waysider

Exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks, George.

Bible Dave I wholeheartedly recommend you take a bit of time and familiarize yourself with some of the articles and documents that are right here on GSC. Then, maybe, you can argue your point on a case by case basis. waysider

Just wondering. Can anybody remember a time when the Motor Coach came to your area on official "Ministry" business? How about "The Twig Hopper"? Ambassador One?

Geeze, Too bad Wierwille didn't do that!

HaHa!! That's a hoot, Linda. I had to enlarge it to see that they are dogs. Very cool

A little music to get the party started. "Hit it, Igor!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaZqpbNzRMU

Excellent post Spectrum49! I wonder if the OT priests used any of the tithe for fancy motorcycles, classic cars, private jets or motor coaches.

I can just see it now. 3 year old: "I'm Thor." Adult: "I'm sorry. How did you hurt yourself?"

Literal translation according TWI usage " Think exactly what we tell you to think or the Boogie Man will get you!" (I wish i hadn't seen it in the original.)

There is specific criteria that can be used to determine if a group is a cult. This criteria can be approached and applied in an objective manner if one has a desire to do so. Some groups display certain characteristics but lack others. Consider, for example, the fans who turn out for Rocky Horror Picture Show. Much of the behavior surrounding the immediate experience of being in the theater is cult-like in nature. I would not call these people a cult, though, because many of the key defining elements are missing. One of these elements is the presence of a charismatic leader. Also, as far as I know, once these people leave the theater, they return to their normal lives. It doesn't consume their daily thoughts. The Way was a cult. We had a charismatic leader. We thought he (and we) had some special truth that was exclusive. The activities of The Way consumed our thoughts, day in and day out. We obsessed over our involvement. The list goes on. The point I am trying to make is that it is not an act of bitterness or hatred to acknowledge the reality of The Way's true nature. It's just a simple statement of fact.

What are the kiddies (or Grand-kiddies) dressing up as this year? Any cool decorations or parties planned? Pix? p.s. There was a thread like this last year but I can't seem to find it now.

'All My Love For You"

This is a straw man argument. http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/straw-man.html E. W. Kenyon has nothing to do with the original premise.

One more "shoe" tune.

"It must be jelly, baby Because jam don't shake like that!!"---------Bill Clarke (Guitar player is Liz Claiborne's son)

I believe the key to understanding the apparent contradiction here lies in understanding how TWI defines "Serving The Lord with Gladness." I understand what that means in a general sort of sense but what does that mean within the confines of TWI doctrine? Does it mean recruiting people to join their ranks, take their classes, offer up free labor, provide financial support? That would seem to present a dilemma if it is the case. Maybe someone who is still "in" could offer some detail addressing this question.

Meow!!!

It was a money making pyramid scheme, designed, initially, to fill the coffers of one VP Wierwille and afford him opportunities to satisfy his many varied lusts. Thinking it was anything noble is really an exercise in self delusion----IMO

Freddie King!!!!

All moot points. The basic purpose of The Way is, and has always been, to generate an income base (and all its peripheral "benefits") for those at the uppermost levels. Much of this was done through the deliberate exploitation of well meaning people whose intent was to serve God. Have the federal government or Dunkin Donuts, as employers, represented themselves as altruistic entities? You simply can't serve The Lord and serve an organization that deliberately abuses his people at the same time without an obvious conflict of interests. It's like being a doctor in a medical facility that deliberately harms its patients for its own profit and benefit. Which comes first, the Hippocratic Oath or the welfare of the facility? Hippocratic Oath http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath

I believe it is essential to understand that TWI's efforts to appear altruistic were driven by the ulterior motive of selling PLAF (The Wonder Class) and recruiting newcomers into the ranks. It was a money driven organization at its most inner core. Do whatever it takes to sell PLAF. ----Bottom line. Altruism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altruism

Phthweeeeeet!!

Dunkin' Donuts does not have a demonstrated history of functioning in a manner that is contrary to God's Word. TWI does. Hence, there is a conflict of interests. The analogy is weak, at best.

Conflict of Interests http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_interest "A conflict of interests arises when anyone has two duties which conflict." "Self-policing of any group is also a conflict of interests. If any organization, such as a corporation or government bureaucracy, is asked to eliminate unethical behavior within their own group, it may be in their interest in the short run to eliminate the appearance of unethical behavior, rather than the behavior itself, by keeping any ethical breaches hidden, instead of exposing and correcting them. An exception occurs when the ethical breach is already known by the public. In that case, it could be in the group's interest to end the ethical problem to which the public has knowledge, but keep remaining breaches hidden." ----------------------------------------------------------- You Gotta Serve Somebody http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqxW6E24Jh8