Continuing our series based on the Heresy of Mind Control. All paragraphs below are from chapter 3. Have you seen any of these behaviors at the Honor Academy? #3: The Demand for Purity This is a demand which goes to the extreme of labeling certain thoughts, feelings and actions as “sins” which really are not […]
8 Cult Techniques, pt. 3 Read More »
My name is Meagan (I went by Megz at the HA). I have been reading this website for quite some time now and I shared a bit of my story on one of my anonymous comments. I’ve been debating on sharing my full story on the website for some time now, but I’m finally ready
If you are new here, it is important to understand how Teen Mania has responded to the many concerns we have raised here on the blog. As you will see in the synopsis below, I have done everything in my power to facilitate constructive dialogue and move towards reconciliation. At every turn, Teen Mania has
Teen Mania and Recovering Alumni: A Synopsis Read More »
(2021 Update: The receipts for everyone has since fallen away. I tried to update links, but the Wayback Machine archived only so many websites.) After the recent ESOAL expose on KLTV, Teen Mania announced that they would assemble “an independent committee of experts that will evaluate every aspect of this retreat.” As announced last week,
Teen Mania’s ESOAL “Oversight” Committee Read More »
Today, we are continuing our series examining the 8 tactics of cults and other authoritarian/abusive groups from book “The Heresy of Mind Control.” (read part 1 here) The second tactic is called “Mystical Manipulation.” The paragraphs below are taken from the book and explain this technique. Have you ever seen this at the Honor Academy?
8 Cult Techniques, pt. 2 Read More »
There is an interesting conversation going on in the forums about Ron Luce’s weekly Character Development class. Does this sound like the heart of a shepherd? Does this reflect Jesus? My year Ron was very angry at us for not having all the scriptures that he wanted for us to have memorized. During class he
Ron Luce: Character Development Class Read More »
How many of you had/have Dave Hasz living in your head? It’s amazing to me how even after leaving the Honor Academy, his influence remains so strong in our lives. For YEARS, I lived with his continual judgment and disapproval in the back of my mind. I was never good enough to meet his standards
Getting Rid of the Dave Hasz in Your Head Read More »
The only time God permits us to disobey earthly leaders is when they require us to do something morally wrong before God. True or False? The Honor Academy teaches this. So, let’s examine it. Let’s pretend for a moment that Dave Hasz tells the interns that they must wear only blue shirts on Mondays. Is
Submission to Authority? Read More »
I knew this day would come. And it’s exactly why I stayed anonymous for so long. Sigh. I preferred to keep these events secret, because they involve people who have recanted their consent to publish the details. But, alas, I feel that Teen Mania has crossed a line and at least a small part of
Teen Mania Smear Campaign Read More »
Teen Mania doesn’t give a rat’s ass that they are hurting interns. I’ve finally realized that. Isn’t that shocking? Isn’t that scandalous? Isn’t it outrageous? It’s absolutely maddening to me and outright unconscionable. It’s one thing to hurt someone by mistake or incompetence. It’s another thing to hear their story and refuse to apologize, make
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised anymore at Teen Mania’s evil deeds, and yet I find myself surprised almost weekly with new stories and revelations. This clip from ATF TV in 1999 is astonishing not only for its strange “Josiah Project” sketch, as discussed yesterday, but also because of Ron’s blatantly aggressive gay bashing. “Hi,
Ron Luce’s Anti-Gospel Teaching Read More »
Many former interns can verify the environment of suspicion and mistrust cast upon any intern that doesn’t fully subscribe to the party line. As I was reflecting upon my experiences there, I noticed an interesting parallel that might help convey this reality. Each spring, the interns must train to run the Tyler 10k. To be
Suspicion & Mistrust Read More »
This Acquire the Fire video is from the tour sometime between 1996-1998. Strangely, Teen Mania seems to be promoting a very harsh way of dealing with our non-Christian friends. The video skit in question starts at 6:15. The climax of the scene begins when the newly saved main character, Joe, starts getting rid of his
How to Treat Non-Christians: Part 2 Read More »
How should we treat our non-Christian friends? Should we advocate violence against anyone that offers us drugs or alcohol? Should we show our zeal for God by punching our friends in the face because they are not believers? Well, what if I preach that message to a crowd of thousands while accompanied by rock music
How to Treat Non-Christians: Part 1 Read More »
(2021 Update: Both videos have since disappeared. I worked on World Awareness’ for its second year. I’ll probably make an update post to supplement this one, but it will be primarily based off my experience. In the meantime, read Erin’s story as she was also part of the planning committee.) “World Awareness” is one of
World Awareness LTE Read More »
Frequent commenter, Eric P., is a guest writer at the Quivering Daughters blog. And boy has he has been tearing it up!! In, the Myth of the Lukewarm Christian, Eric unpacks the verse that so often beats us over the head, “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you
“Lukewarm” Christians and Spiritual Abuse Read More »
I found your site and I’ve spent the better part of 5 hours reading it, with breaks only to take care of my newborn. My heart is hurting and my brain is just spinning. For years I’ve felt invalidated by my feelings concerning this “ministry” and all that goes with it. Only in the last
I have a different kind of story to tell, but I think it is an important story for both recovering and non-recovering alumni. I was an intern August 98. I would describe my internship year as a positive experience, but I would like to explain that in more detail. Having read all of the stories
Hayley’s Story: How a Pro-TM Alumnus Learned to Listen our Stories Read More »
Dr. Robert Lifton studied thought reform (AKA brainwashing) and mind control during the Communist takeover in China back in the 1950s. His studies led him to write the seminal work Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism. In the excellent book, The Heresy of Mind Control, Stephen Martin takes the 8 conditions necessary for any
8 Techniques for Thought Control, Pt. 1 Read More »
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what Teen Mania is doing. Teen Mania is going to do whatever its going to do. The question is – what are you going to do? It’s great that we’ve been able to bring these hidden issues into the light. It’s great that each one of
I know that while I was at Teen Mania, I judged, condemned and generally hurt other people. Sadly, I can’t remember every name, face and incident. To all of my fellow interns 97-99: If I confronted you for something stupid, I want you to know I’m sorry. If I shunned you, I’m sorry. If I
Now That I Am Out… An Apology Read More »
First of all, I just want to say Thank You for your blog. I wish I could just give you a big hug! My son went through HA and is still dealing with many “hurts” inflicted upon him there. I am just now finding out some of the details, because he has simply been unable
A Parent’s Perspective Read More »
From what I’ve seen, the Honor Academy’s “counseling” techniques are woefully inadequate. I’ve heard of many cases where life long problems stemming from severe pain and hurt are addressed with three overly simplistic ideas: Spend time alone with God Figure out everything you did wrong Then stop it This Mad TV sketch shows just how
I think its kind of presumptous for Teen Mania to assume that ESOAL – “Emotionally Stretching Opportunity of a Lifetime” is beneficial to everyone. What about people who have already been through an emotionally “stretching” experience of a lifetime? Broken Homes Sexual Abuse Gang Rape Abortions Jail time Accidentally killing someone else Cutting Suicide attempts
(2021 Update: The original link, hastories.com, has since broken.) As a result of the recent news footage, Teen Mania made an announcement regarding the future of ESOAL. Here is an excerpt. I have already set in motion the assembly of an independent committee of experts that will evaluate every aspect of this retreat. This committee will
Investigating ESOAL? Read More »
