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Is The Way International a Christian Nationalist group?


penworks
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We're hearing a lot in the news lately about the rise and influence of Christian Nationalist believers in our government. For those interested, here's a sample of what I've written on that topic. Feel free to share these links on your social media pages.

Confession: I'm a Former Christian Nationalist

 Launched in L.A.: The Campaign of Christian Fundamentalism

 Former Religious Right Leader Endorses "Undertow"

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I don't know about TWI being Christian Nationalist, but here's my take.

A thing about TWI was that mostly they simply didn't regard others as having a valid viewpoint.  Our way or the highway.  So little regard for others that they didn't even notice them.  There was a big oval table in the auditorium.  Inlaid countries of the world.  Lovely. Where was New Zealand? And what other countries were missing?

Other countries have different cultural traditions, including Christian traditions. But no.  You will do it our way.  Even if it was culturally offensive or ineffective. 

Disclaimer on this : in Christian Etiquette, Mrs Allen taught how Americans should eat, how to handle a knife and fork, etc.  She made the point that this was American etiquette and urged people from other countries to follow their style of eating.  Good - because in my countries, eating American-style is poor manners and only used by children learning to eat properly!!  Might be used casually but never in "polite society."

I have lived in two other countries for very long periods and visited many others, and I have a number of friends who have been missionaries in other countries.  American ways are often viewed with suspicion.  Solutions to problems can be imposed, rather than reached in consensus with locals.  (As an aside: You only have to look at the world situation now to see how "solutions" are trying to be imposed without taking into account the views of others involved - but no more of this, least it be deemed "political.")

But I don't know if this was just TWI, or if it was American culture generally, that thought the American way was the only way worthy of living.  I doubt that any such culture would have been recognised in the middle east, where Christianity was born.  It certainly isn't in line with Jesus's teachings.

Certainly TWI dismissed other Christian traditions without considering the merits thereof, any spiritual help those traditions gave to others, and neither did they consider whether their own "brand" was really helpful to people from any cultural background. USA is such a huge country with so much diversity.  One size does not fit all.  

Well.  That's a cult for you.

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Just read that link and my confidence in AI fell even lower than it already was.

 

1. TWI does NOT believe in the divinity of Jesus.

2. They most certainly DO (or did) lean heavily into political ideologies, as evidenced by the hot water they found themselves in when promoting a certain politician's campaign in the 1970s.

3. Wierwille wasn't really a "Dr.".

 

Edited by waysider
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I'll use this definistion from:Christian nationalism | Definition, History, United States, & Facts | Britannica:

"Christian nationalismideology that seeks to create or maintain a legal fusion of Christian religion with a nation’s character. Advocates of Christian nationalism consider their view of Christianity to be an integral part of their country’s identity and want the government to promote—or even enforce—the religion’s position within it."

In my experience with The Way, it was clear Wierwille believed the U.S. was founded to be a Christian nation and his ministry's goal was to bring it back to God's word (which was in actuality Wierwille's mostly-stolen bible teachings). Numerous outreach efforts were put into action, one year Word over the World ambassadors were assigned to target political elections. There was a program "God's Word in Culture" which aimed to convert folks who could spread The Way's propaganda anywhere and everywhere. Wierwille didn't make a secret out of his hope that this country would return to what he believed the founders intended, which was to base the U.S. on Christianity. This sure fits the profile of Christian Nationalism. It is not the way of democracy.

I once wrote a paper titled, From Fundamentalism to Freedom. Here are a few quotes:

"Dr. Wierwille was determined in this mission. "The United States of America is the central battlefield in a spiritual warfare being waged between the sons of God empowered and enlightened by His Word and spiritual wickedness from on high...we have been appointed and commissioned by God to carry the light of His Word to a nation desperately in need." (Wierwille, The Way Magazine 1974).

He also wrote: "One reason America was in need, was that it had turned from God’s way of doing things. “So we in the good old U.S.A. have been caught up in the efforts to replace our American Christian foundation with a man-centered philosophy” (Wierwille “By The Way”. Those articles were published in the St. Mary's Evening Leader newspaper).

The Way historian back in the 1980s told me that: "He [Wierwille] came across a book, The Light and the Glory, which had a major effect on him.  Many of the Way’s leaders began teaching it in classes designed to show the importance of America in God’s plan to get The Word over the world.  This was the goal of The Way Ministry.  In practice, it meant promoting the PFAL class and running Way fellowships in every country.  She also told me that a staff person, who had worked closely with Dr. Wierwille, said that before this time in the 1970’s most people on staff did not even vote.  She remarked that the term “founded on” seems to be the key in understanding what people refer to when they say this country is Christian.  In other words, when someone says this country was “founded on the Bible,” they are usually appealing to the Puritan and other Christian influences of the early settlers, not to what the Constitution sets forth separating church and state."

Since I had never read The Light and the Glory, I found a copy and read the authors’ basic premise.  One basic presupposition is that God had a definite and extremely demanding plan for America ... First, God had put a special ‘call’ on this country and the people who were to inhabit it.  In the virgin wilderness of America, God was making His most significant attempt since ancient Israel to create a new Israel of people living in obedience to the laws of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Marshall, Manuel 22).

