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"A Search for "The Truth"
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The Workers' Words Exposed by Lloyd Fortt.
Check Out This Link: Language of "The Truth - Workers and Friends
C
Care For
To rule over. A sense of "I know what is best for you," and an attitude varying arbitrarily from despotic to paternalistic attached. Unadulterated, unconditional love is not the idea here.
Catholic
There is no distinction made between Catholic and Roman Catholic. For that matter, there is no distinction between an orthodox denomination and cults; they are all considered one and the same: "churches of Satan."
Celibate
This word is seldom used. Members assume this to be a quality of the "true preacher," as was supposedly exemplified for the ministry by Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, and all the Apostles. It is believed that "true preachers" must remain unmarried because of the perceived pattern of the "right ministry" set up by Jesus. Celibacy is assumed in their unmarried state, and is so honored by some that it comes near to preacher-worship. Despite evidence of sexual misconduct involving some workers, members will attempt to cover up and block this from their minds - allowing such workers to continue on in both the ministry and immorality (even if they have broken both state law, and God's law). Some do get "put out" of the ministry if the situation gets too hot to conceal further.
One might wonder why (if celibacy is a requirement for ministry) Jesus called married men such as Peter, Philip, and most other apostles. The Bible also states that "marriage is honorable in all" (Hebrews 13:4.), and "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils...forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats... " (1 Timothy 4:1-3.)
The workers will usually state that they remain unmarried out of personal choice. This is not true. They have been documented as telling less than the whole truth about other, more important things - some even of being proud of their craftiness. Here are a few quotes which illustrate this attitude:
"It depends who we are talking to whether we believe in the Trinity or not. "Senior Worker, Sacramento, California, 1979.
"We don't deny it when asked if historical account of our founding was true. " Tharold Sylvester, August 1983. "Skagit [Washington] Herald," August 18, 1983.
"We are not following some way founded in the early 1900s but it goes clear back to Christ. " Tharold Sylvester, November 1983. November 16, 1993.
Chasten
A loving sort of gentle discipline, like a verbal rebuke, or a physical tap of the hand. This in sharp contrast to the many instances of God's chastening as recorded all through scripture!
Chastise
To ridicule, deride, abuse.
Child
"Until people are willing to lay aside all former teaching, become as a little child, they never will understand the Truth as taught by Jesus in word and deed. " Senior Worker, January 17, 1971.
"'I don't like this idea of God's kingdom,' he said, 'God gave us brains so that we could use them.' "Senior Worker, Glen Valley, 1990. See Chapter Ten for full text.
A child is seen as a miniature adult who has not yet developed the capacity to think coherently; who is ignored as a source of wisdom. The prevalent concept of a child's capacity for understanding is that a child will accept anything told to him or her, without questions or reasoning, i.e., that children will gullibly accept anything. The idea of the use of reasoning in dealing with children was rare within the group that I knew, and questions from children were looked upon in an apathetic manner. "Live long enough and learn" was my own mother's usual answer. If questions were asked about faith matters, one was always pointed to the workers for an example, or model. I note this in an attempt to present the view of an adult regarding a child; in order that you might understand what is seen as the meaning of the biblical admonition that we must approach God in a child-like manner. The attitudes exhibited towards the thinking abilities, or lack thereof, of children have led to serious mental abuses of children, as well as the mind control exercised by the workers over the members of their cult. While on the surface, the child is held in high esteem, in reality children are considered to be a nuisance by many. In keeping with this, anyone who does think independently within the membership of the workers ' cult is treated as a nuisance!
The workers urge people to become as a little child unquestioning of the cult, and the result is that people can never grow up in scriptural understanding or maturity; they remain as admonished, little children. Even here, the immediate question that grips my mind is: have you ever met a normal child who does not ask uncounted questions? The fact is, this teaching is not of scriptural origin, and is not even of natural origin! It may be supernatural, but not of God.
