| Author | Message | ||
     Cheers |
Why is it that former members of the 2x2 fellowship cannot leave it alone, move on in their new place of worship. | ||
| Anonymous |
Leaving the truth is harder than leaving other mainstream churches like Baptists! | ||
| Anonymous |
Cheers, I care deeply about the friends and workers. I can't think of a finer group of people on the earth . But I don't like their "only right way" belief. And their attitudes toward women's apparel, television, high status of the workers and other things worries me! And the belief that ONLY the homeless ministry and the meetings in the home can please God. The workers and friends have put Jesus is a little box which includes the professing lifestyle. Jesus didn't come down from heaven to establish a women's dress code, a form of meetings/ministry and to require people to give up this or that to "have a chance of salvation". Heck no. Jesus paid the price on Calvary. Why should we think that some dress code, entertainment ban or getting to all of the meetings is so important? | ||
| Helping hands |
Those who join up with the 2x2 as adults have no problem leaving and moving on, once they become aware that its not right for them. However, those who were born into this cult and were brainwashed from infancy often have a more difficult time of severing ties and moving on. Often, a majority of their family and friends will be left behind. The whole social structure of their lives must change. Those of us who were born and raised in this cult have a lot of sympathy for those young folks who are going through the trauma of moving on. We try to share our experiences, hopes, and strenghts with those leaving, so that they might have an easier time of it than we did. The internet has helped to pave the way out of the cult by providing chat rooms and message boards. Also, the Telling The Truth site provides an extensive history of the cult for those who were never told of the beginnings. | ||
| Recovering Pharisee |
Much like in AA, some people recover, move on, and never look back. Others continue to be active members of AA, helping other people recover, even though they themselves have not had to have a drink for decades! Think of it as "giving back". We were helped; we now must help others that follow. We can never 'pay back' those who helped us; we can only 'pay forward' to those who need it now. | ||
| Anonymous |
The attitudes that the currently professing have toward those you leave the fellowship is enough to encourage weak people to remain in it even when their heart tells them to exit. Take the term "losing out". This term not only means "exiting the truth fellowship" but also losing your chances of going to heaven. There is a belief that former professing people "lost their vision". Formerly professing people have been called bitter, misled, blind, anti-Christ (the vocal ones), children of the devil/Satan, unwilling, disobedient, among other unkind names. Again these names are given to these people behind their backs when around the workers or well esteemed professing people. | ||
| Anonymous |
Professing people feel they cannot overcome the anger at discovering that Irish workers started the truth around 1900. With time , the anger abates! | ||
| Anonymous |
Some younger professing people are attending a denominational church and meetings for while. It is good to slowly wean yourself from Sunday morning meetings before totally leaving! Then you have built up a social support group in a denominational church. | ||
| Anonymous |
As professing children sitting in meetings or conventions, we heard senior workers damn other churches into hell. Many professing people not only believe other churches are "false" but also believe one cannot be forgiven if they leave those churches and return to the "truth". Professing people have been taught to hate other churches. They are almost at war with them! Workers bash the collection plate, huge edifice, paid clergy with a theological degree, clergy with a title to his name like Reverend, pictures of Jesus on the wall, and religious icons or saying posted on the wall. I think if there are some interdenominational house meetings in an area, a professing person might feel more comfortable worshipping there. Workers often preach that "Jesus told us where to worship and how the ministry should preach".Again the form of ministry and meetings seems to be all that matters in "the truth". Attitudes toward other Christians who don't profess the "truth" can lead to spiritual isolation. That is why some professing people aren't happy! | ||
| Anonymous |
Many formerly professing people say that "losing out" was the hardest decision they have ever made but they wouldn't ever want to return to "the truth". | ||
| Anonymous |
Fear of going to hell keeps some professing people inside the fellowship of the workers and friends. The belief is that if you leave the worker's "truth" sect and die "outside", you will go straight to hell. | ||
| Anonymous |