As I read along, I wondered how the authors could reconcile these statements with the First Amendment.  They feel the early settlers had a correct understanding of the will of God for America, and that this tradition is still somehow alive today.  In Christians on the Right, I found further evidence of this way of thinking. "It was a God-given opportunity to do what they (the Puritans) had never been able to accomplish in the Old World: to establish a society which would be built entirely on their understanding of God’s laws as revealed in the Bible (Kater 22)."

The Way held similar beliefs.  I realized I had been in a group which tried to indoctrinate others with its own idea of God’s will just as those mentioned above.  I saw that I had believed The Way’s interpretation and understanding of the Bible should be accepted by everyone.  Where was the freedom to choose in that?  During my years in The Way, I did think we should be and were examples to the world of what it means for Christians to live together in love.  We were convinced our goal was attainable.  We felt so strongly about this that one of our aims was to influence decisions made by our government.  Dr. Wierwille was very adamant about this. “Let us put men and women into office who stand for the principles of God’s Word and let us rally to their support...get involved in the outreach of God’s Word or see America die. (Wierwille, The Way Magazine 1975. 30).  I admitted we had just been reenacting what the Puritans had done long ago".

Edited by penworks
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3 hours ago, penworks said:

I'll use this definistion from:Christian nationalism | Definition, History, United States, & Facts | Britannica:

"Christian nationalismideology that seeks to create or maintain a legal fusion of Christian religion with a nation’s character. Advocates of Christian nationalism consider their view of Christianity to be an integral part of their country’s identity and want the government to promote—or even enforce—the religion’s position within it."

In my experience with The Way, it was clear Wierwille believed the U.S. was founded to be a Christian nation and his ministry's goal was to bring it back to God's word (which was in actuality Wierwille's mostly-stolen bible teachings). Numerous outreach efforts were put into action, one year Word over the World ambassadors were assigned to target political elections. There was a program "God's Word in Culture" which aimed to convert folks who could spread The Way's propaganda anywhere and everywhere. Wierwille didn't make a secret out of his hope that this country would return to what he believed the founders intended, which was to base the U.S. on Christianity. This sure fits the profile of Christian Nationalism. It is not the way of democracy.

I once wrote a paper titled, From Fundamentalism to Freedom. Here are a few quotes:

"Dr. Wierwille was determined in this mission. "The United States of America is the central battlefield in a spiritual warfare being waged between the sons of God empowered and enlightened by His Word and spiritual wickedness from on high...we have been appointed and commissioned by God to carry the light of His Word to a nation desperately in need." (Wierwille, The Way Magazine 1974).

He also wrote: "One reason America was in need, was that it had turned from God’s way of doing things. “So we in the good old U.S.A. have been caught up in the efforts to replace our American Christian foundation with a man-centered philosophy” (Wierwille “By The Way”. Those articles were published in the St. Mary's Evening Leader newspaper).

The Way historian back in the 1980s told me that: "He [Wierwille] came across a book, The Light and the Glory, which had a major effect on him.  Many of the Way’s leaders began teaching it in classes designed to show the importance of America in God’s plan to get The Word over the world.  This was the goal of The Way Ministry.  In practice, it meant promoting the PFAL class and running Way fellowships in every country.  She also told me that a staff person, who had worked closely with Dr. Wierwille, said that before this time in the 1970’s most people on staff did not even vote.  She remarked that the term “founded on” seems to be the key in understanding what people refer to when they say this country is Christian.  In other words, when someone says this country was “founded on the Bible,” they are usually appealing to the Puritan and other Christian influences of the early settlers, not to what the Constitution sets forth separating church and state."

Since I had never read The Light and the Glory, I found a copy and read the authors’ basic premise.  One basic presupposition is that God had a definite and extremely demanding plan for America ... First, God had put a special ‘call’ on this country and the people who were to inhabit it.  In the virgin wilderness of America, God was making His most significant attempt since ancient Israel to create a new Israel of people living in obedience to the laws of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Marshall, Manuel 22).

As I read along, I wondered how the authors could reconcile these statements with the First Amendment.  They feel the early settlers had a correct understanding of the will of God for America, and that this tradition is still somehow alive today.  In Christians on the Right, I found further evidence of this way of thinking. "It was a God-given opportunity to do what they (the Puritans) had never been able to accomplish in the Old World: to establish a society which would be built entirely on their understanding of God’s laws as revealed in the Bible (Kater 22)."

The Way held similar beliefs.  I realized I had been in a group which tried to indoctrinate others with its own idea of God’s will just as those mentioned above.  I saw that I had believed The Way’s interpretation and understanding of the Bible should be accepted by everyone.  Where was the freedom to choose in that?  During my years in The Way, I did think we should be and were examples to the world of what it means for Christians to live together in love.  We were convinced our goal was attainable.  We felt so strongly about this that one of our aims was to influence decisions made by our government.  Dr. Wierwille was very adamant about this. “Let us put men and women into office who stand for the principles of God’s Word and let us rally to their support...get involved in the outreach of God’s Word or see America die. (Wierwille, The Way Magazine 1975. 30).  I admitted we had just been reenacting what the Puritans had done long ago".

