I came to your web site with great reluctance. A friend sent me the URL, and out of respect for him I thought I should at least give it a look. I have never found any worth in wallowing in the past and self-pity, and I was certain there would be none here.

What I found in the reviews section is the same thing I've seen so many times before. People who allowed themselves to be manipulated venting their frustration at what they perceive to be the cause of their own failures.

Lest you think I speak from no knowledge, I got involved with the Way in 1969. My wife was one of the original residents of the first Way Home in Greenville, North Carolina, getting involved in 1968. We attended every single Rock of Ages, from the first one to the one in 1987. We were part of the Family Corp VIII, until we had to leave during our interim year due to the birth of our second daughter. Together, we knew almost every leader of the Way personally, certainly all the early leaders and every "top" leader.

We also were simple believers. We never held any "position" within the ministry, and we never "led" anything more than a simple Bible study fellowship in our own home.

I have nothing but thankfulness for what the Way Ministry made available to me. My eyes were opened to the greatness of God's love, grace and mercy and the resounding truth that God's Word is His Will. Nothing can ever take that knowledge from me, and it is the bedrock that has led me on a thirty-plus year quest to know the truth.

I have now taken three semesters of Greek and am majoring in Linquistics at the age of 52. Why? Because what Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille did was inspire me to search the scriptures daily whether such things were so.

Were the people involved in the Way fallible? Of course they were! Did they often make mistakes? Of course they did! Did they sometimes teach "false" doctrine? Of course they did! There is NO human ministry that "has the truth" or is infallible. If you are still looking for a man to follow, you are still deceived and do not live in the truth.

If you were misled by the Way, it's your own fault. You elevated men above God and worshipped THEM rather than the one True God. You have no one but yourself to blame for that, and all the words you spew to the contrary do nothing to heal your heart or reveal God's love to anyone.

I cannot for the life of me understand why people seem to have such a need for revenge that they fail to see that the object of their hatred or derision or ridicule (or whatever other noun you want to use to describe what you use to excuse your own thoughts and behavior) is really their OWN failure to act on the Word.

I often counseled people who were upset by what this leader said or what that leader told them to do or what some other leader had said was the truth of the Word. My advice was always the same; you owe allegiance to no man and certainly to no organization. You have no responsibility to obey anyone (when it comes to your walk with God) except God Himself. If you did otherwise, it was because you chose to, not because you had to. And who taught you that? The bedrock teaching of the Way was the Word, the Word and nothing but the Word. When leaders didn't follow that, why did YOU follow them?

Very early in my involvement with the ministry, a "Limb Coordinator" tried to tell me that I could no longer visit my (future) wife. He threatened me with the loss of my "twig" if I disobeyed him. I looked him square in the eye and said, "You cannot tell me how to live my life. You also cannot stop me from hosting Bible studies in my home. If the people that come want to stop coming because you tell them to, so be it. I owe you or the Way nothing. I owe God everything." He never bothered me again, because he knew I would not be intimidated.

He was just a man. When this happened to you, why did you not stand up for what you KNEW to be the truth? Why did you let fear destroy you? Why do you still let fear destroy you? If you are dwelling on "the Way did this" or "CES did that" or "these people are a cult" or "they don't teach the truth", then you are far from the truth yourself. How can you not heed the Word, when you know what it says? How can you still be caught up in the wiles of man, when the Word has revealed how the adversary works? When will you learn to obey God and not man?

My wife and I left the Way in 1988, after the revelations of the previous year. We left not because we hated the Way or resented what they had "done" to us or even because they were "evil" (as if any man is not!), but because we could not support an organization that taught what it was then teaching. We also left because the folks in our fellowship were taking sides, for or against the Way, and we failed to bring them back to the truth of the Word - it's GOD that matters, not any man!

With all the greatness and truth that was revealed to you in Timothy; STUDY to show yourself approved unto God, a WORKMAN that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the Word of Truth; why did it take someone ELSE to reveal what was wrong to you? Why do you blame other men for your own blindness?

Even now, I see the same criticism being leveled against CES. Have you learned nothing? Are you still as blind as the day you were born again? Men will ALWAYS fail and disappoint you. Men will ALWAYS deceive you and lead you from the truth. There is none righteous, NOT ONE! We are all condemned in SIN. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. It is GOD that saves us! My Lord! WHEN WILL YOU LEARN?

