Recently we have received several inquiries about an old topic: The Way International and its offshoots. Several years ago we produced an article on that subject titled “Whatever Happened to the Way International?” In this installment we repeat some of the information we presented then but will try to update the facts on that cult.
Founder: Victor Paul Wierwille (1916-1985)
Current President: Rev. Jean-Yves De Lisle
Current Board of Directors of The Way International
Rev. Rosalie F. Rivenbark, Chairperson
Rev. Jean-Yves De Lisle
Rev. Bill Greene
Rev. John Rupp
The Way International (TWI) was founded by a self-proclaimed Bible scholar named Victor Paul Wierwille. Wierwille was born in New Knoxville, Ohio, on December 31, 1916. He and his family were members of an Evangelical and Reformed Church (ERC). The ERC is now the United Church of Christ. He attended Mission House (Lakeland) College and graduated in 1941 from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Wierwille claimed that on October 3, 1942 he heard God speak to him saying that He would guide him to understand and interpret the Bible more accurately than anyone since the apostolic age. As a result, Wierwille claimed he dumped 3,000 of his theological textbooks into a trash heap and began his own study of Scripture.
In 1948, Wierwille received a Doctor of Theology degree from the unaccredited (and now defunct) Pike’s Peak Bible Seminary in Manitou Springs, Colorado. In 1951 he visited a Pentecostal evangelist named J.E. Stiles and learned his technique for teaching people to speak in tongues. In 1953, Wierwille developed and began teaching his “Power for Abundant Living” (PFAL) classes, a series of lectures highlighting his unusual doctrinal views. In 1955, Wierwille incorporated his ministry as The Way, Inc. in New Knoxville. A few years later he formally withdrew from the Evangelical and Reformed Church denomination. Over the next few years, Wierwille’s theology increasingly deviated from orthodox Christianity, particularly his views of the Trinity and the nature of Christ.
In the early 1970s, Wierwille changed the name of his organization to The Way International (TWI). In 1975 the TWI bought the campus of what had been the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas, a small Presbyterian college that had shut down in 1973. The Way College opened in 1975 with 350 students. It closed and the campus was sold in 1989.
The movement reached its peak in about 1982 when Victor Paul Wierwille officially retired as president of TWI and selected L. Craig Martindale (b. 1948) as his successor. After his retirement, Wierwille’s health deteriorated rapidly. He died of ocular cancer on May 20, 1985, at age 68. Following his death, several former leaders of TWI leveled charges against Wierwille and TWI trustees that included accusations of extreme authoritarianism, plagiarism, false teaching, and even adultery. As a result, the group lost many followers.
Thus, L. Craig Martindale’s term as president was characterized by a drastic decline in TWI membership and internal allegations of moral laxity among members, including widespread homosexuality. He also made vast changes in the organization and replaced much of Wierwille’s materials with his own. Martindale’s tenure as president ended in 2000 when he himself was found guilty of sexual misconduct and placed on probation by the organization. He was replaced by Rev. Rosalie F. Rivenbark (b. 1940).
As a result of the scandals associated with Wierwille and Martindale, several splinter organizations were formed still teaching the concepts and doctrines of TWI. Those included: Christian Research and Fellowship of Destin Fla., founded by John Hendricks; Christian Educational Services of Indianapolis, Ind., led by Mark Graeser, John Lynn, and John Schoenheit; and Pacific West Fellowship led by Steve Sann. Also, some people adhered to Wierwille’s doctrines but did not associate directly with any specific organization.
In January 2017, Rivenbark stepped down from the TWI presidency but retained her position as Chair of the Board of Directors. Rev. Jean-Yves De Lisle (b. 1959) was installed as the fourth president. De Lisle has been on the staff of the Way International since 1988. He served on the board of directors for more than 14 years and has been involved with the ministry’s international work for more than 26 years. He is a native of Canada and became a U.S. citizen in 1998.
The governing board, originally called the Board of Trustees, is now called the Board of Directors and consists of three to five directors, with Rivenbark as Chairperson (see above). TWI is still headquartered in New Knoxville, Ohio. Household groups continue to meet in this and other countries. TWI claims as many as 100,000 followers worldwide, but that number is likely exaggerated.
Ministries associated with The Way International include American Christian Press (ACP), The Way of Abundance and Power Classes (formerly PFAL), and The Way Corps (TWI’s officially commissioned cadre of ministers and missionaries).
TWI’s key publications include The Way Magazine and books written by Victor Paul Wierwille (all published by ACP). His books included The Bible Tells Me So (1971), The New, Dynamic Church (1971), The Word’s Way (1971), Receiving the Holy Spirit Today (1972), Are the Dead Alive Now? (1973), Jesus Is Not God (1975), and God’s Magnified Word (1977). TWI’s official website is www.theway.org.
Beliefs and Practices
Authority and the Bible
The Bible, as God’s inspired and infallible Word, is regarded by TWI as “God-breathed” and perfect as originally given. The King James Version is usually quoted in TWI literature. However, Victor Paul Wierwille taught that most Hebrew and Greek texts used by Bible scholars have been distorted, and thus textual research is needed to clarify certain passages and doctrines. He depended heavily on the controversial biblical research and translations of the late Turkish-Armenian Aramaic scholar George Lamsa (1892-1975). Lamsa relied heavily on the Aramaic based Syraic Peshitta version of the New Testament. He argued that the New Testament was originally all written in Aramaic. This is the view of the Assyrian Church of the East, located mostly in Iraq, of which Lamsa was a member. He even produced his own English translation based on Aramaic called The Holy Bible from Ancient Eastern Manuscripts (commonly called the Lamsa Bible). His theories are not highly regarded by serious Bible scholars.
