ex10

geeze, jardinero, having grown up Catholic, I've heard your story before. Not to minimize what happened to you, please, but I could tell the same story about one of my best girlfriends. That's why I totally don't get the Way thing. I mean, the only other "Chritian oraganization" that has so diligently protected its abusers, is the Catholic Church. Makes one go hum, doesn't it?

I didn't vote, maybe because I don't really know how I feel about the whole thing. I can't say I'm glad, but I'm not ashamed of too much either. I wasn't a meanie, that I am sure of. I was more likely to side with the underdog in any given situation. And lotza times I was labelled as a "troublemaker" simply for bringing up contradictions in "teachings," and actions. And pointing out that the persecuted person/viewpoint actually had a point. I just wish I hadn't compromised so much in favor of the organization, which I thought to be "Christian." I guess if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't. Or maybe I would? I don't know....

Hope you have a happenin day, Mr. Tom.

Hey andrea. I lived in Michigan during the time you were there. My husband and I moved to St. Joseph in the summer of 86. We ran the twig there. Were you in K-zoo?

ohmigosh Johnny Lingo, do you know how to check your private topics? I started a private topic with you....

Ha, Johnny. Watched the OU game last night at Brenda's. Twas pretty disappointing. :(-->

Aw, geeze, Johnny Lingo. I don't remember you as a person who was easliy offended. Please don't tell me you would be threatened by someone who disagrees with you? People have alot of varying experiences and opinions here. Conflict and disagreement are inevitable, but that's part of what makes this place so wonderful. I mean, heck, we were never allowed to say what we REALLY thought while in TWI, without being reprimanded and/or blackballed. With the freedom to speak, comes some messiness and unpleasantness, but don't you think it's worth it? Maybe I have the advantage here, because I know you to be one of the good guys, who would never do anything willingly to hurt anyone else. You always called it as you saw it. So keep on doing it. If someone disagrees, so what? At least that's my philosophy. Love to you and yours, and happy new year back!

oh gosh I was the first one who mentioned the whole thing about post here would make a good read. I really didn't mean to open a whole can of worms. So sorry, Paw. But ya know, this site does have a responsible moderator/moderators. Which makes a huge difference, to me anyway.

Wow, socks. I think there are lightbulbs dancing around my computer screen...."Shine the light, oh shine the light!" (I'm singing in my best Amy Grant voice, ahem.) You have articulated the thoughts floating around in my head, that I couldn't quite put together. Thanks for that. [This message was edited by ex10 on January 03, 2004 at 13:42.]

Good point, Dot. I feel the same way, actually.

Seems to me that somebody could compile posts from this place, and Waydale, and also have a very good read.

Well andrea, definitely not one of my prouder moments in the way....

My mother-in-law actually took CF&S. Yikes!!!! and double yikes! I didn't know what mortified meant until she told hubby and me about the whole experience. I'm just so glad I wasn't there.....

Hahahaha Tilda! Gotta love those pugnacious Irish. Will there be whiskey too? And talking politics? And lotza cigar smokin....an occasional off-color joke? ;)-->

ps Johnny. It's nice to see you again. ;)-->

Oh geeze, johnny. I really disagree with your theory. One major reason is that Geer was the one who helped VP "catch his booty." VP didn't NEED to confess to Geer because he was complicit in all of it. Besides which, adultery was never mentioned in the poop paper. Which seems like it would be a big confession item. I apologize for the derail, linzee. ;)-->

Yeah, socks, and the thing about your butt falling off was my best laff of the week. :D-->

Ooops. Oh well. I tried.

The evil practices of the craigmonster and company COULD NOT have existed without the precedent set by VP. Maybe somebody else remembers better than I do, but didn't VP teach in PFAL that wrong doctrine preceeds wrong practice? According to VP's own standards, the evil practice that existed in TWI couldn't have, without the wrong doctrine, taught and promulgated. So even VP's own teaching condemns him!

Happiest of days, to my favorite kool kat!

Hope you have the best birthday ever, dear Z!

Linda, I can SO relate to what you are saying. As I've stated before, I was also the recipient of VP's kindness. And it took me awhile to put things together as well. And sheesh, I WAS THERE. The thing that gets my goat is exactly what diazbro mentioned. There are exway people out there, who knew/know about all the abuses and cover ups, even participated in it all, yet are STILL elevating VP as MOG, and all his teachings as "the rightly-divided truth." I have no problem whatsoever calling them idolaters. And yes, I do have a problem with those that credit VP as the source of the good that existed in TWI, even though they KNOW of the monstrous acts he committed. People who didn't/don't know are a different story altogether. Geeze, I've been called plenty of names in these forums and on Waydale, and had posters say some pretty despicable things to me personally. But so what? To me, it's worth the contention and conflict and the unpleasantness if it helps someone resolve things about their past involvement. Maybe others don't feel the same way, but that's totally their own perogative. I do believe in judging actions and discerning truth from lies, good actions from evil actions, etc. I don't mean to get preachy, I just feel very strongly about exposing the evil of TWI.

Well, it occurs to me that there really was a kind of great divide between people who were in the corps or on staff, and the masses of people who just went to or lead a twig. They rarely got the chance to see the "top leadership" up close and personal. Plus there were so many wonderful, loving, kind souls involved who really did reach out to people. I can certainly understand how hard it is for them to accept and believe the crap. Sheesh, I was there and I was clueless! for a while, anyway. Al, DB went after my best friend in-rez as well. Sheesh. By the way, all my brothers are doing very well, as is Mom. Thanks for asking. :)-->

Lightside, I think that's exactly what Jesus did. Maybe that's what's meant by following in his steps? It isn't about "operating principles" at all, is it? ;)-->

Oak, I know this thread isn't about doctrine as well. But NOBODY, can be as much of a skunk in their "personal" life, as VPW was, and not have the stench infect their "public" life.