We’ve been talking about why the impossibly high standards at Teen Mania are so unhealthy. But, I can already hear the objections. “Many people can and do live up to these standards!” you say. Many people live up to these standards for a while. I know I did. I can think of several reasons why people […]
Why Standards are Evil Read More »
ESOAL starts tomorrow. I just want to encourage any current interns who will be participating that there is NO SHAME in ringing the bell (or not even starting in the first place). Often, the environment at the Honor Academy makes you feel like you don’t measure up as a Christian unless your meet all of
Let’s talk some more about Dave’s post that I highlighted here. Take a quick read to refresh your memory. When it’s all said and done, this way of living is just more works, more flesh, more striving dressed up to look like Christian spirituality. And it results in more pride for the successful and more despair
Two Fruits of the HA: Pride and Despair Read More »
It’s no secret that Teen Mania has a fascination, perhaps even obsession, with the military. In a blog post from 2006, Dave Hasz talks about where some of this fascination comes from: (2021 Update: blog has since gone down) This summer I experienced some interesting shifts in my relationship with God. These started after I visited Jeff
Jesus Wasn’t in the Military Read More »
Keep those stories coming. I will be publishing them as we go. I think it’s helpful for others to read these and realize they are not alone. Some of these stories may be controversial because many former interns have left the faith. Though you may disagree with their current faith status, I would encourage you
This email was sent in by Mike. If you would like to share your story, you can send it to recoveringalumni at recoveringalumni dot blog. Feel free to change your name and/or other identifying details if you prefer to remain anonymous. Hi. My name is Mike. I’m 31 years old. I was involved with Teen
One of the more cruel abuses of the Honor Academy is blaming the victim. If you are depressed, sick, can’t seem to feel God’s presence, or any other hard situation – it’s usually because you don’t have enough faith, aren’t seeking God enough or you are in sin. Head on over to itunes and check
Blame the Victim – Ron Luce Does! Read More »
According to the handbook, there are 4 Honor Academy pillars. They are: VisionDiscplineWisdomLeadership I would certainly agree that these are emphasized throughout the year. However, when its all said and done, you are left with something very different. I submit to you that the actual pillars of the Honor Academy are: FearGuiltShameArrogance How can I
Pillars of the Honor Academy Read More »
This is part 2 in examining the characteristics of a cult in relation to the Honor Academy as listed by the International Cultic Studies Association. My comments are in italics. – The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs,
Is Teen Mania a Cult? Part 2 Read More »
UPDATE JUNE 2011: For the first 2 years of this blog, I was not willing to call Teen Mania a cult. I instead referred to it as “cult-like” or a “spiritually abusive group.” However, after reading literature about cults and attending a cult recovery workshop, I now see that Teen Mania is a cult. Internationally
Is Teen Mania a Cult? Conclusion Read More »
This is part 3 in examining the list of cult characteristics from the International Cultic Studies Association and how it relates to the Honor Academy internship. – The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members’ participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered
Is Teen Mania a Cult? Part 3 Read More »
This question has come up time and time again. As an intern, we joked about how the townsfolk nearby thought we were a cult. It was funny, because of course we weren’t a cult! It wasn’t until several years later, when I came across a long list of cult characteristics that I began to seriously
Is Teen Mania a Cult? Part 1 Read More »
Is Teen Mania a cult? Is the Honor Academy brainwashing teens? What really goes on during the one year internship program? I spent 2 years in the Teen Mania Honor Academy. The first as an “intern” and the second as a “graduate intern.” The purpose of this blog is to share my experience with those
The Purpose of this Blog Read More »
If you want to revisit the first part of Erin’s story, links are below. Tomorrow will be the final installment about her GI year. Erin’s Story, Part 1Erin’s Story: Part 2 I didn’t grow up in a Christian home AT ALL. I was raised Agnostic with a Christian tilt, very liberal and pretty much God-less.
Erin’s Story, Part 3 Read More »
