Hope R.

If you hitch-hike 1000 miles in January during a snow storm and you go to truck stops to beg truckers for a ride because if you don't get to your destination at the appointed time you'll have to turn around and hitch-hike back to where you started.... you might be in a cult.

If you sit still in a church pew and someone sitting next to you has peed in their pants and it's running down the pew behind you, getting you full of pee, and you don't get up and beat the cr@p out of him.... you might be in a cult. When you later ask this person if they're feeling okay or do they need to be ministered to because they peed in their pants and you figured they must have a bladder condition or something - instead of beating the cr@p out of them for getting your brand-new coat sweater full of their pee.... you might be in a cult. When this person tells you that they're fine, that they just didn't want to get up during the MOG's teaching but peed in their pants instead -- not giving a d@mn about the consequences of their stupidity and all you do is ask them to have your sweater dry-cleaned rather than beat the crap out of them... you might be in a cult. When this person tells you they don't have the money and can't you just wash it and you don't blow your stack, beat the cr@p out of him and leave him for dead... you just might be in a cult. It's true - it happened to me and R*s*y F*r*l*nd during our Corps "orientation" in the chapel. I think we'd been in-rez for about a week or so. Craig was teaching. I was sitting on the end of the pew, R*s*y was next to me and Mr. Pee was next to him. All of a sudden I felt something wet behind me. It was running down the curve in the pew and dripping on the floor next to me. I asked R*s*y if he spilled a glass of water. He very quietly whispered - "the guy next to me just peed in his pants". I said "C'mon, what is it. My sweater is wet." Again, he said, with a bit more of an inflection in his whisper, "the guy next to me just peed in his pants!". I looked over him to the guy sitting next to him and the front of his WHITE COTTON pants was soaking wet. It was just then that LCM ended his teaching and the guy got up and fled the chapel. Neither one of us could catch up to him. When I saw him at lunch, I asked him if he was okay - was there something wrong with him and could I minister to him? He said, "No, I'm fine. I just didn't want to get up while Craig was teaching. It would have been rude." I looked at him with amazement and said "YOU DIDN'T WANT TO GET UP? You ruined my sweater!! You're going to have to get it dry cleaned for me or I can never wear it again." He told me he had NONE of his $30 allowance left and I could probably wash it out. I was at a total loss for words. Then I told him he'd better get it dry-cleaned for me. He shrugged and walked into the cafeteria. I never wore that sweater again. I will say that even though I didn't go to any "higher-ups" - I did share the incident with everyone I knew - and I named names. If nothing else, I sorta made sure that no one would want to sit near him again! (what a bee-atch!).

I bought the theatrical version today - I couldn't resist - it was only $14.99 at Target. Don't want to wait to see it again until November. I'll probably buy the ee as well and give this one away, or keep it. Oh, I was planning on waiting for the big trilogy release, too - and will more than likely purchase that as well. EEK - I've been GEEKED!

I was going through some really, really old Way Magazines trying to find an article someone was looking for. I didn't find it, but I was totally mesmerized by the old photos from years ago. I saw a bunch of people I know in some of those ROA group shots. And there's a "centerfold" in one of the issues from 1974 that has one of those panoramic photos of the whole Corps and Staff from that year. It was fun to see all the young faces of old friends again. Then I got to thinking, I'm sort of surprised that in all my 29 years in TWI, I was never in one of those candid shots! Oh, my back is in the ROA film (standing in line to get in, while Ralph is getting his hand stamped - the only reason I know it's me is because the girl I went with is facing the camera - and I was standing with her), but other than that, I never "made it"! How about you? I know I saw a couple of pics of Litwin, and a bunch of socks (mostly promo shots!). I still have most of the old Way Mags and would love to see your pics! Anyone admit to it?

Wow - they did their research, didn't they? Over 73 MILLION hits for "The Way" alone! Personally, I wouldn't want my organization to have a similar name to a group that has been considered a cult by so many people. Yet, "The Way" really is a good name for a Christian group, considering that Jesus said he is "the way...". Hmmm, wonder if TWI is going to sue him for trademark infringement?

That's one of the reason's I'm still around. But I've come to think that those who are still in TWI at this stage are in because: a.) They want to be there or b.) They have a loved one or family member who is still in and stay for them. But there are always the people who are just now hearing about TWI, who "google" them and find the Cafe as well as other ex-follower web sites. If the information here can help them make an informed decision, then I'm glad to share my experiences with them. I've settled much of my personal score with TWI. I can't get back the years - I can't undo what has been done - can't unring the bell. All I can do is get on with my life and consider TWI a long, tedious interruption. Sort of like a 30 year jail sentence in a minimum security prison. Oh, there are a couple of people who still deserve a piece of my mind, and I hope someday I'll be able to give one to them! But I don't think I harbor the bitterness I had after I left almost 4 year ago. Do I have good things to say? Only about the many wonderful people I met through my involvement in TWI who I never would have known otherwise. Some of my experiences can be fondly remembered because of them, not because of an organization, or the people who ran it. My hindsight is 20/20 now, and I'll never wear my TWI rose-colored glasses again. Because...