You may continue to wallow in your self pity and explain away your own failures by blaming Dr. Wierwille or Craig Martindale or Momentus or CES or whatever else is your object of derision du jour, but you will STILL be living a lie. Will you wake up before you die? God wants you to enjoy his company! God wants you to wallow in the luxury of His arms. God wants you enjoy life and savor every second of your existence because He LOVES you. WHEN will you finally wake up and realize His love? How many more organizations will you find to criticize before you realize that YOU are the problem?

My God, the sadness of my heart is overwhelming. I ache for the day of the gathering, when this world will pass away and I will no longer have to hear men whine and complain and point fingers at each other! How small and insignificant we are, and yet we pompously and self-righteously point fingers at others and criticize them for their humanness! How God must weep in heaven for the pettiness and vindictiveness of our thoughts! How he must long for the day when we will turn to him and forsake evil!

To me, Karl's rejection of Christianity highlights the tragedy that is TWI--good people like Karl attracted to the Bible and Christianity through their efforts, only to be left shipwrecked by the howling winds of deceit and hypocrisy.

Despite all the horrid excesses of TWI, its lasting value lies in the way it oriented us to the integrity and precision of the written Word. How tragic that Karl never got touched by the only thing of real lasting value, and now presumes to be the resident expert (along with Juedes the Orthodox) on what The Way was "really like." To me, Karl's book just becomes an extention of the problem, and has only a disillusioned atheism to offer as a "solution."

Before you answer, try to remember the faces of all the many people you knew and loved, whom you would have never met outside the Way. Now try to remember the elation and enlightenment you felt, having the Scriptures opened to you in a such dynamic fashion that you had never heard the like in Church, or anywhere else, ever before.

Whether the words of the Way prophets always, or even usually, correctly handled those Scriptures, is of course, an entirely different matter. Many of us who stayed, for a month, a year, or a decade and more did see errors - in doctrine, in structure, and in leadership. Others saw nothing perhaps, except a slightly imperfect good.

But we all stayed because we believed in the elemental purity of the cause, and in the faithfulness of the many great people who espoused it with us. Most could understand how certain individuals may have seemed unfit for the responsibilities they held. And we all knew that love and forgiveness were both our inheritance and our duty.

We surely could perceive that no human organization could be perfect, in all of its policies and endeavors. We thought instead that we, the true and faithful could simply deflect, accept, and, where possible, change the inconsistencies and anomalies we couldn't ignore around us.

That is, we could do so if the basis, the mission, the very foundations of the Way were spawned of pure intent and righteousness. Kahler's "The Cult That Snapped" has put the lie to that most unfortunate delusion, once and for all.

In an assiduously researched and documented narrative, Kahler guides us through a tour of first light to final darkness, naming names that would most assuredly prefer not to be named, uncovering secrets that may well have perished into unverifiable myth.

"The Cult That Snapped" is a work of both courage and humor, blistering disclosure and warm, funny personal tales. Few who have ever been, or now are, involved in the Way would find it anything but fascinating. Few who have never even heard of the Way could scarcely imagine the eventful journey to the conclusion this book reaches.

It is this: The Way, not in its representation by the thousands of faithful and loving believers who gathered to its clarion call, but in its inception, first stewarded by one man, and then a handful of secretive, power hungry and, quite possibly truly mad top leaders, was, and is, a fraud.

And so the Way Tree, that great mystical symbol of the entire Way organization was not born of pure seed, rooted in the crystal waters of truth. The Way Tree was planted with the corrupt seeds of greed and lust, and its roots began to rot immediately.

Even now, as one who spent so many years in the Way, I find it hard to believe. But I humbly suggest that you, my fellow laborer, my friend, disbelieve it at your peril. That any of us were successfully pruned from the evil vine says nothing at all about the residual worth of the Way, but everything about the wisdom and the grace of God. Turning the pages of "The Cult That Snapped" may very well remind you of some of those things that you, like me, may have long forgotten.

May God bless you.

Tom McMahon

ex-Way Corps 9

I must admit that the book has opened my eyes to a lot of "stuff".

