Bolshevik

A google search of "binary fixation" will bring you straight to GSC. Perhaps "false dichotomy" is meant? . . . but if the Debil doesn't like he can sit on a tack . .

Prolly something like that . . .

I think my original point was . . . I did not live in those areas . . . I moved away from home hoping to start anew. The Internet made it like I was in those types of areas . . . particularly, I was not expecting such a thing. The internet was a mixed bag. The internet was no hero. It upset me personally, yes. "the thing is that the whole cult thing was no secret to anyone but the people actually in" . . . truth. I do not see how The Way was really that affected by the internet. 10-15 years ago, they wanted to make sure everyone at HQ had access. Unless there's some scheme behind that too.

I imagine the blank stare tactic in return.

NOT what I'm referring to. This was mad lib, like shortfuse said, like speaking in tongues. Also, everyone could verify any information by simply opening a bible, a blue book, those other . . . . books, cyllabi, etc. That's how I learned what I said was false. I opened a book. Followers of The Way do not feed on facts. And this was not with intent to mislead.

Kids were often put on twig teaching rotations . . . and yeah later Way D . . . I never understood Way 'dogma' very well so I usually resorted to making stuff up. Having observed adults for so long imitating was natural. No, the first time it donned on me that I just sat there and made stuff up and the whole room was happy and excited made me upset. But I know other kids would joke about imitating the grown-ups like that (I think that imitation is natural).

Followers of The Way are like walking wrecking balls. I remember when I was "in", as a teenager and early 20s, I was able to do some directing. Wayfers (the older ones at least) could be convinced of anything if you said things a certain way. Did you ever do that? If the language could be better understood and used properly . . . couldn't damage be mitigated?

A day above ground is a good day.

(see post #21) The in-or-out of twi idea is not a real solution. You can take the Wayfer out of The Way, But . . . They need to be managed in the context of greater evils than TWI.

I'm not interested in changing minds. Getting people out of TWI is a fool's errand. . . . Managing Wayfers is the real challenge. You could argue, (we're far beyond the 1980s), keeping some people in is best for everyone. (Like if you're 95 and still smoking, there's no point in quitting, the shock will kill you). The internet was mostly new when it affected me. It aimed for TWI, but I'm not sure anyone knew what the actual target was.

Not sure if I'm picking up sarcasm, is something being hinted at? . . . (I was meaning to be somewhat rhetorical in the prior post.) I hope to be able to work with Wayspeak to get things done with Wayfers, would that be in the academic material? I'd prefer to hear some success stories. I've witnessed "the internet's" destructive power as well as TWI's. Unfortunately, the facts mostly lead to negative . . . is there just nothing to learn?

There is a lot that is simply missing in this thread . . . I'm not sure is productive to dive into. The thread was started because I reacted to what I perceived as smear tactics. I don't think those are productive (not that I'm not guilty of doing that as well). I'm not saying they are false, I don't know how true any of it is, I never will. Shining a light on HOW cult leaders and followers manipulate and how your own mind and choices play into those are always helpful for moving forward . . . there is still TWI to deal with going forward, same as 10, 20, 30 years ago.

Interesting . . . no statement is perfect. History is constantly re-written, I'm sure there's other ways to look at that. My intent is interpret Waytalk . . . just working on how to react to their words. Wayfers have a lot of little sayings that may have begun with leadership but take on their own life. Wayfers often expect a predictable response from statements like "well you can't change the past" . . . I imagine after leaving TWI and realizing that there's a hundred ways those expectations are far from perfect can often feel like enlightenment. Seeing the thought process behind their words, even if they don't understand them, could make dealing with and directing conversation with them simpler. (and less aggravating)

I remember this phrase was used often. It was used on me recently. I laughed on the inside. "You can't change the past" sounds like a Wayfer is demonstrating some profound wisdom about moving on or taking a high-road and not wasting time worrying. It's not. What they're really saying is "I see a possible error in judgement . . . so in order to avoid having to apologize, change ways, or open the door to other possible issues . . . I'm going to sweep it under the rug and act like ending the conversation with this statement is a mature action that nobody will even notice" And yes, you can change the past. Maybe not factual events. But their interpretation is subject to change. At least that's one way I see it . . . I recall it was a frequently used phrase among followers of The Way. Does anyone else remember? I'd be interested in hearing others insight on this one.

