I would be interested in Rick Ross's opinion on this. If someone has been in a cult all his/her adult life and had been totally immersed in the culture and mission of the cult, is he/she better off never coming to the truth?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

One of the worst experiences in my life was when I realized I had been HAD (to use Beth Moore's phrase). I had been deceived by a purported Christian leader. I was taken in by the person's words and doctrine. I was seduced. And I felt betrayed by this "Christian" leader. By God. I was hurt. How could it happen? I am an intelligent, educated person. I should have known bett
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

What does that term, "flaming" mean? I'm not familiar with it. Thanks.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I guess NathanA and Cherenuff have nothing left to say. What is there to say? You and Counselor have certainly made a good case.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

(Quote from Boanerges) Dear NathanA: As painful as these memories are for we expatriates; it is most painful to me because it was my throat that O~ had a hold of. Yes, he, in fact, meted out his self-styled divine justice on me, which left me voiceless for a week or more. But then, this is only one of several such episodes –to a greater or lesser extent – that he saw fit to exact over the years
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteBrad69There was a story in my country, South Africa, recently that blew me away... everyone knows the the problem is huge. But no one wants to admit it..I couldn't believe it. Nathan's approach to TFI, and his insistence on not reading the book, is, to me, a parallel to that kind of approach. He argues the case back and forth, but won't read the book, even though he knows i
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

This is what I find fascinating. I raise valid questions with NathanA and Cherenuff1 and instead of answering, both of them respond by trying to insinuate that there is something wrong with me. I have read several books about individual people’s experience in a cult. I understand that each person’s experience is to a certain extent bias, but in none of these books that I have read did I dismiss
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Welcome, Boanerges. Thank you for your post - it was very powerful. And welcome to Marion. This is a very interesting message board. Re: your questions about Trinity Foundation's leader, this message thread has a lot of information about him (though, it's very long!). Also, the Dallas Observer article, The Cult of Ole, is another resource. And, of course, the book that you ordered
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

NathanA: Now, you sound like a real seeker of truth. It is very hard to discover that something you believed in and that you supported financially, is not what you thought it was. You also sound like Wendy Duncan in her book when she talks about the loss of a vision and loss of a dream. She saw Trinity Foundation as the real expression of Christianity and when the blinders fell off, she was
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteGod of MeatTrust me, Trinity is a cult. That place is the primary reason I'm an atheist today. Welcome, God of Meat. Have you read Wendy Duncan's book about Trinity Foundation and if so, do you agree with her version? Maybe you can help NathanA since the others have failed.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteseekingI have to ask another question. Why would you want a leader or preacher who, as you, Cherenuff, said about your leader, "(Ole Anthony) can be pretty judgemental and harsh. He can be an ass and he's been told that too. He even admits that he's an ass." Doesn't sound like the kind of person I would want as a leader. Maybe that's just me. And doesn�
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Cherenuff, what you said about Zeuszor is so wrong. I have to tell you that you are the one who seems unbalanced. Why can't you have a simple discussion without getting into all that arrogant stuff; (sigh, have to go slow, etc. etc.)
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteseekingCherenuff, I can understand your desire to defend and protect a place that you are a member of and that has helped you with your children. But how do you explain the large number of former members in Wendy Duncan's book and the Dallas Observer article who consider Trinity Foundation to be cultic and spiritually abusive? I could understand if you thought it was just Wendy and
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I have to ask another question. Why would you want a leader or preacher who, as you, Cherenuff, said about your leader, "(Ole Anthony) can be pretty judgemental and harsh. He can be an ass and he's been told that too. He even admits that he's an ass." Doesn't sound like the kind of person I would want as a leader. Maybe that's just me. And doesn't the Bib
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Cherenuff, I can understand your desire to defend and protect a place that you are a member of and that has helped you with your children. But how do you explain the large number of former members in Wendy Duncan's book and the Dallas Observer article who consider Trinity Foundation to be cultic and spiritually abusive? I could understand if you thought it was just Wendy and Doug Duncan,
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

"No wonder Wendy says Ole Anthony's teachings are heresy. I question if Wendy knows the Jesus who said he came to "give his life to be a ransom for many" either." (quote from NathanA) NathanA, I'm glad to see you back, but honestly, you don't really believe that Wendy Duncan doesn't know Jesus! That's way over the top! I just finished her book and I
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Counselor47, I agree. Calling you a prostitute for marrying a woman you love is the craziest thing I have ever heard. Hey, whatever happened to NathanA. I miss him.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Zeus, I am reading Wendy's book. The part about the anger she experienced after leaving Trinity sounds like what others have gone through. I will include this excerpt: "The truth is that the expression of anger was a part of my recovery—the process of taking back control of my life. It was a healthy expression of self-caring. It was hard to see God as willing to love me and protect m
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Is anyone familiar with this group?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I just finished reading the Charisma article, "Critic of Televangelists Comes Under Fire" which is a short article on Wendy Duncan's book. I also recently finished reading her book, I Can't Hear God Anymore. I thought it was very interesting that the Vice-President of the Trinity Foundation, John Ruthledge, stated that "there is no theological error" (in Trinity Foun
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I doubt that any of the members have raised any questions with Ole. One of the marks of a cult is information control. Questions are discouraged and if any are asked the individual is made to feel like he's not a true believer, has trust issues, or is simply stupid.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I just received Wendy Duncan's book, I Can't Hear God Anymore: Life in a Dallas Cult. It looks very interesting. Zeus, I didn't think there was anything wrong with what you wrote. It didn't sound like gossip to me. I think we need to be willing to speak out about corrupt things. Just my opinion.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Has anyone seen the article in Charisma magagine about Trinity Foundation: Critic of Televangelists Comes Under fire "Ole Anthony, best known for his work investigating televangelists, came under fire recently for allegedly fostering spiritual abuse in the Trinity Foundation, a charismatic community he leads in Dallas. The eclectic group of about 40 people gather for Bible studies, and
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Brad69, can you give us an update on what's going on with your girlfriend? Thanks to the moderator for the list on the warning signs of an unsafe leader.
Forum: Large Group Awareness Training, "Human Potential"

Are the only former members of Trinity Foundation that have written on this thread counselor45 and zeuszor?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I have been following this thread since it started and have found it quite fascinating. I am familiar with Trinity Foundation and Ole Anthony and thus, was quite alarmed by the postings. I read the Dallas Observer article, The Cult of Ole, and am still trying to wrap my mind around my previous perspective on Trinity Foundation. I have yet to read the book on the Trinity Foundation that people hav
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"