Cult News

A father has joined the growing list of parents removing their children from the influence of the Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, North Carolina.

A primary reason cited in this court action was exposure “to the doctrines and discipline of Word of Faith Fellowship,” which has been called a “cult” by some critics.

A 6-year-old boy was taken away from his aunt who is a follower of WOFF leader Jane Whaley. That child will now stay with his stepmother, reports The Digital Courier.

However, Shana Muse, another parent who wants her four children out of the Whaley group, is still waiting after months of red tape and courtroom wrangling.

The judge and sheriff quickly complied with the request of the 6-year-old boy’s parents, so why does Muse continue to endure seemingly endless legal delays?

Judge Robert S. Cilley cited a previous custody case in his recent ruling to remove the 6-year-old boy. He acknowledged that WOFF has had “an adverse effect on the health, safety and welfare of children.”

So what about the Muse children and their “health, safety and welfare”?

County Social Services are supposedly investigating allegations of abuse within WOFF.

Meanwhile Muse has taken a job to pay expenses while she waits for the court to conclude her case.

Self-help guru Depak Chopra has a plan to avert war with Iraq. Has Chopra come up with a new paradigm for peace in the Middle East?

He wants to build a Disneyland for Iraqis.

Chopra says, “Let children breath free air at a place where fun and joy abide. What better way to reduce fear and anger?”

The self-help guru added that MTV videos and CNN might also pierce the wall of Iraq’s cultural isolation and somehow change the mindset of its populace.

Right.

But one military analyst said Chopra’s ideas were a “Mickey Mouse Peace Plan,” which could easily be perverted by Sadaam, reports The National Post.

Looks like Mr. Chopra should stick with his books and seminars. He has made millions selling a steady stream of such material to a public looking for the next self-help quick fix. But in the real world of global conflicts his solutions seem ridiculous.

Chopra’s mentor Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has his own plan for global peace.

The old yogi now 92 wants the world to help him build “peace palaces.” The result will reportedly somehow replace the bad karma of war with a “sort of karmic mellow,” reports the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Maharishi’s plan, like most of his ideas, would require putting some cash in the guru’s pocket. After all, palaces are not built for free and money seems to be this man’s mantra.

The “Montel Williams Show” today featured actress Kelly Preston the wife of John Travolta in a program titled “A Mother’s Crusade.”

The show is actually a rerun that was initially aired in early December of last year.

Ms. Preston claims her “crusade” is prompted by a personal experience. Her son Jett Travolta was diagnosed with “Kawasaki Disease,” which may have been caused by exposure to carpet cleaner.

Montel Williams, often an advocate regarding children and health issues, says on his website that Preston wants “to help parents safeguard…children from environmental toxins.” The actress is also involved in a non-profit organization called the “Children’s Health Environmental Coalition” (CHEC)

Jim and Nancy Chuda founded CHEC after their five-year-old daughter Colette died from a rare form of cancer in 1991, which they believe was due to exposure to toxins within the environment.

Colette Chuda was the goddaughter of singer Olivia Newton-John. Newton-John, also supports CHEC, she and Kelly Preston recently appeared together in a CHEC educational video.

But is Kelly Preston using this issue to promote Scientology?

Both Kelly Preston and her husband John Travolta are devout members of the Church of Scientology.

On the Montel Williams show Preston repeatedly promoted the book “Clear Body Clear Mind” by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. And calls Hubbard’s approach to purging toxins from the body “brilliant.”

Preston also apparently used “Montel” as a venue to feature her fellow Scientologist Michael Wisner. He was introduced as the “Toxicologist to the Stars.” Wisner then also promoted Hubbard’s teachings and a for-profit private clinic in Sacramento.

However, the touted “Toxicologist” apparently failed to help his own son Gregory Wisner who died with the toxin cocaine still present in his body, after being involved in a program that featured his father’s approach.

Wisner’s son participated in a detoxification drug treatment program called Narconon, which is based upon the very same process Preston described on Montel to “clear” the body of toxins.

Scientologists more commonly call this process the “Purification Rundown.”

The National Institute of Health advised one expert that there is “no peer reviewed scientific literature to support this program.”

Subsequently the Swedish expert concluded within his final report, “There is no documentation to show that the Hubbard method of detoxification…conforms to scientific standards and medical experience.” And that “the risks and side effects of the treatment method have also not been evaluated in a serious way.”

However, no possible “risks and side effects” were ever mentioned on the Montel Williams Show.

Nor are any reports cited that the Hubbard approach to “clear” the body by sweating in saunas and taking large doses of niacin may actually cause liver damage.

Montel’s show today was devoid of any meaningful critical balance that might help viewers develop a more informed understanding about this supposed process of “purification.”

Instead, Williams provided a platform for Kelly Preston to essentially use his show much like an infomercial to promote her Scientology beliefs.

