with affiliated seminars as well as its more recent replacement, the Way of Abundance and Power [WAP] series of classes and associated seminars, were presented in such a way as to be as “inspirational” as possible. This is because any implicit [post-hypnotic suggestions] or explicit instruction is all the more acceptable to a person when it is presented in an inspirational fashion. Next, the subject matter of TWI is presented in global terms, so as to destabilize one’s current general reality orientation. This subject matter is presented against the background of a world in hopeless, politically correct, relative pluralism and never-ending conflict. The new recruit is made to feel that there is a great battle going on all over the world, which involves his own country, his own town, his own neighborhood, his workplace, and even his own family. He is made to feel that the period of history in which he happens to be living is a decisive one and that he personally has a decisive role to play. This new TWI member is made to feel that he is a part of great, worldwide movement which is challenged on all sides, confronted by an implacable enemy, and furthermore, he is involved in a monumental spiritual battle which will decide the course of history for generations, if not millennia, to come 13) TWI teachings are presented in such a way as to make the individual undergoing intense indoctrination feel that he is engaged in a spiritual fight against all things evil and on behalf of what is genuinely good. It is us vs. them. Only TWI members are good and righteous, all others, no matter how sincere, are deceived and evil. All of this makes the TWI disciple feel that he is engaged in a great crusade against something which is unspeakably evil, that he is fighting against monstrously evil things. This manipulation assists in engendering the exploited ‘willingness’ of the TWI disciple to give his all to the ‘cause.’ For by implicit and explicit fear manipulation they are ‘taught’ to realistically consider the price of failure. TWI covertly appeals in its manipulative, intense indoctrinations to people’s capacity for moral indignation. TWI moral indignation is a self-serving, highly selective moral indignation. The covert package persuasion of TWI is presented in such a way that the TWI disciples feel convinced that he or she is on the side of genuine good, and involved in a historic struggle of titanic proportions against evil. This appeals to something deep in one’s limbic nature, something undeniably virtuous, true, righteous, just, and good. In their hearts, many people, perhaps most people, like to feel that they are on the side of righteousness. The TWI disciple is indoctrinated via thought reform to ‘believe’ exactly this, now transforming the feeling into a deep intellectual conviction. An immense amount of activity flows from this contrived ‘conviction.’ One reason why the TWI disciple is prepared to make exceptional ‘sacrifices’ is that he or she is ‘conditioned to believe’ that he is taking a part in an historic crusade of unimaginably gargantuan proportions 14) It is in the ‘study group’ [TWI cell group and ‘struggle group’ called “Twig” or “Household Fellowship”] that TWI leaders are begin their moulding. There, the potentialities of the person are discovered, ‘drawn out,’ and focused. Each TWI cell group is ‘theoretically’ designed to be self-supporting, self-propagating, and self-governing. In TWI’s thought reforming process, terms are re-defined at almost every conceivable point. But the definitions given to ordinary terms are TWI’s own, not those normally accepted by others, essentially forming a conceptual, self-reinforcing “loaded language” of esoteric, jargonized, subcultural ‘code’ and implanted suggestion ‘triggers.’ TWI has learned that the covert, sophisticated, subtle, non-physically coercive techniques of thought reform usually achieve a much more preferable and enduring result than all the physically coercive techniques accomplish. In TWI hands, the covert method may take on sinister qualities, as concepts which would otherwise be unacceptable are [deceptively] skillfully implanted [Pavlovian subliminal conditioning, post-hypnotic suggestion, individual and group psychosocial manipulations, etc.] into the minds of those who attend their classes and cell study/struggle groups TWI Twigs, Household Fellowships. Such thought reforming instruction ‘leads’ those who are indoctrinated in this covert fashion to abandon and repudiate practically most of their former thinking and, indeed, to abandon the very things which first were used to bait them. This oppressive repudiation is of course the functioning of the synthetic, cultic pseudo-personality which has essentially overwritten and overridden the true historical mental self. 15) TWI lives by its bogus ‘campaigns.’. The majority of the new recruits to the TWI come in via the campaigns which the TWI ‘organizes’ [via strategic manipulative exploitation]. Campaigning keeps the TWI disciples active the whole of the time [so that: they don’t have time to re-evaluate and critically think; they don’t have time to really get involved in anything else]. This is a most strategic and deliberate policy. TWI ensures that one campaign follows another almost non-stop. TWI disciples, if they are worthy of the name at all, are always active, to the point of mental if not physical exhaustion. Activity in itself serves an important purpose, but it has to be made [by contrivance] as ‘meaningful’ as possible so that more and more potential TWI recruits may be deceived into association with TWI. Ideally, these ‘issues’ should be linked to the people’s deepest desires [therefore possessing more potential for exploitation and manipulation due to the person’s emotional overreaction to the apparent fulfillment of deep desire]. The recruiting/outreach assignment of TWI is to discover the NEEDS {transient vulnerabilities} of the people and then to [appear] to come before them as their [deceptive, exploitative] ‘champions.’ Members/disciples are to go out among the people and discover their hearts deepest desires, their concerns, their frustrations, their unanswered questions. This technique was taught in TWI’s “Christian Motivational Techniques” & TWI’s Witnessing & Undershepherding seminar. 16) VPW called the organization of TWI “The Way Tree,” where local cell groups of disciples comprise a Household Fellowship Twig, the next larger unit of a Branch being a collection of Twigs, the next larger unit of a Limb being a collection of Branches, the next larger unit being the Trunk being a collection of Limbs, the next larger unit being the ROOTS. This pyramid is the arrangement of a marginal ‘business,’ perhaps a multi-level marketing racketeering scam?

Per Penguin: ____________Yes my wife & I most definitely have these issues since departing from TWI post LCM’s 04/2000 ‘announcement’ which sounded all too familiar to the 1986-87 POP non-announcement. “Once burned, twice shy; twice burned, may wish to die.” We feel that TWI has destroyed our ability to have a meaningful relationship with God. In fact, we don’t even know if God exists. In fact, we are not sure we now even care, even though we would like to care. We remain open minded but continue in our TWI-induced distrust of the entire ‘spiritual’ category.

