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A Search for "The Truth"
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The Workers' Words Exposed by Lloyd Fortt.
Check Out Even "MORE" Terminology at this LINK:
"Language of Truth" - The Way of the Workers and Friends
(P)
Paradise
Heaven.
Patience
Patience, the gift of the Holy Spirit, is short lived among the workers if they are faced with internal problems such as a person who insists on retaining a television set in the home, or one who wants to marry a divorced lady, or one who wants to marry a non-professing lady. Where the patience of workers really shines is in the case of winning a non-member over to their views.
They will hold gospel meetings for months in the hope that such a person will eventually understand their "gospel" without having been clearly told what they are talking about.
Pattern
Jesus Christ is believed to be the "pattern preacher." To set this pattern is believed to be the only reason that Jesus came to earth; His crucifixion is believed to exemplify "death to one's self” at best, and to be a terrible tragedy at worst. (See "Follow.")
Pearl of Great Price
This is a term used to make two concepts sound biblical. The story, found in Matthew 13:46, of the selling of all in order to purchase the field is used by the workers to present their concept of the "right ministry," and their concept of the "right church." The first and foremost of these two ideas is that the pearl of great price is identified as the "right ministry," which according to themselves, consists exclusively of their own "ministers." In other words, each of the workers had to sell all that they had prior to finding this pearl in order to purchase it. The great price is what it cost each of these people to purchase it.
(It might also be noted that almost all new, young workers have almost nothing to "give up" in the way of possessions, even if sacrifices of mere possessions were worth this artificial "pearl!")
The second idea that the Workers try to present is more related to the membership than to the ministry.
Here the pearl of great price is still seen as being the "right ministry" but only in the context of the "right church."
For the members, the "right church" is identified as being the pearl with its "right ministry" attached to it. The great price for the members are their individual decisions to yield to the teachings of the workers, who of course represent the pearl or the "right church." The great price consists of each individual becoming a "child" in order to enter into it; to sell all they have to purchase it, in "spiritualized" terms.
(See "Child.")
Peculiar People
I recall hearing much preaching about us being a peculiar people; how that we were to look different from any other people - for by this, others would see our difference, and we would give an example of Christ to the world. Thus, through our appearance others would know that we were God's people.
John 13:35
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another."
Perceive
A fancier term used to denote "deep insight," particularly where Scripture is involved. One is well respected if he or she can use words that sound mystical, as though some great spirit has imparted wisdom to the person speaking.
Persecution
To suffer disapproval on account of beliefs that are held, or any negative reaction to the restricted lifestyle of the cult. Rejection of anything that the cult holds important is interpreted as persecution. When one goes out of his way to condemn other Christians in a merciless tirade of hostile jargon, the results can hardly be called "persecution." Even the reaction to them from outsiders that does get out of hand is usually in utter frustration with them on account of a son or daughter that they have influenced to abandon home and family. In recent years, not a great deal of Christian reaction to them is even derogatory, since they have done such a good job of hiding their beliefs, and burying them in pseudo Christian phraseology. Those from other churches are more likely these days to defend them from criticisms raised by ex-members, who know well of their deceptions, lies, and maneuvering tactics.
The largest persecution that the Two-by-Twos suffer is
from within their own ranks, as one runs tattling on the other,
and stirs up trouble for their own brothers and sisters.
Any outside persecution that they claim, is largely an invention produced within the minds of the workers. This illusion is a very valuable tool in controlling the members, and is maintained, lest the ordinary Two-by-Two cease to "feel right" for lack of "persecution."
Person
The word "person" is seen as denoting an individual being (physical, human-like). This term represents much of the difficulty which Two-by-Twos have with the terms that other churches use in the definition of "Trinity." It is clear that there is only one true God, so that to say that the one true God is three "persons" is a logical contradiction if person denotes an individual being. Actually, little attention is paid to exploring what the Bible has to say regarding the nature of God or why the Bible uses the term "God" to denote Jesus and the Holy Spirit, along with the Father. The whole subject is rejected, mainly on account of it being used by those that are considered to be Satan's ministers, and therefore it is not worthy of further thought. (See heading "Triunity. ")
Pharisee
The modern day version of the "Pharisee" is what the workers call any minister other than their own.