Victor Paul Wierwille’s interpretations, as stated in his writings, are authoritative for all TWI students. Wierwille taught an extreme dispensational interpretive method that regards only portions of the New Testament (Paul’s letters to the churches and the Book of Acts) as fully relevant to Christians. The Old Testament, the four Gospels, and Paul’s letters to individuals are regarded as Scripture, but not entirely applicable for the church age. This position, and some other of Wierwille’s strange biblical interpretations, is based on the writings of Englishman Ethelbert William Bullinger (1837-1913), an Anglican priest and ultradispensationalist theologian.
Biblical Response: The Bible is indeed God’s infallible and inerrant Word as given in the original autographs. The textual integrity of the Bible is well established; however, no one translation and no one interpreter is regarded as infallible. Many of Wierwille’s interpretations of particular passages are incorrect, and his extreme dispensationalist approach must be rejected. Both the Old and New Testaments are relevant to Christians when studied in context, utilizing sound principles of interpretation (see Luke 24:27, 44-45; 2 Tim. 3:15-17).
God Is One
Like other cults such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Oneness Pentecostals, the historic Christian understanding of God as Trinity is rejected by TWI. God is regarded as a unitary being who is the creator of the universe. The Trinity is deemed unbiblical and said to reflect the influence of pagan Roman emperors and the creeds of 4th and 5th century church councils.
Biblical Response: There is only one true God (see Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10-11). However, the doctrine of the Trinity is taught in Scripture. The church creeds affirmed the biblical teachings and did not create them. God is one in three and is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is one God in three Persons (see Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:3-14).
Jesus Christ Is Not God
TWI maintains that Jesus Christ did not actually preexist, but was only conceptually “The Word” in the foreknowledge of God. Thus, He was totally created at His miraculous physical conception. Nonetheless, He was born a perfect man whose soul was specially created by God and given “holy spirit.” Therefore, Jesus can be regarded as the “Son of God” but not “God the Son.”
TWI affirms that Jesus lived a sinless life but, in agreement with Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim He was crucified on a stake, not a cross. TWI also argues that Jesus was executed between four criminals on Wednesday, not Friday. It says he was crucified with “two thieves” on one side (see Matt. 27:38; Mark 15:27) and “two (additional) malefactors” on the other side (see Luke 23:32). They assert that Jesus was resurrected physically on Saturday (not Sunday).
Biblical Response: Jesus is the eternal, preexistent Word of God. He is the second Person of the Holy Trinity. He was, is, and always shall be God. In His earthly life, Jesus had two natures: human and divine. He lived a perfect sinless life, and was crucified on a Roman cross between two thieves (i.e. malefactors) as a substitutionary atonement for mankind’s sin. Jesus rose from the dead physically on the third day (the first day of the week: Sunday [the Lord’s Day]), and ascended to heaven (see John 1:1-18; 5:17-18; 8:56-59; 10:30-33; 17:5; Col. 1:15-17; 2:9).
Holy Spirit and “holy spirit”
The term “holy spirit” (hagios pneuma) is used in two distinct ways in Scripture according to TWI. Holy Spirit (capital letters in TWI literature) is merely a synonym for God. It is a name of God describing His nature as Spirit (see John 4:24). The other use of the term “holy spirit” (not capitalized in TWI literature) refers to the gift of God given to believers by the Holy Spirit. It is the power of God given on the inside of the believer but manifested on the outside by speaking in tongues (SIT).
Biblical Response: The New Testament indicates that the Holy Spirit is both a person and fully God. He is capable of speaking, teaching, grieving, and being lied to (but not being fooled). There is no distinction made between “Holy Spirit” and “holy spirit” as maintained by TWI (see Matt. 12:31-32; 28:19; Mark 3:29; Luke 12:12; John 14-16; Acts 5:3-10; 13:2-4; Rom. 8:4, 26-27; 1 Cor. 12:11; Eph. 2:18-19; 4:30; 5:18-21).
Mankind’s Problem: Lost “Spirit”
According to TWI, mankind consists of a three-fold nature: body, soul, and spirit. God created Adam with a body and soul (mind), to which He added spirit. This is the essence of the image of God. Adam lost “spirit” when he sought knowledge through the soul.
Jesus thus made a legal transaction to redeem mankind from Satan by taking the sins of the world upon Himself at His crucifixion. This made “holy spirit” available to mankind by believing in Jesus Christ (see Acts 2:38).
Biblical Response: All have sinned and are lost without Christ (see Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Jesus’ death on the cross was a substitutionary atonement to pay fully the debt of sin (see Rom. 4:25; 1 Pet. 3:18). Only by putting one’s faith in Christ alone and receiving Him as Savior and Lord can a person be saved (see Eph. 2:8-9).
No Need for Water Baptism
TWI teaches that water baptism is not needed in the church era. That was for Israel only and ended with John the Baptist and at Pentecost. The reference to baptism and the Trinity in Matthew 28:18-19, TWI claims, was probably not in the original text. Other references in the New Testament to baptism are likewise rejected.
Biblical Response: Water baptism is a symbol of the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the act of Christian initiation into the body of Christ (see Acts 8:12, 36-39; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 2:12). All credible biblical scholars agree that the textual integrity of Matthew 28:18, 19 is fully affirmed.
The New Birth and a Renewed Mind
TWI says that the new birth initially comes by verbal confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. A person “renews” their mind for abundant life, however, only by taking TWI’s “Way of Abundance and Power” class. The sign of the renewed mind for all believers, according to TWI, is the nine manifestations of the gifts of holy spirit as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
TWI states that the primary and necessary expression of holy spirit manifestation is speaking in tongues (SIT). Only by verbally speaking in tongues can one see outward, visible proof of the inward power of holy spirit. SIT is not a spontaneous experience. Students are taught a specific technique for speaking in tongues during The Way of Abundance and Power classes. All TWI students are expected to demonstrate the ability to SIT before graduating.
