A long list of extreme dos and don'ts from a Protestant non-denominational church many believe to be a cult was under major scrutiny from gobsmacked social media users.
A tweet sharing screenshots of the church's strict demands was posted by Twitter user @DegenDilly, who wrote in the caption:
"The local cult attempted to indoctrinate my friend today while he was volunteering at a soup kitchen with them."
The list allegedly belongs to an organization believed to be The Word of Faith Fellowship–a notorious religious cult in Spindale, North Carolina, founded by Jane and Sam Whaley.
They are known to enforce unreasonable demands on followers, many of whom later claimed they were physically and emotionally abused under the guise of exorcising demons.
Here is the post with screenshots of the list.
@DegenDilly/Twitter
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According to The Daily Dot, the tweet's claim was up for debate as images of the same list circulated online before.
The list in question was shared over a decade ago by John Huddle, who had years of experience as a former member of WOFF.
Huddle wrote in a blog about religious cults and their rules:
"No, the rules were not written at WOFF, therefore it was easier to manipulate and deny the existence of so many restraints that were issued."
"This list spans the 16 years of my involvement in that group. I feel VERY sure some have changed and new ones have been added."
Some of the rules churchgoers were expected to follow were of the usual variety, including arriving to services on time, going to the bathroom before services begin and refraining from drinking alcohol.
But the demands that raised eyebrows included discouraging followers from celebrating holidays like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving; using tanning beds; playing Monopoly; and wearing or owning Nike clothing–no exceptions.
Other very specific examples included:
"Don't have 'dingle dangles' hanging fron your rearview mirror."
"Don't play games on your cellphone. Erase/delete them."
"Don't play or imitate 'air guitar'."
And:
"Don't place the toilet paper unless it rolls over the top."
After the initial shock wore off, Twitter users mocked the list.
Jokes aside, this was pointed out as an example of what the WOFF was all about to warn others.
Others shared their thoughts after discovering the WOFF was founded in 1979 when the husband and wife team converted a steakhouse into a chapel.
Jane Whaley was a math teacher with no formal training in the ministry but was known to be a compelling speaker and leader.
Together with her husband, Whaley led WOFF and expanded from 750 followers to nearly 2,000 in related churches around the world, including Brazil, Ghana, Scotland, and Sweden.
For years, they have been accused of leading a cult and for allegedly abusing its members.
Despite criticism of skeptics who look down on those who join these deeply personal communities, it's not that difficult for people to resist becoming members.
Online Pschology Degree examined why people are so easily drawn to cults.
Their research found cults are attractive because they "promote an illusion of comfort" and "satisfy the desire for absolute answers"–which touches on the notion that humans "deserve clarity," as described by Dr. Adrian Furnham in Psychology Today.
Cult leaders like Whaley maintain their power by brainwashing members with an "us vs. them" mentality and making promises that are ultimately unattainable.
They make vulnerable individuals who previously felt ostracized by society feel as if they belong, and once they become members, they oftentimes have no idea they are in a cult.
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