Child of God
Only people who "profess" by the preachings of the workers. Like the child, they are hardly expected to understand anything in the beginning, just believe that the workers are "God's only true messengers," and do all that they are told by them without thinking, questioning, or arguing. Within a year or so they are expected to understand the "unwritten law" without having had direct and clear teaching by anyone on earth, and surprisingly, they do. They usually have learned to keep quiet about what they are troubled with; law number one. And to change beliefs at the drop of a worker's hat, or a worker's frown, or a worker's smile of approval, regardless of their own thoughts; law number two. These are the two most important points of the "unwritten law" (which is an "unspoken law" as well, at least in public).
Christ
"Jesus manifested Christ and it was Christ in Jesus that made Jesus the Savior. Paul labored according to the Christ that was in him. Jesus manifested the Christ within Him. Jesus was a mortal body for the Forever Christ. Christ is only known in the place of obedience. It’s obedience to the voice of God that gives life. (Colossians 1:27-29.) " Worker, Turlock Special Meetings, California, 1982.
"Certain steps, if we don't take them, mean death to the Christ child. " Worker, Post Falls 1979.
It is not common that Two-by-Twos really think about the meaning of the title that Jesus Christ bears. Teachings on this topic are equally rare, since workers themselves either do not understand the importance of defining words that surround the name "Jesus," or those who do understand, are convinced that they do not. The only alternative is that they do understand, but intentionally hide the knowledge, knowing that it negates their whole "gospel." This situation leaves the door open to many "acceptable" ideas, some of which are absolutely heretical, others which sound quite biblical. For example, they have taught that one must have the Christ within to be saved, but never define exactly what is meant by this, nor how it comes about. Other evidences, such as the works righteousness that is the prevalent belief, militate against a clear understanding of even a cursory view from biblical exegesis in all respects, especially that of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ, and God. The words "Christ," and "Messiah," though known to be titles, carry little more meaning to Two-by-Twos than that signified by their own last names. While conversing with a worker at the Glen Valley convention in August 1989, I pointed out to him the designations given to Christ in (Isaiah 9:6,) to which he replied, "Those are just titles. " I should here emphasize "Your Honor" is a title as well, but the person bearing it is a judge and holds the power to sentence people to prison for their lawlessness because he bears it. How much more the power of the KING OF KINGS! If the workers would not dare to show such contempt of the authority of a human judge, for fear of "contempt of court" charges, how is it that they brazenly show open contempt for the authority of the Judge of the universe, and expect to get away with it? It would seem that God is held to be nothing more than a fairy tale by them; not a real God at all. Some exhibit no fear of God whatsoever, neither reverentially, nor in repentance for their sins. Others plod along in their self defined righteousness, and expect God to honor them for that!
With regard to the two quotations at the start of this entry, it may be of help to know that in many cases the workers believe and have preached that Jesus, the mere man, was a sort of container into which the divine "Christ Spirit" was poured at the time of His baptism.
They further believe that they share in this "Christ Spirit." They share the above doctrines with the Christian Scientists, New Age and other cultic and pagan groups. And although the workers like anything that sounds Scriptural, they most certainly did not get this idea from the Scriptures. Association of the word "Christ" (anointed one) with the equivalent Hebrew term "Messiah," the God and redeemer of the Prophets, is all but ignored. The Bible presents Jesus as God incarnate (with a human body), and the Spirit which descended upon Him at baptism as God's Holy Spirit which bore Him witness - not some "Christ spirit" or some "Christ Consciousness," or some "Christ Attitude."
Christ Jesus
There is no distinction made between "Christ Jesus" and "Jesus Christ." They are used interchangeably, as though the writers of scripture used them to make their writings more literary. The idea that "Jesus Christ" refers to His life prior to the resurrection, as opposed to "Christ Jesus" referring to His resurrected position was first heard by me a couple of years ago; long past the time that I was learning anything from the workers.