Biblical Response: TWI’s two-stage concept of redemption is without biblical support. One is fully born again by trusting in Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and Lord, and receiving salvation by grace through faith alone (see Eph. 2:8-9). At that moment, our sins are forgiven, we are saved from our sins, and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us to empower us for living the Christian life. There is no indication that speaking in tongues, or any other outward sign, is necessary to confirm the Spirit’s presence. The Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes His various gifts as He wills to all members to minister to the whole body of Christ (the church) (see Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12-14; Eph. 4:11).
The Dead Are Now Asleep
TWI maintains, as do Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists, that there is no conscious existence after death. When believers die, they do not go immediately to be with God or Jesus. Rather, they await the future resurrection when their bodies, souls, and spirits will be reunited to live again.
Biblical Response: At death, believers in Christ maintain a conscious relationship with Him while awaiting the resurrection (see Matt. 22:32; Luke 16:22-23; 23:43; John 11:26; 2 Cor. 5:8; 12:2-4; Phil. 1:23-24; 1 Thess. 4:14; 5:10).
Organization: The Way Tree
TWI is organized along the lines of the metaphor of a tree. A small cell-group fellowship of followers used to be termed “Twigs.” Now they are referred to simply as Household Fellowships and are led by experienced elders. The local Twig association was a “Branch,” and a state association of Branches was a “Limb.” All the Limbs in a specific country comprised a national “Trunk.” Individual members were called “leaves” but are now designated as disciples.
All policies and doctrinal positions are transmitted from the Board of Directors through the various levels of authority to local fellowships. All leaders are appointed by various levels of authority and approved by the leadership.
Biblical Response: TWI’s centralized and authoritarian system of organization contrasts to the locally led and based churches of the New Testament. No one leader or leaders since apostolic times can claim exclusive authority over local congregations of believers. The biblical model for church structure is the body of Christ. Jesus referred to Himself metaphorically as the vine, and His followers as the branches who produce good fruit (John 15:1-8).
Conclusion
The Way International is a shell of what it was during the lifetime of Victor Paul Wierwille. It has shrunk in size and, as often is the case in cults when the original leader dies, splintered into various rival movements. All of the various groups claim to hold the true legacy of Wierwille’s teachings. That being said, it is possible that we may encounter people in TWI or one of its progeny. In those cases we should be ready to witness to them using the following principles.
1. Study the beliefs and practices of The Way International and Victor Paul Wierwille in order to communicate intelligently with those involved in it.
2. Determine the level of involvement of the person in TWI. Have they been through The Way of Abundance and Power class? Are they involved in a household fellowship? Are they in some position of TWI leadership?
3. Define all terms carefully. TWI members often use Christian terms but have different meanings. For example, when they talk about Jesus as “the Son of God,” they do not mean “God the Son.”
4. Seek to build personal relationships and sincere friendships with those in TWI. Remember, patience is a key ingredient.
5. Avoid arguments, and let love be your true motive for witness.
6. Share your personal testimony of God’s grace and assurance in your life. Tell what Jesus means to you personally.
7. Affirm the reliability of the biblical texts. Use a modern and reliable translation of the Bible in your discussion and check all passages for correct context.
8. Focus your discussion on the essential biblical issues including the nature of the Godhead (the Trinity), the deity and saving work of Jesus Christ, and the basics of the gospel message.
9. Pray and trust the Holy Spirit to lead in your witness encounter.
© 2018 Tal Davis
I love Dr Wierwille, you sure know how to twist things, your post tell nothing of the Miracles. Blessing, fantastic knowledge of Gods Word The Way Ministy teaches. You are the one to be looked at with disdain. The Way saved My life. Stay Bitter, Ignorant. Your Site is Truly Pathetic.
Tim:
Thank you for commenting. How exactly have we twisted things? The facts about Wierwille and the Way International are well known. It does not matter what “miracles” occurred (can you be specific?) if the teachings of Wierwille and the Way are unbiblical.
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. With that said in the 45 years of my journey with the Lord Jesus I must say much of the people God introduce me to we’re very much his children ..in my opinion of course. Agape is what I remember most and the HOW on studying and researching the Bible for myself. My growth is on me not them. I was involved for 11 wonderful yrs . and yes I have relearned some truths ..its called growing in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah.
Ok:
Thanks for commenting. You said you were in the Way for 11 years and learned some things. Does that mean you are in agreement with that organization’s unorthodox views on the Deity of Christ? The way International absolutely denies that most important of Christian doctrines (John 1:1-18; Phil. 2:6-11; Col. 1:15-20; 2:9: Titus 2:13; etc.).
Tal Davis
Jesus Christ certainly is not God, he is the only begotten son of God, He is our Lord and saviour by whose sacrifice we are saved. That’s the core and foundation of the Christianson. John 17: 1 – 6; 1co.4:1-6; 1 Co. 11:1-3.
Kitoko:
Thank you for your message. The term “only begotten” is unfortunately not the best translation of the Greek “monogenes” as in John 1:14,18; 3:16,18; and Heb. 11:17. The best translation is “One and Only”. In any case, the fact that Jesus was the incarnation of God is a clear teaching of the New Testament. We have numerous pages on our website that establish that fact. I could quote numerous texts to prove that fact. You can read our articles on Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostalism, and the Way International to find the biblical evidence for the Deity of Christ and the Trinity. By the way, what do you mean by “Christianson”? Did you mean “Christian son”?
–Tal Davis
Shabbat Shalom Ok Graves, you appear to have “a right spirit and renewed heart,” so I would encourage you to continue in the love of Yeshua HaMashiach. It is incredibly important to recognize that daily growth is of HaShem (Hebrew for “The Name”) and vital to the life of all True Believers. I ministered in the Christian faith for many, many years, but I too “relearned” some truths. We are not to place our faith in “any” man but depend on the leading and guiding of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and allow the “author” of scripture be your teacher. A man that I respect as a true scholar taught me that “you have to know how to eat chicken!” Simply stated, don’t be afraid to check out what folks say, but do like you were eating chicken…eat the meat and throw away the bones. There may only be a bite or two of chicken with a whole lot of bones, but the discovery is usually worth the effort. I pray to the God of Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’akov (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) that he continues to bless you and grow you! Baruch Haba Bashem Adonai (Blessed is he who comes in the name of The Lord)
Watchman Mark:
Thank you for commenting. I noticed you use Hebrew transliterations referring to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and in other phrases. I am curious why you do that. Are you a Jewish believer in Christ? Also, who is the “true scholar” you referred to about eating chicken? I would like to read some of his material. Was it Victor Paul Wierwille or someone associated with him? I am asking because your comment is attached to an article about the Way International.
