Good deception (by “good,” we mean effective) uses language to guide one’s thinking in a particular direction. Sometimes deception is harmless fun, as in the case of “magic” tricks, surprise parties, harmless pranks, etc. When our son, Lee, was a lad, he and his friend Mike were great “magicians,” enamored with little tricks based on illusion, sleight of hand and/or misdirection – i.e. deception. One of his favorite (and most successful) tricks was called “Cups … Continue reading
Category Archives: Gwen Shamblin
(Originally printed in the Summer 2004 Issue of the MCOI Journal ) When our children started school, we were introduced to the “Stranger Danger” program. With a growing concern about strangers abducting school children, we, along with most other parents, spent time talking with our kids about Stranger Danger. “Don’t talk to strangers.” “Walk in a group.” “Never get into a stranger’s car, or go anywhere with him—even if he says he knows your parents … Continue reading
(This originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2002 edition of the MCOI Journal) In 1956, CBS launched the television game show To Tell the Truth. It ran weekly until 1968, at which time it went into syndication. The popular program has been revived from time to time—the latest incarnation was hosted by John O’Hurley (of Seinfeld fame). For those who are unfamiliar with the program, the To Tell … Continue reading
(This originally appeared in the Winter 2001 edition of the MCOI Journal) In the last issue of the Journal, our cover article exposed major problems in the doctrinal positions of Gwen Shamblin, leader of the very popular Weigh Down Workshops. As many of our readers are aware, this past August Gwen Shamblin went public with her views against such vital doctrines as the Trinity and salvation by grace through faith. She along with a few … Continue reading
(This originally appeared in the Fall 2000 edition of the MCOI Journal) We must admit that doing research on, or writing about, a weight-loss program, is not something that had previously crossed our minds. That is until Monday and Tuesday, August 22 and 23. On those dates, we received between 25-30 e-mails and phone calls regarding one program in particular—the Weigh Down Workshop, and its leader—Gwen Shamblin. Several discerning women had found some … Continue reading
Editor’s forward: Adam Brooks fully expects to be vilified for exposing the inner workings of Gwen Shamblin’s Remnant Fellowship. He’s seen it happen before. Unable to accept the fact that something may be wrong with her teachings or practices, Shamblin routinely attributes the “strong desire to keep their strongholds” (translate: “they’re choosing their sins over God’) as the reason people leave her new “church.” Surely it can’t be anything she’s said or done! After all: … Continue reading