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The Confrontation Tapes
Part 1
The Wedge
Tape setting - Sam Coburn, Branch Coordinator for Kansas City, Missouri, and an
unidentified member of TWI leadership confront "Julie" (not her real name) at
her home about her boyfriend, Elmer.
Julie's crime - she contacted her boyfriend
while he was on the cult-ordered 6-month probation; Elmer's crime - that he
allowed her to contact him.
Sam is attempting to persuade Julie to
avoid further contact with Elmer, who has been deemed "full of evil" by TWI
leadership.
Recordings are reproduced with permission of owner. There will be more clips of this confrontation posted in the near future.
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR IS THE WAY IN WHICH CULT LEADERSHIP ATTEMPT TO CONVINCE MEMBERS TO MARK AND AVOID THEIR FAMILY, THEIR FRIENDS, THEIR CHILDREN.
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As a condition of his 6-month probation, Elmer was required to submit a letter
to leadership explaining what he has learned during his isolation from the
group. Sam is explaining to Julie that Elmer still has no understanding of
what he has done.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc1.rm
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The unidentified member of TWI leadership says to Sam that Elmer argues
constantly despite being shown the Word. Sam asks if it is about "screwing
women" and quickly points out to the leader that it is not wrong to "screw
somebody".
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc2.rm
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Sam Coburn is telling Julie that since Elmer is an Advanced Class grad, he
demonstrated unbelief to allow her, his Wayfer girlfriend, to have contact with
him during his 6-month probation. Sam blatantly lies by claiming that Elmer is
the only person ever to have not completed the Way Disciple program.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc3.rm
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Leaders of the cult believe themselves to act and speak for God. They see
themselves in the capacity of Moses, leading the flock out of harms way.
Failure to immediately heed a directive from leadership is considered lack of
meekness--a sign of rebellion and danger to the integrity of the cult houshold.
Sam makes accusations about Elmer to Julie, Elmer's girlfriend. Sam's purpose
in doing this is to convince Julie that Elmer is evil, and at the same time, to
reinforce his god-given authority and her need for the protection of the
Household.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc5.rm
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Sam is accusing Elmer of thinking for himself, contrary to leadership
directives. Independent thought is defined as not controlling ones mind. L
Craig Martindale requires all members of his group to be like-minded on all
issues. To not respond immediately to any leadership directive is believed to
be an indicator of unbelief.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc6.rm
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Sam explains what the 6-month probation is for and how it works. It is
significant that when Sam tells Julie of what materials Elmer is to study, the
Bible is not on the reading list. Only L Craig Martindale's weekly tapes, the
Way produced magazine, and class syllabi are mentioned.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc11.rm
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Unaware of being recorded, Sam Coburn defines Mark and Avoid from cult doctrine
perspective and the significance placed on it.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc7.rm
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Sam Coburn sets up the telephone conference call which is the subject of Part 2
of this report. The purpose of the call is to demonstrate to Julie that cult
leadership is like-minded on all matters. It is this conference call that we
have all the players talking to one another and the actual decision to Mark and
Avoid is pronounced.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/8957/sc10.rm
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