A formerly professing lady in Georgia was denied the opportunity to attend her professing nephew's funeral in Georgia by her professing relatives. This sect feels threatened by ANYONE who is vocal against their group. -------- Dear all Although my family in "truth" and I are estranged . I wanted to let all of you know that about a week and a half ago , My nephew died of a lighting strike .. He was outside his house , with his twin sister.. She was not harmed at all but he died a couple of days later in the hospital Due to the fact I have been excommunicated from my family basically because I have written on this board and others.... I was not invited to the funeral even tho I was close to Jonathan and his sister ... I was actually told not to come .. I did send flowers although I do not think they were appreciated ..... I did go out to the grave after his funeral and said my own prayers there .. I do want everyone to know that whether in "truth" or out of "truth , this young boy loved the LORD very much and I know he is in a better place ... Those of you who attend Metter would probably know them and might want to send a condolence card and even tho it is NOT USUALLY IN the way of "truth to GIVE .. I believe it would be appreciated as he had no insurance and it is very costly to a family in need like this .. If you want any more information please email me at pairofcastles@cs.com Thank you all .. It is very sad and now I do know how Jesus felt in many ways .. Ever since leaving "truth" and feeling free to speak my mind on many issues.. it has caused such friction in my family that I cannot be with them or see them ... Some of you know the story others dont but continue to pray for the family in thier sorrow .. No matter what has been done to me would I ever in my wildest dreams wish any family to go thru this kind of pain .. I do know that at first the friends are comforting but as time wears on as with the death of my own father, no one will want to help you thru the grieving process and the mother will need the prayers of all When my father died, even at my first convention , even tho he professed did one single person come up and SAY IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS .. that to me was inconcievable .. So pray for them that God will show them mercy and TRUTH and the LOVE That exist outside of the religion TRUTH and in the LORD , the ROCK of our SALVATION JESUS Love in the Lord | ||
| Anonymous |
Workers remind me of a hornet's nest that has been disturbed. They feel threatened and sting anyone who seems to be disturbing their perfect unity and peace! | ||
| Anonymous |
I have moved on. I looked up this site out of curiosity. However, I can understand why it is difficult. For years, I was convinced I was going to hell because I didn't buy into what I was being taught. You aren't allowed to question, and when you do, you are definitely put in your place! Everyone is taught that if you turn your back on "the truth" you are turning your back on God, and you will go to hell. Even though in my head I knew it was a crock...in my heart it took me a long time to really get to the point where I knew it for sure. When I found out as an adult that the church was started in Britain, I can't tell you the weight that was lifted off my shoulders! | ||
| Anonymous |
It is sad how the professing people gossip about people who "lose out"/stop attending meetings. The professing people will gossip about you to your back and avoid your presence. It is like some professing people think they are spiritually superior to those who "lose out" or cease attending meetings. | ||
| Anonymous |
http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/concepts/christianabuse.htm This man suffered at the hands of "the truth", Mormons and Pentacostals. His faith in religion is weak. Maybe he needs to find a mainstream church instead of these pseudo religions. | ||
| Anonymous |
As a professing child, you are so involved with "The Truth" that it is difficult to get free of the mind control that some experience. You are taught that you will go to hell if you stop going to meetings and die "outside the Truth". When all of your friends and family "profess", one has no social support when they "lose out" or stop professing. Fearful of a lost eternity (hell), losing support from professing friends and relatives among other reasons forces some people to remain professing even though they would rather be "out in the world" as professing people call it! And once you cease professing, you don't just forget all of the cliches, one liners, worker experiences and other spiritually abusive teachings overnight. | ||
| Anonymous |
The following beliefs are rehashed in meetings and conventions by workers and friends: 1. There is one true way and that is found in the nameless "truth" sect of the workers. 2. Workers or Servants of God have a right to interfere in personal decisions because they are closer to God so obey them or be kicked out of the only true church. 3. Professing people don't play sports, watch television, marry unprofessing or divorced people, females don't wear pants, makeup, jewelry or cut their hair etc. The workers say that they don't have rules but if you violate them, you will be shunned, smeared or even kicked out of the "Truth". 4. You mention in meetings how thankful you are for the "sacrifices of God's Servants". 5. Only through the workers can one be saved. All other religions are of Satan and will lead one to hell when they die. 6. Money is given to the workers in secret. 7. Worker secrets aren't to be shared with unprofessing people. 8. Don't have close unprofessing friends. 9. Get to every meeting possible. 10. Take part in every meeting and don't say anything that would make the workers think you have a "bad spirit". | ||
| Anonymous |
Workers love to pin the phrase "bad or wrong spirit" upon those who question their rules, traditions, and place!! Workers love to hear the friends talk about how much they enjoyed meetings, conventions or special meetings. You don't EVER criticize what a worker speaks about in a meeting. NO. If you do, they get nervous and defensive. You may be stopped from taking part in their meetings. And don't be suprised if your name is ridiculed in letters, phone calls and personal visits. You may be shunned or smeared by workers, friends and even professing family members. But if you look the right way, act the right way, "respect God's servants/the workers", get to every meeting possible, have a home where workers can spend the night, and submit to the worker's authority over your life, you will find the workers to be nice and gentle people. | ||
