Critique of the Critics

[John Richeson]

Someone sent me a link today which moved me and made sense based on my experiences in the last 8 years since being out of The Way in 2000. It is an ex-Scientology member who disagrees with Scientology but also disagrees with the methodology of the anti-scientology movement and critics of which he was previously involved. The next day I saw an article which helped me understand the cowardice behind some anonymous Internet postings and describes the reason why I thought it best to use real names on The Way corps site..Check these out: A Critical Look at the Critics Cruelty Hides in Shadows of Cyberspace Quote: "My main contention with the anti-Scientology movement is the tendency of its "members" to reproduce and mirror the same kind of cultic aspects they blame on Scientology; the exaggerations and myths creating a phobic reaction; the dangers it poses to civil liberties; the personal attacks against dissenters; etc. These are fairly well documented on this web site." Quote: "This is the vexing problem with the Internet. Although a fascinating forum for the coherent exchange of views, offering everyone a chance to express themselves, it is also an undisciplined venue for the bigoted, the small-minded, the malevolent among us to hide in the shadows of cyberspace to vent their bile." In my opinion this appears to be true in the interactive forums of some groups in which I have been involved in regarding critics of other ministries, religions, cults, whatever the label. Some, NOT ALL, members of the critical groups themselves begin to take on characteristics of the abuse they suffered while in the group. Is it possible that those who have been "spiritually abused" can tend to become spiritual abusers? In fact I know of many members of anti-? or ex-? groups who have been mistreated by SOME of the very group members themselves, most of whom remain anonymous. It is a fact that can not be denied. It helps me to understand a little bit more about why I have been criticized for starting this Way Corps social networking site. I was amazed to see the backlash against me for starting it! For example look at some of these actual quotes about me written on another forum: Quote: "I think that Richeson should be ashamed of himself for doing this sick thing..." Quote: "PATOOIE! You're all a bunch of fakes...how dare you socialize with all your warm feelings and hugs and kisses...when in reality, you were a part of an insideous cult that destroyed people's lives!!! ...but Richeson doesn't want a "gripe site"?" Quote: "Heck...why would anyone object to a waycorps website?...I mean, all you have to do is ignore the fact that this ragtag bunch ruined people's lives by the score...destroyed marriages, turned people into dysfuntional "cult heads", drove some to suicide...taught lies, manipulated and used people... ...but who wants to focus on the "negatives"...let's all get together and "reconnect" with our old cult pals and remember the "good times" (in spite of destroying people's lives, they still had a really good time!)... I wonder if the Youth for Hitler have their own reunion site. Maybe John R. can pick up a few pointers..." At first I was angry and began to react in a similar manner as my accusers. But I understand a little better now and I hold no animosity towards them. In fact the above web links helped me to better understand. I am glad I have had a chance to broaden my perspective beyond my previously held thinking. Unless we treat each other with dignity and kindness and fairness we will have anti-anti-anti-anti groups ad infinitum. Will we ever get beyond the "us and them" mentality? Life is so much bigger than that!

[John and Janet Ruiz]

I'll try again...

I too like what this site is. It seems pretty simple and straightforward. I'm sure there's a few people who despise me now for participating, anonymously of course. I'll just have to get past that.

There! Past that. Well, that wasn't that hard!

I know you've gotten a lot more grief and some pretty negative chit and feedback for this and you've acquitted yourself with dignity and humor. Can't do much better than that, John so thanks again.

This format and context of the "Way Corps Site" allows for an even playing field where people can join and "reconnect" or even just poke around. Upon entry the intent of welcoming visitors is achieved in a reasonable way. It's getting close to 1,500 members - something must be working right, right?

'S all good.

[John Richeson]

It is so great to see you on here Paula. I am not one who holds grudges or holds biterness. Thankfully I am adept at letting things go and even still remaining friends with some who may have wronged me. I understand how some might be critical and harsh at some point. Maybe they need to vent and get things off their chest. It is ok to ba angry at times. It is theraputic.
But the key is not to stay that way and not to get that way very often. And try not to cause harm to others with hurtful words or actions. And if so to apologize one-on-one to that person. An apology goes a long way. Any of us who are married knows this. But it also holds true for friends.

Paula, I hope to see you in person again one of these days. It was a privilege going through the 7th Corps experience with you. I'll never forget it.

[Paula Rae Featherstone DeWald]

It's not the critic who counts rethought. In reflecting on my note last night I kept thinking "Why wouldn't the critic count?" Before I start casting stones next time it might be better to remember the parable of the "Forgiving Father." The son who questioned the party for the returning lost brother certainly received no less love from the father. In the end his concerns were handled and one would like to believe the family was united. That is what this Corps site has done for me. It has reunited my heart with the joy of my Way Corps family and our commitment. Reading about my Corps brothers and sisters reminds me that God never gave up on me or anyone else. It is inspiring to see what people are still doing with their love and talents. I am encouraged to stand a little stonger a little longer. The iron is still sharpening iron just like so many years ago. John, for that I could not thank you enough but there is so much more on this site that I am learning to enjoy and appreciate. From my perspective it is a great work. Keep it up!

[Paula Rae Featherstone DeWald]

"It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena." Theodore Roosevelt
Thanks for taking a stand. Paula

[George M. Hendrix]

Ditto John. Again, thank you for this site.
George

[Robin (Newcomb) Hamilton]

JOhn,
I don't think I ever met you, but I want to thank you for starting this website...and for letting Michelle Poccia participate in it....she's the one who told me about it (and was only person from Way days that I was in contact with0. This site has done so much to HEAL me. It has validated almost 20 years of my life that I thought could not be revisited. Reconnecting w/ people I have loved, cried, struggled with....has been a healing balm....again, thank you. You have structured this site with dignity and respect. I am able to take responsibilty for how much and to whom I share, allowing me my boundaries. It has brought joy to me, gratitude for all I learned and clarity of why I needed to leave when I did, and peace to know that we have all continued to live our lives. God bless you for using your skills to provide such a gift to those of us who choose to utilize the site!