–Tal Davis
Hola es muy evidente que erais ignorando las escrituras y el poder de Dios.
Todos los que son trinitarios tendrían que rendir culto al Papá de Roma, por que ellos la fundaron en una eregia unitaria y sino fíjense que retiraron de sus nuevas biblias 1 de Juan 5:7
Translation: Hello it is very evident that you err ignoring the scriptures and the
> power of God. All those who are Trinitarians would have to worship the
> Father of Rome, because they founded it on a unitary eregia and if not,
> they removed from their new bibles 1 John 5: 7
Sulfito2003:
I am not sure why you think we have to worship the Pope to believe in the Trinity. That doctrine is derived from a the Bible and was believed long before there were any Popes. I am not sure what your point is regarding 1 John 5:7. A portion of that verse and verse 8 that was in the King James Version was not found in any of the best ancient New Testament manuscripts. So, yes, nearly all new translations omit it or put in the margin. I know of no serious Bible scholars who rely on that passage to confirm the Trinity doctrine. There are dozens of better ones.
Tal Davis
Hypocrisy abounds. The author states:
Biblical Response: The Bible is indeed God’s infallible and inerrant Word as given in the original autographs. The textual integrity of the Bible is well established; however, no one translation and no one interpreter is regarded as infallible.
Then the author continues to use a “personal view” of a counter in the same body of text.
My one question to the author…is the written word of God the authority, or does one need an “enlightened” guide to understand the intricacies of our modern “bible”?
Mr. Martin:
I am afraid I don’t understand your point. We affirm the Bible is the inspired Word of God. What “‘personal view’ of a counter in the same body of text” are referring to? What does that even mean? In answer to your question, we do not “need an ‘enlightened’ guide to understand the intricacies of our modern ‘bible'”, as you put it. That is precisely our point. Victor Paul Wierwille was the one who arrogantly and falsely claimed to be “enlightened” to determine the real interpretations of the Bible, despite the fact that nearly all Bible scholars throughout the history of Christianity disagreed with him.
–Tal Davis
John 1:9-14 That (Yeshua/Jesus) was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Whatever happened to “love your enemy”? All you’ve done is prove this article correct with your hauty, belittling insults. Wishing evil on others is not “doing the Word” according to 1Cor 13 “render not evil for evil”. Who taught you that it was ok to be so mean?
Mr. Kelley:
Thank you four comments. First of all, we are not trying to be mean. What we do is out of love not disdain. We do what Jesus and the Bible writers told us when they said we should be discerning. We want people
Jesus cared for all people, but that did not mean He was unconcerned about what people believed. He constantly warned His disciples to beware of counterfeit messiahs, prophets and teachers who would seek to mislead them from the truth. He even called them wolves in sheep’s clothing.
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matt. 7:15 NASB)
And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many..'”
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.” (24:4-5, 23-26 NASB; see also Mark 13:5-23; Luke 17: 23-27)
Paul warned his Roman readers not to be deceived by those proclaiming and doing things “contrary to the teaching which you learned….”
Paul commended the Roman believers for their faith in the midst of strife in that great city. Nonetheless, he warned them not to be misled by false teachers who were distorting the doctrines they had learned.
“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” (Rom. 16:17-18 NASB)
Still today, Christians must be ever vigilant not to be deceived by the “smooth and flattering speech” of false teachers.
Paul warned the Corinthians of “another Jesus,” a “different spirit,” or “ a different gospel.” The Corinthian church had a reputation of tolerating unsound doctrines and practices which had split the fellowship. Paul warned them about following counterfeits. Some teachers were proclaiming false ideas about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit, and distorted versions about the way of salvation of grace through faith. Paul goes so far as to accuse the false teaches of being disguised agents of Satan.
“For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” (2 Cor. 11:4-6, 13-15 NASB)
Paul warned the Galatians about following the Judaizer’s “different gospel,” even if it was preached to them by himself or an angel. Paul delivered one of his harshest rebukes against the believers in the area of Galatia. They had apparently abandoned the sound teaching he had given them concerning the free gift of salvation by grace through faith. They were now embracing the teachings of legalistic Judaizers who convinced them that to be saved they had to first be circumcised as Jews. Paul reminded them that salvation is entirely by grace. It is the overarching theme of the letter. He told them in no uncertain terms, as a true Apostle of God, that anyone teaching a false gospel (even if it was he himself or an angel) was accursed.
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” (Gal. 1:6-9 NASB)
Paul’s stern warning is just as valid now as in the first century. Many teachers of false gospels fill the airways, write books, and speak in vast halls around the world. They should take careful notice of Paul’s assertion that they are accursed, and Christians should avoid them like the plague.
Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians as a polemic against incipient Greek Gnostic philosophy. The pagan philosophy of Gnosticism was beginning to creep into the teachings of some churches of the first century (it later became much worse). Paul warned the Colossians not to fall into the trap of “secret knowledge” philosophy that the Gnostics proclaimed. He reminded them that Jesus had completely provided their salvation and that he was superior to all powers that may exist, spiritual or physical.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” (Col. 2:8-15 NASB)
Paul instructed Timothy to silence and correct those in Ephesus who were teaching “strange doctrines.”
“As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.” (1 Tim. 1:3-4 NASB)
Paul also encouraged Timothy to preach the gospel faithfully and to beware of those who would turn from the truth to follow unsound teachers and doctrines.