From the thread, Recruitment Tools: Per rascal: per Samurai: Per Belle: Per WhiteDove: __________________________________As was said, the TWI rank & file members were generally deceived into thinking that TWI’s various open functions, oozing with recruitment, were somehow something good & needful for the ‘new people.’ All of us are transiently vulnerable to cult recruitment. So many cults, using so many guises and ploys, are actively looking for members at any given moment that surely there may be a cult for you. Whatever your age, whatever your interests, whatever your life-style, succumbing to the lure of a cultic recruiter is as easy as getting a library card. There are as many ways to become involved with a cult as there are cults. Each group develops its own recruitment methods – ranging from personal contacts to public explanations to musical events, in newspapers and magazines, and on television and radio. The original point of recruitment may vary, but one constant factor is that rampant deceptions are involved. These deceptions extend from concealment of exactly what the group is at “the point of pick up” to concealment of the ultimate purpose of membership. These deceptions lie at the heart of a lack of informed consent. The above is of course the essence of TWI’s sales’ classes: the Witnessing & Undersheperding seminar once offered ‘on the field,’ & Christian Motivational Techniques, taught to the Way Corps. As noted above, cults aim their recruitment at vulnerable people because these individuals are less likely to see through the multiple layers of deceit. In TWI’s recruiting methodology, individuals suffering a transient vulnerability were said to have “needs.” A major focus of TWI recruitment is determining these so-called “needs” in order to manipulate the potential recruit. We, the rank & file, then essentially became deployable agents of corporate TWI. In my opinion we {ex-twi} were neither naïve or foolish, but just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time with a transient vulnerability. When we hear of cults, scams, and individuals' being controlled and influenced by others, we instinctively try to separate ourselves from these persons. It seems a point of valor and self-esteem to insist that "no one could get me to do such things" when hearing about situations of intense influence. Just as most soldiers believe bullets will hit only others, most people tend to believe that their own minds and thought processes are invulnerable, contributing to the 'Not me" myth. People like to think that their opinions, values, and ideas are inviolate and totally self-regulated. They may grudgingly admit that they're influenced by advertising. Beyond that, however, people want to preserve the comfortable myth that only other people are weak-minded and easily influenced while they are strong-minded. Even though we all now know that human minds are open to influence – whether or not that is a comfortable consideration – most of us defensively feel that we could never be scammed, even by master exploitative manipulators such as vpw & lcm. There is an almost universal aversion to accepting the idea that we ourselves are vulnerable to covert coercive packaged persuasion. So my opinion is that we were all scammed by the cultic manipulative influence techniques of TWI's unethical compliance professionals, vpw & lcm. Hopefully we will no longer blame ourselves and feel foolish or naive. Per OM to rascal: No one, OM, not even you, freely made decisions after having been exposed to TWI’s strategically coordinated programs of non-consented covert packaged persuasion. You may have the perception of freely made decisions, but in fact this is a strategic, TWI-induced misperception, predominantly of the implicit rather than the explicit type. Once a person has been subjected to having their general reality orientation destabilized, & subsequently experienced TWI’s thought reform, a distinction regarding any person has to be between: I & “I;” you & “you;” he or she & “he or she;” me & “me,” etc. For those poor souls with a ‘good take’ Post thought reform, TWI has unethically altered the person’s mind such that they are no longer their true historical self, but rather a TWI-induced pseudo-self & pseudo-identity. No person operating from the vantage point of a cult-induced pseudo-self is freely making decisions. Essentially everything is perceived through the false cultic filter. Once exiting TWI, as many of us here can attest, it takes years to be rid of the major vestiges of TWI’s thought reform. We ex-twi will probably never be able to rid ourselves totally of the detrimental effects of TWI’s rape of the mind. OM, do not confuse bogus 'VMP' [victim mentality propaganda] with very real BTV {Blaming The Victim}. Perhaps you have been drinking the elixir of aloofness of the insensitive pro-cult apologists? Two well-known social phenomena – blaming the victim & the just world concept – have been studied by social psychologists who have traced their origins to primitive times. Blaming victims is an almost universal response to misfortune happening to others. In our society there is a strong taboo on being victimized through scams, influence, and deceptions. Attempts to break this irrational taboo tends to make the cult victim even more scorned. When someone goes into a cult, the tendency for society is to say that there must be something wrong with that person. There must be some personal defect, otherwise he or she would not have joined such a group. Since the general public continues to regard cult members as stupid, crazy, and weak-minded, the near-universal response is: “It’s his or her fault. He or she went out looking for what they got.” The tendency to blame victims prevents both lay and professional persons from seeing that most individuals who become involved in cultic relationships are a type of victim insufficiently recognized and understood. The person is irrationally blamed for being a seeker, gullible, or mentally aberrant. However, the thought reform programs of the cult are overlooked in this dimwitted 'VMP' appraisal. There are 5 classes of generally recognized victims: victims of violent crimes; victims of natural disasters and serious illnesses; victims of terrorists and kidnappers; victims of civil torts; &, a final 5th class overlapping the fourth, victims of enforced dependency. Victims of enforced dependency have been subjected to non-consented thought reform processes. In essence, a thought reform program is a behavioral reconstruction program, a coordinated program of systematic manipulation using both psychological and social techniques. Basic to the just world concept is the widely held belief that if a person obeys the rules of society, nothing bad will happen to him or her. Rule-breakers, on the other hand, get punished. Punishment comes in the form of bad luck, disasters, illness, loss. Thus victims of any disaster, crime, illness, or misfortune automatically fall into this bogus category of supposedly blameworthy people. This primitive reasoning goes something like this: “ Since I feel protected from evil and misfortune if I obey the rules – because it is a just world – then I can separate myself from those who come to harm. They must have done something bad to have bad things happen to them.”

Per OM: My opinion. Both NO & yes on the surface. NO when all aspects are factored in. Nevertheless, this opinion does not negate in the least the phenomenal amount of benevolence done by the public exposure of TWI which was accomplished via WayDale via the Allens, which exposue ostensibly led to the development of gsc, whose posters continues to expose the thought reform, fraud, misrepresentations, deceptions, lies, & plagiarism of the TWI scam 'ministry.' I would have to surmise that a major reason for not proceding to trial was the emotional toll that it would take on the Allens, especially Fern, in view of the inevitable quesions she would have been asked by TWI's degenerate Counsel regarding very personal and sensitive issues. The Allens could have probably increased their litigation return by 500-1000% by going to trial. Apparently the obviation of the emotional stress factor was worth the 'hit' of a lesser settlement, & the roulette of a jury trial. However, there is litigation ongoing, Peeler vs. TWI et. al., which appears to be proceding to jury trial in approximately September 2006. While it is possble that the Peelers would settle out of court, my opinion is that it would be highly unlikely. The infrastructure of this litigation began in 08/2001, the case being filed in 06/2002, with the Peelers perservering through a series of TWI cowardly legal obstructions up to the present. Hopefully this jury trial will publically conclude what the admirable courage of the Allen's initiated.