Before I begin into my comments, this is my background in a nutshell. I got into the Word in 1972, but was flaky until 1976. In 1976 I went WOW and I dedicated my life to The Way International ("TWI") for the next nine years until V.P. Wierwille died. I was the perfect believer, did everything I was told with no question, but I wanted to do it because I thought I was doing everything for God. After V.P. Wierwille died, I was still in shock for many years, never talked about it to anyone, that I really missed him as the Father in the Word. I supposed I worshipped V.P. Wierwille but did not know it at the time.

I stayed in TWI till 1995, when my husband and I got marked and avoided. In a way, it was a long time coming and I was relieved when they forced us to leave. I know that God has protected me throughout my 23 years of TWI. I was a simple minded believer. I had no idea what was going on in the top echelon (leadership) and I wanted to be very positive about everything in TWI.

Since leaving TWI, I have learned many things especially from reading your book. That V.P. Wierwille led two separate lives, and Don Wierwille, Howard Allen and especially L. Craig Martindale. One we know as their public life and their other life as their personal life which at the time I never knew. I will never call Dr. Wierwille by that name again since learning that he never earned a doctorate degree from an accredited school.

I noticed in your book that you kept repeating that you did not believe since you were a child. Then after you took the PFAL class and had other events that you finally believed for six years or so. For me, since I was raised in a church setting, I already believed in God. After I got out of TWI, my thinking was I still believe in God irregardless of my years in TWI. I still believe in God. I do not believe in groupthink, like you mentioned in your book. I do believe that everyone can think for themselves and make decisions too without someone telling them what to do. Since leaving TWI, God has become more of a reality in my life and I don't have to live in fear thinking I am going to be reproved for everything that I do.

All in all, I "thoroughly" enjoyed reading your book. I have now read your book three times. I found your book to be very informative and had a lot of heart in it. Thank you for sharing your life and also for letting me see the "insider stuff" that the non-leader believers were never privileged to see. When I was in TWI, I never thought of it as a cult, but I do now.

Thanks for your effort of fairness in reporting- giving all parties involved a chance to respond. Your work cleared up many questions I had in regards to The Way's demise. I suspect many former followers may struggle with issues that The Way promoted. I found a great book on dealing with responsibility in the sexual area called The War Within by Robert Daniels.

So, I lay in my bed wondering how I was going to find the strenth to go on. That's when I finally went to God. I prayed - fervently - because my only alternative was death. I told God that if he would help me live, I would do things His way. Then I went to sleep.

The next day I got up and went to work. I was waitressing at a Greek restaurant and four WOWs came and sat at my table. It didn't take them long to start witnessing to me. I went to twig, I took the class, I went WOW and I entered the Way Corps - 17th. I had hope and I had a reason to live.

God, by way of The Way International, had saved my life. Given my leanings which were very anti-establishment, I don't think I could have been reached any other way. The only thing I hadn't read at this point was the Bible. I had read any number of philosiphers and every author I could find looking for answers. For all its faults The Way pointed me in the right direction.

The thing that struck me most in Karl's book was the fact that people were seeing miracles "on the field", but when they got in residence (Corps), the miracles stopped. I can relate to this. It was in the Corps that I lost my simple believing and became intellectually informed. The Corps was the death of miracles for me. This shows me that God was at work in His people until His people replaced Him with Way Theology and Ministry legalism. I'm sorry this happened and I left the Corps because it was happening to me.

With that bit of background, I want to say the following: Although I knew very little about all the "things" expounded upon in Karl's book, I am not surprised. I could have known then, but didn't want to. In fact, it was only months ago that I became fully informed This too I attribute to God's protection. Had I found out sooner, I think I would have taken the road to unbelief along with Karl and many others. I'm thankful that didn't happen, because The Way Ministry is not God and never has been. The failures of Ministry leadership are not God's failures. God is still faithful. Christ still died for us and He is still seated at the Fathers right hand. I exhort you then not to forget the miracles and God's many blessings in the face of your disappoint with The Way and its leaders.

I read the book cover to cover. I cannot begin to express how glad I am to have read what you have to say. You became involved in the Way Ministry at a time that gave you a sort of front row seat to some of the most significant turning points. I appreciate your honesty about yourself and your perceptions of everything from the first Twig to your last contact.

