Hope R.

If it's someone I don't know very well, I tell them TWI was part of the Jesus movement of the early 70's (remember Rev. Arthur Blessitt? click here). Or I say that it was a non-denominational Christian group that attracted young people seeking answers, especially during the Viet Nam era. To friends, I say I was in a cult, but for a while, it was a "fun" cult. Then I roll my eyes in wonder! Hope R. color>size>face> Oooo - look what I "googled"... it mentions TWI! Remembering the Jesus Movement Click on "A Little History". What a long, strange trip it's been!size>color>

YES! And the way HBO works (very slowly) it might be over a year until the story picks up. Just watched it again tonight. How wierd was THAT??? Too many main characters kicking the bucket! I think Apollonia and Sophie are okay - I think good old mom kept the fire away from them. Don't know about Jonesy. And what about those black eyeballs on Brother Justin --- EWWWW. TWI would have a field day with this show. Hope R. color>size>face> What a long, strange trip it's been!size>color>

Dovey - I was at my Mom's for T'giving - sorry I didn't respond to your post. Glad you were able to read that awful letter. I didn't realize there was also a link to an HTML formatted document (Excerpts from PDF Corps letter). But if you read the PDF file, you'll find it's even more awful than the sections on the HTML link. I agree - I would have sued had my name been mentioned, too. I don't know why that one particular 17th person didn't! I wonder if it's too late? There's a goldmine of information on the main GreaseSpotCafe.com site, especially the links to the old Waydale Documents section. IMO, if anyone wants to see LCM's true colors, all they have to do is read some of the letters he wrote and some of the Corps notes. Sorry to derail... Hope R. color>size>face>

What about LCM's comments about homosexuals? In one "teaching" he said that someone who was a "fag kid" "should be fried". And in some Corps letter he said: "You should be thankful you're not in the Old Testament times, because there are some of us who would gladly execute you." There's a PDF letter in the old Waydale Documents section that still makes my skin crawl. Corps letter from LCM - July 1994. It's so hateful and violent and sick, that I can't believe anyone read it without wondering what the hell was wrong with him!!! There were a lot of comments like that - violent suggestions by the MOG that made people think that it just might be okay to get physically abusive with anyone who didn't fit into the TWI mold sexually. Even if you were a "homo sympathizer" (geez), you were suspect. He made a lot of those violent comments not only about homosexuals but about people who left TWI or turned against him. Of course, he always went back to the Old Testament to justify his violent illustrations. Hope R. color>size>face>

When I first read the "Life" magazine article and there was a quote from a parent ( ;)--> ) that read: "Drugs I can understand, but this is creepy." Hope R. color>size>face> PS - If I recall correctly, that was 3Cents' mom...

Exie - I now know that VP meant sex when he said that to LCM. At the time, I was too naive (read stoopid) to see it... Denial is not a river in Egypt... Hope R. color>size>face>

Yeah, exie - I remember that first "loosen up" line VP hit LCM with. I didn't get that it meant sex, though - and agreed with it. LCM was a wee bit uptight back then and I thought loosening up was a good thing! Dot - when I first met DM at HQ's in the early 70's she was adorable! A real California girl - thin, tan and sun-bleached blonde. I guess she spent too much time with Wanda and the other farmer's daughters and started to morph into one. Hope R. color>size>face>

Didja try this site? Seems all roads lead to Amazon... But half.com has the VHS - Half.com [This message was edited by Hope R. on November 15, 2003 at 23:09.]

I'm going back to page 3 to Shazzy's post because it really hit me between the eyes... That is such a great observation. Why didn't he have Stiles and Leonard's books in the bookstore? They probably weren't as academic as Kenyon, Bullinger and Lamsa - us hippies would have figured out the incredible similarities! I remember reading "How to Enjoy the Bible" and thinking the teachings were a lot like PFAL, just more complicated. I never thought about plagiarism because in PFAL, VP made sure everyone got a look at the "Four Crucified" appendix in "The Companion Bible" and Bullinger was verbally credited. There was also some fuzzy stories about VP figuring all this stuff out himself and then discovering Bullinger and others later. How amazing! What a MOG! He gave just enough credit to others for me to believe that that was all he got from others. Does that make sense? Evan - I remember LCM spewing all kinds of viscious goo about Steve & Suzie S. taking BG's classes and (*gasp*) promoting them! I also seem to recall that Craiggers was really miffed that someone got HEALED from BG's teachings or by BG himself (don't remember which). I also remember thinking it was strange. Shouldn't we be glad that someone was healed, period? Didn't BG come to VP's memorial service? What's the story on that? Hope R. color>size>face>

Happy birthday, bro - live long and prosper! :D--> Hope R. color>size>face>

What other poll? Where? Huh? ... good to "see" you again, bro - xoxox Hope R. color>size>face>