However, Preston and Wisner scrupulously avoided even mentioning the “S” word (Scientology) explicitly.

Interestingly, Jett Travolta, who did not appear on the show, is rumored to suffer from autism. This illness was another issue never mentioned during the program.

Apparently, L. Ron Hubbard’s “Clear Body, Clear Mind” is unable to end autism.

Autism is a neurological disorder. And despite all the heavy promotion, L. Ron Hubbard was not a medical expert or even a doctor. It appears that the Travoltas have not consulted the proper specialists in the field to address their son’s condition and instead have relied upon Scientology.

But don’t expect Kelly Preston to discuss this on “Montel” either.

It seems that Montel Williams, Olivia Newton-John, the Chudas and CHEC are being used as pawns by Scientology through Kelly Preston.

This is not new.

Scientology frequently uses its celebrity members like John Travolta, Tom Cruise and others to advance various programs and essentially shill and/or recruit for the organization.

Sadly, it looks like Montel may have unknowingly become the latest shill for Scientology.

All charges previously filed against Amway by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in India have now been dropped, reports Chandigarh Newsline.

Charges were filed in December that claimed Amway somehow was involved in a purported “money circulation scheme.”

The most recent celebrity to be exposed regarding controversial religious ties is actor Mel Gibson. He is involved in a schismatic “Catholic” group that considers the official Roman Catholic Church, not “Catholic enough,” reports the New York Times.

Gibson’s group rejects modern changes in the church since the second Vatican Council.

Another example of such a group would be the Society of St. Pius X, though it seems to be considerably more moderate than Gibson’s church and the more radical, schismatic group called “The Apostles of Infinite Love.”

Gibson’s father raised his family within this rather strange religious milieu and apparently deeply indoctrinated his children.

His father bragged in a recent interview, ”Mel wasn’t raised in the [official Roman Catholic Church], and he wouldn’t go for it anymore than I would. I’ve got to say that my whole family is with me — all 10 of them.’

The elder Gibson also discussed his belief in various conspiracy theories, which seems to include anti-Semitic themes such as worldwide Jewish plots. He also denies the Holocaust and sees Hitler in a somewhat softer light than history.

Now Mel Gibson is putting up the money to match his mindset and has spent $25 million dollars on an unusual film project. He is producing a movie about the death of Jesus with all the dialogue spoken in the languages of Aramaic and Latin.

Reportedly the film will reflect anti-Jewish sentiments, regarding who is to blame for the death of Jesus.

No doubt the elder Gibson and others on the religious fringe will be happy to see the film released, but it seems destined for a very small audience. It certainly won’t be another “Braveheart.”

Mel Gibson’s commitment to this film seems to reflect his early and intense indoctrination, rather than any business savvy or artistic interest.

However, it should be understood that Gibson, like other children raised within controversial religious groups, had no choice. His parents instead made that choice for him.

In this sense he is not unlike Lisa Marie Presley, who was raised as a Scientologist by her mother.

Presley has been plagued by divorce. And Scientology was recently cited as one cause by her latest husband Nicholas Cage. Ironically, her father Elvis reportedly detested the group.

The actor River Phoenix spent his early childhood within a group called the “Children of God.” And not unlike many other young people with that background he turned to alcohol and drugs, which led to his tragic death at 26.

But none of these celebrities actually initially chose their religion. And the likable Gibson is just one more example of this reality.

Of course parents rarely give children the option of choosing a church, but most kids are lucky enough to have less controversial and perhaps more benign choices made for them.

Postscript: See this follow-up regarding the marketing of “Passion” and its message.

It seems the Watchtower Bible and Track Society, also known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” is becoming increasingly concerned about potential lawsuits and its public image.

So much so that it now sounds like leaders are equivocating regarding long-standing organizational rules about blood transfusions.

It looks like Jehovah’s Witnesses will now be able to use some blood byproducts in life threatening circumstances, reports the San Bernardino Sun.

The blood byproduct PolyHeme, which helps to replace lost hemoglobin, was recently used by a Witness in a California hospital, reports the San Bernardino Sun.

A Witness official said, “When blood is fractionated beyond those primary components and other blood derivatives, we feel that it is an individual decision. If an individual’s conscience will allow him to accept the product, then that would be up to that individual. That is between himself and his God.”

However, the same spokesperson stated, “We feel that the Bible clearly indicates that blood is sacred and it is not to be used for human consumption.”

Historically many Witnesses have died rather than use blood products.

Previously Witnesses were not allowed to accept organ transplants and this also led to many deaths. But that policy was eventually abandoned through a supposed new revelation.

Obviously, there is some blood residue within a transplanted organ, just as there certainly is within blood that has been fractionated to create a byproduct like PolyHeme.

Never mind.

Scientific details regarding such matters don’t seem to concern Witnesses. The real issue is, does the hierarchy of the organization say it’s OK?