Chief among their charges is that all follow the same set of rules, especially the rule of passing around the collection plate in church. The workers don't seem to know that it is not a requirement that everybody contribute into a collection plate, or that the Bible presents charitable contributions as being as much an act of worship as is hymn singing. The workers do not overtly require or acknowledge financial support from the members at all, and it is not viewed as worship of God when finances are given to them (though they have no problem accepting such funds). However the workers do have their own unwritten law that members are expected to obey.
The deception often presented to outsiders,
or members who question the existence of these rules,
is that the Two-by-Twos have no list of regulations.
But just because these are not written down, does not mean they do not exist. And like the laws perpetrated by some of the first century Pharisees upon their followers, many of the laws of the Two-by-Two are appearance oriented.
Platform
(Convention Platform)
At the conventions, in the meeting tent or area, is a raised stage in the front of the rows of seats (usually hard wooden benches). It is usually furnished with three chairs (wooden) where the male workers who will "take the meeting" are seated. There is a microphone set at the front edge of this platform (no podium) for the use of the preacher, who will stand while preaching
Praise
This word seldom comes from the mouth of a Two-by-Two, as directed to God. (See "Worship"). I include it here, because it is such an important subject.
Very often in the meetings, one can hear, even in the testimony of a worker,
how the testifier has come to know "this wonderful Way of God;"
how they were lost in "the Ways of the World"
until a pair of "God's servants" crossed their path,
who exemplified the gospel, or the first century church.
One will hear them say how thankful they are that God has shown them "The Truth" by sending the workers forth to preach in their area. This is the closest I have ever heard any come to praise from the heart to God. On closer examination of this type of constantly repeated testimony, it quickly becomes evident that, though God is mentioned, the praise of the heart is directed to the messengers (the workers) and the "Way," not to God. The workers continually reinforce the idea that this "Way" or this church is God's plan of salvation. They continually emphasize the point of how much they themselves have sacrificed in order to bring "this gospel" to people.
They continually preach against other churches,
and the doctrines held by Christian churches.
The Godhood of Jesus Christ is "spat upon"
while the worker is revered by all.
In the end, one must conclude that this whole system they call a church does not glorify God at all, but puts its workers, and the church that they represent in the place of Jesus Christ, and it is men who are therefore glorified.
Prayer
An often ritualized petition directed to "the Father." I will deal with this subject more in depth under the heading of "Typical Prayer" (see Chapter Seven) but here I wish to deal with the subject of the "prayer of thanks," or what is sometimes termed "Grace" (the prayer that precedes a meal).
This is an act that takes place before every meal, regardless of where it is eaten. Considering the behavior which may precede or follow this act, it would seem that in many cases this prayer is done more to demonstrate the rightness of the individual - conforming to the expected mold - than to communicate with God.
Many Two-by-Twos consider that God only intercedes in supplying material goods for the benefit of the workers. With this in mind, the logic of the repeated pattern which may be observed in their "prayer of
thanks," becomes more clear. Sustenance and other material things are usually thought to be of little concern to God. Indeed, their "prayer of thanks" is more a general prayer, than specifically directed to God for the supply of the meal before them. It often includes petitions for "grace and strength to keep faithful," remembrance of the "needs of the servants and handmaidens" (workers), "for spared lives," thankfulness to God for the day, and then a petition for the blessing of the food "to our bodies' use," which is the only part of the prayer that differs from the prayers offered at meetings. Thankfulness for the supply of the food is not necessarily expressed. Thanksgiving for the supply of the food seems to be at odds with their belief that material things are of no concern to God.
Preaching
The workers supposedly spend much time in prayer and study of Scripture -
I say supposedly,
because there is not a great deal of evidence of study,
particularly in their preaching.
Indications of prayer would not show very well because of their belief that God is only interested in spiritual things. The evidence shows great effort to force Scripture into conforming, or supporting the ideas held as "truth" to "spiritualize" the few quoted verses of Scripture so as to make the Bible appear to agree with "the gospel" which they proclaim. The workers use many ways to support their views, Scripture being one of the least used; they use quotes of other workers, stories from experiences, allegorized observations of nature's systems, and general prattle that confuses minds. The chapter entitled "Terminology and Doctrine in Action," contains a transcript of a well respected worker's sermon, complete from beginning to end, which will show what I am saying very well. The workers are practiced in extemporary style - which means that they do no preparatory notes; they believe that the words that they preach are given to them by God on the spot, while they are preaching. This accounts for the large amount of seemingly thoughtless and disconnected speech that fills the sermons they preach in the name of God, and which are presented as "the revealed Word."
