waysider

In my opinion, it really belongs here as much as it does in doctrinal because it deals with an interpretation of that section of scripture that was somewhat unique to The Way, especially the original sin part that Wierwille said we would just have to take his word on. That, in itself, makes it "About The Way".

Isaiah Chapter 38 38:1In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. 38:2Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, 38:3And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 38:4Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 38:5Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. Notice that it doesn't say WHY he turned his face to the wall, only that this is what he did. It doesn't even say that this was customary. Unless there is another section of scripture that gives more insight, I would rank this as speculative, private interpretation. Oh, but wait. Pillai lived in the land where the Bible was written, so, of course, that automatically made him an authority on things that happened 2,000+ years before his lifetime

You might say he is one of the reasons this site exists. http://www.greasespotcafe.com/main2/waydale/waydale-lawsuit/

Everything they do is rooted in either making money or saving money. When I was a fresh graduate of PFAL, I asked someone in leadership (in sincerity) why, if we wanted to reach large masses of people with the message of PFAL, didn't we offer to place the materials in public libraries and offer the class, free of charge. You can imagine the sort of convoluted logic that was given, explaining how I just didn't understand the spiritual aspects involved.

I think, as we age, we all go through a phase where we view the future of humanity as hopeless. My grandparents did, my parents did, I did, and, in time I'm sure our kids will, too. Maybe this is what gave birth to existentialism. But, life goes on, just as it has for eons before us. I wonder what people in "the dark ages" thought about when they wrestled with life's mysteries.

Maybe he rued his choice of sources, wishing he had chosen more obscure, untraceable works.

(See how the color thing works? Just click the little paint brush, Johnny.)

Maybe they don't owe you anything because they're bankrupt. (aside from their $53 million nest egg.)

You should have sent him a bill for career counseling. Your advise was spot on.

"Most things I will not change my stance on but Im not ready to listen and answer questions." Gee, now I'm not sure. That part really DOES sound like him!

A lot of people have disagreed with Mazlow's theory, calling it biased and flawed. Whether it is or isn't, though, is not all that important (IMO) within the context of this discussion. I think we can still use the concepts involved in the individual tiers as a broad means of definition. The fact is, The Way built quite a following, early on, by offering a product that closely resembles the love/belonging tier. Through abuse of the safety and esteem tiers, they stripped people of their self actualization and coerced them into a state that resembled the physiological state. This put people in a state of fear and dependency. We have seen the results. It's not a healthy process no matter whose theory is being modeled.

I agree 100%.

Remember this?...."Justified = Just as if I'd never sinned" Instead of emphasizing the past tense nature of the statement, they placed it on a time continuum that essentially changed the meaning to.... "I can sin because I'm justified."

This kinda reminds me of the little boy whose mother said, "Johnnie, stop pulling the cat's tail." Little Johnnie responded with, "I'm just holding on; the cat's doing all the pulling." They used that hedge of protection/spiritual bubble thing to hide behind a third party. "If you ever leave, you'll be sealing your own fate." See? They controlled you without letting you see it was they who were controlling the situation, not you.

Buy Nothing For April Fool's Day

So, then, what's your point in being involved in discussion other than to push your private agenda? edit: Are you still having trouble figuring out the quote function?

(My opinion) The bless patrol: It was a way of indoctrinating particpants with conspiracy phobia. "They're out to get us, kids!" Now, Wierwille, on the other hand, had just cause to fear retaliation from irate husbands, fathers and the like but, he had his own private "bless patrol" to keep an eye on those matters. The sleep deprivation: Been there, done that, got the tee shirt. It was a way to keep our minds from noticing what was really going on, in the "big picture" sense. What's all that got to do with earning an academic degree? Nothing.... That's my point.

Aye, that's the rub.

Yes, you have a good point. Man is constantly conflicted with choosing good over evil. But, choose he must.

Wierwille on his deathbed: "Pour me one more before last call."

No, it doesn't say He created Satan as His antithesis. But, isn't that what he became? For thousands and thousands of years, man has struggled with the concept of good versus evil. That displays the essence of antitheses. (I'm not sure where you got the robotic reference.)

Ham said: "Maslow's hierarchy of needs might explain that.."

Questions like this demonstrate why it might be more beneficial to accept it as a myth and learn what we can from the symbolism rather than try to make it "literally" fit like a hand in a glove.