Your documentation was more exhaustive than anything else I've read about the ministry, and I respected the fact that you interviewed and/or quoted a wide variety of people. And you don't particularly have a bone to pick. It's more of an account than an accusation. More than anything, though, I was impressed by the fact that you don't make yourself out to be a victim, and you assume responsibility for your actions.

Rose and I enjoyed your book very much and are doing our best to promote it amongst our acquaintances. It is liberating and a hoot to read. I looked forward to my time spent with it and will reread it when my friend is done. Hopefully we can help you sell a few more copies.

In 1979, I got into the Way for the spiritual aspect of it and to firm up my Christian roots after being involved in the occult for many years. So I was sort of going from the fire to the frying pan. I must say The Way helped me get out of the occult and I saw many real miracles (including healings, translocations, revelation, etc etc) However these all stopped when I came in residence (with a few exceptions). I believe God is mighty in using many situations and to train and teach in his "University of Life". The Way after the first year or so became a box for God and a prison for a lot of believers and non-believers as well.

Great job, very liberating to read.

Pete

I read Karl's book in ONE SITTING. I couldn't put it down.

Let me first give you a little background: I entered TWI twenty years ago as a naive babe. I lived with Way Corps immediately, I took every class that was available--and there were many. I went to every function that existed in my area, a large outreach city --and there were many. I was totally enmeshed in TWI with little outside contact.

Four and a half years ago I left TWI, became M&A. My husband remained in. My children came with me but visited their father often, and attended Way functions and classes frequently.

Although I was 'out' four years ago, my brain remained 'in' until recently. Until I read Karl's book.

Karl obtain my email address from a mutual friend in May. He began writing me daily. We discussed many deep subjects pertaining to TWI. I was of the opinion that I might need years of therapy to undo the damage that TWI did--and to get my thinking on the right track. It took only a few short weeks as I wrote to Karl, and then read his book.

I have read many of the suggested cult-related books (Combatting Cult Mind Control, Cults In Our Midst, Recovery From Abusive Groups, etc.). Karl's book is the first from an insider's point of view. While the other books were very helpful, Karl's book zoomed in on the very things that I wondered about. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever had ANYTHING to do with TWI.

"The Cult That Snapped" is a very well written, informative book. It will open the eyes of anyone who is "sitting on the fence," not only physically, but mentally as well.

Much of Karl's heart and life in the Way lies open for us to examine. He bares his soul. I have often wondered why he so honestly shares such intimate details with a group of strangers. I don't know. Maybe Karl can answer that question.

I have also wondered why Karl spent many, many hours detailing life in TWI. Why not just walk away? I don't have the answer to that question either. I will tell you this, I am very thankful that he didn't walk away and that he did spend a large portion of his life recording his experiences.

His books clarified many questions I had, or suspicions, if you will. There were a lot of incidents that I experienced, which I thought were isolated to just myself (the come-ons by branch and limb coords, for example). The "lockbox" was a very effective tool that the ministry used to keep some very devilish practices alive. Karl blows the lid off the lockbox.

I think I have seen some negative comments regarding Karl's attempt to capitalize on ex-wayfers by pushing this book on them. You would know how ridiculous that is if you knew how much prompting, begging, and cajoling it took for some of us to get him to agree to make it available. FINALLY he's made it available, and I am very grateful for that. It will change and help heal many lives, as it did mine.

As I said, I read the book at a time my brain was still "in" TWI. It pulled my brain out. I read it while I was still allowing my children to attend Way functions with their dad because I thought TWI was harmless to them. The dangers of TWI became very clear to me--and I got a court order to keep them out of their functions.

Don't hesitate to read this book. I think Karl will send it to you for the cost of printing and postage. And yet the book is priceless.

I was considering an inpatient stay at Wellspring in Ohio, a facility that caters to ex-cult members. It is no longer necessary. When I think of how much money I have saved on therapy for myself, and my children, I am tempted to send Karl thousands of dollars!

Karl, have I said "thank you" enough? I, and my children, are forever in your debt.

Looking forward to more books authored by you (Coping After The Cult?, The Way II?).

By the way, if there are any of you who still believe the sugar coated version of the word "cult" that the Way propagates, please read ALL of the above books. Then read Karl's book several times.