A Little Comparison of B.G Leonard's Ministry and V.P. Wierwille's Business Called The Way, Inc. By Patrick Robergevia recent post by dmiller in the Leonard vs. Wierwille thread ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ B.G. Leonard V.P.Wierwille and TWI A Few Personal Comparisons "Unofficial Title" Brother Leonard Official Title: Dr. Wierwille (paid for) A ministry of salvation, deliverance - A business of running classes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Leonard died peacefully of old age at 94 VPW died of cancer (a supposed "devil spirit" according to TWI beliefs) Leonard's books were his original work Wierwille's books were heavily plagiarized from other authors Leonard was never involved in any inappropriate scandal, or behavior involving his students or congregants There are numerous allegations of Wierwille's improprieties with his students and congregants which would be a grossly unethical betrayal of the ministerial relationship. Leonard was teaching his gifts of the spirit course and preaching long before the way inc. existed. Wierwille was a student in Leonard's gifts of the spirit class ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Few Organizational Comparisons Leonard and his students never claimed to be God's only chosen group. Wierwille taught his students to be spiritual elitists and that only they had the truth Leonard never differentiated between groups, but accepted all Christians as brothers. Wierwille taught his followers to shun other Christian religions as evil etc..... (Leonard) Materials and classes available to anyone having a need, and making a donation appreciated but not demanded (vpw) Materials and classes only available to the members, and must be paid for. (Leonord) Built a system from scratch of dozens of internationally accredited schools (vpw) Bought 2 existing schools and tried to keep the accreditations, but only succeeded with the Rome City Location Leonard's full bible class is a one year full time study, and available through the mail. The course is available to anyone regardless of affiliation, and the grads are not trained in secular business practices as the grads are expected to stay with their own group or church. The way inc. only extensive "bible study" is the way corps which is only available for leaders, who are committed to the goals of the way, inc. The focus of the "classes" is not strictly biblical knowledge, but leadership indoctrination and the business of the way inc. Leonard and his grads help anyone regardless of religious affiliation, an example of true Christian brotherhood. Leonard participated in cooperative projects like revivals with other groups and ministers who put winning people to Christ as the focus. Current TWI followers stick with "their own" and do not associate with other groups, or participate in cooperative projects like revivals etc. The winning of people is not to Christ, but to the way inc. Taught ministers who were sent home to their churches Built an empire of affiliate businesses/fellowships all paying affiliate fees (tithing) to HQ Students who take classes come and go as they please. No commitment to an organization is required or possible. Involvement with TWI fellowships is mandatory to take their classes. Gut wrenching scene upon leaving the "only true household" for those who choose to not continue participating..... No B.G. Leonard fellowships/affiliates, and no leadership structure. TWI fellowships/affiliates with tightly controlled leadership structure. A Few Doctrinal Comparisons Students are expected to be born again and operating the worship gifts before taking Gifts of the Spirit course. There is no intermediate or advanced class as all 9 gifts are taught and operated in one course. twi - Students are made to wait until the 12th session to get born again, and before that is frowned upon by leadership. Must take intermediate class to do interpretation and prophecy, and the advanced class for the other 6 gifts. Leonard felt that having Holy Spirit is essential to understanding scripture as 1 Corinthians 2:14 states. His class therefore starts with born again students V.P. Wierwille ignores 1 Corinthians 2:14 in the arrangement of his foundational class, yet ironically teaches this verse to students (Leonard) Students practice all 9 gifts while taking the course. At a few evening services, the students minister to those wanting healing under the direct revelation and instruction of the class instructor. The students go home knowing how to operate all 9 gifts. (vpw) Students only practice the 3 worship gifts, and not the other 6 revelation and impartation gifts. They go home from the "advanced class" with no hands on guided ministering. Students are left to guess how to operate the other 6 gifts.... Leonard uses biblical term Gifts of the spirit and its intended meaning with consistent results Wierwille does a whole teaching on why it should be manifestations, changes its biblical meaning resulting in spotty results B.G. Leonard's Grads represented Christ and operated their ministries of reconciliation with endless signs, miracles, and wonders too numerous to keep track of. (twi's) ministry's main purpose was the ministry of running the next class. The few miracles that ever happened are endlessly talked about for years, as they are far and few between Biblical doing with signs, miracles and wonders too countless to number Endless straining of knats called "biblical research" which is really neither. It is a systematic indoctrination to get the new members to bow to the party line. Leonard grads main purpose is to witness Christ, and not the classes offered. Ministering is made available to anyone. TWI grads main purpose while witnessing is to bring people to fellowship and sign them up for classes. Ministering is only available to those attending fellowships. Simple faith aided by Christ which works, and without self-recriminations if it is not yet time... The chore of getting your believing up yourself without Christ's help, and the accompanying self and leadership incriminations for failure Obedience to God and acting on previously given scriptural revelation unless warned off. Disobedience to God by waiting for second revelation (green light revelation) instead of acting in accordance to previous revelation in the scriptures Legal Disclaimer: The above comparison is the personal opinion of the author Per likeaneagle in the Lest the ministry be blamed thread: Per OM: My opinion. Both NO & yes on the surface. NO when all aspects are factored in. Nevertheless, this opinion does not negate in the least the phenomenal amount of benevolence done by the public exposure of TWI which was accomplished via WayDale via the Allens, which exposue ostensibly led to the development of gsc, whose posters continues to expose the thought reform, fraud, misrepresentations, deceptions, lies, & plagiarism of the TWI scam 'ministry.' I would have to surmise that a major reason for not proceding to trial was the emotional toll that it would take on the Allens, especially Fern, in view of the inevitable quesions she would have been asked by TWI's degenerate Counsel regarding very personal and sensitive issues. The Allens could have probably increased their litigation return by 500-1000% by going to trial. Apparently the obviation of the emotional stress factor was worth the 'hit' of a lesser settlement, & the roulette of a jury trial. However, there is litigation ongoing, Peeler vs. TWI et. al., which appears to be proceding to jury trial in approximately September 2006. While it is possble that the Peelers would settle out of court, my opinion is that it would be highly unlikely. The infrastructure of this litigation began in 08/2001, the case being filed in 06/2002, with the Peelers perservering through a series of TWI cowardly legal obstructions up to the present. Hopefully this jury trial will publically conclude what the admirable courage of the Allen's initiated.

I don't think there was any 3rd party Directors & Officers Insurance held by TWI. They are too stingy. It appears to me that ALL of the money used to pay legal expenses comes from & came from TWI members' hard earned Tithing, ABS, & plurality giving. The financial support of the idolatrous twi god {whose god is their own belly} is rather expensive.

From the Sex Doctrine of VPW thread: Per themex: Per excathedra: Per justloafing: Per tomtuttle1: Per rascal: Per WordWolf: Per WordWolf:QUOTE(doojable @ Dec 22 2005, 08:29 PM) Bramble, You wrote: "Back in the early eighties I remember an interim corps girl(11th corps I think) tell me there was a passage in the gospels where Jesus came to a town and the women ministered to him sexually" It seems to me that when LCM did athletes of the Spirit that he spoke about Jesus allowing women to touch him. (Annointing heim with oil, kssing his feet, using their hair to wipe his feet, etc.) He insinuated that they might have been attracted to him physically - but I think that the way LCM taught allowed a lot of people to fill in the blanks. I was in the 11th corps and I didn't hear that teaching other than the way I just gave it to you. Oddly enough, during the Corinthians Corps night teachings either Dr or W*lter C&mmings taught explicitly that it was WRONG for a man to touch a woman other than his wife in a sexual manner. Now, I wonder how people got around that......?" Per GrouchoMarxJr: Per HCW: Per GarthP2000: Per Oakspear: QUOTE(Eagle @ Dec 27 2005, 12:55 AM) Did I read right on this thread? There are a few here that do not care about the Bible anymore? If that is true, did TWI have anything with turning you off to it? If so, could anyone think to check out some other church or ministry? Just curious. Eagle -------- Per Bramble: Per Hope R: QUOTE Somewhere along the way I lost my trust and enjoyment of the Bible and Christian God in general. Can't pin point when or where, expect it was a cumulation of years of stuff. To me, it screams--this is unsafe, stay away. Bramble - your post is almost a carbon copy of where I'm at as well- including the splinter group and church experiences (though we only tried one). Per excathedra:

