Yes, I too just finished Tanya Levin’s book a few weeks or so ago and join the applause for her show of strength and fortitude in writing it. It certainly reflected much of my own thoughts over the years about groups such as Hillsong and YWAM; groups which may not fall within the strict gamut of a ‘cult’, but nonetheless because of their organisational structure and dynamics, are very ‘cultish’. I was raised in the Elim Four Square and after the usual mid-adolescent jaunt with a joint (it was actually beer in those straight days) I ended up with the AOG and attended their bible college. My god, what a socialisation process in narrow-mindedness that turned out to be. For example, in those dim dark days we were required to sit well apart if driving in a college vehicle with a fellow female student – you know the philosophy, sex leads to dancing mindset! Later I joined YWAM, and looking back recall a fairly genuine desire to serve god and make a positive difference in the lives of young people. After a couple of years however I was disturbed by some of the behaviour of leadership that had parallels to some that is described by Tanya in her book, “People in Glass Houses”. I eventually left the organisation after other issues came to the fore such as when YWAM started espousing the belief that the USA was especially chosen by god to bless the whole world (wonder what the tens of thousands of dead and maimed Iraqis now think about this brilliant hypothesis, aye – let alone the poor old YWAMmers from outside this blessed American fold?). No, I didn’t fall out with leadership or anything like that. I was in fact one of the ‘fair headed young men’ who just started to exercise his intellect and appraise the organisation he was committed to in an intelligent and rational manner. It would be too lengthy for this comment page to go into all the parallels that I see between YWAM and Hillsong in line with themes raised by Tanya in her book, but let me say that in my opinion there are some disturbing parallels to be drawn. But life goes on doesn’t it and it is better to make the difficult transition and leave, rather than compromise your personal integrity and stay on to grow into a disgruntled, bitter or ‘neutralised’ individual. In fact I left and went through a period of significant withdrawal. I can remember sitting in the university library in my second year (writing one of the seeming countless required essays) and thinking how I longed for the excitement and challenge of the good old Mission. Well, like all addicts committed to seeing the cold turkey process through to the end, I struggled through a genuine existential crisis and came out he other end a relatively intact human being (well, in my opinion that is!). I later qualified professionally in humanities-based disciplines that I thank for honing my appreciation for critical analysis of human behaviour. Well, I could go on and on, but will stop there. In closing though, let me say, that to me, the important thing in life is to practice genuine care for others whenever and wherever possible, without compromising our own safety and basic need for things such as financial security and the like. We also have to try to be honest in these endeavours and if we catch ourselves hurting one of the ‘little ones’, we should stop and re-evaluate our motives and direction in life. So it goes for Hillsong, YWAM, members of the AOG, me and ‘yous’.

GemWorks –

I’d like to refute some of the comments you’ve made and strengthen some of the others.

The very first and fundamental point I feel needs to be made is that salvation is through Christ alone. Not attending church, not giving money, not practicing religious traditions. Only through giving your life to Jesus Christ is one saved. I know that you will agree with me on this.

So now that we have this fundamental truth established, we can start talking about how you can know if someone is a Christian. Needless to be said, we cannot see if someone has a relationship with Christ, but it’s their actions that will prove this.

Church attendance – I agree, because salvation is brought only through a relationship with Christ, church attendance is required to be saved. Not that that’s covered, you get into the question of why would a true Christian not attend church. The bible states that one day in the house of God is better than one thousand elsewhere and multiple locations stress the love Christ has for the church, his bride. A Christian, taking on the nature of Christ, will love what Christ loves, and thus love the Church.

Giving money – I am appalled on the teachings and beliefs most churches today hold about money. There is a local “mega” church here in Seattle that I will use as an example. While their preaching sermons are 45 minutes long, their “giving” sermon” (given before the actual sermon by the pastor’s wife or the “prosperity pastor”) is 5-10 minutes long. Not only that, but the pastor’s sermons, if not on the topic of money, is cancered with the topic of money throughout. They follow the modern prosperity doctrine, give God money, God gives you more. If there is one thing I cannot stand in the church of today, it is the prosperity doctrine. With that said, you can see that I do not agree with church’s demanding you give money, often hiding it with a message about how they want you to give so God will give you more. But on the other-side, the point I’d like to make, is that what we do withour money, like our time, shows where we find our enjoyment. It is important for a Christian to support the church and other ministries.

Tax cheats – Some churches cheat, but most don’t.

Cult – Christianity is different from other cults such as satanists and new age cults in that it was not established and does not brainwash their members. When you enter any other cult, you are forced to do what you are asked of.

Last point of argument – You used “free will” many times throughout your writing. Issue I have with that is that the word free will is not found anywhere in the bible. Free will is defined as “the ability to act solely on one’s own discretion.” Our decisions however, are influenced by the pull and temptation of Satan, and by the grace and love of God, the constant battle between good and evil. The bible, however, does write about we having a choice, a decision. We all have responsibility of our actions, that, although we cannot fully understand, falls in perfectly with God’s complete sovereignty (including divine election, as stated through many parts of the bible). So I believe it is important to not focus on our “free will,” but on Jesus and his grace in bring us to Him.

I’ve recently written a book called “The Christian Behind Closed Doors.” Its about legalism in the Christian church today. You can see it here: http://www.christianbehindcloseddoors.com. Thank you.

I agree, how can one expect perfection from a people so corrupted?