| Anonymous |
It is hard to forget your years in the "truth." This religion dictated who you married, where you worked (to a lesser extent), your entertainment, how you felt about people IN and OUT of the truth and even where you lived! Many currently professing people wouldn't exist had the "truth" way never existed!! Workers insisted that the friends marry other professing people which is the reason for my existence. You build up so many walls between yourself and people outside of the "Truth" that you struggle to function independently of the sect!! At work, it is still hard for me to enjoy being around unprofessing people and now I feel some gulf developing between myself and professing people. But I do expect things to get better. | ||
| alice carleton |
My website: www.churchabusepoetrytherapy.com is the result of being voted out of a 31-year church membership, because I got a divorce (then let my ex live with me)...My name was put up on a big screen, followed by the words: CONDUCT UNBECOMING A CHILD OF GOD. I was called to a meeting of the deacons and not allowed to take a woman member with me. I was asked if I was "still having sex with my ex." Something beautiful came from the ashes; my website: It is doing what I hoped---helping heal those hurt by a church. I hope you will tell me what you think, and if it helps in your healing. Sincerely, Because of Him---I am---a wounded-healer and overcomer! | ||
| Free |
Wow! I just discovered the truth about the no-name "Christian" assembly I had attended from age 17 to 30. All of my closest childhood friends still are part of it. I'm 39 now and haven't met with the "saints" for 10 years. My family was not in it. I came aboard through my friends/peers when I was in high school. I was not raised in any church. One of my friends became a born-again Christian. I started listening to my friend preach the gospel. I accepted Christ as my saviour. I started attending meetings. My parents were at first concernerd because I started preaching to them after my first meeting. The one true church - his body. My parents are not religious, so this was not a doctrinal thing. They just were concerned as normal parents when their kid gets converted so quickly to something. They wouldn't let me meet for a couple of months, but let up bacause I was doing it with my friends who they knew for many years (and knew their parents). Plus, I seemed happy. Hey, I stopped smoking weed! Can't be all bad. The "saints" were very friendly and hospitable. But they sure looked different - no pants for women, long hair, no kake-up, cookie cutter look for men. No shortpants. No TV(!). No mixed bathing. Met Sunday and Tuesday in someone's home (or rented room in school). No official organization (oh, but they were organized). You can't vote, drink, play music that "appeals to the flesh." Can't go to weddings, funerals, etc. of non-believers. Must seperate from family, especially re: "Christmas." That was the big annual loyalty test if you have "unsaved" famility. Do you stay with your familiy celebrating that pagan holiday, or do you "honor Christ" by going out of town to the December Camp convention. Anyway, I started having problems after just a few years. I was in college which was frowned upon. Going to law school immediately afterwards didn't help. I was having "difficulties" because I would drink at times, have sex, listen to sinful music, etc. I was "serving my own belly." I got marked (excommunicated) at some point, then came back, left, came back. I was kind of weaning myself off of it for a few years till, about 9 years ago I said f**k it, and just lost contact with everyone. It was at that point that the vicious cycle of "sin" followed by "repentence" (often requiring a public confession of a most intimate issue), followed by "backsliding." I didn't like their legalism and control (I tend to be of a very individualist bent by personality - and profession (lawyer)). I never questioned the biblical doctrine - that was the only "true" Christianity I knew. I didn't want to not be a Christian. I was saved by accepting Christ in the same way as the multitude of Christians who don't meet this way. But I knew I couldn't meet this way anymore, even though I would miss my childhood friends (and best friend). I felt free to do what I want. But was I saved. I didn't like the assembly's legalisms, but on doctrine, I'm sure they're right. I don't want to go to hell, so I'll get right with God at some point in the future. I'm just having too much fun with my liberty now. I like being away from them. And no more boring meetings. You miss a couple of meetings and people start to get "concerned" for your "spiritual" welfare. I know they all think I'm likely to go to hell, since it was obvious that I was never saved (this group preached you can't lose your salvation - since I'm not meeting anymore, I must really be unsaved. If I were saved, I would be back with them - the true church). During the nine years I've been away now (good, fun, productive and fulfilling years), I've been at peace with myself. I was still a bit unsure of Christianity, but eventually became a doubter and then a skeptic and now an unbeliever. (I Know some of you are believers, and I don't care about that; and my current rejection of the Bible has nothing to do with the assemblies. It came after study and research on my own. I may be a diest, actually.) Recently, I've been doing research on evolution, paganism, the history of the church, how the bible was written, the historical Jesus, etc. Just for my own education. I enjoy studying these things. Yesterday, I'm looking at the history of fundmentalism and see a link to "Christian cults." I click it on and see a link to "Cooneyites." Never heard of them. I click it last night and.......I nearly fell off my chair!!! Holy Shit! (sorry). It