Per Belle (from the Legacy of TWI thread): JustLoafing, I have often wondered the same thing. It seems to me that if they really did believe what they were teaching that they would be scared sh1tless about having to explain to God why they have done the things they've done and destroyed the lives they've destroyed. They don't seem to care. We KNOW vee pee, craig and many other leadership have these on their record. I believe they worshipped themselves and the Bible, but others would disagree with that. Hatred - We were taught to hate anyone who rejected TWI, left TWI or belonged to another church. Heck, at one time craig had us practically hating Jesus and especially any song to or about him. Discord - they are pros at this - among families, married couples, among other religions.... Fits of rage - "God won't spit in your direction!" How many first hand accounts of vee pee and craiggers going off on tirades here? Too many to count. There's so much more here and so many examples of their lives reflecting all of these "acts of the sinful nature" - even the most worshipful vee pee apologist has to admit to this unless they are just fooling themselves. Patience, Kindness and Goodness are things one would be hard pressed to find in any TWI leadership in the upper echelon. They LOVE the upper seats! They LOVE the adoration! They LOVE having servants, but I don't think those are things meant by these verses. They are faithful to ruining marriages and lives. Faithful to spying out the liberties in Christ that their follwers have, but again, I don't think that's what these verses are talking about. Hmmmmm, seems pretty clear to me which "fruit" we were exposed to..... Per Free Soul (from the Legacy thread):

It seems to me another strategic reason for VPW's use of the term, "Father," {as in, "Father in the 'Word'"} has to do with manipulative exploitation of the transference phenomenon. This was just another way utilized by VPW to induce unhealthy dependency on VPW specifically & TWI in general. Transference: Are you a biological time machine? Published in "The Source", June, 2001 Revised: October 17, 2005 By: Michael G. Conner, Psy.D Sigmund Freud first identified the psychological process of transference and brought it into what is now modern day psychotherapy. As a therapist he noticed that people had strong feelings and fantasies about him that had no basis in reality. But Freud died before there was such a thing as "rock and roll." Transference has become a more modern concept since Freud. In fact, many people believe transference is actually something that happens in life - and not just psychotherapy. What is Transference? During transference, people turn into a "biological time machine". A nerve is struck when someone says or does something that reminds you of your past. This creates an "emotional time warp" that transfers your emotional past and your psychological needs into the present. In less poetic terms, a transference reaction means that you are reacting to someone in terms of what you need to see, you are afraid of or what you see when you know very little about the person. This all happens without you knowing why you feel and react the way you do. What Is Projection? Some people refer to transference as a "projection." In this case you are projecting your own feelings, emotions or motivations into another person without realizing your reaction is really more about you than it is about the other person. In a life filled with transference, your job may be "the family reunion you are avoiding and you are forced to go to each day." In other cases of projection, your girlfriend may remind you of all the irritating things your mother did when you were growing up. Love at first sight is usually a projection – especially if it ends in disaster and you could have seen it coming. Harmful Patterns. Transference reactions are caused by unmet emotional needs, neglect, seductions and other abuses that transpired when you were a child. In some forms of psychotherapy, a therapist will intentionally create or allow transference to form. When done properly, this helps a therapist to understand and find a connection between the patient's past and how the patient misreads the present and may react ineffectively. Once you discover a transference pattern, you can chose to respond in terms of what is really happening instead of what happened 20 or 30 years ago. People who don't recognize the difference between past and present can end up in the same messed–up relationships over and over or with the same problem over and over. Extreme Transference. In an extreme form of transference, you may conclude that someone is an awful or evil person when in fact that person's favorite food and television show reminds you of an emotionally abusive mother and a sexually abusive brother you have been trying to forget since childhood. That's an example of negative transference. A warm, supportive and kind person could remind you of what you are missing and wanting in their life. You might then idealize that person and begin to see him or her as wonderful beyond belief. The idea is that you will react to your therapist based on your experience with another person. This is usually a parent that the patient has an unresolved conflict with. In extreme cases a patient will become overly attached to their therapist or they will enter into and create conflicts without realizing how. Transference Melt-Downs. Extreme forms of transference can turn into a full-blown obsession if it is not dealt with. Transference "meltdowns" can result in accidents, dangerous choices, nightmares, fantasies, stalking someone, psychotic reactions and sometimes violence. While it does not happen frequently in therapy, it can happen in the patient's personal life. How Can You Tell? How do you know you are having a "transference reaction"? It's not always easy, but you probably are if you know very little about a therapist (or anyone) and you are having a powerful reaction that is not justifiable to a reasonable person. It can be difficult if the patient can rationalize their reactions. Having a strong sexual attraction to your therapist is almost always a transference reaction, unless of course your therapist is actually hitting on you – and they're not supposed to do that on purpose. Intentionally seducing a vulnerable patient in sick and wrong! In fact that applies to any health-related profession or any employer-employee relationship. Becoming angry at you therapist as if they were a parent is a good sign that there is a transference reaction. Termination of treatment pre-maturely is another sign of transference - unless the therapist is just doing a bad job. Counter-Transference. Therapists and other health care professionals can also have transference reactions while treating a patient. It's a two way street. Counter-transference is basically a therapist's "emotional time warp" around their patient's transference. In other words, counter-transference is a therapist's counter- reaction. That's why some therapists think they are falling in love with their patients. That's also why older guys become obsessed with younger female employees they barely know. Ethics And The Law. A therapist, counselor and even a physician could possibly lose their license for seducing or sleeping with a patient they are treating. Trying to seduce an employee on the job may result in a successful lawsuit. You can also sue a licensed mental health professional for sleeping with you if you are their patient. And employers must follow the law. On the other hand, unlicensed therapist can do almost whatever they want and there may be nothing anyone can do about it. It's hard to sue an employer and win. Unlicensed therapists do not have a "duty" to act within a standard of practice. Employers may not know the law. Unseen Dangers. Transference can sometimes produce a powerful love or a destructive hatred based on a complete illusion. There can be a loud and painful thud when people act on their transference reactions and the bubble finally bursts. In addition to being embarrassed, it can also backfire. Sometimes people will end up stalking, assaulting or killing someone. Please don't kill yourself or anyone because of some transference from your childhood. And if you think your therapist, or an employer for that matter, is seducing you, tell your therapist, or contact a licensed therapist to talk about it. Should I or Shouldn't I Risk Transference. Transference is really difficult to recognize, deal with and understand, but it is incredibly interesting. I tend to avoid people who are "oozing" with transference potential. Working with transference, or creating transference in therapy can make a therapist look mystical and brilliant. Cult therapies are based in part on generating positive transference to control and manipulate people. I avoid treatment approaches that artificially inflate my ego, would allow me to control anyone and make me feel powerful. But not everyone feels the way I do about transference. Some counselors and therapists love the power and think they can handle it. A therapist must face transference issues and encourage patients to deal with them as much as possible. In some cases a patient is not able to deal with transference issues and will terminate therapy. While it is regrettable and potentially a lost opportunity, it must be supported. copyright 2002 to 2005, Michael G. Conner This post has been edited by jkboehme: Dec 27 2005, 10:10 PM In my opinion the 'exactness factor' [as mentioned by Pat Roberge on the thread with this phrase] fits the description that Dr. Robert J. Lifton referred to as "sacred science.'" The following paragraphs are from Lifton's Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism… Embolding, underlining, italics, [ ], & blue highlights are my additions for emphasis or clarification / jkb. The "Sacred Science" The totalist milieu maintains an aura of sacredness around its basic dogma [ie, the 'Word' of 'God' is the 'Will' of 'God,' & the 'Man of God,' our 'Father in the Word,' miraculously 'explains' the TWI-defined Word without so much as an hint of PI], holding it out as an ultimate moral vision [ie 'Word over the World'] for the ordering of human existence. This sacredness is evident in the prohibition (whether or not explicit) against the questioning of basic assumptions, and in the reverence which is demanded for the originators of the 'Word,' the present bearers of the 'Word,' and the 'Word' itself. [/size] While thus transcending ordinary concerns of logic, however, the milieu at the same time makes an exaggerated claim of airtight logic, of absolute "scientific" precision [the 'Word' works with a mathematical exactness & scientific precision, the 'Word' fits like a hand in a glove, etc.]. Thus the ultimate moral vision becomes an ultimate science; and the man who dares to criticize it, or to harbor even unspoken alternative ideas, becomes not only immoral and irreverent, but also "unscientific." In this way, the philosopher kings [eg, VPW, LCM, RFR] of modern ideological totalism reinforce their authority by claiming to share in the rich and respected heritage of natural science. [/size] The assumption here is not so much that man can be God, but rather that man's ideas can be God: that an absolute science of ideas (and implicitly, an absolute science of man) exists, or is at least very close to being attained; that this science can be combined with an equally absolute body of moral principles; and that the resulting doctrine is true for all men at all times. Although no ideology goes quite this far in overt statement, such assumptions are implicit in totalist practice. At the level of the individual, the totalist sacred science can offer much comfort and security. Its appeal lies in its seeming unification of the mystical and the logical modes of experience (in psychoanalytic terms, of the primary and secondary thought processes). For within the framework of the sacred science, and sweeping, non-rational "insights." Since the distinction between the logical and the mystical is, to begin with, artificial and man-made, an opportunity for transcending it can create an extremely intense feeling of truth. But the posture of unquestioning faith - both rationally and non-rationally derived - is not easy to sustain, especially if one discovers that the world of experience is not nearly as absolute as the sacred science claims it to be. Yet so strong a hold can the sacred science achieve over his mental processes that if one begins to feel himself attracted to ideas which either contradict or ignore it, he may become guilty and afraid. His quest for knowledge is consequently hampered, since in the name of science he is prevented from engaging in the receptive search for truth which characterizes the genuinely scientific approach. And his position is made more difficult by the absence, in a totalist environment, of any distinction between the sacred and the profane: there is no thought or action which cannot be related to the sacred science. To be sure, one can usually find areas of experience outside its immediate authority; but during periods of maximum totalist activity (like thought reform) any such areas are cut off, and there is virtually no escape from the milieu's ever-pressing edicts and demands. Whatever combination of continued adherence, inner resistance, or compromise co-existence the individual person adopts toward this blend of counterfeit science and back-door religion, it represents another continuous pressure toward personal closure, toward avoiding, rather than grappling with, the kinds of knowledge and experience necessary for genuine self-expression and for creative development. Dr. Margaret Singer, Ph.D., explains another aspect of the 'exactness factor' or 'sacred science' in her book, Cults in Our Midst. Naturalistic trance induction demonstrates how ordinary words, conversational style, and careful pacing & leading of an interaction [eg, of a TWI teaching session] can bring one person to the point of being able to 'secure the cooperation' of another person without using pressure, high-demand announcements, or commands [ie, not physically coercive, but definitely coercive packaged persuasion]. Even when trances per se are not produced, the activities of skilled cult leaders capitalize on the essential ingredients of pacing and leading, exploiting positive transference, & making indirect suggestions, all of which are central to the process and experience of trance [reveries, bedazzlement, and transfixion, etc.]. The techniques can seem innocuous, at first. Some of them - guided imagery, for instance - may actually be familiar from a relaxation class or a self-help audiocassette. In the wrong hands, however, these techniques can do an astonishing amount of harm. "Trance-induction," Singer explains, is brought about by "a high central focus of attention or concentration [eg,by TWI on very detailed topics, such as 4 crucified, the day JC died, the 4 sessions of hyperfocus on ICor12-14, the AC definitions of the manifestations with all of the supportive scriptural narrative, etc.] which leads to diminished peripheral awareness. It can be achieved through various methods, and it's a means by which one person gets the complete attention of another." Closed-eye exercises, a form of guided imagery, can be one of the most powerful trance-induction tools used in workshops. With the sense of sight deadened, customers are more attuned to the voice of the seminar leader. While this sounds innocent - sports psychologists enlist Olympic athletes in guided imagery exercises - the potential for abuse is great when the object of the exercise is not, say, running a faster 100-meter dash. Take a few days without proper rest, add a regimen of closed-eye exercises, and anyone can become vulnerable to suggestion, "You're simply flooded with emotion," observes Singer. "The trainers usually get you to think of all your most powerful memories, under the guise of somehow conquering your past." After several days of being "dragged down into the pits", says Singer, "the final day of exercises is usually designed to pump you up. By this time, customers usually just sort of drool and follow the leader. A false sense of community and camaraderie has developed. By now, they do everything they can to give you the 'warm fuzzies,' so that you'll sign up for the next course." This post has been edited by jkboehme: Dec 28 2005, 12:50 PM

