skyrider

Whether twi's bod ever offers any whiff of an apology.......matters not one whit to me. And, even though Craig, Don and Howard conspired to frame my decision to exit twi with a forceful character assassination at a corps meeting. They sure didn't want a limb coordinator turning the whole state against them. Craig.......ousted and irrelevant. Don.........dead. Howard......old and retired. For me, I've moved on and received hundreds of blessings hence. Life is good again and any spineless apology from twi, without godly sorrow, true repentance and a change of direction......pppppfffffftttt. The bottom line is.............they are servants of corruption. 2Pe 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2Pe 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 2Pe 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 2Pe 2:19 While they promise them liberty, THEY THEMSELVES ARE THE SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

manifest destiny = destined to expand ......but at what cost? Although wierwille taught us "the blueprint" of the first century church and how twi was patterned after that model....I just don't see it. The Apostle Paul didn't sit at Jerusalem mandating that the abundant sharing all funnel into his treasury department for his allocation of funds? Wierwille's setup was a fleecing of the people......kinda like an oppressor-over-colonist taxation. You pay to play type of deal. Is that the christianity that wierwille espoused? Of course, I could agree with A SMALL PERCENTAGE going to some type of headquarters to offset expenditures, operating costs, administration dues, and all that.......but 100% of abs going to hq? Never again.

In describing twi and its offshoots, I have often used the generic term of "cult" or "cultdom" to give a sense of isolation, manipulation and exploitation to these groups. Clearly, twi and its offshoots are outside the pail of mainstream christianity where local churches integrate with communities and businesses and social issues......but, equally, do not fall into the category of some type of Branch Davidian or Jim Jones compound. To me, the somewhere in-between is "colonial christianity." Of course, there are those who argue that twi was not christianity.....and I understand that position. But, rather than go down that well-worn path, the colony-metropole structue in twi seems more descriptive than others I've heard. Click Here A set of unequal relationships... 1) Twi hq (mother country) holds the alpha and omega on all "biblical research" 2) Twi demands 100% abundant sharing to be sent to hq.....NOTHING left in area (colony) 3) Twi gives NOTHING back to areas, except more spiritual pomp and mandates 4) All monies and moral dignity are stripped from areas.....leaving them dependent on hq 5) All classes, tapes, books, seminars are to be purchased from a "present truth" org. 6) The heavy-handedness does not go away....it only leads to more abuse 7) Twi mandated itself as "mediator" between man and God 8) Etc. It is my opinion that TWI's STRUCTURE was anti-christian from its onset......fleecing the faithful followers of their hard-earned income and leaving nothing for the local areas except a weekly-purchased tape. The oppressor often sits a thousand miles away dictating life and godliness to the unsuspecting christian. And, that's why......early on men like Steve H3fn3r and others went toe-to-toe with wierwille on the issue of ALL ABUNDANT SHARING being sent to wierwille's hq! And now....the offshoots are doing the same thing! Sure, we see in the First Century Church where collections were sometimes sent to help in times of great need or famine......but on a WEEKLY basis, to the Apostle Paul sitting at a manicured-hq and ivory tower, nope. Paul initiated a "communication headquarters" (faithful itineraries and epistles) to help fulfill his ministry to the Gentiles........NOT a "protection surcharge" to keep the devil from their doorstep. Maybe, there is a better analogy for twi's setup than "colonial christianity"....... Just thinking outloud here....... :)

For those who experienced the "wierwille factor" in twi.....on numerous occasions, vpw would cite The Bridgebuilder poem where the grey-haired compassionate man built, during the sunset years of his life, the bridge for the youth to follow. Where was the "wierwille's bridge" taking wayfaring youth? .....to the Wierwille-be-praised temple .....to the Pharisee courtyards .....to the moneychangers .....to the heavy burdens .....to the oppressors Despite the marketing ploys and programs, the "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" sentiment, twi versus the religious establishment........wierwille masked his true intentions from Day One. In my opinion, Wierwille's twi has become the very thing that they, seemingly, despise. The religious elite mandate and the sheople follow. The Sunday Night teachings became the "voice of God on the lips of men" for the week upcoming rather than the spirit of God energized in thousands upon thousands across the country. In the end, for twi....the traditions of man rule the day and the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round. The Bridge to Nowhere.........nowhere near the Heart of God. The Bridge to Nowhere.........nowhere near family, friends or relatives. The Bridge to Nowhere.........nowhere near personal or professional goals. The Bridge to Nowhere.........nowhere near the freedom of truth. IMO.....wierwille's corps program was cult indoctrination on steroids. Wierwille double-downed on his self-serving goals when he fashioned the corps program in his own image. Even the "zero corps" were not ready for the full-frontal approach of wierwille's assault on individuality. Yeah, with the corps coordinators mediating wierwille's mandates......the twi bureacracy gave vpw more cover. By 1978, 1979.....the only way for wierwille to back down the murmurrings and dissent was by threat of ex-communication.....ie "cop-outs" and such. And, now......S.O.W.E.R.S. is "planting seeds" to do the same? Is CFF going to go down the same path as twi? Will they ever learn? .