was like my last 25 years flashed before my eyes. It was all there. Started in 1897. I thought it had always been - passed down from the 1st Century by the churches of Paul. Never heard of William Irvine or Cooney. But make no mistake, my former group was what I am seeing on the Web sites. The same rules and pecularities, the testimonials from escaped members. The practices. Since I had never heard of any of the particular assemblies I was reading about (e.g., Australia), I figure that I was attending a splinter group. That made sense seeing how there were so many markings (excomm.) of members. About a dozen years ago, there was a major split of about 400 or so members in one of the assemblies in another state (California). Basically broke into half. I was in the group that excomm. the "sinful" group. So the idea that we were a splitner group with no knowledge of previous groups which were in turn splinters of other groups made sense. Each new generation would have no knowledge of the cast-off group, and because of the strict excomm. rules, you would never even meet them. Anyway, I am still trying to absorb this. As I said, I have been at peace for the last several years. But just now discovering the truth behind it all is a revelation so big that ... well, only you guys could really comprehend it. I feel great, but am now thinking of the 10 or so friends I have still there. We all live within two hours of each other. I talk to/see a couple of them every other year or so. Small talk then ends with, "so when are you coming back." (Not anytime soon.) I was part of a Washington, DC area group. There are branches in Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Nova scotia, Newfoundland, Mexico, and South America. I'm not sure about the newer Latin American groups, but the total number of people that comprised the U.S. and Canada assemblies was maybe eight hundred to a thousand. They have a Web site (not very good, just bible tracts and contact info). It is "bibletruths.org." Does anyone out there in cyberspace have any info or affiliations with these groups? Thank God for the Internet! I am, Free I I nearle | ||
| Anonymous |
All who leave the group move on. However, many feel compelled to help others because they are being lied to and are being made into liars. They want to break the circle of lies. When one lie is uncovered and the workers/friends acknowledge it, more lies come out or more are perpetuated in attempt to divert attention from the original lies. One lie turns into another, into another, into another. It never stops. Those who are out want the lying to stop. Souls are being lied to and misled by lies. Souls. Not just people. Souls. Eternal souls are lost because of this group and their damnable lies. | ||
| Crystal Stitt Turbeville (24.26.28.231) |
I was born and raised in the no name, meet in the home church. At the age of seventeen I began to question the basic belief that all others are going to hell, met the person who today 10 years later is still my husband, and made the decision to leave the "truth". I was for a long time very angry at religion and God as a whole. I would say that by most standards I continued to leave a "Godly" life. I did cut my hair, begin to wear make-up, and changed the below the knee shirts for jeans. I joined the Air Force, which was a great help in separating myself from the religion. I remained fairly close to my parents and siblings but lost touch with most of my other relatives and "friends" of the church. After being an almost agnostic for eight years, the past two years have been a journey of re-awakening in the spiritual sense. I have no interest in subjecting my children to the "truth" in which I was raised but felt some form of religious practice would be beneficial for them. I had been attending a Nazarene Church, which I felt hit a little too close to home, and gradually began attending a local Lutheran Church. One aspect that those who were not raised in the no name church have difficulty grasping is the fact that your entire life is structured around the belief system. Reading these post and others at the Veterans of Truth web site as provided me with an awesome feeling of relief. I am not a "bad" or evil person for choosing to live my life against the beliefs that were so deeply instilled in my life. One thing that I do have to add to most of the postings that I have read is that I don’t think anyone who has posted has a grasp as to how wide spread this religion truly is. I grew up in Southeast Missouri, with family in both Nebraska and Illinois. I have an Aunt who is a sister worker who is still serving and three cousins that have since left the work. The religion is spread across all of North America (perhaps most concentrated in the North West and Mid-West). I currently live in Florida and when my father visits he attends meetings in this area. One of my cousins who was in the work ministered overseas in the Philippines. I know the religion is in Canada, New Zealand, most of Europe, and Australia. I even recall during the late 1980’s and early 19990’s of talk of gospel meetings being held in the then Soviet Union. I don’t know if I fully believe this religion is a cult in the sense that I don’t recall having been forced to doing harmful things to others or myself. One of the hardest things about deciding to leave is because I do hold some of the “professing” people to be some of the kindest, and most loving people I have met. I was discussing this with my mother (she has half-way left the religion) last night and from the perspective of a child, cannot remember one worker who I did not fully love. Some of you may know my relatives, as they are somewhat prominent in the religion in the Minnesota and Illinois area. I wish to each of you the peace of mind that I have found, just wishing I would have found these postings sooner. | ||