My guess -- since the good doctor was arrested for grave robbing 7 times, with research being his reason, I'd venture that the preacher will die, and the doc will rob his grave to do an autopsy on his brain to see whether or not his tumor diagnosis was correct. Gawd, didn't you just love Mr. Woo? And what a great role - all he had to say was "...." about 50 times to get his point across! Great acting! Think Joanie is really attracted to Charlie Utter? Think Bullock will get it on with the lovely widow? And did Jane really leave? One more question - how many more shows are left? I know Tony and the gang go bye-bye in two weeks - then "SIX FEET UNDER" returns (hooray!!!!!), but what about our friends in "Deadwood"?

Not for a minute, Tommy - but I thought Christopher was going to do it. When I heard that she was getting picked up by Sylvio, I knew right then she was a goner. I also knew she was going to be killed before the season was over because she's going to be in the "Friends" spin-off , "Joey". Never watched "Friends", don't think I'll watch that one either. Oh - were you surprised that Tony and Carmella got back together? I wasn't.

If you miss your kids' baseball games, recitals or school performances because you have to go to a fellowship or class... you might be in a cult. If you take weeks at a time off from your job without getting vacation pay to go to a class or festival at a farm in Ohio... you might be in a cult. If you get fired from a job because you went to a class or festival at a farm in Ohio... you might be in a cult. (for the Sickth Corps...) If you get up at 4:00 a.m., put on a blue sweat suit and go out and "chase rabbits" with 300 other people who are all wearing the same blue sweat suits... you might be in a cult. If you hitch-hike hundreds of miles on an interstate with only $10 in your pocket and a time limit on when to get to your destination or you have to turn around and go back... you might be in a cult (or on that silly "Great Race" reality show). If you eat familia and fig pep on a regular basis... you might be in a cult.

These are just a few of the verses that TWI uses to justify their M&A policy. The trouble, of course, is that LCM interpreted these verses the context of TWI - as if the bible were written strictly to TWI's participants. If I recall the gist of his teaching correctly, the people who teach other doctrines are deceitful and devilish – people who don't care about God or his people®. IMO, that was taken to mean anyone who has left TWI that is part of a spin-off group, or who publicly criticizes them (like - on the internet, f’rinstance), or anyone who didn't obey their leadership when they were told to move, or get a new job, or any other "suggestion" that may have been made to them they didn’t follow, or anyone who was kicked out for any reason at all! Because TWI hasn't changed any of LCM's teachings on this matter, their policies haven't changed either. Of course "the doctrine which ye have learned" = "the present truth"® . Therefore if the things that he taught on the subject are still being practiced, then they still bow to his authority. He might as well still be there. But heck, as long as his classes are being taught, his books are being sold, and his orders are still being followed, in a way, he is still there!

Does anyone else think that it's getting better as it goes on? The character development has been fabulous. Couldn't figure out the purpose of those two kids getting killed so quickly and brutally, but realized that's just part of showing that deep down, Cy Tolliver is probably a lot worse than Al Swearengen, who may actually have a soft spot. Should get even more intersting. Wyatt Earp will be coming to town soon - at least that's in the history books! (or history web sites!)

TommyStrangelove - No way! The dream thing has been done before (remember "Dallas" and "Newhart"??). I'd hate to think that such good characters and story lines would come to such a benign ending. The only thing I got out of the dream sequence is that Tony and Carmella are probably going to get back together. Oh, wasn't the guy who played Finn's (sp?) dad a former bad cop from the first season - also now dead? And what the heck was Annette Bening doing there? She must be a fan or sumptin...

Took the words right out of my mouth, Zix (John's too!). It was just awful. We were commenting that neither one of us has ever had a dream that long that we could remember! I'm still wondering what the heck the purpose of that episode was all about. It was probably just the writers messing around because they didn't have enough substantial story line to fill the time slot. Now "Deadwood" is getting very interesting. I'm finding that there are only two major characters who are doing the majority of cussing - Swearingen and Calamity Jane.

Still watching - still enjoying it. I think the language toned down a bit last week, either that or I've gotten used to it. Swerengen seems to be the one who swears the most! I think Bullock and the widow are going to get together. The woman who plays Calamity Jane deserves multiple awards. BTW - there really was a Small Pox epidemic in Deadwood, and Jane really did help care for the sick. I think I'm enjoying reading the real history as much as I'm enjoying the show.

5. Graveyard shift of Bless Patrol - anywhere, even the ROA (unless I was with someone I liked to hang out with, but most of the time I was alone). 4. Pat Saunders' "English" class in-rez (sorry, Pat, it was mind-numbing). 3. Any "24 hours of prayer" vigil - don't care for what or whom - most of the time I prayed for 5 minutes and either slept or spaced out for the other 55 minutes. Did any of you have to go to someone's house in the middle of the night for your "hour of prayer" assignment? When I was in one area, we couldn't stay home to pray - guess they couldn't trust us to wake up! 2. Any "scheduled" party or event where everything was planned down to the tiniest detail and no room was left for any spontaneity or inspiration. 1. And the number one most boring thing about TWI.... Any teaching by Don Wierwille!!!