From video..... Really ??????????????? Is there as much learning in professional football as there is in studying Genesis....? Is there as much learning in pheasant hunting as there is in studying Genesis.........? Is there as much learning in rock climbing as there is in studying Genesis............? The "law of believing" is on par with studying eternal truths?????? Ken Barton, 7th Corps, would undoubtedly still be alive today had he not gone hitchhiking to LEAD.

Perhaps.....the category to which we associate these men defines that burden they carry and their greatness. King / Civil Rights Leader........the torch he carried burns bright in the halls of american history. Lincoln / U.S. President..........burdened with the civil war and slavery issue and uniting a country. Wierwille / Founder of TWI........hitched his wagon to the "man of God" claim and went nowhere. Although some are fooled, most recognize and value sacrifice, honor and integrity as a lasting legacy. Whether its an unknown soldier who fought and died valiantly in war or the u.s. president toiling over countless decisions in a civil war. Honor and respect is synonymous with personal sacrifice....and, the tomb of the unknown soldier commemorates that valor. Self-sacrifice is the legacy of great men and women.

I tend to agree with this........and, that's why the plagairism issue comes front and center (for me on this discussion forum). In comparing issues side-by-side, many of us on GS have tarred-and-feathered wierwille with the plagiarism charge time and time again. We have detailed how he stole from E. Stanley Jones, J.E. Stiles, B.G. Leonard, E.W. Bullinger and others. Yet, in weighing Martin Luther King Jr. with the same charge of plagairism.......he gets a free pass. Why? Click here........I know, wikipedia isn't the greatest of sources. Plagiarism is one issue........contributions to society are quite another. Does the former nullify the latter? Not in a thousand years. Clearly though, King's dissertation came under scrutiny and review, but in the end was left intact. Leaving a letter attached to this dissertation was like putting an asterisk to his name at Boston University......of which, history could care less. To weigh these issues, I find MLK's legacy, although slightly tarnished.....standing the test of times. And, wierwille?........tarnished, tainted, corrupt and immoral. Along with plagiarism, the wierwille legacy was one of abuse, sexual predation, drunkenness, deception, fraud, etc. .

Socks......good post. I have never delved into MLK's life and legacy to any depth......so I find this topic intriguing. There are many mlk websites that open more doors to more questions. I had no idea that his first choice of religion was Unitarian Christian (acknowledging truth in all religions), but (if true) it does help one to understand him being an advocate for the civil rights movement. Once again.......just like when discussing vpw......I learn MORE about the pillars of great men who went before them. Amazing how the pages of history have faded or been re-written where remarkable and notable men have nearly been forgotten.

The points of comparison are...... 1) Both men lived relatively during the same time period. 2) Both......were reverends and went on to get doctorate degrees. 3) Both......were point men of cultural/spiritual movements. 4) Both......"borrowed" and/or plagairized from pillars in the 19th century. 5) Both......were labeled with "controversial greatness." 6) Both......show evidence that Christianity was simply a steppingstone to another agenda. .

Thanks for your responses...... There are definitely two sides to this allegation of plagairism.... Voice of Deliverance: The Language of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Its Sources [Hardcover] Keith D. Miller (Author) LOTS OF STUFF HERE.......that I've never delved into. Not sure how much time I will be spending on this, or care to........but it uncovers another "side of the MLK story" that I never even considered. Like many fascinating movements, the founder/leader grows and changes his views politically, socially, culturally, and/or spiritually adapting and advancing throughout life. Sources of inspiration for speeches, sermons, and articles are gathered from far and wide......of which, when reshaped can arguably be called one's own. Perhaps, wierwille felt the same...... This article shows that MLK's changing theology resonated with the Unitarian Christian movement rather than a Baptist minister and, thus, ties MLK with the works of Theodore Parker........Click Here .

Wierwille was attributed "greatness" for his written work and sermons.......of which, plagairism was significant. MLK was attributed "greatness" for his sermons and movement........of which, plagairism is found. Is this plagairism? Or, is this just part and parcel of any movement? More clarification on that quote..........Click Here MLK...."The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Theodore Parker....."I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice." (1853) Now......the Oval Office rug has a quote that can be traced back to the Unitarian minister Theodore Parker from the nineteenth-century. .

