chuckd
Puritan Board Junior
I initially joined this forum to get advice about the Witness Lee Local Church denomination: http://www.puritanboard.com/f34/witness-lee-local-church-72087/
Two of my family members joined about 3-4 years ago and, at first, I was worried about them being in a cult. After a while, things died down and I simply maintained the opinion that they were simply a toned down version of Pentecostals: erroneous about many things, emotional, higher life, spirit filled, prophesying, etc.
One of my family members dropped everything and went to their two year "training" in Anaheim. After reading some of the literature directly from the "training", I have no doubt that they are a cult. I know "cult" is somewhat of a fluid word, but I read this website and every single bullet point is a "yes":
I think it is a cult and ever since they joined there has been family drama: nobody is saved but them, a clear us vs. them attitude, they seem to always have some secret everyone is missing. Though they seems to really love reading the Bible, praying, "prophesying", they're happy, and in general make it known they love the Lord. I'm worried for them because I don't want them to stay in it, but wonder if it's worth the drama to try to get them out.
Two of my family members joined about 3-4 years ago and, at first, I was worried about them being in a cult. After a while, things died down and I simply maintained the opinion that they were simply a toned down version of Pentecostals: erroneous about many things, emotional, higher life, spirit filled, prophesying, etc.
One of my family members dropped everything and went to their two year "training" in Anaheim. After reading some of the literature directly from the "training", I have no doubt that they are a cult. I know "cult" is somewhat of a fluid word, but I read this website and every single bullet point is a "yes":
It is possible to identify an abusive religious cult by the following list. Where more than five of following areas are discernible, it is highly likely that the individual has been recruited into a cult:
- The group will place a tremendous emphasis on "doing good works". Members of the group may appear obsessed with doing whatever the group tells them to do (e.g. 'always' being at meetings).
- Some groups require that the members give up all, or at least a substantial part of their income/possessions to the cause.
- The leaders of cult groups will forbid their members from reading any literature critical of the group, especially that of ex- members.
- In relation to the above, the leader/s of the group may become uncomfortable or even abusive to people who ask intelligent questions about the group.
- The majority of cults view themselves as an elite and exclusive group who are 'alone' doing God's will. In contrast, other Christian Churches and denominations are mocked, ridiculed and attacked verbally within the cult.
- Take a look at the way the group looks and acts. Does everyone dress more or less the same, act the same, and talk the same? One former cult member, speaking of his particular involvement with a cult said that the group encouraged its members “to do everything in exactly the same way - to pray the same, to look the same, to talk the same. This in psychology is a classic example of group conformity. Its purpose is to ensure that no-one tries to act differently or become dissident, thus nobody questions the status quo.” (Andrew Hart, Jan.1999).
- Many cults tend to discourage association with non-members, even family members, where possible (except, maybe, for the possibility of converting them to the group).
- Many cults give their members ‘black and white answers’. What the group agrees with is right and what the group disagrees with is wrong.
- Everyone in the group will believe exactly the same things (i.e. what the group leaders tell them to believe). There will be no room for individual belief, or opinion even in minor areas.
- The group will usually wear ‘two faces’. On the one hand, does it attempt to present itself, to potential converts and the public at large, as a group of people who are like one large family, who have love among themselves, and where everyone is equal. But on the other hand, the reality is, that many members inwardly feel unfulfilled and emotionally exhausted. The only way families and friends of cult victims will be able to find out more about this is by contacting ex-members of that specific group (see useful contacts at the end of this article).
I think it is a cult and ever since they joined there has been family drama: nobody is saved but them, a clear us vs. them attitude, they seem to always have some secret everyone is missing. Though they seems to really love reading the Bible, praying, "prophesying", they're happy, and in general make it known they love the Lord. I'm worried for them because I don't want them to stay in it, but wonder if it's worth the drama to try to get them out.