Per Skyrider (from the Branch Wierwillian thread):

So what were the non-biblical sources for VPW's plagiarism that he so deceptively presented via his daze-inducing homiletics? As WordWolf & others have pointed out in other threads, obviosly Leonard, Stiles, & Bullinger. As we dig the sources of TWI a somewhat deeper, we see that VPW's perspective was significantly grounded in the metaphysical & mystical at the expense of the Biblical. In other words, VPW's style would appear to be Biblical {at least a quasi-biblical very thin veneer}, but large portions of the substance were in actuality metaphysical & mystical. The works of Leonard, Stiles, & Bullinger were the proximate sources for VPW's apparently biblical-sourced plagiarism. TWI, in a doctrinal-theoretical sense, could reasonalby be characterized and categorized to lie within the "Word of Faith" movement. The quasi-proximate source of this movement can be traced to E.W.Kenyon, the progenitor of the extant 'word of faith' movement. Kenyon was educated at the Emerson College of Oratory, formerly the Boston Conservatory of Elocution & Dramatic Art, & prior to this it was a component of Boston University, the Monroe School of Oratory, founded in 1872 by Dr. Lewis B. Monroe, a Professor @ BU. When BU closed the Monroe School after Dr. Monroe's death, it was Charles Wesley Emerson who resurrected the school, hence the Emerson College of Oratory. {Interesting how 'oratory' and 'homiletics' have such a nice alignment & harmony}. Emerson had served as a minister of the Congregationalist, Universalist, & Unitarian denominations. He studied law but did not complete his degree ostensibly due to health reasons. However, to buff his image, he did receive a bogus medical school degree from the Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania, which was not a medical school at all, but merely a diploma mill that sold diplomas en masse to all comers.{Smacks of vpw's bogus doctorate from Pike's Peak diploma mill}. Charles Emerson was a collector of religions, an eclectic in the truest sense of the word. His religioius ideology was a veritable smorgasbord of the numerous sources underlying New Thought Metaphysics: Sumerian-Egyptian-Greek-Roman pagan mythology, Platonism, Neoplatonism, Kaballah, Indian Upanishads & Vedas, Arcane Esoteric Spirituality, Gnosticism, Swedenborgianism, Theosophy, & American Spiritualism (Andrew Jackson Davis, followed by the Fox sisters, & later Arthur Ford), to name only a few influences. New Thought Metaphysics had its more proximate origins with Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, who, ~ the mid to late 1820s, was influenced by a traveling Frenchman, Charles Poyen, who was lecturing in New England on the topic of Frenchman Anton Mesmer's hypnotism. Mesmer's influences derived from the revitalization of the Arcana in Europe at the time, the Arcana tracing back of course to ancient pagan mythologies. The circle of non-biblical sources is now complete; it can be traced from well before the pre-Christian era, to the 3rd century CE, to the early-mid-late Midieval periods, to the Renaissance, & then to shores of the USA with the activities of P.P. Quimby. Therefore, as disappointing as it is for some to realize, a significant amount of the information in VPW's PFAL & LCM's WAP, even including the so-called supernatural 9 "maninfestions," has its origins in non-biblical sources. There is nothing new under the sun, just a bit of repackaging, bringing glorious 'new light' to a current generation who is unfamiliar with the ancient Arcana. I should state that the Arcana, as such, are just the Arcana; just call them what they are & not lie about its origins. BUT when Teutonic Furher Vierville endeavors to conceal the Arcana & portray it with a biblical veneer as "...the Word as it has not been know since the First Century..," I have a problem with the his fraud, misrepresentation, & lying. If the jar say its pickles, but there is in actuality mayonaise inside, then what we have is really mayo, & vice versa. Afterall, mighty mogfot VPW said so in most holy PFAL.

