Cults Discourage Individual Freedom

Much of the concept of freedom as we know it today originated from the Judeo-Christian tradition, as many authors have pointed out.  The Westminster Confession clearly states the principle of liberty:  "God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men...and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also."

Freedom implies loyalty to truth, to conscience, and to the ability to make one's own decisions about matters of faith, ethics, and morality.  Cult leaders, however, claim that their members are not equipped to make wise personal decisions.  They attempt to dictate the members' use of time, dating lives, thoughts, beliefs, and who they marry, among other things.  

The lack of freedom lies at the core of cultism.  In fact, it is the breeding ground for cultism.  

(from Cult Proofing Your Kids by Dr. Paul R. Martin)

The Grand Poo-Bah says to Evan Matthews:  

We seem to have a lot in common.  I feel for your situation and totally relate.  Barrie Victory Centre and churches like it tend to rip families apart rather than unite them.  The reason is that you and I have spiritual discernment which is given by the Holy Spirit.  Our families seem to be lacking in this area.  

This church is a cult and is telling their people that they are the only church with the truth.  You and I know that this is not true.  You cannot be a follower of Barrie Victory Centre unless you believe this to be true.

My personal opinion is that Barrie Victory Centre is a training centre for "Christian Terrorists."  They believe very strongly in the concept of  "in-your-face" religion.  One of my sons lost a 60K a year job because of  "in-your-face" religion.   He had his Bible open on his desk all day at work where others could see it.  His religion was the only thing he was able to talk about while at work.  I believe he was consequently let go for this reason.  This could not be stated as the reason because it would be "religious discrimination."  Barrie Victory Centre and churches like it are training their members to be super-militant when it comes to their faith at any cost.

These people are so militant that you don't dare question what they believe. Try disagreeing with them face-to-face and see what happens!  I tried it and the BVC follower immediately became incensed and began to scream and yell in close proximity to my face at the top of their lungs.  When I tried to talk to them to express my point of view, I was shouted down with finger-pointing hand gestures so that I couldn't talk.  You finally give up and stop talking because there is no point in continuing.  This is exactly what they want.  They are not interested in what you have to say because they believe they are the only one who knows anything about the subject.

They have learned this technique from the church on how to deal with opposition.  It is likely demonstrated to the congregants on a regular basis. Do not listen, do not allow a differing point of view to be expressed.  Do not allow the opposition to speak.  Shut them down.  If you yell loud enough and long enough, gesture forcefully enough with your finger, they will eventually back down.  This technique makes followers feel right, vindicated and victorious.

If you are trying to deal with members of Barrie Victory Centre, be prepared to be brutalized, verbally abused, and possibly physically as well.  This is not true, however, if you are willing to keep your mouth shut.  This is the only way you can have any kind of relationship with family members. I find it very difficult to believe that I have actually witnessed some of the things I have seen and heard from members of my family since they became involved with Barrie Victory Centre.  We should talk, Evan!