(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 »
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 »
Ok, I finally figured out why the forums were rejecting so many people. I accidentally banned anyone with a hotmail or gmail account. Woops! Should be fixed now. Come on in! (2021 Update: The forum has gone under and did not survive the migration to this domain.)
RA Forums – Fixed! Read More »
Moderator’s Note: “Sydney” sent this story in last night. While she prefers to remain anonymous, its important to know that her story is recent and occurred sometime in the last 3 years. In my intern year, the turning point for me, the thing that I think cemented the feeling I had that something wasn’t right,
Sydney’s Story: ESOAL Read More »
Here is the final installment in the 3 part series KLTV did on ESOAL. My Thoughts: Clearly, rolling the hill until the point of vomiting is NOT something that Teen Mania leadership regrets. They have done it every year for the past decade. Dave Hasz emailed the reporter to say that cat food has never
Honor Academy’s ESOAL In the News, pt. 3 Read More »
As part of their continuing coverage, KLTV posts the second video in a series on ESOAL. My main response after watching the video is that although the Lindale clinic reported getting only 10 patients, that is not the main clinic Teen Mania interns use (at least that is what I’ve been told). Ten is not
Honor Academy’s ESOAL In the News, pt 2 Read More »
This afternoon, after the local news reported on ESOAL, Teen Mania removed their response website and instead forwarded the link to the website hosted at www.hastories.com. Here is a link to their original response site. Teen Mania, what are you afraid of? UPDATE: 24 hours later, 3 of the original letters from the original response
Teen Mania Deletes Response Website Read More »
KLTV, a local (to Teen Mania) television station is doing a series on ESOAL. Here is the first part, including an interview with me. Update: I think its interesting that Jon Hasz says that he wishes TM could take a “mulligan” for some actions with regards to ESOAL. How about an apology instead of a
Honor Academy’s ESOAL In the News, pt 1 Read More »
Surprisingly, going against everything Mark said in this phone call, the Recovering Alumni Response website was put up less than a month after he promised a thorough investigation. Its also interesting to note that they put it up on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend. (2025 Update: The RA Response website has since gone down)
Board of Directors Covers Up TM Scandal, pt. 2 Read More »
As many of you know, back in January, I contacted the Board of Directors by certified letter. In about 20 pages, I outlined the major abuses going on at the Honor Academy, including quotes from many of you. To my surprise, they actually responded to me and solicited stories from you in an attempt to
Board of Directors Covers Up Teen Mania Scandal, pt.1 Read More »
An inside source has reported to me that on Tuesday of this week, during chapel (approximately 36 hours before ESOAL began) Teen Mania leadership asked the intern body if any of them were paramedics or registered nurses. Two people responded and my source witnessed one of them working in the “clinic” area at ESOAL. 55
Who is Providing Medical Care? Read More »
I’m often asked why I’ve chosen to remain anonymous. I think its a good question and one that deserves to be answered. Since the start of this blog I have attempted to remain anonymous for the following reasons: I want the focus to be on the message not the messenger. If I were to give
Why I Remain Anonymous Read More »
Sometimes it can be hard to know who to take advice from, especially when people you love and respect have 2 opposing opinions. Here’s a little test that might help. If someone is advising you to do or be something in particular, will they personally benefit from it? Will they benefit financially? Will their ego
Who Should You Listen To? Read More »
The Honor Academy believes ESOAL will help interns reach the death and burial of their flesh, followed by a resurrection. They call this experience BAR. In this talk from the last year, Dave explains the reasons behind ESOAL to facilitators. (2021 Update: Video has since been taken down) @11:57 We want everyone at ESOAL to
The Theology of ESOAL Read More »
Glossary 9/15/2010 Recovering Alumni Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Alternate – Stands for “Alternate Exercise” for those who are too weak or injured for regular corporate exercise. Alternate participants are often considered lazy. AP – Accountability Partner ACA – In charge of their particular room (4-5 interns). Reports directly to CA. ATF – Acquire
