waysider

Well said.

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Although I personally left The Way before it became prevalent, I have read here that, in later years, there was a complex protocol surrounding gift giving and gift receiving. The essence of the protocol was that gift giving can be used as a tool of entitlement and control. There are plenty of examples cited here on various threads. On the other hand, during the years of my involvement, it was taught that you should never deny someone the opportunity to give to you because it would subsequently deny them the opportunity to "get blessed" through reciprocal receiving. In other words, you would be cutting them off from a chance to practice "giving and receiving". This was formally taught in twig leader meetings as the reason there was always an offering made available at every meeting. If you, as a twig leader, failed to take up an offering, you would be chastised. Looking back, of course, it was all about rationalization. In addition, Wierwille taught the aforementioned concept that, once you receive a gift, you can do whatever you want with it. This was used in the PFAL class to guilt people into "manifesting" and, also, to elicit more commitment from followers. Wierwille, of course, used it as a means of justifying his use of ministry funds to fuel his materialistic lifestyle. My conclusion is that, if you wanted to learn something about the essence of gift giving, The Way was not a very good place to learn it

CRECHE

Probably his rapidly increasing level of debauchery.

Speaking only for myself here: I think sometimes people can give a false impression of being detached if they have a tendency to explain things in too much detail. It's something I personally struggle with constantly when I'm dealing with customers. I have to keep telling myself, "Keep it simple. Keep it simple-----"

How about this one? If you feel like leaving You know you can go But why don't you stay until tomorrow? If you want to be free All you've got to do is say so

Gee, you mean it doesn't fit like a hand in a glove? I'm shocked! Thoroughly Throughly shocked!

Sometimes "sitting on the fence" can offer the best seat in the house.

It's much easier to understand the reasoning behind this thinking when you finally accept that the whole thing was simply a veiled, business driven MLM scheme designed to generate profits for VPW.

Barry Mello

Maybe we've just been wasting our time, trying to climb .

it is.Free post, anyone?

Is that profitable?

Sorry, I don't know them. Berry Mellow sounds vaguely familiar. Is there something specific you are trying to find out? The vast majority of people here were involved during the 1970's and 1980's. BTW----Welcome to The Cafe. (It's on the house.)

We had Santa Claus and all the traditional things when I was a kid. Then, when I was 21, I got involved with TWI and fell for their schtick--- hook, line and sinker. Makes me wonder how much "profound" impact can result from celebrating Christmas the old-fashioned, traditional way.

Sorry Charlie for the imposition I think I've got it, got the strength to carry on I need a drink and a quick decision Now it's up to me, ooh what will be

Can I do the flip charts? Please, please?

Vic who?

I never heard of it. Sounds to me, though, like a scheme to get people to witness.

Raf did some mighty fine work on this subject. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it at the moment.

What if VP was reincarnated as a porn star turned preacher? Same old same old.

Yes. But if it stays lifted for more than 4 hours--------oh, never mind.