Christian
Only a Two-by-Two preacher or member. They believe that they are the only true followers of Jesus (see "Follow"). Though the Two-by-Twos believe that they are the only Christians, they seldom use the word; they prefer to use the terms: "professing," "saints," "God's chosen people," etc.
Christian Conventions (The)
The name registered with the government of the United States referring to the cult; abbreviated "C.C.'s." This is one of the legal names of long standing under which the workers have registered the cult, but kept secret from members. The name has appeared on recent lists, but in a way that would not alert anyone to the fact that it is a legal name.
Church
The local body of people who gather in a home (meeting) to "break bread;" only those of "The Truth." Thus, each individual group, meeting in a home, is referred to as a church.
Church Buildings
The buildings of the denominational churches are referred to by the Two-by-Twos as "Synagogues" or "temples made with hands." Churches which own obvious property such as sanctuaries, gymnasiums, classrooms, etc., are ridiculed, and pronounced to be "churches of Satan." Property ownership by churches is one of the prominent "signs" of a "false church," or "false religion" according to Two-by-Two beliefs. All the while that the Two-by-Twos deride and condemn such churches, they themselves erect buildings on private land which are used once a year for conventions. The meeting building on the Glen Valley convention grounds, a farm owned by a member, was erected for the purpose of a meeting facility, but is used throughout the rest of the year for recreational vehicle storage for rent. I wonder who gets the rent money; the property owner, or the church?
Churchianity
This is a word which is used to describe the practices of the denominational churches. The idea consists of: attending church services regularly, warming a pew with no reason to be there beyond a show of religion before men and desire for social life. This is what the workers accuse all Christians who gather in church buildings of practicing. A similar word used in the same way, meaning essentially the same, is "Religiosity."
Commitment
A vow taken before God. This would include the "commitment" made publicly that is the initial one in this cult. (See "Profess") First of all, one is taught that this "Right church" is God's Only True Way of salvation. Along with this teaching comes condemnation of any other churches, especially Christian denominations. These two things are an extremely strong leash on the member once they are internalized. Once this takes place with genuine desire God-ward, the trap has been sprung. Thereafter, coercion, intimidation, outright threats and perverted scripture are used where needed to keep the member in line. This commitment is deadly! Most ex-members will tell you of a period of time of fear that they were damned by God for leaving the cult. Some have returned because of that fear.
Companion
Two workers preaching together in one area are called "companions." Barnabas is referred to as Paul's companion, as is Timothy - these, too, are supposed to have been Two-by-Two style preachers.
Contrite Heart
Broken will and readiness therefore to be instructed. This term denotes elements of "honest heartedness," willingness to be obedient to religious leaders, and dedication to obeying all of the laws contrived as essential to salvation by the workers such as regular participation in the Sunday morning meetings and regular attendance of all other local meetings. The only element of this that is directed God-ward is that the members believe that by obeying the workers' commandments they do so as unto God. (See also, "Broken, "Spirit," "Will of Man")
Convention
"In just the past eighty-eight years we have had the privilege of this [convention]. Eighty-eight years ago there wasn't one convention on this earth. " - Merlin Howlett. At Milltown Convention, 1988. Gene and Grace Luxon, Has the Truth Set You Free?. p. 232.
A large annual gathering of "churches" where teaching is the main theme. These conventions last for four days and are held on a members farm. Barns, tents, and what other structures are available are used for meetings, dining, and sleeping areas. Conventions are held at various times so that members or workers who attend such as Glen Valley, will be able to attend Milltown, Washington next, and so on. The convention schedule shows that conventions go on almost continuously around the world. Worker's Meetings take place at conventions, as well as directing and disciplining of members who "need" such.