“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” (2 Tim. 4:1-4 NASB)
Peter wrote to believers in the churches in Asia Minor most of whom were probably converts from paganism. He warned of false prophets and teachers among them who would introduce “destructive heresies.” “Heresies” referred to doctrines that were out of line with authentic Apostolic teaching.
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment.” (2 Pet. 2:1-4 NASB)
Today, many unorthodox groups teach doctrines that deviate seriously from sound biblical theology. For example, the Oneness Pentecostal churches teach that all of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are contained in the one person of Jesus only.
John called apostates “liars” and “antichrist” because they denied that Christ came in the flesh. Apparently John’s readers were being influenced by a heretical teaching that Jesus only appeared to be in the flesh but was really only spirit. The historic teaching is that He was both Man and God incarnate (in flesh).
“Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.” (1 John 2:18-23 NASB)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them.” (1 John 4:1-5 NASB)
John also warned believers not to support or give aid to the false teachers mentioned above. By supporting them either financially, or even allowing them to lodge at their homes, they were participating in their evil deeds.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.” (2 John 7-11 NASB)
James encouraged his readers to help those who have strayed to turn back the truth.
“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20 NASB)
Unfortunately, some Christians have been deceived intro joining cults or abandoning their faith. In those cases, we should do what we can, with God’s help, to draw them back to the true God and Christ.
Finally, Jude encouraged his readers to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered,” and warned them against those who distorted graced and denied “our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3-4 NASB)
I hope these passages help you understand why we see our work as so important in the Kingdom of God.Now, as in biblical times, false teachers abound and need to be called to correction.
–Tal Davis
you can publish my email address ..I have nothing to hide…doesn’t mean you will get and answer because I don’t want to spend my life arguing…Tal I have a challenge believing anything you say..even your name….you come from denominational (division) so-called Christianity…and it is a cruel religious circle ..nothing unusual there..your a major cause for division in the body of Christ..you have plenty of company…I always thought there was one Lord..one body….one ??/ guess you know better ..I should have realized you were seated at the right hand of God
Tim…you certainly told the truth that time….this site is Truly Pathetic…..
I was raised in TWI. My parents were heavily involved. This cult destroyed my family, and my life. The amount of bitterness and anger glaring through your writing shows why you’re involved in this group to begin with.
I hope that more folks start waking up, and realize what’s really going on.
I agree, in 1978 while in the USN, a small group of people were heavily involved with the WAY PROGRAM. I had a buddy who was a big party guy and he got involved and was NEVER the same. He was like a zombie.
I have fellowshipped with the Way for about 50 years. I was attracted to the ministry’s clear and straightforward teaching of the Bible. I believe that, even at this time, the Way’s teaching of the Bible is the most accurate teaching of the Bible. Because I have tried my best to line up my thinking and actions with God’s written Word, my life has been greatly enriched.
Richard:
Thank you for your comments. You are apparently satisfied with how the Way interprets the Bible. Just keep in mind that it is in full contradiction to the exegesis of the Scriptures by nearly every evangelical scholar in the world. I pray you will reconsider your devotion to that unorthodox belief system.
Tal Davis
I totally agree with you.
That is ABSOLUTELY correct!!!!!
Tim, what you say may be true for you, but as a former “member,” Way Corps(e), and involved from 1974 through 1986, I must tell you there is another whole side to this coin. If you choose, go here, and see what you may have inadvertently avoided.Perhaps Providential. Your call. I would like to point out that we were ultradispensationalist, and did ignore, to our shame, the Gospels. There is much more to look at. Thanks, Tim!
https://www.greasespotcafe.com/ipb/
your a slanderer …a professional liar and it is difficult for me to say anything good about you..don’t you have anything better to do in your life….
William, we’re sorry you feel this way, but what are you even talking about? Your comment is pretty random and we have no idea what you are referring to. Is this about something in the article you don’t like? An insult is not an argument, and a random comment is not a discussion. Here you are calling someone a slanderer using slanderous language. Do you care to elaborate?
Thank you for telling the truth. It is not biblical. The way teaches false doctrine and is more of a cult . thank you again. I pray yhat the people that believe the untruths they’ve been taught would listen with their spirit what the HOLY SPIRIT would say.in Jesus name.
ok Freddy ..here is a random for you..don’t you have anything better to do in your life either..got off this site and get to work…your also causing trouble in the body of Christ …
William, looks to me like your insults are doing exactly what you are accusing us of doing. You can’t have it both ways.
Thank you for sharing the update. I can vouch for the facts shared being true, and for The Way’s status as a non-Christian cult. I grew up in The Way and became a Christian two years ago. I’d like to add that sexual abuse of women, especially in The Way Corps program, still runs rampant, as does infidelity and cover-ups of suicide.
Way kid:
Thanks for your confirmation.
Tal Davis
My 80 yr old mother has been a member of the way for 30 years now. She refuses to consider any other teachings. She lives alone and is now being haunted by demon’s. I’ve tried to help her understand the trinity now she thinks I’m evil and causing these demon’s to come into her home. Krdavies999@aol.com
wow! I left The Way Ministry after 10 years in 1987. I still appreciate the knowledge I received, and how we were taught to research the bible. I felt the way the members would reprove people was wrong. It became to religious for me. Before fellowshipping with The Way, I was raised a Mormon. The Way was a ray of sunshine after that. I regret none of my years with The Way.
I work with a married couple who are involved in The Way International, although they won’t officially say they are. I find it interesting that they go out of their way to conceal their background. After doing extensive research, I connected them to the cult. My interactions, specifically with the husband, has been extremely disturbing for two significant reasons. The first is their implicit view that they have fellowship with me (a Trinitarian). I would like to go on the record to say that I have no fellowship with people who deny the Trinity. Second is the creepy way the husband flirts with me. I recently discovered that the cult embraced fornication and adultery. He is also extremely vulgar when he talks to me. By the same token he reserves the right to vocalize his “love for the Father,” and how he always “listens to God’s voice” so he knows what his “will” is. He gives me the creeps. Above all, he is incredibly arrogant. He reminds me of the quintessential cult leader. I struggle every day to stay away from him. Scripture clearly tells us to keep our distance from these heretical folks.