Looks like wierwille wasn't the only one with a pattern of plagairism. Click Here Another link

chockfull..........good insight there. Thanks. In my 24 year involvement with twi (1974-1998).....I am convinced that wierwille abandoned that "Christ-in-you" bible-thumping around 1977/1978. Wierwille was being challenged by those who deeply followed their spirit-within allegiance and walked. Some of those 1977 & 1978 clergy letters had elements of confronting certain ones who were "taking their liberty in Christ too freely" (and yes.....I've read them firsthand). Remember, in 1978 wierwille had to confront those three 8th corps guys for their research that strayed from the pfal-model of acceptance. The wagons were circling in 1978. In hindsight, I now see that group-control and the twi-brand name was more in operation than setting the captives free, liberating the individual. The 1978 advanced class was the last year that twi showed all those unique videos/audios of others walking in the power of God.....by 1979, the clips were more 'in-house' with references to twi, twi, and more twi. What about the individual? What about the uniqueness of receiving revelation from God? How God works individually with what that person could perceive? How God could/would reach someone via their background, work skills, uniqueness? Twi went bland.....twi definitions went flat......twi became a religion. Matters not whether some blame rivenbark, martindale, geer, lynn or whoever. Wierwille herded twi into groupthink to command absolute control. He talked about "his" WOWs, "his" Advanced Class grads, "his" Corps. Even when wierwille stated, "you're the best"......he was referring to a GROUP. Classic control mentality.

And.....all they've got for brains is mush.

Yeah.....their "word" (pfal/believing mantra) is THEIR cistern. No fountain, no continuous flow of power, love, light, joy, peace........twi is in the business of rationing cups of pfal-distilled water from their cisterns to their compounds of fear and intimidation.

Ten years ago, martindale was ousted as twi heeded the legal counsel of their lawyers. In strict secrecy, martindale was sent packing to Toledo........where a twi-owned residence provided the seclusion and distancing from the martindale liability. And further, twi's "in-house doctor" was able to oversee martindale's mental instability, his probation, and report back to twi's board of directors. Yet, in all twi's stealth.....WE FOUND OUT THE DETAILS. ***************** BUT after ten years, after all the cockroaches scattered to the darkness.......What's changed in twi? 1) No godly sorrow or true repentence for the sins of adultery... 2) More intimidation to silence the questioning..... 3) A slow weaning of LCM-materials to subtly distance themselves... 4) Re-do WAP class with other teachers sidestepping "original lesbian research".... 5) More micro-management.....more legalism......more stifling..... 6) Pathetic numbers on every side, and yet, twi drones on..... The Way International Board of Directors' sins are many.....going back to the first three "trustees" V.P. Wierwille, H.E. Wierwille and Ermal Owens. Following in their steps, subsequent "trustees" walked in the same pfal footprints of their founder/leader. And surely, by now.........it should be obvious that twi has hewed out their own CISTERN, a broken cistern that holds NO WATER. The truth of the scriptures is timeless. In its least common denominator, twi has fallen prey to their own vanity and pride and committed two evils........ Jer 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

And.......where was Don, Howard, Rosalie and Donna in putting the brakes on all this ????? Quiet as a mouse.

Twi had outgrown the BRC. In 1979, Way Builders was aggressively adding office space on the southside half of the OSC building....the north half was for warehousing, roa storage, food & freezer storage. As office space was completed, whole departments began moving from the EOB building to the OSC. Each department was given a certain status of priority as the transition phase moved forward. By April 1980, food services areas and lunchroom were complete and regular meals in the BRC basement ceased. Within weeks, the Sunday Teaching Services were transitioned to the OSC "lunchroom" as well. When twi purchased that land (40 acres?) just west of the way woods around 1980, it set wheels in motion to build a teaching center or auditorium. Several factors came into play: 1) The OSC lunchroom, with low ceilings, was just a temporary phase, 2) growth in twi, from 1978-84, was really bringing in the bucks, 3) twi shunned a church-syle building and seemed more acceptable to a "grand ole opry" type of building, 4) and besides, without a nice auditorium with a huge lobby for the statue of wierwille.....where else would twi put it for all the masses to see? The auditorium, upon completion, was soon found to have major flaws. There were simply not enough bathroom facilities especially for the women. When twi used the auditorium for advanced classes and such.....the lines outside the women's bathrooms were horrendous. Many times, one of the men's bathrooms was sectioned off for the women. Even Geer criticized twi's auditorium in stating the stage area was arrogant showmanship, too far removed from people and eye contact, and was more for entertainment than ministering to the people. So, for awhile, twi lowered the stage area for Sunday teachings to "come down to the level of the people." Even wierwille, before his death remarked that the challenge of the auditorium would be to keep inspiring the people to come year after year. At a capacity of 1,440....it would challenge twi's president to keep those Sunday teachings hot and vibrant. I seriously doubt that wierwille never imagined Rosalie Fox Rivenbark to legislate 'script-reading' at twi's sunday reading services. Today's twi.....far removed from 'research,' teaching and fellowship ........1) Re-searching and rehashing vpw's work ........2) Reading ministry (not teaching) ........3) Shunning & probation (no real fellowship) .