Thank you penworks.    You're research proves that even AI doesn't know it all!     I did a few other AI searches with some of your research material, and AI included snippets of your information not posted in the first AI search.    So overall I believe this proves that AI isn't comprehensive all the time...   Something good to know for future reference...

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You're welcome.

43 minutes ago, oldiesman said:

Thank you penworks.    You're research proves that even AI doesn't know it all!     I did a few other AI searches with some of your research material, and AI included snippets of your information not posted in the first AI search.    So overall I believe this proves that AI isn't comprehensive all the time...   Something good to know for future reference...

You're welcome.

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Your suspicion is correct. The Ten Commandments were considered passe, having been superceded by The Great Commandment. I'm pretty sure they would have rather had posters promoting S.I.T.

In regard to Christian Nationalism, Wierwille was a close follower of Willis Carto and The Liberty Lobby. You can draw your own conclusions.

 

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I also found this woman who makes some good arguments to counter "Christian nationalism." 

And I can tell you - the way she looks would not be acceptable at all to TWI.  But what she says - well, neither would most of that either.  So?  (3) Facebook  As she says - refute it from the Bible - if you can.  LoL.

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16 hours ago, waysider said:

Your suspicion is correct. The Ten Commandments were considered passe, having been superceded by The Great Commandment. I'm pretty sure they would have rather had posters promoting S.I.T.

In regard to Christian Nationalism, Wierwille was a close follower of Willis Carto and The Liberty Lobby. You can draw your own conclusions.

 

Agree.    I believe they also believed then (as perhaps they do today) that belief in Jesus Christ only is required for salvation and completely fulfills the Abrahamic covenant.     As said in Romans, TWI drilled into us that both Jew and Gentile form one Body of Christ which is the only way to salvation.   (THERE IS NO OTHER WAY).    This is sometimes referred to as "replacement theology".   Here's what AI says and I believe it fits with TWI beliefs:
 

Key aspects of Replacement Theology include
  • The Church as the "New Israel": Proponents believe the Church is now the true, spiritual Israel, inheriting the blessings and roles originally promised to the Jewish nation.
  • Abolishment or Fulfillment of Covenants: Replacement theology suggests that the Old Testament Mosaic covenant and potentially the Abrahamic covenant have been either abolished or fulfilled by the New Covenant in Christ. This can imply that the land promises made to Israel in the Old Testament are no longer relevant in a literal sense.
  • Israel's Diminished or Ended Role: This view asserts that God's program and interest in the nation of Israel, as a distinct entity, have ended following their rejection of Jesus as Messiah. 

   

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For those interested and concerned, here's a commentary on the Christian Nationalist and self-described "paleo-Confederate," Douglas Wilson. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/opinion/douglas-wilson-evangelical-hegseth.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU8.IF2t.ygovpbbB8QNL&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Warning: may trigger projectile vomit.

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1 hour ago, Nathan_Jr said:

For those interested and concerned, here's a commentary on the Christian Nationalist and self-described "paleo-Confederate," Douglas Wilson. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/opinion/douglas-wilson-evangelical-hegseth.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU8.IF2t.ygovpbbB8QNL&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Warning: may trigger projectile vomit.

Yes I've heard of household voting as opposed to one man/woman one vote.    I wanted to know what AI said about the early Catholic Church and it appears in basic agreement with paleo-confederate views.    Here's the response:

Did the traditional Catholic Church of the last century believe in "household voting" as opposed to allowing women to vote?
 
While the Catholic Church never officially adopted a stance on women's suffrage, the idea of "household voting," where the male head of the household casts the vote for the entire family, was not a formal doctrine or teaching of the Catholic Church in the last century. 
 
However,
  • Strong resistance to women's suffrage was prevalent within the Catholic community, particularly among conservative segments. Many Catholics, like others at the time, expressed concerns about the potential impact of women's voting rights on family life and traditional gender roles. Some even linked women's suffrage with socialism, which they believed opposed Christian values.
  • Catholic authorities promoted a gender system that attributed different roles to men and women, emphasizing women's roles in maternity, education, and family care, while men were expected to handle public and economic affairs.
  • The notion of women's subservience to their husbands was also present within Catholic teachings of the early 20th century. This perspective could have implicitly supported the idea that the male head of household should represent the family's political interests, rather than women voting independently. 
It's important to remember that despite these prevalent attitudes, there were dissenting voices within the Catholic Church who supported women's suffrage. Therefore, while the concept of "household voting" was not an official Catholic teaching, the prevailing views on gender roles and family structure within the Church, especially in the early 20th century, aligned with and reinforced the societal norms that resisted women's individual participation in the political sphere. 
 
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
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Doug Wilson’s movement is light in the loafers compared to its Islamic equivalent, Jihadism. But with big enough believing, one day it could be as “spiritually mature” as the Taliban, who has made it illegal for girls and women to talk in public. Voting rights? An issue for mere babes in tha werd.

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