I grew up in the way, my parents, grandparents and great grandparents were a part of the ministry. Truthfully I don’t remember much as my family left about the time I was 7 or 8 which was the late 90s. I have heard a lot of stories. From my understanding The Way helped a lot of people who have since left and those people have taken the things they had learned and pair that with a need to find the God Breathed Truth and are now some of the best biblical scholars that I know. That being said I know of the sexual misconduct and drug use that ran rampant and personally know a lot of people who have life long scars from the terrible things that happened to them and that is completely inexcusable. For me I am still seeking the truth, Since leaving, we (my family) joined and church and home fellowship of ex-wayfers that taught the same/similar doctrine. Now that I am 27 I am trying to seek the whole truth Especially when it comes to the Trinity and have chosen to find another church to help me find that truth. For those on here throwing hate at the author I ask you to take a deeper look inward and ask truly what Jesus would do. And God, he is love and the words coming from your mouth do no exemplify love. I don’t care what ministry you come from that is not of the Papa God I have come to know and love!
I am glad you are investigating more about the Trinity. Regardless of what the Way International and other unitarian movements say, It and the Deity of Christ are the most important doctrines of the Christian faith. I hope you will find a church where the truth of the Incarnation is paramount.
–Tal Davis
The trinity is idolatry. It was incorporated into Christianity to convert polytheists. You cannot say that someone who sins was not inspired by God just because you don’t agree with their beliefs about His word. Is there no one in your organization who is guilty of adultery. By the looks of your staffs pictures you may have some pedos in your ranks.
Tom:
Thank you for your comments. Your allegation that the Trinity was only to try and convert polytheists is an old argument that has been refuted long ago by church historians. Also, I do not “say that someone (I assume you mean Victor Paul Wierwille) who sins was not inspired by God just because you don’t agree with their beliefs about His word.” I do not consider him inspired because his Biblical interpretations and doctrines are wrong, regardless of his moral actions.
Well spoken Tom. The trinity is unbiblical. Jesus, Peter, and Paul each state that Jesus has a God. Scripture states this quite plainly.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:3
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
John 20:17
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and TO MY GOD and your God.
1 Cor 15 says Jesus is going to be made subject to God at the end.
26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.”[c] Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
And in the garden before his capture to whom was Jesus praying to? To whom did he say, “take this cup from my hand”? And he said–“not my will, but thy will be done”. That is two different wills.
Jesus said, “why do you call me good, there is only one that is good and that is God”.
No trinitarian can explain these things.
Chris:
We can play the game of my verses against your verses, while ignoring the contexts. But I would rather not. I’ll just respond by saying none of the ones you quote contradicts Trinitarian theology when properly exegeted.
–Tal Davis
Tal…your not being honest once again…Chris did quote some very correct verses and you know it..your another splinter
Mr. Ziarnko:
My name as it appears on my birth certificate is Joseph Talmadge Davis. “Tal” is the nickname my parents gave me to make it easier to say. So, even if you don’t believe anything else I say, you can at least believe that.
—Tal Davis
No it is not. I encourage you to read the gospel of John in its entirety. In it you will find that Jesus is indeed God, the uncreated creator and the second person of the Triune God. It’s all in Scripture. It’s not up for interpretation. It’s a fact.
One thing we should all agree on is God is supernatural which should give us all grave concern on abiding in his Love!
This org. Hurt a lot of it’s members, it was good at one time sort of. If your in get out get a life, if you are out but having emotional problems, get help.
My stepsister lured me to a meeting with the promise of a shopping trip to Chicago. We stopped in Rockford and I was stuck there for 12 hours with no food or drink. Couldn’t go to the bathroom alone. It was freezing outside and I had no money to get home. Luckily my brother in law stopped the nonsense because I was getting ready to start tearing the place down. I made my step sister buy me pizza then never talked to her again. They yammered on for hours about how the trinity was false, five people on Calvary, and something about how abortion is ok because a fetus is a “pneuma hagion “, whatever that is.
I took the classes (before I was spirited off to Rockford) and spoke in tongues. I will say Wierville was incredibly persuasive and charismatic. I liked the classes. Then they started pushing me for money which as a kid I had none. They used to pass around a “horn of plenty” and say those with money put in, and those with none take out, so I did and got nagged at for at least an hour. Weird people. No holidays, you get a stupid ho ho party instead. They also seemed anti semetic.
It’s quite clear that Christians are to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph 4:3). A real paradox because I see division everywhere in Christianity. But in fairness I also see it in every special interest group I’m associated with. People form identities around their beliefs and are compelled to defend them as they would themselves. A human tribal thing — perhaps a shadow legacy of the old man nature.
Here’s an unpopular alternate perspective:
Logically, no two people can be exactly aligned with all doctrinal beliefs because #1 there is no one original manuscript for biblical texts, #2 our understanding can and should change through study, and #3 everyone is at different stages incorporating beliefs.
One who has realized truth has also realized the simultaneous value and valuelessness of beliefs. Beliefs can unite communities for good but can also divide groups to impart evil on each other. The spiritual person doesn’t engage in doctrinal battles because all doctrines are essentially imperfect. No doctrine can accurately model God or truth, we cannot hope to hold the immensity and awesomeness of God in our minds as a belief or concept. The 2nd commandment points to this — no man made physical or mental image of God is God.
The freedom of a spiritual person also means they allow others the freedom to believe what they want. People have the right to be wrong, and the spiritual person isn’t interested in judging people for their beliefs. They are interested in helping people that are looking for assistance in their lives.
