Is that THE Dr. John Buckingham? If so, you make a mean pancake. I enjoyed going over to your house for brunch.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

No problem :) I'm glad my time there was worth something, at least. I thought I would add some info here to help any other young people who may be thinking about leaving TLWF. I've almost been out of it for a year now and might have some helpful info. 1. The feeling of wanting to leave or get away or doubt in the beliefs is a band-aid waiting to be pulled. The way that I left was
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Welcome fromsouthchicago! I was a member at Shiloh for 9 years or so and was at Marilyn's funeral. She was buried next to JRS in a grass covered, raised tomb of sorts in the heart of the memorial cemetery. There may or may not be anyone there if you choose to go visit and pay your respects. It is common for people to stop in and pay their respects so I doubt that anyone will approach you
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I decided to listen to a recent TLWF message the other day so I could hear the message completely objectively. The main point of the message was this: If you are obedient to God and his will for you, you will not die. If you do not obey God and his will for you, you will die. Its really nice to hear how crazy that sounds and be able to separate myself from it. When I was in the church
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks for your reply Onion. Its kind of like being told Santa isn't real... I like your suggestions and they are helpful. I appreciate the kindness.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

That's good advice. Thanks for your reply. Is the desperate need to have a purpose in life a quality that other people feel who are in, or who have left TLWF? Why can't I be happy with just exist and love those around me and have fun, go to work, vote, and obey the law?
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I don't mean to interrupt the conversation, but I need some advice... I've had a lot on my mind recently about life outside TLW. When I was in it, I would have doubts constantly about what I believed and those thoughts would be frightening. I would doubt my belief in the Word, my pastors, etc, but I would never share those thoughts because I was afraid of the consequences of sharing
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Yeah I want my frosted mug! Also featured at the gift shop - endless shelving of health books from the latest Living Word health fads! Also, you can pick up your Jewish Wannabe Starter Kit! Includes a yarmulke, menorah, and Sedar plate!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

At Rayen it is pretty common that they will open it up to the whole congregation for dinners or what not. There is a house there that 3 or 4 girls live in. Maybe 5 or 6 years ago they built a bar in the corner of the dining hall at Shiloh and when there are dinners or events they open it up for everyone. My favorite thing to notice is that all the people of power would get fancy glasses and f
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Puddington, JRS for sure did not invent it. I believe the early church did it a lot, but I'm sure it became popular after the Azuza St. outpouring. On another note, recently I went down to Shiloh for a big play that they did for Purim. One of my best friends through the years was in it and we had recently had a falling out because I was no longer giving my life to the church. When I l
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

What a splendid idea! Perhaps we should also bind and loose the entire journey!? After last years trip (happened around the same time frame) SEVERAL services were devoted to presentations of Israel from the folks who had gone on the trip. Several shabbats featured the recitation of ceremonial prayers in Hebrew and traditional songs were also played. The whole fascination with Israel is no
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Gruenberg is still very much involved with the church. He teaches worship and music classes for Shiloh U. He still goes to the LA church.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

One aspect of the Living Word Churches which always made me feel weird was that as a church, they are always pushing toward something - breaking through. What does that even mean. It seems as though all the words brought are meant to "fix" us so that we can break through into something. Through the words brought by the senior pastors (gary, JRS, etc.), concepts are presented that have a
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks Corboy for the kind words and the time you put into your post. Everything you said in your post is accurate. There is no partiality in the dedication of a TLWF member. You are either throwing away your life to it, or you are an outsider.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Reepicheep Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > You didn't say if your family is still part of the > San Diego church. Hopefully, they will be > supportive of you either way. That must have been > hard for you, being in Shiloh without them while > you were still in high school. > > Many happy returns for a great new year of finding
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hey All, I've been a lurker for many months now, and I finally got an account. I'm hoping I can add a bit to the conversation since I have only very recently left the church. In fact, this Sunday will be my first time going to a non-TLWF church on my own accord. I am a young man in my mid 20's who has attended Shiloh for the last 8 years and also attended the church recently ope
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families