back to the top due to similarity to new thread, 'Death & TWI's Views on it'

See the thread, "Are the Dead Alive Now" was plagiarized http://www.greasespotcafe.com/ipb/index.php?showtopic=7039

Per Dot Matrix (from Janice's broken heart):

Per diazbro (from the BG vs. VP thread):

[ From the thread, suicide in the way]: Per Bob Lunsford: The animal sex video is true. He showed it to the 7th Corps at Emporia in one of those late evening meetings, and as I recall, the college people were locked out of the room, since of course, you had to be spiritual to "handle it". I had no idea how much he must have used the video. He commented on how beautiful the women were, how the dog had more sense than the women as he didn't want any part of it, and how you could learn from the women by watching them. All the time drinking his Drambuie and smoking Kool shorts. Very sick stuff. Per igotout: Where did he get this video and under what circumstances? Why would he carry it around on the motorcoach with him (where there was a video player in the back bedroom area)? Had he shown it to others such as LCM and other top leadership including other women in top leadership positions? Why was not Mrs. Wierwille present to witness this video? Had she seen it and did she know her husband was showing it to us? Why were we not given an option to stay or leave the meeting if we did not care to watch this filth? We could have been warned in advance that it contents and encouraged not to watch if we did not care to be exposed to this material. If I recall these were very imoprtant Night Owls when VPW was visiting. You simply did not consider NOT being present for his every word. Did he explore the possible legal ramifications possessing and showing this bestiality video to hundreds of single young men and women, 99% of whom had never been exposed such gross pornography? Per My3Cents: I'm 48 years old. In all my years of life, I know more people who committed suicide in the way than I know who did outside the way. Most were on staff or corps or in leadership positions. I can't say if the way caused all those deaths, or just attracted unstable individuals and then exacerbated their illness. Then they had the audacity to cover up what actually happened. It was almost never mentioned in public. What a horrible organization. Per justwannabeme: The inresident Corps were also treated to his ultra-X homemade sex movie. But there was another movie shown; one with group sex. Two men and two women come into the room, strip and have at it on a mattress on the floor. VPW made comment that one male participants endowment was not usual...something to that effect. Per Catcup: Driven to Suicide Note of explanation: Tom Mitchell's widow is none other than recently remarried Ramona (Hannig) Bidon - a named defendant in the Allen lawsuit and sex partner of Craig Martindale for many years. Tom Mitchell served on staff in the Safety Department at TWI HQ in 1995. Rather abruptly, Tom decided to leave staff and convinced his wife Ramona (Mitchell Bidon Hannig) to come with him. Craig Martindale became aware during a leader's meeting he was conducting, that Tom and Ramona were leaving. Martindale reportedly became quite alarmed. In the middle of this meeting, in front of a room full of assembled top leadership who witnessed this, Martindale allegedly requested Bill Greene to immediately go out and STOP Ramona from leaving HQ with her husband. It is reported he said something to Greene to the effect of "Tell her I want to see her.. You make sure she doesn't go anywhere... You married her, you have entrée into her life, she will listen to you", basically, Martindale told Greene not to let her leave grounds. Ramona did not leave HQ grounds that day. Tom left HQ alone. Take it however you will, but it has been reported that Ramona confided to others that she spent that afternoon with Martindale having sex in his motor coach. Within 12 - 24 hours of this incident (precise time frame uncertain), Tom Mitchell, obviously terribly horrified and distraught, went out into the back yard of his parents' home and shot himself in the head.

