ex10

well, what's so scary is that the man who taught this was head of TWI, as well as the "Research" Department.

I was hoping "As Time Goes By" was number 1. :)-->

Well there is a "contact us" link on the site. :)-->

:)--> Tom I would be horrified if I found old friends talking about me and my life's work on the Internet. Whether they agreed with me, were supportive, or critical, whatever. So it would be pretty hypocritical of me to do so. ;)--> PS Anthony and his wife were 8th, and some of the most wonderful people I ever met while in the cult. And Diane was no relation.

dante I know these people. Private topic me if you want.

Yeah, well, once again the great biblical scholars of TWI got it backwards. -->

Last I knew, she was living in Memphis. It's been quite a while, though.

Yeah, unc hairy, and part of the whole marketing scheme of the "product" ie ("knowing the Word as it hasn't been known since the 1st century, via VP's 'ministry' ") was dependent on the failure of "organized religion" to deliver. No wonder there was, and is to this day, such animosity towards established Christianity. The whole selling point was that VP had some kind of great "secret" the rest rest of the Christian world has somehow missed for 2,000 years. Yeah, the more I think about it, the more it seems that TWI was simply a multi-level marketing scheme.

The day he died.

I'm just curious....whatever happened to John Reyn**ds? Did he just sneak out or something? I remember that he stepped down because of health issues or some such. Did he leave TWI altogether? Anyone know?

To add to what socks said, VPW's "product" ie his "teaching ministry" had a built in expiration date, unlike religions. The organization was doomed to fail, in my not-so-humble opinion, upon his death. The whole organization was built on the "revelation" and "research and teachings" of one man. Over time, even before his death, the "product" was found to be faulty, yet because it was all committed to videos, tapes, books, classes, ad infinitum, the "product" couldn't really ever become "new and improved." When VP's successor tried to introduce the "new and improved" version of the product, disaster ensued, as we all have witnessed.

I actually got "witnessed to" by some wayfers about 10 years ago, after I had been gone from the cult for quite a while. I politely told them that I was quite familiar with TWI. And had gotten involved in mid-70's and left in the mid-80's. I told them that I graduated from the 10th corps, and knew VP personally, as well as other members of the family, as well as the trustees. And if there was anything they wanted to know about the history of "the Ministry" and why most of the followers left in the late 80's, I would be happy to sit down and talk with them. Then I gave them my name and phone number. I never saw or heard from them again. :)-->

I confess I am a total wuss when it comes to live flesh and blood people, no matter how grouchy or self absorbed or rude they appear to be. I cant't help but be cheerful and/or kind. Maybe it's my ego and pride, but somehow I think that I can take the time to be kind to a fellow human. It costs me nothing. :)-->

And Jim, Oh my gosh, there is something so freeing about being able to go wherever the music takes you, and enjoy it!!!!

Lindy, Don't feel bad. Us artsy types never fit in. :)--> It just goes with it, ya know? :)--> The real art is finding your niche.....

Thank you, Georgie. :)--> You are so priceless.

Yeah, unc hairy. What you said. The only difference I see is that many people involved had ALOT OF TALENT, that got wasted. :(--> Many apologies for changing the focus of the thread a little, but I think it's relevant.

Funny this topic should come up now... My dearly beloved was a professional musician when he got involved with the cult.... He has always felt like he got sidetracked in a bad way by being involved, and gave up his professional and academic aspirations. This summer, he is turning 50, as are all his old comrades in music, and they are actually playing a "reunion concert" in his home town. I'm hoping and praying that somehow he can come full circle and resolve his regrets about choosing another path. :)--> Closure on the cult thing would be a very good. George, I love your contribution here at the cafe, but, no offense, my beloved is not meant to be a crudmugeon?? (sp). But would do better as someone who can move on despite past disappointments. ;)--> Any secrets to success you (or anyone) can offer? Any advice and thoughts are well appreciated.

Insurgent Besides all the doctrinal differences, which some care more about than others, there are differences in liturgical style as well. They each have different "philosophies" towards worship. But they all gather to worship. Quite a different scenario than my former (and your current) church. The exception may be the Unitarian Universalist church. Not sure about their "worship" or lack thereof. My cousins are agnostic, yet are very involved in that particular church. They do lots of community service type things.

I know it sounds hoaky, kinda, but I figure that they need the same kindness extended to them as any other human on the planet. So I'm nice. :)--> but let them know I'm not interested.

I just asked Hubby about his fav song, he says the song "The Love of God" on Miles of Smiles changed his life. :)--> Yeah and Dan Moran's song "Man from Galilee" was/is totally awesome.

Funny to me how the theme of being thankful, and the worship that flows out of a grateful heart is missing....

On waxing nostalgic here.... Seems to me that many of our fav songs and earlier Way Productions had to do with Jesus Christ and how great he is. Somehow, that theme seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle...When we were all just excited about being saved, seems like life was much more better...and the music was good. :)-->

Oh and Sammy Pryun's "He Is There With You." :)-->

Speaking of "My Life's Dream," I remember being at a Heartbeat Festival in Albany, NY in '77 or so, hearing Cliff A. sing that song while his mom was in the audience, sitting behind me actually. It was one of the most moving moments of my life, really. I'm sure Brother Socks was there....Maybe he remembers more about the story, but it was a powerful testimony to the touch of Jesus Christ. :)-->