| Vicki (63.170.58.51) |
I am a third generation 2x2 member that left when I was 18 years old.(1972) I got married to the first guy I met to get out of the house at 18..because you were taught to let a man take care of you. Im fifty years old now.. my Mother is still in the WAY at 76years old. I left the church for over 15 years..went back with my kids, professed, then dropped out 6months later.(1984) I always felt it was the wrong way...since I had been a kid. I hated conventions..meetings that were boring and damnating to the others not belonging to this cult. My whole family including me now are on anti-depressants and anti-axnity pills...becasue we are taught we are doomed to hell if youre not a member to this cult. I was allways afraid to die.. I recentally moved started going to a church free-methodist and after seeing the passion of the christ.......I somehow Friday typed in the words 2x2 because I remember my Mother saying that was a nickname for them..I about fell out of my chair!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have made so many copies of what Im finding on the internet to take to my Mom to try and free her. I feel like the world has been lifted off my shoulders...I rededicated my life to Christ again(Saturday)and I never have felt better. I'm not even afraid to die now. Meetings were held at my Grandparents and they were held in high esteem. Im from Oregon | ||
| Anonymous (209.240.205.61) |
please be assured I respect the treasure of life in you......leaving the way is just as hard for the outside babe who becomes entangled in the 2x2 Religion......yes you were in just another christian group, but we were taught we were special, a peculiar people belonging to the only true following of jesus, our own special elder brother. I had a special place for many years, allowed to rub shoulders with the head workers, sit in on the worker meetings, and enjoy the hospitality of the august royal N-th generation members.........leaving was hard, i expected lightning to strike me down......but i left and my god is ever incarnate....i rejoice in knowing the presence of love, who i know with my whole heart and soul is my maker......i miss my wife and children every day, sometimes the youngest visits, but the reality of shunning is a dreadful reality so i remain isolated.......i apologize for the undercurrent of anger in me.......we are special because god gave us life.....being an N-th generation 2x2 is a thorn used poke the newbies with, and special little badge of sacred annointing oil ......as if grandmama and grandpapa attending meetings makes their offspring more holy and trustworthy than others!.........as if moses and abraham shall testify in the N-th generations behalf....... im afraid i have gotten a bit upset, reading the posts brought back many memorys and i am sure i have sat beside many of you at special meetings and at conventions.......my beloved god has rescued me from the company of the 2x2s.......... once i knew who my god is, i only loved all of you more, i was instructed to stay silent.......my exit was very interesting, quiet and lacking in any tenderheartedness.......thanks for letting me ramble on.....god bless you all and bless god too | ||
| Vicki (216.104.75.148) |
I can agree with all that you are saying!!!!!! I to am going to have to deal with the surges of anger with a life cheated of joy. my family was held in the highest esteem as meetings were held in there homes and workers always stayed with them. We always felt like we were the special ones..we in the TRUTH. Although in my heart there was never any peace as you could never be good enough. I am divorce as my family left me years ago as I "became worldly" I can't even get my Mother to listen to what I found as she hangs up on me every time I mention it and that I am killing her. in the mist of my anger there is a PEACE in my heart and I know that I am saved and that there is a loving God!!! God bless you!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Anonymous (209.240.205.61) |
vicki......im happy you have found a christian community with joy. thank you for the god bless you above i find joy in my poetry, the god who is love, and now i have found joy in your saved spirit.... im all smiles cause you are free..... tajone | ||
| Anonymous (157.89.46.110) |
Professing people rarely socialize very much with people outside their group. WHen they leave, they have to find new people to associate. Professing friends are suspicious of anyone who leaves their meetings. You have a wrong spirit or a love for the world when you quit going to meeting. | ||
| meg (meg) New member Username: meg Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 63.249.15.32 |
I grew up close friends with a neighbor girl who was a 2x2 born and raised. I never knew what "religion" she was, as she of course never gave any details, much as I tried to get them! She had a serious stigma in school as being the girl who dressed weird, etc. She left the "church" 5 years ago now. She recently told me that it takes about 5 years to get through the devastation of leaving. All of her friends and family turned their backs on her. She called it a cult, and it is. The more I learn about it the more I wish I'd realized what she was going through as a child. The reason people don't just walk away and get over it is the same reason it is so hard to walk away from in the first place, no matter how miserable your life is. Mind control. Pressure to conform. Threats of eternal damnation. I feel terrible that there is such a destructive subculture living right under the surface in America. I feel even worse that I was not there in a more substantial way for my life-long friend, who must have endured such a lot her entire life. And I am elated that she is finally free. |