Witnesses essentially do whatever their leaders tell them. And apparently they don’t concern themselves with the inherent contradictions posed by a sudden shift in policy.

It is sad though; that so many Witnesses have died due to previous policies now rescinded and/or revised.

However, if this recent shift regarding the use of blood products represents a gradual move towards a more medically sound and safer situation for millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it certainly is a healthy development.

Addressing a gathering of his followers this month at an Arlington, Virginia hotel Rev. Sun Myung Moon went into an anti-Semitic rant. At one point the leader of the Unification Church claimed Hitler’s murder of 6 million Jews was the fulfillment of “the principle of indemnity,” reports the Unification News.

Moon called upon Jews in his audience to “raise [their] hands” and told them, “Jewish people, you have to repent. Jesus was the King of Israel. Through the principle of indemnity Hitler killed 6 million Jews. That is why. God could not prevent Satan from doing that because Israel killed the True Parents. Even now, you have to determine that you will repent and follow and become one with Christianity through Rev. Moon.”

Of course Moon believes everyone must follow him.

The self-proclaimed “messiah” also told the gathering, “If you follow Rev. Moon, you will not go down. In the future those who hear my words and believe will go to heaven, those who don’t will not.”

Uh huh.

Moon also alluded to the political party he will soon launch in Korea, reports the Korea Herald.

He stated, “To unify Korea we must unify church and state. We must establish a political party and then unify church and state.”

I wonder who Moon thinks should run this hoped for theocracy? Something tells me he thinks it should be him.

Some say the 82-year-old “cult leader” is senile and often incoherent. However, he still maintains absolute control over his followers and a vast financial empire.

Moon continues to control the Washington Times and United Press International and has courted substantial influence amongst prominent senators, congressmen and religious leaders such as Rev. Jerry Falwell.

A man who recruited former members of Amish sects to become his followers was sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a minor child, reports the Holland Sentinel.

Wilbur Eash 50 claimed he had “supernatural powers,” but relied upon the power of influence over his followers to target and prey upon children. The leader reportedly sexually abused three boys.

In 1990 Eash and his group drew publicity when an Amish family hired a “deprogrammer” in an effort to free one woman from the cult leader’s control. That effort failed.

At the time other groups called “cults” launched a nationwide campaign to discredit the deprogrammer Ted Patrick, falsely claiming he had attacked the Amish and their beliefs.

However, Eash’s followers were clearly only former Amish and not in any way affiliated with a recognized Amish sect.

Now Eash is no cause for press releases claiming he is somehow a victim of “religious intolerance” and/or “persecution.” And it is obvious that the family’s fears about his character and conduct more than a decade ago were justified.

When sentencing Eash the judge sternly said, “At least while you’re down there (in prison), you won’t harm any other little boys.”

The sexual predator may be 65 upon release. It is doubtful he can effectively run his “cult” from a prison cell.

Leader of the “House of Prayer” Arthur Allen Jr. and two of his followers, failed to show up at court yesterday, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Warrants were subsequently issues for their arrest.

But it looks like Allen and two members of his group may have skipped town.

The three were sentenced to probation for the brutal beatings of children within the church, but failed to meet the requirements of that sentence.

Allen appeared arrogant during trial, often stating his practices were somehow “God’s” ways and that he would never submit to any worldly authority, such as the laws of Georgia.

It now looks like he was serious.

The two parents also convicted for “child cruelty” and placed on probation said not allowing them to whip children violated their “religious convictions.”

It appears that Allen and his devoted disciples may soon be practicing their faith behind bars. And the worldly authority that might eventually govern their daily lives could be prison guards.

An old “Moonie brainwashing camp” was sold by the Unification Church of Rev. Moon in northern California, reports The Press Democrat.

The church led by the self-proclaimed “messiah” sold Aetna Springs resort, in a deal last month to a developer. The isolated site was once used to indoctrinate recruits through a process many see as “brainwashing.”

Attorney Ford Green was once held in Boonville a similar retreat. He said, “Aetna Springs for years was one of the Moonie brainwashing camps.” Ford says such camps are “pretty tough to leave,” adding, “I’m sure that was the desirable feature of the Aetna location — its isolation.”

The developer who bought Aetna Springs plans to turn it into a four-star resort.

Green said, “To have one less public health hazard in Napa County can’t be anything but good.”

Rev. Moon once spent time in a North Korean prisoner camp. Some say he may have learned about many of the techniques later used to “brainwash” recruits at his own camps largely through that experience.

Robert Jay Lifton, a noted psychiatrist, described those techniques in his book “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism,” first published in 1961. The book would later be used as a means of explaining cult “brainwashing” to members during “deprogramming.”

Rev. Moon has become a powerful political figure in Washington since the days Aetna Springs was a thriving “Moonie” camp. He now owns the Washington Times newspaper, United Press International wire service and has close ties to the Bush family.