CG:
Thanks for your comments. I am trying to decipher what you are asserting. Are you saying that since we do not possess the original Biblical manuscripts that people are free to accept whatever they choose to believe? Actually scholars are certain to within 99% what the original New Testament autographs said. Those verses still disputed are of no real theological consequence. So if Christians disagree on theology it is not because they disagree over the text of the Bible, only over interpretations. In any case, historic Christian churches and denominations do agree on the basic essential beliefs of the faith (next paragraph).
And yes, people’s beliefs on secondary doctrinal tenets can change over time. However, the essential teachings of the historic Christian faith are not mutable. Concepts about the nature of God (Trinity), the deity/humanity and work of Jesus Christ (his death and resurrection), and the person and work of the Holy Spirit are not negotiable.
As far as knowing about God, it is true we cannot fathom all that He is since he is infinite and eternal. That is why the we must depend on His revelation of Himself to us in Scripture to determine who and what He is. The ultimate revelation is in the Person of Jesus Christ who is God incarnate (John 1:1-18; Col. 1:15-20: Phil. 2:6-11; Hebrews 1).
–Tal Davis
Hello Tal,
Excellent summary of The Way’s history & beliefs.
I was in The Way for 28 years, 1977-2005. I spent time in The Way Corps & as a WOW Ambassador & oversaw/helped oversee Way fellowships for over 15 years.
About 5 years after leaving The Way & after investigating various scriptural interpretations, I landed in the agnostic camp. Currently I’m not much interested in various takes on the scriptures.
I’m posting here to offer a link to my story in case anyone would find it helpful.
Link: https://tossandripple.blogspot.com/2009/04/seeking-life-along-way.html
As I state in the Introduction, “I hope the narrative gives a glimpse (1) of some of the reasons folks join ‘cults’ or similar groups, (2) of consequences that can result from following authoritarian and elitist groups, and (3) that even decades-long true-believers can change.”
Carol:
Thank you for your comments. I am sorry, however, that you “landed in the agnostic camp.” It seems too often when people have gotten a distorted view of the Scriptures, as in The Way International or other unorthodox cults, they have a difficult time ever finding their way to the sound truth of historic Christianity. I pray you will continue your investigation by reading books by authentic Christian authors who are committed to the true Gospel. Here are few of them I would recommend: Freddy and Tal Davis (naturally); C. S. Lewis; Timothy Keller; William Lane Craig; Michael Licona; Gary Habermas; and Robert Bowman.
Tal Davis
Hey again,
Thank you Tal for your response & the author suggestions. [I got a smile from “(naturally)”. 😀 ]
I have saved the names of the authors which I may look up at some point, though I am familiar with C.S. Lewis & William Lane Craig.
Thank you again for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Its incredibly strange at the inner feeling I’m having as decades later after leaving TWI 1993 -2000.. as a very young adult with new wife and new born only having the beginning PFAL class at the time .. moving across country to be undersheapard .. I’ve never moved so many time in my life ..been so broke and under so much pressure as those yrs.. absolutely ZERO abundance and power.. just inner will and yoked to the plow .. and a constant microscope up our A@#s.. then after yrs of “high octane” toil and hardship..of live.. eat.. breath.. sleep. the word of God.. poooufff the “house of cards” and “grease spot by midnight” vanished into legend.. no answers no contact no more fellowship just dust in the wind .. all those “rocks of the word” meaning leadership fell like cordwood ironically the one’s that made it through the nation wide Way corps purge just prior to the whole thing falling apart .. I could go on for pages and pages at the injustices unleashed as anyone else who was there could as well but I will spare you all .. it took a few yrs to find ourselves again ..Ironically we became a much stronger people (in ways) and truly made a bond with some of the people that were so close with us back then ( who also are no loner apart of TWI ).. which we recently started connecting with after decades .. we are infinite beings having a human experience.. keep it in perspective ..all the best
Thanks for your comments LC. You didn’t say so, but I do hope that you did not abandon all faith because of the errors and abuse of the Way International. I hope you have found the real peace and truth that is in a relationship with the real Triune God of the New Testament through Jesus Christ (God the Son) as your Lord and Savior.
–Tal Davis
No I’m not religious in the scene of the bible ( although I’m not at all opposed to being inspired by its words)..i keep things super simple in my life ..i can love people without the bible its super easy to do .. i can Move on and Forgive two great keys to cleaning the trash out of ones self’s life.. while keeping your vibration high and living without the added weigh/burden.. or without having to agree with ones ignorance..( including my own at times lol ) i flow with what resonates with me ( I can take bits from many different cultures and thought without being chained to a certain frame work or boundary ).. I’m very much into studying NDE experiences those that have broken through the vail ( dying from
a car crash heart attack ect ect ect .. having a life changing experience with the light and bringing back a message or messages from the light or source ect ..) there are thousands and thousands of people world wide who have had these experiences who are now coming forth because of technology to be able to put out there for people to gain hope and understanding and love.. anyway we are all part of source ( God ) literally and all have a roll to play in incarnating on this 3d plane called earth.. all the best ..
LC:
Thanks again for your comments. If you don’t mind me saying so, you seem confused and disoriented. Why not put your faith in the One who is a solid anchor upon which to build your life, that is Jesus Christ. This week, we celebrate the historic fact of His resurrection from the dead, the bedrock of the Christian faith (1 Cor. 15). He is the only One who can provide the assurance of a life worth living and of life eternal. I don’t know where you have gotten your strange ideas (“3rd plane called earth”), but why not stay with the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
–Tal Davis
LOL.. no worries Tal.. I’m very solid in my beliefs but i appreciate your
gesture .. even though your view seems a-miss ( but its your view so I’m good).. maybe you could clarify ? as i’m not sure what strange ideas your referring to ? 3D plane..? even though you wrote “3rd” possibly by accident …If so.. yes we live in a 3D physical realm.. there’s nothing strange about physical life that i am aware of..? after all thats a part of what we are is it not ? “body” soul spirit? with the incarnation of life upon this earth ? are we not to walking in love ? or with forgiveness? or applying beneficial principles from all walks of life or cultures.. (is not the bible an eastern book? to you who is in the west? or being literally part of God and Source ? again maybe you can enlighten me to what strange confused or disoriented thing it is I’ve so missed ..?
