Many sincere and dedicated Christians can fall prey to a subtle but powerful error. This is to become enmeshed in an authoritarian religious regime.

This is not of course limited to believers. Authoritarian regimes such as Fascism and communis m have enlisted millions of followers over years.

My wife and I spent 12 years in such an organisation and are now FREE!!! Perhaps you are involved in such a religious group. We would love to help you in any way we can as we know how lonely it can be when you first begin to doubt what you are involved in but do not know who to turn to. One of them reasons for feeling this way is because you have been taught not to trust anyone outside the group. Along with this you are frightened to talk to anyone within the group without risking "exposure" and some form of punishment such as public humiliation or ostracism.

Sue and I were involved in a group in Australia called The Potters House. We in fact were pastors for 8 years in the group.

I have listed some common characteristics of such a group.

1. Incontestable Leadership

Some of my friends who have left Potters House now refer to it as "THE REGIME" (as in a military dictatorship) or "THE FIRM" (as in John Grisham’s novel).

Such leadership issues decrees either in writing or from the pulpit that though it may have some spiritual merit is more of a conviction or idiosyncrasy of the leader than a biblical command or truth. You can not question these decrees without risking public ridicule or even ex communication.

2.Working Hard to Keep Saved

You have to endure a constant tirade of sermons and literature promoting endless striving and repentance. The glorious grace of God in Jesus free gift of salvation is rarely mentioned (accept in drawing in new believers). Grace is usually only referred to in a negative sense. (We were told the outside Christian world practiced so-called " Greasy Grace").

3. Isolation

Such groups believe that only they have a grasp of the "truth". Everyone outside is either misguided or even evil. Mixing with people who have left is definitely discouraged. These "deserters" are labelled as "rebels" or "devils". Folks within the group are therefor afraid to leave because they risk losing friends and family members.

I have not written this to attack any particular group but simply because I know what it is like to be in such a group when reality begins to dawn on you. If you would like help in any way or links to other means of help please feel free to contact me by Email or talk to me on ICQ. We can keep it totally anonymous if you wish