In my opinion the 'exactness factor' [as mentioned by Pat Roberge on the thread with this phrase] fits the description that Dr. Robert J. Lifton referred to as "sacred science.'" The following paragraphs are from Lifton's Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism… Embolding, underlining, italics, [ ], & blue highlights are my additions for emphasis or clarification / jkb. The "Sacred Science" The totalist milieu maintains an aura of sacredness around its basic dogma [ie, the 'Word' of 'God' is the 'Will' of 'God,' & the 'Man of God,' our 'Father in the Word,' miraculously 'explains' the TWI-defined Word without so much as an hint of PI], holding it out as an ultimate moral vision [ie 'Word over the World'] for the ordering of human existence. This sacredness is evident in the prohibition (whether or not explicit) against the questioning of basic assumptions, and in the reverence which is demanded for the originators of the 'Word,' the present bearers of the 'Word,' and the 'Word' itself. [/size] While thus transcending ordinary concerns of logic, however, the milieu at the same time makes an exaggerated claim of airtight logic, of absolute "scientific" precision [the 'Word' works with a mathematical exactness & scientific precision, the 'Word' fits like a hand in a glove, etc.]. Thus the ultimate moral vision becomes an ultimate science; and the man who dares to criticize it, or to harbor even unspoken alternative ideas, becomes not only immoral and irreverent, but also "unscientific." In this way, the philosopher kings [eg, VPW, LCM, RFR] of modern ideological totalism reinforce their authority by claiming to share in the rich and respected heritage of natural science. The assumption here is not so much that man can be God, but rather that man's ideas can be God: that an absolute science of ideas (and implicitly, an absolute science of man) exists, or is at least very close to being attained; that this science can be combined with an equally absolute body of moral principles; and that the resulting doctrine is true for all men at all times. Although no ideology goes quite this far in overt statement, such assumptions are implicit in totalist practice. At the level of the individual, the totalist sacred science can offer much comfort and security. Its appeal lies in its seeming unification of the mystical and the logical modes of experience (in psychoanalytic terms, of the primary and secondary thought processes). For within the framework of the sacred science, and sweeping, non-rational "insights." Since the distinction between the logical and the mystical is, to begin with, artificial and man-made, an opportunity for transcending it can create an extremely intense feeling of truth. But the posture of unquestioning faith - both rationally and non-rationally derived - is not easy to sustain, especially if one discovers that the world of experience is not nearly as absolute as the sacred science claims it to be. Yet so strong a hold can the sacred science achieve over his mental processes that if one begins to feel himself attracted to ideas which either contradict or ignore it, he may become guilty and afraid. His quest for knowledge is consequently hampered, since in the name of science he is prevented from engaging in the receptive search for truth which characterizes the genuinely scientific approach. And his position is made more difficult by the absence, in a totalist environment, of any distinction between the sacred and the profane: there is no thought or action which cannot be related to the sacred science. To be sure, one can usually find areas of experience outside its immediate authority; but during periods of maximum totalist activity (like thought reform) any such areas are cut off, and there is virtually no escape from the milieu's ever-pressing edicts and demands. Whatever combination of continued adherence, inner resistance, or compromise co-existence the individual person adopts toward this blend of counterfeit science and back-door religion, it represents another continuous pressure toward personal closure, toward avoiding, rather than grappling with, the kinds of knowledge and experience necessary for genuine self-expression and for creative development. Dr. Margaret Singer, Ph.D., explains another aspect of the 'exactness factor' or 'sacred science' in her book, Cults in Our Midst. Naturalistic trance induction demonstrates how ordinary words, conversational style, and careful pacing & leading of an interaction [eg, of a TWI teaching session] can bring one person to the point of being able to 'secure the cooperation' of another person without using pressure, high-demand announcements, or commands [ie, not physically coercive, but definitely coercive packaged persuasion]. Even when trances per se are not produced, the activities of skilled cult leaders capitalize on the essential ingredients of pacing and leading, exploiting positive transference, & making indirect suggestions, all of which are central to the process and experience of trance [reveries, bedazzlement, and transfixion, etc.]. The techniques can seem innocuous, at first. Some of them - guided imagery, for instance - may actually be familiar from a relaxation class or a self-help audiocassette. In the wrong hands, however, these techniques can do an astonishing amount of harm. "Trance-induction," Singer explains, is brought about by "a high central focus of attention or concentration [eg,by TWI on very detailed topics, such as 4 crucified, the day JC died, the 4 sessions of hyperfocus on ICor12-14, the AC definitions of the manifestations with all of the supportive scriptural narrative, etc.] which leads to diminished peripheral awareness. It can be achieved through various methods, and it's a means by which one person gets the complete attention of another." Closed-eye exercises, a form of guided imagery, can be one of the most powerful trance-induction tools used in workshops. With the sense of sight deadened, customers are more attuned to the voice of the seminar leader. While this sounds innocent - sports psychologists enlist Olympic athletes in guided imagery exercises - the potential for abuse is great when the object of the exercise is not, say, running a faster 100-meter dash. Take a few days without proper rest, add a regimen of closed-eye exercises, and anyone can become vulnerable to suggestion, "You're simply flooded with emotion," observes Singer. "The trainers usually get you to think of all your most powerful memories, under the guise of somehow conquering your past." After several days of being "dragged down into the pits", says Singer, "the final day of exercises is usually designed to pump you up. By this time, customers usually just sort of drool and follow the leader. A false sense of community and camaraderie has developed. By now, they do everything they can to give you the 'warm fuzzies,' so that you'll sign up for the next course."

In my opinion the 'exactness factor' fits the description that Dr. Robert J. Lifton referred to as "sacred science.'" The following paragraphs are from Lifton's Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism… Embolding, underlining, italics, [ ], & blue highlights are my additions for emphasis or clarification / jkb. The "Sacred Science" The totalist milieu maintains an aura of sacredness around its basic dogma [ie, the 'Word' of 'God' is the 'Will' of 'God,' & the 'Man of God,' our 'Father in the Word,' miraculously 'explains' the TWI-defined Word without so much as an hint of PI], holding it out as an ultimate moral vision [ie 'Word over the World'] for the ordering of human existence. This sacredness is evident in the prohibition (whether or not explicit) against the questioning of basic assumptions, and in the reverence which is demanded for the originators of the 'Word,' the present bearers of the 'Word,' and the 'Word' itself. While thus transcending ordinary concerns of logic, however, the milieu at the same time makes an exaggerated claim of airtight logic, of absolute "scientific" precision [the 'Word' works with a mathematical exactness & scientific precision, the 'Word' fits like a hand in a glove, etc.]. Thus the ultimate moral vision becomes an ultimate science; and the man who dares to criticize it, or to harbor even unspoken alternative ideas, becomes not only immoral and irreverent, but also "unscientific." In this way, the philosopher kings [eg, VPW, LCM, RFR] of modern ideological totalism reinforce their authority by claiming to share in the rich and respected heritage of natural science. The assumption here is not so much that man can be God, but rather that man's ideas can be God: that an absolute science of ideas (and implicitly, an absolute science of man) exists, or is at least very close to being attained; that this science can be combined with an equally absolute body of moral principles; and that the resulting doctrine is true for all men at all times. Although no ideology goes quite this far in overt statement, such assumptions are implicit in totalist practice. At the level of the individual, the totalist sacred science can offer much comfort and security. Its appeal lies in its seeming unification of the mystical and the logical modes of experience (in psychoanalytic terms, of the primary and secondary thought processes). For within the framework of the sacred science, and sweeping, non-rational "insights." Since the distinction between the logical and the mystical is, to begin with, artificial and man-made, an opportunity for transcending it can create an extremely intense feeling of truth. But the posture of unquestioning faith - both rationally and non-rationally derived - is not easy to sustain, especially if one discovers that the world of experience is not nearly as absolute as the sacred science claims it to be. Yet so strong a hold can the sacred science achieve over his mental processes that if one begins to feel himself attracted to ideas which either contradict or ignore it, he may become guilty and afraid. His quest for knowledge is consequently hampered, since in the name of science he is prevented from engaging in the receptive search for truth which characterizes the genuinely scientific approach. And his position is made more difficult by the absence, in a totalist environment, of any distinction between the sacred and the profane: there is no thought or action which cannot be related to the sacred science. To be sure, one can usually find areas of experience outside its immediate authority; but during periods of maximum totalist activity (like thought reform) any such areas are cut off, and there is virtually no escape from the milieu's ever-pressing edicts and demands. Whatever combination of continued adherence, inner resistance, or compromise co-existence the individual person adopts toward this blend of counterfeit science and back-door religion, it represents another continuous pressure toward personal closure, toward avoiding, rather than grappling with, the kinds of knowledge and experience necessary for genuine self-expression and for creative development. Dr. Margaret Singer, Ph.D., explains another aspect of the 'exactness factor' or 'sacred science' in her book, Cults in Our Midst. Naturalistic trance induction demonstrates how ordinary words, conversational style, and careful pacing & leading of an interaction [eg, of a TWI teaching session] can bring one person to the point of being able to 'secure the cooperation' of another person without using pressure, high-demand announcements, or commands [ie, not physically coercive, but definitely coercive packaged persuasion]. Even when trances per se are not produced, the activities of skilled cult leaders capitalize on the essential ingredients of pacing and leading, exploiting positive transference, & making indirect suggestions, all of which are central to the process and experience of trance [reveries, bedazzlement, and transfixion, etc.]. The techniques can seem innocuous, at first. Some of them - guided imagery, for instance - may actually be familiar from a relaxation class or a self-help audiocassette. In the wrong hands, however, these techniques can do an astonishing amount of harm. "Trance-induction," Singer explains, is brought about by "a high central focus of attention or concentration [eg,by TWI on very detailed topics, such as 4 crucified, the day JC died, the 4 sessions of hyperfocus on ICor12-14, the AC definitions of the manifestations with all of the supportive scriptural narrative, etc.] which leads to diminished peripheral awareness. It can be achieved through various methods, and it's a means by which one person gets the complete attention of another." Closed-eye exercises, a form of guided imagery, can be one of the most powerful trance-induction tools used in workshops. With the sense of sight deadened, customers are more attuned to the voice of the seminar leader. While this sounds innocent - sports psychologists enlist Olympic athletes in guided imagery exercises - the potential for abuse is great when the object of the exercise is not, say, running a faster 100-meter dash. Take a few days without proper rest, add a regimen of closed-eye exercises, and anyone can become vulnerable to suggestion, "You're simply flooded with emotion," observes Singer. "The trainers usually get you to think of all your most powerful memories, under the guise of somehow conquering your past." After several days of being "dragged down into the pits", says Singer, "the final day of exercises is usually designed to pump you up. By this time, customers usually just sort of drool and follow the leader. A false sense of community and camaraderie has developed. By now, they do everything they can to give you the 'warm fuzzies,' so that you'll sign up for the next course."