I can empathize with this. I did the homeless-divorced-father thing for a time. It's like camping. But you have a job and pay taxes and someone else's mortgage. But the internet did not affect that situation, thankfully. Homeless divorcees are an accepted part of society.

Cognitive dissonance? *passes Drambuie* BAHAHAHAHAHA!!

No issue, I didn't want to mislead. You meet a girl, her mom wants to know about what church you go to. You make friends, why must you disappear every Tuesday and Thursday night? (If you're with your friends, leadership lets your family know you haven't been present every Tuesday and Thursday night . . . and now you've got your family in trouble with leadership.) People just find out . . . and did the internet make life more difficult? Exponentially.

No, it didn't dawn on me. (Did it matter what I thought? Remember Ephesians 6:1 applies until you're 18 30 45) Once some people's eyes had seen a website, some folks were quite harsh. (This was the time of the Allen lawsuit) As far as non-twi family members, I was a pawn in a bigger game. The websites just fed them ammo in a battle that started before I was born. (I was denied support at times for being wayfer.) People had files and printouts ready to go on the offense. (These people were my parents' age mind you) I was not from NK, if that was ever implied. I arrived in NK later, trying to sort this all out.

that's funny (not really funny but) . . . weren't we supposed to mock people with guardian angels?? It's pathetic to be surrounded by good spirits . . . but surrounded by bad spirits . . . THAT'S where it's at! BAHAHAHAHAHA!

I read the article, but looks to be in the context of a college campus. To "escape" a cult you need to play things close to your chest. I think secrecy plays a huge part to establishing new networks, support, and a new life. I don't blame people for not coming forward, or never coming forward (as was mentioned in the article). Hindsight 20/20, I would have been a lot more secretive with people outside TWI. (My mind was focused on pushing TWI away.) Even casually mentioning TWI to "outsiders" was a mistake. (I notice the article mentions finances. Tax the churches).

Honesty and a clear conscience would indeed scare the living dange out of any follower of The Way. (edited to coment, dange? really auto-filter?)

But how is exposure helpful?

Learned yesterday, or, was reminded, that I am devil-spirit possessed. I have been accused of that since I was little. I don't believe a word of TWI nonsense. It still makes my guts turn to water when I hear it. They are so confident.

No you can't accommodate, and nobody is asking to change history. IF the motives are to help, one would think tactics would change as well. IF the motives are destruction for destruction's sake, well, keep feeding information to the angry Mob. TWI hemorrhages all by itself, (which is a pattern of many cults from its day, is my understanding), does the internet damage twi, or damage everyone else?

It's not the people here, it's the people who've read what's written here. (Not just GSC, but its predecessors especially) If I wasn't clear before, when I was a teenager, and beyond. I was blamed. By multiple un-related sources. Because of the internet. I was associated and marked for The Way International's sexcapades and other activities. By Family By friends By the people closest to me By the friends and family of people I met By strangers in parking lots who saw the ROA bumper stickers What did *I* do? What choices did *I* make? What did *MY* leadership do? *I* should be ashamed? VPW and LCM and Rosie did god-knows what, better stay away from *ME* The internet disarmed me, before I could build a safer life. Away from The Way. (And believe me, I waited and waited to turn 18. But *WHAM* the internet. I did not expect the inquisition. I just wanted to get away.) I don't believe I'm alone on that. You don't think there's some kids out there today taking dang for this? Expected to defend their parents, and the only thing they know, and the hands that feed them? Some things should have remained a mystery.