Price
The price of salvation that is preached by the workers is the same price that Jesus paid - spiritualized down so as to not appear too difficult. (See "Salvation.")
"The price that Jesus paid that He could be one with His Father. This is the price we all must pay." Worker. Olympia, Washington. 1970.
"There are two different prices to be paid. The price paid by someone else for us and the price we must pay." Worker, Devon. Montana, 1977.
This last quote has nothing whatever to do with the price that Jesus paid on the behalf of men. The two prices are these: "the price paid by someone else" refers to the worker's abandonment of possessions, and of course, the second 'price" is in reference to the self sacrifice which all are expected to make. Jesus paid His own price for His own purity to show men how it is to be done.
You will see in other parts of this document,
that Jesus is believed by the Two-by-Twos
to have been born with a sin nature just like we have,
and that He was made pure by His obedience
which He is supposed to have learned through His suffering.
A few workers do mention that Jesus Christ died for the sins of man, but this does not mean that He paid the price for us. He came to earth and suffered so that we would have a "wonderful example" of how it is to be done, and within His condescension to come to earth to show us lies that price paid for us. In simpler terms, if Jesus had decided that He didn't want to go through the pain of becoming an "example," then we supposedly would all perish because there would be no knowledge of how to make our own sacrifice for our own sins; since He decided to come, we now can copy Him and thereby earn salvation in the process. It is this supposed decision to come to earth that is the reflection of. and the sum of the grace of Jesus Christ. The idea that Jesus paid all of the price, setting us free from sin through just believing what God has said, is thought to be the height of foolishness. One worker is recorded as having the following to say, in a negative Sense so as to ridicule the idea:
"Salvation by total grace implies that man need do nothing before or after. " Worker, 1983.
Prodigal
A wayward Two-by-Two - one who has back-slidden into the ways of "the world." The assumption is that such a person will eventually long to return to their "Way."
Profess
(Professing)
To profess means that one has indicated willingness to "walk in The Way" publicly (to "take ones stand," or to "make ones choice"). This is usually done in the final meeting of a set of Gospel meetings, or Convention meeting. It means that the candidate has decided to become a member of the Two-by-Two church, and to abide by its regulations, both spoken and unspoken. The invitation process goes something like this: "If anyone has been feeling God speaking to his heart in these meetings, we invite you to indicate your willingness to follow Jesus by standing to your feet as we sing the last verse of hymn number 100 ["Just as I am," or another hymn]. Just stand and remain standing while we close in prayer." This process is called "testing the meeting" by the workers.
Contrast this with the invitation issued by other church groups to come forward for prayer, or to pray to receive Jesus Christ as one's Savior, Lord and God.
The Bible allows a person to receive Jesus Christ any time or place, but a prospective Two-by-Two can only "profess" at a Meeting that is "tested" by a worker.
Provision
The provision God makes for the physical needs of His people is thought to be for the benefit of the workers, or the ministry, alone. The common member does not expect to receive anything for his physical needs from God, nor does he particularly pray for such needs to be met. There is a form of thankfulness for the daily food that is shown in the prayer of thanks preceding each meal, but it seems by repetition to take a general and familiar ritualistic form. (See "Prayer.")
Put Out
This term is not often heard, for it denotes excommunication, and no worker wishes to be proven as having done such a thing to anyone. Since they preach that "We have no rules," to counter the accusation that they believe in salvation through works, and that they have an unwritten code of law, it would be rather hard to explain to anyone how an excommunication was justified.
The above represents their verbal position, but I am personally aware of an excommunication - that of my dad. The workers would counter that they did not excommunicate him, but rather suggested that he not take part or attend Sunday morning Meetings, but that he was welcome to attend gospel meetings. One who does not attend Sunday morning meetings and take part in those meetings is not considered to be "professing," which means that that person "is not of us;" the exact same position as a "stranger."