newlife.....for me, it all depends on who "an innie" is? 1) a staff person? 2) an innie on the field? 3) corps? adv class grad? newbie? 4) what experiences has this innie had with twi? Giving broad-stroke suggestions or advice is of little value. Each person has a unique set of experiences that interlace with a backdrop of family, friends, education, social and spiritual networks, etc. There are plenty of scriptural references that give us understanding towards "a word fitly spoken." Someone on the field, depending on their experiences, classes taken, local leadership......the opportunity to share your suggestions or advice is far greater. But if the local corps goes on a yelling spree, it would be a safe bet that they might be giving you a phone call first. (hahaha) In my opinion, the hq-staffer is ensnared more than any other "innie." Once again though, depending on the number of years on staff, level of involvement, degree of commitment, job satisfaction, your relationship with the staffer, etc.....it seems fair to say that few would listen you out. Unless.....you see it firsthand, and exit.

In 1978, my first year inrez.....I really liked inter-mingling with the red-taggers. It was like they had ready access to classes, part-time jobs, local fellowships, community involvement and goals for further education after their emporia experience. You guys were a breath of fresh air......from the droning and cloning of corps. And yeah.....twi leadership fostered the elitism into the corps program. I've said this several times before on GS, but I believe those 1977-1981 years.....IF TRUE, GODLY VALUES AND PRINCIPLES WOULD HAVE BEEN ADHERED TO......twi could have advanced far and wide, economically and professionally (and spiritually) if the hearts of God-inspired believers had been allowed to flourish. The trusttees, invariably, were walking in darkness......and today, twi is barren.

Yeah......the college division should have been the MAJOR thrust at the Emporia campus. IMO....it's obvious that the corps training program flopped. Wierwille didn't have the credentials or skills to teach the proper ethics and protocols to those aspiring to lead and minister to God's people. On so many levels, the corps program was a dismal failure. Men like Rev. R0ss Tr@cy could have taught great truths of ministering to others, but the wierwille-cloning took precedent. Uuugh.

Regarding Martindale........the "athletes of the spirit" production sealed his fate of growing disapproval. By 1983/84.....the "athletes" analogy in Ephesians was gaining steam in twi teachings and way rag. Javelins and discuses were replacing spears and shields. And, martindale being the college jock that he claimed to be....just couldn't resist the temptation of running with this theme week after week. With the new auditorium groundbreaking, and inresidence corps girls with dance experience and broadway performers, and visions of a stage with orchestra pit.......WHAT ABOUT A DANCE PRODUCTION IN THE NEW AUDITORIUM IN 1985? And further, one of the dancers suggested........martindale NEEDS to be the lead dancer. By June/July 1984, martindale was working out with fitness coaches, nutrition experts, dance practices, all dancers were being summoned to hq, and there was a polar shift in wayworld....hahaha. The new auditorium was opened March 17, 1985. Wierwille headed to Gartmore after this opening. Wierwille died May 20, 1985. Martindale was the lead dancer in AOS Production Opener....one week later (?) The dance production was over-the-top idolatry on the "man of god." Too much devil spirit emphasis and costumes dominated over the "believers" costumes. Seeds of discontent were growing in twi. ..

For all of wierwille's catholic-bashing.......he sold a "pope-excathedra-style" mandating to his minions. For all of wierwille's "research skills"......students slogged along by re-search wierwille's work. For all the "study the scripture" mantras.....the way magazine was the "weekly standard" for branch coordinators. For all the full-sharing friendships..........the mark and avoid shunning was instigated by the nod of the mog. For all the "ground-swell of growth"..........only one stood holy-of-all at the top of the pyramid.

The power of twi was centralized at twi's hq. When wierwille handed the mantle to martindale in 1982.....the staff at hq numbered around 580 or so (?). All those staff positions bloated the bureaucracy of twi to ridiculous levels. Meal timess and Staff meetings could hardly be contained in the OSC lunchroom. And, the holiday party, with open bar, was an extravaganza of months of planning. Wierwille had three secretaries and a host of staff who would jump at his commands. Bodyguards and valets would assist wierwille 24/7. Motorcoaches and girls, food and drambuie, reverence and fear.......wierwille was the object of self-indulgence. The power-grab was complete. Wierwille's "biblical research work" was being heralded around the world. Wierwille's hq was on the cutting edge of "word in culture." Wierwille's roa tent was "the biggest tent in the world." Wierwille's way productions had performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Wierwille's teaching ministry and the "Victor Paul Wierwille Word Over the World Auditorium." And, yet.........how quickly it all came crumbling down. Tyranny only works in an environment of fear and control. When wierwille was gone........so was the fear and control. Martindale tried the same, but it didn't work. A cult without a charismatic cult leader......is like a ship without a rudder (or motor).

.......making it easier to brown-nose, wouldn't it?