(2021 Update: This post is one of ~80 that were in the drafts and did not get archived by the Wayback Machine. The next section is what was originally written followed by my addition after the break.) This is a great point. In lieu of the fact that TM leadership has failed to sincerely apologize […]
Frequent commenter Eric P. has written a devastating critique of Teen Mania’s foundational theology in his article, “Ashamed of the Gospel? A Case Study of Works Based Doctrine.” It is quite extensive and shows how Teen Mania turns the true meaning of the Scripture on its head in order to promote a works-based Christian lifestyle instead of
Honor Academy: Legalistic by Design Read More »
When I was at the Honor Academy, I went through a very spiritually dry time. No matter how much I prayed, or studied or did all the right things, I couldn’t seem to feel God’s presence or hear His voice. The longer this went on, the more desperate I got. Everyone – and I mean
Spiritual Abuse in Action Read More »
(Moderator’s Note: A Teen Mania alumnus recently posted his story. It’s quite long so I’ve summarized the main points. Everything in italics is a direct quote. Even though the following story is about a mission trip, it is very pertinent to the Honor Academy. Read all the way through and you will see why…This is
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 »
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 »
I don’t get it. Have you ever noticed how many “Christian” leaders are plagued by scandal, yet STILL thrive on the support and offerings of the Christian masses? I just don’t get it. This isn’t about forgiveness and second chances – I’m all for that. But many of these people have NEVER confessed that the
Why Are Christians So Gullible? 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 »
Teen Mania has told so many lies about ESOAL and the physical health and safey of interns, I thought it was worth summarizing. These lies are even more egregious because they come from a ministry that continually stresses integrity, honesty and “doing the right thing no matter what the cost.” I’ve limited the list to
Teen Mania’s Many Lies Read More »
Continuing our series of lessons you will learn at the Honor Academy… #2 – Everything is your fault This not so subtle message applies to issues both big and small in daily life. – Car broke down and you were late? It’s your fault.– Flight delayed and your luggage was lost? It’s your fault.– Teen Mania didn’t
Honor Academy Lesson #2 Read More »
For all the talk of being fundamental, conservative and sticking to the Bible, its ironic that the Teen Mania Honor Academy “discipleship” program actually has no basis in New Testament Scripture. If we are going to call ourselves Christians, then you would think we would actually look like Christ. Since He is our Head, our Source, our
Where is Jesus in This? Read More »
We’ve examined several of the most popular teachings at the Honor Academy as given by Ron Luce, David Hasz and Heath Stoner. But we all know that lectures aren’t the only way we learn. In fact, I’d say we primarily learn about God, ourselves and others through the way we are treated. Lectures may give
Honor Academy Lesson #1 Read More »
There are several really great blogs about that cover the topic of spiritual abuse. Pushing Jesus specifically focuses on recovering from spiritual abuse using the 11 steps. I found this post particularly helpful in recognizing the difference between God and the people who abuse in His name. I’ve reprinted it here, but the blog is worth a visit: Refer
At some point, if we are going to call ourselves Christians, we are going to have to actually look and see if what we are saying and doing reflects Christ. Its funny how we have four books of the Bible that tell us all about Jesus and his disciples – and yet our methods of
Honor Academy’s Culture of Confrontation Read More »
Legalism has long been one of the greatest issues at the Honor Academy. One indicator of legalism is adding to the Bible. Do we believe that the Bible is sufficient instruction for us or do we add rules to follow, that Jesus never gave us, in an attempt to be even “holier” or more righteous?
Conference Call: Moral Standards Read More »
This weekend we celebrate Independence Day. But an even more significant independence day occurred two thousand years ago. An excerpt from the Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: The Christian life begins with freedom from dead works, from religious systems, and from all human attempts 5 comments: Recovering Alumni says: July 3, 2010 at 10:37 AMReply
Celebrating Freedom Read More »
A reader and fellow alumnus wrote this essay and sent it to me. I thought he made some great points and it was worth sharing here. Please keep the discussion civil. 🙂 1. Embrace actual doctrine: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate
8 Things Teen Mania Needs to Change Read More »
A reader and fellow alumnus wrote this essay and sent it to me. I thought he made some great points and it was worth sharing here. Please keep the discussion civil. 🙂 1. Embrace actual doctrine: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate
Eight Things Teen Mania Needs to Change Read More »
This thought is only partially developed, and its a little rough around the edges. Stick with me and maybe you can help me fully flesh it out in the comments. Firstly, actions speak louder than words. If you tell me that God is love when you are filled with hate – which lesson do you
Several weeks ago, I sent the Board of Directors a list detailing my concerns about the Honor Academy. I will be satisfied when everything on the list is adequately addressed. I’ve reprinted the majority of that list here. Is there anything you would add? Spiritual Abuse How does the Honor Academy stack up to the
Honor Academy Investigation Read More »
The leadership at the Honor Academy talks a lot about living honorably and treating people ethically. But is the Honor Academy honorable? Does it treat interns, vendors, and teenagers ethically? – Teen Mania encourages and/or forces people to participate in dangerous activities like ESOAL that will likely end in injury or possibly even quarantine. When
Dear Ron Luce & Dave Hasz: Is This Honorable? Read More »
At the Honor Academy, they talk a lot about the “fear of the Lord.” You are cautioned not to become too “chummy” or familiar with God – after all, He is the King of Kings, the God of the Universe and you need to show him the proper respect. Here is a recent comment to
The Place of Fear in the Christian Life Read More »
Spiritual elitism is the second characteristic of a spiritually abusive environment. Unlike some of the other traits we will explore, Teen Mania does not attempt to hide their elitism. In fact, they seem to revel in it, celebrate it and use it as a recruiting tool. The home page of the True North leadership seminars even says
There is a “blame the victim” mentality taught at Teen Mania’s Honor Academy that actually compounds the problems we’ve experienced. As we go through the grieving process, we experience many negative emotions – anger, fear, bitterness, rage, doubt, confusion, hopelessness, and depression. But, instead of being able to bring these things into the light by
For the Broken-Hearted Read More »
This is the “Week of the Ring” at Teen Mania’s Honor Academy. The culmination of this week is a banquet where each intern will recieve an honor ring. According to wikipedia: Interns receive a ring to symbolize commitment to a lifelong pursuit of God. This ring is called the Honor Ring. The inscription on the