UH - What is the greatest sin a person can commit? Remember that? All those x's and X's - and then he turns around and teaches that there IS one big, fat, nasty sin. The teaching that one sin isn't any worse than another always struck me as odd, because in the next breath, he taught the unforgivable sin. Which is it? Sins are the same in God's eyes? Or that there's one he won't forgive? Or that if you don't condemn yourself - it isn't sin at all because it's the condemnation that is the sin? No wonder I'm so confused. I think I'll go and sin some more... oh wait, that's no more... or is it???

Diazbro wrote: That's the teaching I recall as well. In the church I attended for a while, they called their charity work "outreach". That's what it's called in our PTSA as well. We have a line-item budget for needy kids who don't have money for school supplies, etc. We even paid for glasses for one little boy. How, pray tell, is that "enabling them to remain in their poor condition?" I've learned which charities give the items I donate directly to the needy, and those who sell the items in their thrift stores. I tend to give to the first kind. There's a migrant ministry here in Tampa that cleans and mends any donated clothing and hangs it up in a store that only the migrants can "shop" in. To me, it's a very worthy cause. IMO, the only "worthy cause" TWI supported was themselves. What's that quote from PFAL? When VP says something like "....why don't you give your money to an organization that's doing biblical research instead!" I can't quite remember the context, but he said it with a nod and a wink - like he was letting everyone know he only meant one specific organization - HIS!

It's a book by Lynne Truss...a great book about (of all things) -- puncutation! Why the title? Here's why!

Golfie and Tommy Strangeguy... wonder if Wiley got his idea from the Michelangelo painting?

imablvr - Doug Stegmeyer was the bass player for Billy Joel for many, many years. He had a relative in one of the early Family Corps' - I believe she was his aunt. I don't know if she ever witnessed to him or any of the other band members. He committed suicide in 1995.

6:30 p.m. I guess everyone on the East Coast is eating dinner. Everyone else is still at work.

No, you're not imagining things. He's supposed to be the apostle Paul - he even signed it that way. Did this man have an ego or what?

And another thing... Many of us were never sexually abused in TWI, but we were abused in many, many other ways. I had my self-esteem torn from me to the point where I thought I couldn't do anything right. I could never be good enough. I was so smashed down by my leaders that any confidence I had in the abilities I may have shown in the past was gone. Poof. Destroyed. It's like if you kept telling your kids over and over and over again that they're under-achievers, that they have no talent, half a brain and are ugly - how do you think they would they turn out? How long do you think it would take until they were affected by your words? Not long, trust me. You never have to raise a hand to them - or even raise your voice. But you would be considered abusive just the same. I would venture to say that more of us who were in TWI suffered that kind of abuse than anything else. Those of us not in the "inner circle" of abusers weren't left alone. There was always someone around to berate us! *sigh*

Oh Shazzy! Arrogance! One of the worst side-effects of being in TWI. In certain areas, especially religion, I'm still not over it - but I'm trying. As far as abuse goes- yeah - I guess abuse breeds the arrogance. The more someone abuses others, the more arrogant they become about what they can get away with. I know VP was arrogant, but *in my opinion* LCM had it down pat! At least VP faked humility. Craiggers lauded himself, his teachings, his dancing, his golf swing, his (fill in the blank) to the sky! Gosh - it sorta reminds me of Donald Trump now that I think about it. Trump says things like "my apartment is the most elegant apartment in NYC" or "Mara-Lago is the most beautiful country club in the United States" and "My golf course is the best golf course anywhere in the world"! We know the Donald is full of himself - and we can laugh at him. But when LCM or any of our so-called leaders told us how wonderful they were (or their wives, kids, dogs, etc.) - we believed it! Why? Because their arrogance flowed down to us. Our leaders were the best in the world. Our ministry was the only ministry to have God's word since the first Century. Our MOG saw snow in July!!!! And the Corps soaked it all up! People who were already arrogant when they went into the program learned that abuse was perfectly okay if you were "on the Word". We weren't just taught, we learned by example. Yes, we were taught arrogance and abuse. They really do go hand in hand. How dare anyone criticize the MOG's actions - he is without reproach! Abusive - naw - you just can't handle it. You're spiritually immature! Remember - feelings come and go. Emotions are only "icing on the cake" of life. Control your emotions - don't let things "get" to you. Get the weakness out of your life!!! Man - I can almost hear it in my head (oops - I must be possessed!). And you're right, Jesus probably empathized better than anyone who ever lived. He knew when people were hungry, hurt, tired, sad - and even better - he knew what to do for them. TWI didn't even have a clue.

I WANT IT!!!!!