waysider

I think there are really two separate questions here. Was it a cult? and Was I in a cult? I think we all pretty much know the answer to the first question. But whether you were in or out really depends on your level of involvement and commitment and how many bridges you burned on your journey. If you didn't burn many bridges, you may not perceive your experience as being a cult experience. Personally, looking back on my Fellow Laborer experience, I would have to accept that I was in a cult. This is based not only on the communal lifestyle we lived, but on how many bridges I burned to get there and how many more I burned to stay there. Only you can answer from both a subjective and objective viewpoint whether your involvement meets the criteria. IMO

This is from page 6 of DWA, mid 1970s: "Satan manipulates the minds of God's people with surprising ease and efficiency. The undisciplined mind is open to Satan's attacks." (Same idea---just stated a bit differently.)

Here is one variation from the 1973 Advanced Class (Session on discerning of spirits) TRAP DOOR "The break in your unrenewed mind which gives a tendency or weak characteristic which allows the adversary to get a hold in your unrenewed mind." (It's a bit convoluted but it's really the same essence as " If you don't control your thoughts, the adversary will.")

It's the central concept behind Dealing With The Adversary and the purpose of Retemory Cards.----"On Guard!!!"

Hope it's a good 'un!!!

Holy Moly Didn't you just have one of these last year??

Sudo That goes all the way back to the Bishop Pillai days. (Monkeys in a cage, birds nesting in your mind, etc.) It's been reworded and retooled in a multitude of various ways. It's been used throughout TWI teachings for many years, especially in RM and DWA classes and teachings as well as the AC.

Turn, Turn, Turn

It's really comical in a way. On another forum I participate in, there is a discussion taking place---- about the current lull in action. People come and people go. Some come back. Topics are revisited by newbies who have no idea the place was bubbling in controversy over the same topic 4 or 5 years ago. But, as one of the late founders of the other forum once said, "Let 'em all talk and see what they have to say." :)

It's nice to know I'm not the only one with that problem.

I believe ScoutFinch02 is the winner!!! Here is a ink to Western State College of Colorado that shows the big "W". http://www.western.edu/

Gunnison's school district is officially called Gunnison Watershed School District. I don't really know if that explains the "W". Just a wild arse guess.

More "Tops"

R.I.P Mr. Stubbs

Thanks, Linda (Guess I should have put this on About The Way)

Exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks, George.

Bible Dave I wholeheartedly recommend you take a bit of time and familiarize yourself with some of the articles and documents that are right here on GSC. Then, maybe, you can argue your point on a case by case basis. waysider

Just wondering. Can anybody remember a time when the Motor Coach came to your area on official "Ministry" business? How about "The Twig Hopper"? Ambassador One?

Geeze, Too bad Wierwille didn't do that!

HaHa!! That's a hoot, Linda. I had to enlarge it to see that they are dogs. Very cool

A little music to get the party started. "Hit it, Igor!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaZqpbNzRMU

Excellent post Spectrum49! I wonder if the OT priests used any of the tithe for fancy motorcycles, classic cars, private jets or motor coaches.

I can just see it now. 3 year old: "I'm Thor." Adult: "I'm sorry. How did you hurt yourself?"

Literal translation according TWI usage " Think exactly what we tell you to think or the Boogie Man will get you!" (I wish i hadn't seen it in the original.)

There is specific criteria that can be used to determine if a group is a cult. This criteria can be approached and applied in an objective manner if one has a desire to do so. Some groups display certain characteristics but lack others. Consider, for example, the fans who turn out for Rocky Horror Picture Show. Much of the behavior surrounding the immediate experience of being in the theater is cult-like in nature. I would not call these people a cult, though, because many of the key defining elements are missing. One of these elements is the presence of a charismatic leader. Also, as far as I know, once these people leave the theater, they return to their normal lives. It doesn't consume their daily thoughts. The Way was a cult. We had a charismatic leader. We thought he (and we) had some special truth that was exclusive. The activities of The Way consumed our thoughts, day in and day out. We obsessed over our involvement. The list goes on. The point I am trying to make is that it is not an act of bitterness or hatred to acknowledge the reality of The Way's true nature. It's just a simple statement of fact.