Remnant Fellowship Church?

[akm4]

I think it's important to recognize the power of groups like this. They employ systems that are more effective than you might expect. I remember reading an article (sorry I can't locate it to cite) about a journalist who set out to join a cult in order to expose it. Instead, he was sucked in and had to be "extracted" and deprogrammed. In other words, it's no comment on the will or intelligence of those who are duped. It can happen to those who appear least vulnerable.

Those who advised to stay far away are absolutely right. Don't play with fire.

[Beat02]

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

There are significant problems with their "theology." It is not a denomination. Gwen has stated that there is no trinity. She does not believe in it. She basically states the opposite of Christianity, which is based on grace, or God's forgiveness as a gift. In Gwen's "church," if you are struggling in any way, you are in disobedience to God. The way I was taught, church is not full of saints, but sinners seeking forgiveness.
Christians obey because God loves us, not to earn God's love. But Gwen's entire message is about obedience out of guilt, and that the way to perfection (God's acceptance) is through strict discipline of the flesh. That is why the weight loss seems to work. So if you are overweight, you are disobeying God and are in a state that is unacceptable to him. He will not want you in that condition. And anyone who tells you otherwise is a false teacher, a devil, and you must cut ties with them. This cult has split families and ended marriages.
Her message is the complete OPPOSITE of Christianity.
It is ironic that I see her and her posse of Stepford family members out all the time, and it is always at a restaurant. I guess they pay a lot of money to push that lettuce around the plate.
You might as well start a meeting with a bunch of your friends regularly, call yourself a church, and preach whatever you want. It would be the same thing.

Good post.

[Beat02]

Originally Posted by akm4

I think it's important to recognize the power of groups like this. They employ systems that are more effective than you might expect. I remember reading an article (sorry I can't locate it to cite) about a journalist who set out to join a cult in order to expose it. Instead, he was sucked in and had to be "extracted" and deprogrammed. In other words, it's no comment on the will or intelligence of those who are duped. It can happen to those who appear least vulnerable.

Those who advised to stay far away are absolutely right. Don't play with fire.

You're right. Intelligence isn't a factor because my sister's husband was very intelligent/analytical and always seeking knowledge. The thing with cults is that they peg your vulnerabilities and then they feed on them. "You suffer from this, but we understand it, and we know how to make it right." It's usually in the form of what could be perceived as legitimate love and support, however these groups operate on power and control. There's always a hierarchy and strict obedience to the group's dogma.

[Pimpy]

Originally Posted by akm4

I think it's important to recognize the power of groups like this. They employ systems that are more effective than you might expect. I remember reading an article (sorry I can't locate it to cite) about a journalist who set out to join a cult in order to expose it. Instead, he was sucked in and had to be "extracted" and deprogrammed. In other words, it's no comment on the will or intelligence of those who are duped. It can happen to those who appear least vulnerable.

Those who advised to stay far away are absolutely right. Don't play with fire.

Very true. Just like people who take the free weekend getaway offer contingent on sitting through a high-pressure timeshare presentation because they think it's as easy as just saying "no". When they get home, they're on the hook for a $15,000 timeshare at 15% interest.

[maverick92170]

I know some people in Nashville who are Christians who work with Eating Disorders, Weight Loss, etc. and are absolutely legit.

The difference is, they are actual professionals who aren't members of a cult like this. They actually do this in their everyday work, not at church. I am sure they get referrals occasionally from their churches, but-this is a whole different story, apparently.

I'll have to check with them to see what they think of this outfit, and I would be curious if they've run into anyone who's been to this place. My friends probably can't even generally tell me that, but I bet they have.

I've heard of other legitimate Weight Loss Programs that have been run through churches (some are like 12-step programs or support groups, for example), but NEVER an ENTIRE CHURCH/CULT based on one...

You just never know...