I'm going to have to start watching the re-runs again because the new first run episodes stink. Last night's was totally disappointing, soapy, and unrealistic. I'd rather watch "Carnivale"... Hope R. color>size>face>

I make Christmas CD suncatchers for my neighbors, and usually hang them around a bottle of wine. I also have a pretty big Christmas party (Bowtwi - December 13th!) and invite neighbors & ex-Way friends who live around here (or anyone else who might be visiting!). I didn't do the party last year - makes me sad to think about it. So I'm telling everyone when it is even before I send out the invitations - so I gotta do it now! So... if anyone is going to be in Tampa (or Orlando wink, wink...) you're more than welcome. Hope R. color>size>face>

Okay - I can sort of see where it's going now. I still don't get the blind guy's desire to involve himself in Ben's life. And didja see the way he hit the bearded lady? Eek! Poor Sophie - she almost got out of there. I wonder how her mom is going to retaliate for her desertion? And Brother Justin - his story is getting more interesting as well. Was the reporter hitting on his sister or just making nice to get more info? I'll have to catch it on HBO2 tonight - it always makes more sense the 2nd time around. Hope R. color>size>face>

Whew - long letter... I'm not going to add much to what has already been said. It is pretty well known that, other than Don, the Wierwille children were not allowed on the grounds of The Way International without severe restrictions. When they wanted to visit their mother they chose to meet off grounds to avoid all the conditions put on them by TWI. So of course Don and Wanda were her primary care-givers for the last 18 years. Neither JP or any of his sisters were permitted into the home they grew up in for any length of time if and when they wanted to take care of her or share that responsiblity with Don & Wanda. I can hardly believe the VP of TWI even suggests that the Wierwille children didn't want to care for their mother. IMO, and it's only my opinion, I seriously doubt that TWI would have allowed her to leave her home, that she would have wanted to leave her home of so many years, or that none of her children offered to take care of her, either in her home or theirs. This whole thing is very sad. Perhaps many of these details shouldn't have been made public in the first place. I don't know.... I hope this is settled soon. Hope R. color>size>face> [This message was edited by Hope R. on October 25, 2003 at 16:06.]

It is getting wierder - but I can't stop watching it. The craziness reminds me of "Twin Peaks" and not just because of Samson. Interesting interview, Tom - maybe Brother Justin is the good one and Ben Hawkins is the evil one. Did you get one bit of the past 2 weeks? The mines, the dead guys, the blind dude? I'm really confused. Hope R. color>size>face>

I shouldn't let anything about TWI surprise me anymore... but.... WHY ARE THEY STILL IN WHEN THEY'RE BEING TREATED LIKE THIS???? I don't get it I don't get it I don't get it .... I never will.... Hope R. color>size>face>

Anyone have their email address? I know where they are - just don't know how to get a hold of them. Hope R. color>size>face>

I still think "the Management" is Sophie's mom - "the turnip" (remember, Ben said to Sophie: "Your mother is a turnip"). Hope R. color>size>face>

I think "the management" is Sophie's Veg-o-Matic mom... the one with the psychic powers. "The Management" wanted Samson to hire Ben Hawkins full time. "The Management" knows he has gifts... so I think it's the spooky mom! Are you sure they're in CA? I didn't think so, but I've been known to be wrong before! Hope R. color>size>face>

I actually paid money to go see "Fire..." and thought it was just awful. Seemed like more of an afterthought than a prequel. Oh, I also have Laura Palmer's diary somewhere... and the Vangelis CD of the music. The first season was much better than the 2nd, but I kept watching it anyway. Don't know if I can handle 4 to 5 hours of "Fire..." It's confusing enough in it's short form. Hope R. color>size>face>

Zix - I think when the preacher and Ben Hawkins meet up it will get interesting. Hope R. color>size>face>

Dan - I have all but one episode of "Twin Peaks" on video. I was HOOKED when it was on. Never told my TWI friends, though - it would have looked reallllly bad. I will honestly say that the "Bob" character on "Twin Peaks" scared me half to death. I couldn't pass by my couch in the living room without thinking he was going to crawl out from behind it. Gives me the chills just thinking about it... Hope R. color>size>face>

Anyone watching? Whaddya think? I'm not sure yet. Wierd - very "Twin Peak"-ish. I didn't get the significance of the robe or scarf or whatever-it-was hanging on the trailer door at the end of the 2nd episode - and I watched it twice to see if I'd missed something. Also can't tell where the Carnivale is since it left Oklahoma in episode 1 - are they still there and heading south? Reviews and opinions would be much appreciated! Hope R. color>size>face>

Sounds better'n the Rock of Ages, Woodstock and OzFest combined!!! Sure wish I could have joined you. We will make it next year. Columbus Day weekend would be great for us - kids have a day off school, and the leaves are changing in October, too - something I long to see. But whatever you choose - we'll be there. Looks like you had a blast... I'm green with envy! xoxoxox Hope R. color>size>face>