I had forgotten about Graham. Nevertheless, in his military postion, he probably would not be privy to the details of the IRS investigation. What do you think, Mark? More likely intel could come from some of our gsc posters in worked in TWI's finance department during this time period. Maybe radar could shed some light? Is Linder in or out of TWI? If out, I wonder if he posts or lurks here @ gsc?

From the Suicide in The Way thread: Per diazbro: Per satori001:

It seems to me another strategic reason for VPW's use of the term, "Father," {as in, "Father in the 'Word'"} has to do with manipulative exploitation of the transference phenomenon. This was just another way utilized by VPW to induce unhealthy dependency on VPW specifically & TWI in general. Transference: Are you a biological time machine? Published in "The Source", June, 2001 Revised: October 17, 2005 By: Michael G. Conner, Psy.D Sigmund Freud first identified the psychological process of transference and brought it into what is now modern day psychotherapy. As a therapist he noticed that people had strong feelings and fantasies about him that had no basis in reality. But Freud died before there was such a thing as "rock and roll." Transference has become a more modern concept since Freud. In fact, many people believe transference is actually something that happens in life - and not just psychotherapy. What is Transference? During transference, people turn into a "biological time machine". A nerve is struck when someone says or does something that reminds you of your past. This creates an "emotional time warp" that transfers your emotional past and your psychological needs into the present. In less poetic terms, a transference reaction means that you are reacting to someone in terms of what you need to see, you are afraid of or what you see when you know very little about the person. This all happens without you knowing why you feel and react the way you do. What Is Projection? Some people refer to transference as a "projection." In this case you are projecting your own feelings, emotions or motivations into another person without realizing your reaction is really more about you than it is about the other person. In a life filled with transference, your job may be "the family reunion you are avoiding and you are forced to go to each day." In other cases of projection, your girlfriend may remind you of all the irritating things your mother did when you were growing up. Love at first sight is usually a projection – especially if it ends in disaster and you could have seen it coming. Harmful Patterns. Transference reactions are caused by unmet emotional needs, neglect, seductions and other abuses that transpired when you were a child. In some forms of psychotherapy, a therapist will intentionally create or allow transference to form. When done properly, this helps a therapist to understand and find a connection between the patient's past and how the patient misreads the present and may react ineffectively. Once you discover a transference pattern, you can chose to respond in terms of what is really happening instead of what happened 20 or 30 years ago. People who don't recognize the difference between past and present can end up in the same messed–up relationships over and over or with the same problem over and over. Extreme Transference. In an extreme form of transference, you may conclude that someone is an awful or evil person when in fact that person's favorite food and television show reminds you of an emotionally abusive mother and a sexually abusive brother you have been trying to forget since childhood. That's an example of negative transference. A warm, supportive and kind person could remind you of what you are missing and wanting in their life. You might then idealize that person and begin to see him or her as wonderful beyond belief. The idea is that you will react to your therapist based on your experience with another person. This is usually a parent that the patient has an unresolved conflict with. In extreme cases a patient will become overly attached to their therapist or they will enter into and create conflicts without realizing how. Transference Melt-Downs. Extreme forms of transference can turn into a full-blown obsession if it is not dealt with. Transference "meltdowns" can result in accidents, dangerous choices, nightmares, fantasies, stalking someone, psychotic reactions and sometimes violence. While it does not happen frequently in therapy, it can happen in the patient's personal life. How Can You Tell? How do you know you are having a "transference reaction"? It's not always easy, but you probably are if you know very little about a therapist (or anyone) and you are having a powerful reaction that is not justifiable to a reasonable person. It can be difficult if the patient can rationalize their reactions. Having a strong sexual attraction to your therapist is almost always a transference reaction, unless of course your therapist is actually hitting on you – and they're not supposed to do that on purpose. Intentionally seducing a vulnerable patient in sick and wrong! In fact that applies to any health-related profession or any employer-employee relationship. Becoming angry at you therapist as if they were a parent is a good sign that there is a transference reaction. Termination of treatment pre-maturely is another sign of transference - unless the therapist is just doing a bad job. Counter-Transference. Therapists and other health care professionals can also have transference reactions while treating a patient. It's a two way street. Counter-transference is basically a therapist's "emotional time warp" around their patient's transference. In other words, counter-transference is a therapist's counter- reaction. That's why some therapists think they are falling in love with their patients. That's also why older guys become obsessed with younger female employees they barely know. Ethics And The Law. A therapist, counselor and even a physician could possibly lose their license for seducing or sleeping with a patient they are treating. Trying to seduce an employee on the job may result in a successful lawsuit. You can also sue a licensed mental health professional for sleeping with you if you are their patient. And employers must follow the law. On the other hand, unlicensed therapist can do almost whatever they want and there may be nothing anyone can do about it. It's hard to sue an employer and win. Unlicensed therapists do not have a "duty" to act within a standard of practice. Employers may not know the law. Unseen Dangers. Transference can sometimes produce a powerful love or a destructive hatred based on a complete illusion. There can be a loud and painful thud when people act on their transference reactions and the bubble finally bursts. In addition to being embarrassed, it can also backfire. Sometimes people will end up stalking, assaulting or killing someone. Please don't kill yourself or anyone because of some transference from your childhood. And if you think your therapist, or an employer for that matter, is seducing you, tell your therapist, or contact a licensed therapist to talk about it. Should I or Shouldn't I Risk Transference. Transference is really difficult to recognize, deal with and understand, but it is incredibly interesting. I tend to avoid people who are "oozing" with transference potential. Working with transference, or creating transference in therapy can make a therapist look mystical and brilliant. Cult therapies are based in part on generating positive transference to control and manipulate people. I avoid treatment approaches that artificially inflate my ego, would allow me to control anyone and make me feel powerful. But not everyone feels the way I do about transference. Some counselors and therapists love the power and think they can handle it. A therapist must face transference issues and encourage patients to deal with them as much as possible. In some cases a patient is not able to deal with transference issues and will terminate therapy. While it is regrettable and potentially a lost opportunity, it must be supported. copyright 2002 to 2005, Michael G. Conner