Every day this week, we are going to look at some disturbing footage from ESOAL (the event based on Navy Seals hell week). In an attempt to instill humility and rid interns of the “fear of man,” some male interns are required to wear very feminine dresses and headbands throughout ESOAL. But that alone is […]
Gender Confusion at ESOAL Read More »
Teen Mania says that ESOAL is an optional, voluntary event. They claim that interns are not required to participate nor are they forced to endure the event longer than they want to. They can ring out at anytime. In my cult recovery group, we have a saying for that, “Its voluntary, if you volunteer.” In this post,
Honor Academy: ESOAL is NOT Optional Read More »
I was recently corresponding with a reader who shared about their journey of coming to terms with their Honor Academy experience and I thought it was a great summation of the path many of us take towards recovery: It has only recently occurred to me that my time with TM was really messed up. It’s
The Process is Slow Read More »
During his Week of the Ring sermon this week, Heath Stoner preached about honesty and telling the truth no matter the cost. (Kind of like a lecture from Bernie Madoff about fiscal responsibility.) Any who, Heath used a clip from the movie “Les Misérables” to emphasize his point that you should “swear to your own
Ignoring Context = Sloppy (and Wrong!) Preaching Read More »
Well, I’ve put off writing this post for weeks. Honestly, it seems silly to dignify the accusations by refuting them here, but I guess the rumors have spread far enough that I should address it, especially for people who might be new here. As you may remember, in the fall, Teen Mania commissioned a lawyer,
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Lie About ‘Em Read More »
1) Alumnus and sometimes commenter Brad Kelly is coming out with his first album. To celebrate, he’s giving away a free download of his song Kaby Lake, and its pretty good! It’s got kind of a U2 vibe to it so go check it out. Brad said, “Music for me has always been something I’ve enjoyed,
One of our forum members recently shared a link to some great information about mind control. I’m excerpting part of it here. Reflect on your experiences at the HA and answer these questions to see if you were under mind control tactics. How many questions can you answer “yes” to? 1. Is your doctrine legislated rather
Katie Luce teaches a women’s class at the Honor Academy called Risen. Some wonderful people inside Teen Mania have provided me with the audio and PowerPoints from some of her messages during the fall semester of 2010. Katie often likes to talk about God’s power and desire to give us physical healing. During that sermon
Katie Luce on ESOAL Read More »
Honor Academy interns are not allowed to date during their first year at Teen Mania. You might be surprised to find that I don’t have a problem with the idea behind that guideline. The problem is how its enforced and built into the culture at the HA and equated with sin. Did you know that
Get Away You Creep Read More »
I would like to start by saying that my faith in God’s Sovereignty has only grown over the years since I attended the Honor Academy. God knew that I would be attending the Honor Academy. He knew the experiences I would have there and how He’d be using those experiences to grow me in my
I’ve been thinking about my post H.A. experience for a while, I wanted to share it. I left the H.A. in the middle of my second year, spring 2008. I went home with an elitist attitude towards everyone in my church… much to my personality, I’m loud and passionate naturally- whether I’m right or wrong.
Shiloh’s Recovery Story Read More »
The Honor Academy recently posted this video recapping a recent chapel service preached by Emmie Harper, long time staffer at Teen Mania who now serves as Director of Operations for Global Expeditions (the missions department of Teen Mania). With regards to foreign missions, Emmie says: 00:54 – We’re not sending enough people. If you ask
You Should Probably Be on the Mission Field Read More »
Then God Hates You. Well, at least that’s what Dave Hasz teaches. And I have proof. Within their first week on campus, every new intern sits through a teaching given by David Hasz about the importance of keeping your commitment. This teaching is designed to get interns to commit to staying at the Honor Academy
If You Leave the Honor Academy Early…. Read More »
It was so hard to explain to people at church why I was back! I didn’t want to lie, but felt beat up and very weak in my spiritual walk after being at the HA for over 10 months. My parents were obviously not proud of me, and very disappointed in my track record thus
Anna’s Story, pt. 2 Read More »
Content Warning: This post contains sexual assault. I have hesitated in writing to you; to be honest what you are doing by creating this blog is scary and very brave at the same time, I believe there are many of us out there reading this blog that are hurting, and have felt alone and crazy
Anna’s Story, pt. 1 Read More »
In light of Hannah’s story and Heath’s outrageous attempts to control and manipulate her, I’d like to share my email correspondence with Heath about this issue. These emails were exchanged AFTER Heath convinced her to return to campus when she first quit. Only the names have been changed. Hannah reports that she was banned from
Behind the Scenes with Heath Stoner Read More »
A day or two after I got back home, ESOAL finished and Heath Stoner called me. He asked me why I left the HA and said that because of our previous meeting he thought we were, “on the same page.” Of course, when you isolate me in a room all day by myself and then
Hannah’s Story: Part 3 Read More »
At this point, I just needed to get off campus and clear my head so I called RA (I had already talked with her on the phone several times previously). She picked me up and I spent the weekend at her house (Labor Day). I was thinking about leaving the HA but I had mixed
Hannah’s Story: Part 2 Read More »
About two years ago, I attended an Acquire of the Fire youth conference. There I had experienced the Lord’s presence for the first time. That night I got saved and I also heard about the Honor Academy. Now remember I had just got saved so I would do anything to be closer to the Lord.
Hannah’s Story: Part 1 Read More »
MSNBC is working with a production company to create a documentary program about cults. They are currently looking for interview subjects. At least one of the filmmakers, Vasco Lucas Nunes, has already worked on the cult documentary, Join Us. Here is what they are looking for: “We are producers partnered with a major news outlet, and
MSNBC Cult Documentary Read More »
I’ve heard from parents of Honor Academy alumni who feel incredibly guilty and remorseful about sending their child to Teen Mania. After seeing how it affected their child, they feel like they should have known better and now they live with the constant pain of regret. On the other hand, many parents are still clueless
The Honor Academy and Your Family Read More »
Since I was the author of the original a letter I thought it only fair that I update those who read it on what has happened since. Ron called tonight to talk with me. He expressed how sorry he was that his words had hurt our family. I told him I didn’t mind him sharing
Ron’s Lies About His Family: An Update Read More »
Out of one side of their mouths, Teen Mania tells women not to be responsible for causing men to lust. Yet, out of the other side of their mouths, they tell women to make sure they are being feminine and beautiful. The most infamous example of this is Dave Hasz’s “paint the barn” speech. In
Be Beautiful… Don’t Cause Lust Read More »
A letter from Ron’s sister-in-law: I’m not even sure how to start this e-mail to you. A family member told me about your site and I have been reading it for over a year now. I am greatly saddened by the stories I read and my heart goes out to all youth who have experienced
Ron Luce’s Parenting Book: Did He Lie About His Own Family? Read More »
January is Spiritual Abuse Awareness Month. In honor of that, our very own Eric P. has compiled a great list of spiritual abuse resources. With his typical candor and brevity, he breaks down why spiritual abuse is so harmful: It’s bad because it hurts people. It’s worse because it hurts people and tells them they
Spiritual Abuse Awareness Month Read More »