LC:
Sorry, I mistakenly read your “3d plane” as “3rd plane”. Nonetheless I am still having a difficult time making sense of your messages. I am curious about your fascination with NDEs. I saw an interesting article on the Discovery Institute about those today. Here it is: https://evolutionnews.org/2024/03/a-philosopher-investigates-near-death-experiences/.
–Tal Davis
No worries understood .. Well at least this time Tal your the one having the difficult time.. rather then implying I’m the one confused and disoriented Haha ( just busting on you gently were making progress i think 🙂 what part of my messages are so difficult to understand ? and maybe i can clarify.. ( even though i thought it was all pretty clear Lol ) anyway if i had to guess i would say it is possibly yrs of your biblical lingo of being around the same type of people who also speak with the same lingo/buzz words ect ect.. It was quite prevalent in The Way and many many other religious organizations as well ..not saying its the case for you or that it is a negative thing but just that you can get extremely used to one type of terminology and anything outside that framework can cause tension or as you say difficulty “make scene of” because you’ve work so hard at trying to define your life within your organization .. ( and yes i understand around the bible ) As far as the NDEs i would recommend listening from those who actually died and returned ( straight from the horses mouth ).. and ones that resonate with you.. there are now hundreds of videos available just type in NDE plane crash car crash or NDE heart attack or NDE drowning i will type out a few next post for you if you would like .. Im sure your extremely busy studying the Word ( bible) I sure know i was in The Way..but just pick away at it watch a video once or twice a week for educational reasons if you feel so inclined.. my view is NDEs explain so so so much more beyond the vail then what you could ever get out of the bible anyway all the best ..
As another follow up to your “difficulty making scene” comment on the 27th .. My March 26th post was a basic bullet point of the March 24th post.. I live simple I walk in love .. I forgive.. I enjoy other cultural principles.. I am one with Source . I put question ” ? ” marks after each statement in an attempt to ask you whats strange confusing and disorienting about those statements ? and also that enjoy watching hearing NDEs … btw NDE “life reviews” is another great source to type in as well .. all the best
LC:
And this will be my last question. What exactly is “Source”?
–Tal Davis
“Source” is a non religious Human term that encompasses what you would refer to as God.. (There are many other names as well..) i just like using the word “Source”.. as do many NDEers It eliminates any skewed version religious people have place upon the word “God” or that non religious people have of the word “God” ( from awful religious stigmas duly deserved ) .. the word “Source” in my view allows for all possibilities any culture or civilization to find a link or common ground without implying that only they have the “True” word “God”.. with that said i also enjoy the redemptive names of
Source or God………as “Creator” “Life Giver” ect ect ect
Btw from every NDE account I’ve ever heard God doesn’t care what you call him ( he’s pretty solid in himself Lol ) love is the key .. all the best
LC:
Okay. I get it. The reason I asked is that adherents of Scientology refer to the writings of their founder, L. Ron Hubbard, as “Source”. They consider his writing and lectures as virtually like scripture. I just wanted to make sure you were not apart of that group, which I assume you are not. Anyway, this will be my last comment to you.
–Tal Davis
Understood .. breath deep ( be open to) the gift of life for its journey shall expand your soul .. all the best
Hello there,
I am here trying to find out information about Christian Research and Fellowship w/Rev. Hendricks and his daughter Rochelle, I have found that they are loosely connected w/TWI at the least, but I fear it may be more connected than I think. I find it weird that there is no website or place to go for information on this church as with others, so I am searching in all places that I can to find out their beliefs, doctrine, etc.
My boyfriend introduced them to me, and we have had some pretty intense conversations about the Trinity and speaking in tongues, thank God we both have given each other grace to continue to research the word and seek answers from the Lord but it can be a tense conversation at times when one or the other of us find evidence to our belief in the word.
I did read Easy to Believe and take their first introductory class at the request of my boyfriend, and it was enlightening but it is hard to remember all the things that were said as you aren’t allowed to take notes or ask questions during the hours of information given when you take the class, and it has very strict times for breaks and start and stop times as well, it has a super weird structure. Also the final class where they expect you to speak in tongues is very anxiety provoking, I have been a Christian my whole life and I don’t speak in tongues, my mother does, I grew up around it, I’m very comfortable with it, but during that time of “speak it and prove you are saved” was kind of weird for sure, I was even questioned by a woman in attendance as to why I didn’t do it when expected, I just looked at her and moved on in conversation. Also, I didn’t find the class to be an example of how Christ would want to bring people to the faith, I mean I have a foundation of belief so I had something to draw from, but someone brand new to the faith, I could see why people turn away. They didn’t really convey love and openness, new believers have so many questions and those who aren’t new believers who hear what they believe, they have to think are going to ask questions as they have been taught something so different their entire lives…I don’t know the whole experience was very weird.
On occasion we also listen to the tapes from Rev. Hendricks and his daughter Rochelle and very rarely I do actually hear a teaching from Dr. Wierwille (sorry if spelled wrong) and there are good biblical truths in there but sometimes some of the things said just don’t sit right in my spirit, so anyways I say all this to say is there any more information on this Church, why is it so secretive, what are their core beliefs/doctrines and how connected to TWI are they?
Sorry so long, thank you for any information you can give
MC:
I don’t have any information on the specific group you described in your comments, Christian Research and Fellowship. However, it has all the marks of an offshoot of the Way International cult. Denial of the trinity, the classes you take, and the expectation that you must speak in tongues are classic TWI concepts. If you want my advice, you should immediately stop attending those classes and find a more sound evangelical church and Bible study to attend. If your boyfriend insists you go with him, you may need to consider breaking up. This is not a sound biblical group.
—Tal Davis