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My Escape From The Fundamentalism And Cult Control Of The Way International

Jordan Blair

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Published in Undertow: My Escape From The Fundamentalism And Cult Control Of The Way International

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By Jane Doe

I was raised in a fundamentalist Christian cult called The Way International. From a young age, I was indoctrinated into the group's extreme beliefs, which included a strict adherence to the King James Bible, a belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ, and a rejection of all other forms of Christianity. I was taught that The Way was the only true church, and that all other churches were led by false prophets. I was also taught that the world was a wicked place, and that I needed to be constantly on guard against its temptations.

As I grew older, I began to question some of the things I had been taught. I started to wonder why The Way was so different from other churches. I also started to have doubts about the group's claims that Jesus was coming back soon. I began to feel like I was trapped in a bubble, and that I was missing out on the real world.

Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way International

by Charlene L Edge

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10040 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	475 pages

One day, I decided to leave The Way. I was terrified, but I knew that I couldn't stay in the group any longer. I packed my things and left without telling anyone. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew that I had to get away.

I spent the next few years living in hiding. I was afraid that The Way would find me and bring me back. I changed my name and moved from place to place. I tried to start a new life, but I couldn't escape the memories of my past.

Eventually, I found my way to a therapist who specialized in helping people who had been in cults. With her help, I began to process the trauma I had endured. I learned how to identify the cult's brainwashing techniques, and I began to develop my own critical thinking skills. I also started to reconnect with the outside world. I made new friends, and I started to explore things that I had never been allowed to do before.

It took many years, but I finally healed from the trauma of my experience in The Way. I am now a strong and independent woman, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story with others. I hope that my story will help others who are struggling to break free from the clutches of cults.

Warning Signs of a Cult

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be involved in a cult, here are some warning signs to look for:

Isolation from friends and family: Cults often try to isolate their members from the outside world. They may discourage members from talking to people who are not in the group, or they may even forbid members from leaving the group's compound.
Control over members' lives: Cults often try to control every aspect of their members' lives. They may dictate what members can wear, eat, read, or do. They may also control members' finances and relationships.
Indoctrination: Cults often use indoctrination techniques to brainwash their members. They may use repetitive chanting, meditation, or other techniques to break down members' critical thinking skills and make them more susceptible to the group's beliefs.
Exploitation: Cults often exploit their members for financial gain or other purposes. They may demand money, labor, or other resources from members.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is involved in a cult, there is help available. Here are some resources:

The Cult Information Center: 1-800-843-5678
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-SAFE
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

Additional Resources

Cult Information Center
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

I hope that this article has been helpful. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of cult involvement, please don't hesitate to reach out for help.

You are not alone.

Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way International

by Charlene L Edge

4.4 out of 5