Robi

During the 10 years I was involved with The Way International as well as the 5 years since I left, I have read several books about this group. All the books took one of 2 approaches: they were either fully in support and dared not criticize anything (most were published by The Way International's publishing company, American Christian Press), or they brought harsh criticism with no room for any possibility of anything positive coming out of the group.

Karl's book is a refreshing exception. It provides a well-researched and balanced look at a damaging cult. He provides insight to the mind of someone involved in the group, to allow an understanding of how someone could get involved. He has corroborated his facts enough that those that were in can nod their heads in agreement. Many things that were revealed I never knew while I was involved, but now, looking back, I can see that the evidence he presents is accurate and makes sense of several things that happened during my involvement.

Having read 'The Cult That Snapped' I find that I am considerably more interested in the facts that Mr. Kahler presented rather than in Mr. Kahler himself. No disrespect meant, I simply read the book because I was interested in the roots and functioning of a group I was deeply involved with from 1978 to 1986.

Needless to say, with all I already knew about The Way International, I was astounded to find out more. The fact that this new information was documented only served to lend credibility to the abhorrent practices I read about.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who was, is or is considering becoming a follower of The Way International. I highly recommend this book to any Way International follower who is still wondering just exactly when and where their 'abundant life' is. This book will show the 'behind the scenes reasons' why the abundant life is absent from The Way International.

Just finished Mr. Kahler's book. A 14th Corps grad, He was in his final year of residence when "The Passing Of A Patriarch" was publicly read by Chris Geer and all Hell broke loose. Having left The Way after his graduation, he's written this book about the ministry’s overall "sordid" history, alternating chapters with his own personal experiences with the ministry as well.

I recommend reading this book, but only, I guess, with The National Enquirer disclaimer it deserves. It has many pros and cons to it, so I'll tell you of some and let you decide whether it's worth your time.

Kahler is now a journalist. He's a capable writer and does a very good job of documenting many of his facts concerning the cultic tendencies of The Way. He interviews many key people who were involved from the very beginning, and so provides a number of "juicy" anecdotes that many may not have heard before (I hadn't heard of many -- and I’ve seen almost all there is to be seen on the internet about The Way). The different stories are often fascinating fodder, at times more "high concept" than the best novels of intrigue out there today.

The reader’s fascination with his "behind-the-scenes" expository may likely increase or decrease based on the depth and length of their own involvement with this ministry. The credibility of his facts may be called into some question, depending on who reads them (although, in that case, you'd have to discredit the people he interviewed perhaps more than his own personal truthfulness), but by and large it appears, based on other corroboration I've heard, that much of this controversial reporting is at least close to accurate. His bias shows up more with the condemning trend of the facts he’s gathered, than perhaps with the truthfulness of the facts themselves.

For me, if much of what he says is true, I had many of the "whys" answered, as to why The Way, or individuals in it, acted a certain way, explaining the ministry's rituals, social constructs, etc.  I said, "Aha!" to myself several times while reading it. A lot of it felt pretty "trashy," like I was spending time with some Danielle Steele novel, or some racy Rock-n-roll biography, but perhaps as an appeal to my American fascination with scandal, the book was difficult to put down.

Now, having said that, I must tell you that the book, while fascinating in many places, and for the most part well put together, to me had little redeeming value, spiritually. Mr. Kahler says concerning the infant stages of his reporting on this matter: "I was endeavoring to write a purely objective piece intended for the lay public, a piece of reporting and not of argument." Unfortunately, as I said above, while it is full of objective reporting in many places (if you ignore the occasional snide remarks the authors often inserts), based on the testimony of key people in the ministry, it’s overall objectivity suffers from any lack of balanced perspective, and all the negatives facts in themselves indeed do encompass an argument against the existence of any spiritual benefit anyone might have received in The Way. Such balanced reporting didn’t need to so much offer an alternative defense for The Way’s abusive behavior, but it might have defended the existence of God’s affective hand through this ministry in the lives of many believers, in spite of its human corruption.

