Unapologetic Apologetic, are you still attending services at the Living Word? I have a question. Have you seen Gary or Marilyn lately? I hear they have not been to a service in many months.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Note: Change DaGain can be quite the kidder. And that's why we love him/her so much. Sometimes we have to laugh about it. It helps the healing.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

UA. Welcome. I encourage you to read everything you can find about the Living Word. The old FactNET posts are interesting too.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Divorces happen all thru Christianity. It is a sad thing, but quite common. The thing that makes the two above listed divorces so odd, is how the men, when needing to divorce their first wives, made villians out of them. Calling them instruments of satan and hinderances to the kingdom of god. These women were ousted and shunned as Jezebels. To me, that's an abuse of power. Reminds me of H
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Here's a poll: if you could name just one single thing that stands out as a cultish aspect of the Living Word what would it be? What single practice or doctrine makes your "red light" go on the strongest? For me, it is the implied deification of Marilyn, Gary and JRS.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

When we left the LWF, I'm pretty sure the remaining members (leaders) decided to "deliver us over to the destruction of our flesh". I'm sure there were some prayers of death on our behalf.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Well said Larry and Changed. Many have been thrown under the LW bus. As they say "like begets like". There is unethical DNA running deep thru it all. I heard someone say once that the god that the LW fellowship follows (and worships) is not the same God that the rest of Christianity follows. Interesting thought.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Any of you ever work for a "kingdom business"? Like Golden Threads, Impact or Fine Line, to name a few. I recall hearing that the workers were often unpaid or under paid. Some got as much as $5 or $10 a week for full-time work. But at least they got to take breaks during the workday for violent intercession meetings. I sometimes wonder if that free labor was even legal. Of course,
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I think Fear of Rejection is what gives G&M their power. It keeps people afraid of getting kicked out of the inner circle. So they toe the line and compete to be the one "most given".
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I'm sorry to tell you that Eli passed away due to heart problems last month. He was one of the good one, after leaving the madness.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Who were the post-1983 SLC shepherds? Didn't the SLC church get shut down about the same time as Phoenix. I assume this was all post-Bowman.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

When the 3rd gen kids started running things: "Lord of the Flies"
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The Magdalene Sisters
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Typo correction: To Remember
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

For those working at the LW building in North Hollywood: An Affair ro Remember
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I, too, looked at the survey. It seemed to imply that cults change people's personality. I'm not sure they do. At least not the LW. People basically do not change. Oh God we tried, too. I think there are "quirks" we picked up from the Living Word. And some deep fears. But most ex-members still are basically the same people. But the LW did bring out some deep meaness
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I agree with you Lilly. And Molly, please keep talking. Your perspective is quite interesting. You must have been in a church that had less of the cultic practises going on.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Sounds a bit like Francis Frangipane.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Maybe that pastor became an Italian cruise ship captain. Was his name Francesco Schettino?
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Welcome molly. Gosh, by leaving in 1981, you missed out on some very crazy years. Good for you.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

FCSLC, the message always thrown at me was "What Would You Choose?". The ultimate "shut up and get in line" sermon. I did a lot of tugging on the leash over those messages. Finally turned around and slipped out of the choke collar. : )
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I can understand how you feel about Miller. And say what you must, but consider this: Miller did you a favor. He got you out of there. I wish he had kicked me out. Long before I finally left. : )
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

That's fine. The Bible is one thing, but the culture of the LW is another. A LW "sheep" is not the same free being as the "sheep" in the Bible. Me thinks. I also agree with you Lily. I do not regret for a single second leaving the LW. And I don't know of anyone else that regrets leaving.
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Welcome dbc. Thanks for the info. Was one of the 5 streams the movement of William Branham? Branham and JRS seemed to be very similar.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Good point Lamp. The whole model of us being sheep creates a mental state where we never fully grow up into adults and develop normal adult skills like making independent decisions, learning to asert ourselves and defend ourselves emotionally. When we stop being sheep to other humans, we're less likely to be victims.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Maybe were all just "cross-dodgers".
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I love it. SHEEP REVOLUTION !!!!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I can't think of a single instance where a person left TLWF and it wasn't said that they "chose a lesser path". The implication (often subtle) is that the person was under the influence of Satan. Or had decided to follow their carnal mind instead of the true Living Word. One way or another, they have to make that person a villian for leaving.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Sorry lily for that diatribe. I guess we get overly sensitive from past flame-wars. Maybe I should watch the History Channel less. : ) Peace and virtual hugs to you.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

lily rose, are you implying that we are not supposed to talk about Gary then? Or we are only allowed to talk about him, if we are friends with him? Historians study Aldolf Hitler. They talk about him, but they are not friends with him. Cult experts talk about Jim Jones, but they are not friends with him. Most of us are certainly no longer friends or co-brethern with Gary. He has done
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families