According to The Secret Sect, the conventions were originally modeled after the late nineteenth century, revivalist Keswick Conventions. Each day there are three meetings of two to two and a half hours of preaching by various workers, who speak in ascending order according to length of experience, the more experienced speaking last. In between are periods of rest and "fellowship" time, as well as meals. Food is contributed by members, and cooked by volunteers on site. Clean up of dishes etc. is taken care of by volunteer children, as is the serving of the meals. Bed time comes by ten o'clock, when the power switches are thrown, and all the lights go out in the sleeping quarters. Men and women are separated of course, unless individual families have brought their own tent trailers or campers. The life at a convention is fairly regulated and disciplined, but is quite enjoyable for a group of people who are used to being regulated and who know little of large group gatherings, other than "Gospel Meetings" and "Special Meetings," during the greater portion of the year. These conventions are looked forward to by the people, just as others look forward to vacation time each year, because the opportunities for social life there are more abundant than available elsewhere during the rest of the year. Some conventions are located on farms that are quite beautiful in their natural setting. The adolescents get to choose from a greater number of the opposite sex than is available the rest of the year. Adults can visit with friends from other areas or countries, whom they seldom see. The world of work and home can fade out of focus along with its problems very quickly. It is the world of a child revisited.
It should be well noted that a common trait of a cult is isolation of its members from "the world." The Convention farms of the Two-by-Twos achieve this very well, as the locations are in the countryside. In every case of which I personally know, few of even the neighboring people know what is happening on those farms (they look like large reunions of quaintly dressed family members). The newcomers are surrounded by cult members, away from normal outside influences and harangued by the authorities for several consecutive days. Any member who might be slipping away is in the same situation. Observance of any aberration from the cult norm can take place very readily, and be addressed by the authorities in a separated atmosphere. Dependence on and identification with the group is fostered and intensified. The pressure to conform to accepted standards and actions is as intense as any high school student's experiences from peer pressure. The Two-by-Two Conventions conform to a comparable degree with the "conditioning" retreats so common to other abusive cults, and the resulting "programming" and "mind control" factors are the same, though to some degree less obvious in methodology than known in many more flamboyant groups. You will not find the back room where individuals are locked away and browbeaten, at least not in my experience. It is quite enough that the entire laity is taught, and learns, to browbeat themselves.
Convention Lists
Lists of the various conventions, their addresses, and their times of occurrence. A comprehensive list shows some 125 conventions covering North America as of 1988, 30 of which are in Canada, most of which are held from the last days of June through to mid August each year.
Conversion
To turn from the old ways of "the world," including Christian beliefs, and walk in The Way (infrequently used, to "see it" or some similar term is more frequently used to describe the change of heart.)
Cooneyite
A name attached to the Two-by-Twos which refers to the early, prominent role played by Edward Cooney. This name is most vehemently denied by them, and would be totally disowned were it possible. (It has been brought to my attention in more recent times that there still exists a group of Edward Cooney's followers who are not accepted by the main body of Two-by-Twos. These are indeed the true Cooneyites, a splinter group which dates back to the time of Edward's excommunication). There has also been talk among certain disaffected Two-by-Twos of reviving certain aspects of Cooney's teachings, particularly his abandonment of the Living Witness Doctrine.
Roberts, The Life and Ministry of Edward Cooney.
Kevin Daniel. Reinventing The Truth. p. 210
Creation
"God was and is the Creator. Jesus was and is the reCreator. Christ is the example of God. " Worker, 1967.
"The Holy Spirit is the connector we can have with the Father and Son in heaven. The Holy Spirit figured in creation. The Spirit of God moved over the face of the earth, it was there from the beginning. " Head Worker, Alberta. Devon, 1977.
"God created this world and it wasn't fit to live in so He is going to re-create it. He created man but they weren't fit so He must re-create them. " Worker, Glen Valley, August 4, 1988.
What can I say? This worker rather boldly states here that God is a liar; (Genesis 1:31) "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. " God said this on the sixth day, so when did it become "not fit" to live in or when did man become not fit?
The answer is found in (Genesis 3:1-24.)