Like many people, Mr. Kahler’s devotion and faith were severely betrayed by men who represented God and His Word, and he has unfortunately therefore turned his back on anything redemptive from The Way (as well as anything Biblical or spiritual at all, it appears). The notion that there was a God who was transcendent above all this corruption and was constantly working for the spiritual good of many, many men and women in this ministry over the years, is the "baby" here that, with the bathwater, has been thrown miles from the sentiments of Mr. Kahler’s reporting.

On the "macro" level, perhaps, his condemnation of the ministry as a spiritual entity is likely justified in itself. But, on the "micro" level, I’m sure he could have interviewed far more believers who would have given numerous stories of victory, healing, deliverance, etc. that they experienced while living under the "subversive control" of The Way. The fact that many followed "men of God" with too much zeal and paid the consequences is a profitable argument to be sure. But, the ultimate "personality" in this cult that deserves the credit for any such corresponding success is God. It’s more than unfortunate, and damaging to his narrative, that the author fails to spend any time at all on this plain fact.

To be somewhat sympathetic to his bias, Mr. Kahler was finally reaching the "apex" of what The Way had to offer (short of the upper echelons of leadership) in graduating from The Way Corps at the exact time his ministry's credibility was going down the tubes in the public forum. I suspect it was this contradiction of accomplishment and failure that has apparently lead him to totally turn his back on the integrity of Scripture and basically anything godly that came out of The Way (despite his arguments that it was solely due to the shock of discovering "unresolvable" biblical contradictions). He succeeds for the most part in being "editorially" responsible to the title of his book, but fails in offering any spiritual guidance for those affected by both the good and the bad. The main thrust, by far, of Mr. Kahler's reporting is about the corruption, fanaticism, sexual and mental abuse that occured.

Mr. Kahler’s departure from elevating God’s Word as the highest demarcation of what constitutes ethical behavior leaves him with only a secular, journalistic standard for reporting the good or ill of those he exposes. He does devote a few pages to using Scripture to debunk the "Athletes Of The Spirit" doctrine for whatever reason, but other than that, he chooses not to reprove this ministry for its ungodly and unbiblical behavior by using godly and Biblical documentation for support.

Neither does he offer any progressive spiritual or Scriptural alternatives to all the misdeeds he reports on. This is, at best, unfortunate to his cause. I imagine Mr. Kahler would argue that the induction of so much Scripture would dilute or distract his readers from the "expose'" theme of his manuscript, but I would argue that, since the majority of his readers most likely still hold to the integrity of Scriptural behavior as the standard for right living, his expose’ against these evils would be better received if he had served his audience with the truest standard of what is good and true: God’s Word.

On the whole, while this book will perhaps serve as a good deterrent against new people at this time considering joining The Way (which is even far more controlling now than during most of the era the author reports on), as a balanced exposition on what this ministry was and did, it fails miserably.

Additionally, Mr. Kahler's autobiographical prose leaves something to be desired. Much of it depicts his own self-admitted base and petty motivations to advance in the ministry simply for sexual conquest, and at times, his credibility appears just as questionable as do the leaders in the ministry he is condemning. This doesn't well serve the force of his story as an "objective" reporter. I pondered at times that he was doing this on purpose. I.e., writing a book defined as a tragedy -- where even the author himself, was not above lust and corruption, and certainly wasn't converted out of this behavior as a result of going through the channels of the ministry. Perhaps this theme was his intent, but it is hardly explicit in his writings, and only speculation on my part. Without this interpretation, however, his own story, while at times enticing and personable, doesn’t add much to his editorial goals.

Lastly, there's lots of bad language, blunt and crass statements, etc., that I imagine are intended to lend to the book’s "realism," but I don't feel really added to it's authenticity on the whole.

Strangely, even after all the above criticisms, I admit it is partly due to a trend towards "voyerism" that I read this book so quickly and eagerly. In this light, my weaknesses don't differ much from Mr. Kahler and the leaders he indicts. Such an acknowledgement of common weakness is certainly fundamental though to understanding and authentically enrolling others in the message of the Gospel. In other words, admitting to the fact that we’re all susceptible to the ethical pitfalls Mr. Kahler describes in his book is a good starting place for building again on what was good in The Way, leading others into the future of God’s goodness without the attitude that any of us is infallible to sin and failure. Perhaps this is my "private interpretation" after reading this book, but it is still a lesson well learned.

On the whole, I felt that I did gain something from reading this book. I had certain questions answered, I was able to "contextualize" my perspective towards certain leaders, methodologies, and practices that I myself experienced in The Way. In that sense, I feel a little "freer" from some of the negative bonds that have held me and many others due to my past experience with this ministry. There's lots of stuff to read out there, and even with my mixed feelings, I do feel better off for having read Mr. Kahler's book.

I visited Mr. Kahler's web site, and his book "The Cult that Snapped" appears to document his experiences while he was with TWI. I will admit the title of his book threw me for a loop at first, and I wrongfully concluded his book was similar to the "Snapping" book written by Jack Sparks many years ago.

If I were to critique Mr. Kahler's book, the first thing I would recommend is he change the title of his work. But he probably would not end up with a book as intriguing or perhaps a title as catchy as: "The Cult that Snapped". It likely would not end up being a book he could demand people pay him $22.00 for. After all, who would be willing to shell out a whopping $22.00 for a book perhaps more appropriately titled, "My Experience while I was with TWI". Who would be willing to shell out $22.00 to essentially read the same "stuff" about TWI that is already splattered all over the internet - something anybody can just as easily read for free? This is about all you will find in Mr. Kahler's book, "The Cult that Snapped." All I am convinced is one would have to first "snap" before they shelled out $22.00 of hard-earned money just to read the same mediocre drivel you can find on the internet for free!

After reading the excerpts of Mr. Kahler's book from his web site, his experience in TWI does not suggest or come close to indicating the same experience of "snapping" Jack Sparks had referred to in his book from years before. What is Mr. Kahler referring to when speaking of: "The Cult that Snapped"? What is really confusing is there are two different authors who make reference to the term "snapping", but each critic starts from a different premise in regards to what they consider "snapping" to be.

Even though I have not seen the Jack Sparks book in years, nor have I completely read his book, I have a strong opinion about what snapping meant to Mr. Sparks. I can not say the same in respect to Mr. Kahler's book. As a reader I am left wondering what "snapping" in TWI meant. What does Mr. Kahler believe "snapped" in TWI? Was it the back-lashing he received from his TWI peers? Was it the Passing of the Patriarch document written and read by Chris Geer? Is it something completely different than this or a combination of these things? I am not putting forth an argument to debate whether the things Mr. Kahler talks about actually took place in TWI, nor am I attempting to negate any of Mr. Kahler's experiences while he was with TWI. But of necessity, we must ask Mr Kahler to clarify his terms.

"Before we proceed further, we must define our terms. Many people could be misled because while we may be using the same language or words, we may not mean the same thing." This is something VPW, the founder of TWI wrote years before. You would think Mr. Kahler who was at one time involved in TWI would at least define his use of the term "snapping" (so one would not be purposely misled) yet Mr. Kahler purposely fails to define his terms or explain what snapped in TWI. What snapped in TWI is left vague on purpose. It is up to the reader to draw their own conclusion regarding what "snapped" in TWI. It is apparent the readers of his book will be completely confused and misled in regard to what really snapped in TWI.

Dr. John Juedes has done excellent work in this field also (http://e2.empirenet.com/~messiah7/cultsthe.htm), but Karl takes the in-depth research to previously unheard of levels!

I've read "Born Again to Serve" by Dorothea Wierwille, and I've read "Living in Love" by Elena Whiteside, but both of these books were produced by The Way to promote their side of the story. It's high time that people are finally getting a chance to read about The Way in publications like Karl's book and on web sites that are not controlled by The Way. People are finally being afforded the opportunity to read the other side of the story. If this book had been available when I was 17 years old, I know that my father would have been successful in his efforts to talk me out of involving myself in the world of The Way International.

Karl's book is very skillfully written and his personal story of involvement in The Way is wonderfully woven into this "must read" book. Be sure to read some of the excerpts from the book that are provided on this site in the Contents section.

Karl has researched his story well and has documented all of his sources. The recollections and revelations of those who Karl has interviewed in his book are oftentimes stunning. Some of the content of this book no doubt will be hotly contested and furiously debated by some in the ex-Way world.

You'll have to make your own decision on whether or not you believe what this book sets forth, but in my opinion, if you've ever been a part of The Way, or had a family member be a part of The Way, then this book is a must read.