drchungj

2008-10-14T22:15:00.000-04:00

For various reasons which I'm glad to discuss, I cannot maintain this blog anymore, but someone apparently has managed to archive it at exubfjc.wordpress.com .

But I'll make this one exception...

2008-10-14T21:33:00.005-04:00

Obama's Abortion ExtremismRead this essay by Princeton professor Robert P. George at thepublicdiscourse.com, and weep.

"Forgetting what is behind..."

2007-01-01T16:03:00.002-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)It is the unfortunate trend among leaders in UBF and in other abusive groups to tell those who've been abused in the group to "forget the past" and "just move on" (while they themselves keep beating old, dead horses) and keep slamming former members in their sogams. A frequently twisted passage is Phil. 3:13-14. What's left out is the context of those verses, and that context

Rick Warren on forgiveness

2006-12-18T08:49:00.002-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)Some exerpts from a Rick Warren article on forgiveness from the Spring 2006 issue of "The Worshipper" Magazine (It's not your usual "just forgive and forget" article, somewhat surprisingly):IT ISN'T MINIMIZING THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENSEWhen somebody comes and asks for your forgiveness and you say, "It's no big deal. It really didn't hurt. as if it wasn't a big deal, you

Martin Luther quote

2006-11-30T13:09:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2)"If we doubt or do not believe that God is gracious and pleased with us, or if we presumptuously expect to please Him through our works, then all [our compliance with the law] is pure deception, outwardly honoring God, but inwardly setting up self as a false savior. Note for yourself, then, how far apart these two are: keeping the First Commandment with outward works only, and

Gospel-Driven Sanctification

2006-11-16T01:11:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1)Another blogger links to an important article that should be a breath of fresh air for people exposed for too long to UBF's gospel of effort and ministry of numbers. Also, it's heartening to see that Patrick C. has "gone public."

Utter Biblestudying Futility

2006-11-04T14:22:00.000-05:00

(related: 1, 2, 3, 4) Excerpts from a collection of thoughts from 2002-2003 that I had dubbed "Utter Biblestudying Futility":These are random ramblings and reflections on my former life in the pit that was Chicago UBF and on UBF in general.- Sam Lee was and is praised as one who "didn't pay attention to people" or "didn't care what people thought" and only "lived before God." This is a distortion

Out of the overflow of the heart...

2006-10-19T18:41:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)If you criticize Sam Lee, UBF's version of the "Great Leader," some in UBF will likely tell you that he is dead and that you are just beating a dead horse. But then they have this Founder's Day thing every year to prop up this "dead horse" and praise him to the heavens. Here's a comment I posted on the latest attempt by a UBF veteran on "Founder's Day" to rationalize Sam

Life in a UBF nutshell

2006-10-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)Related to the subject of the UBF "sogam" is the UBF "life testimony," in which everyone's life story is edited to fit the UBF mold of ...Part 1: I was so bad before UBF,Part 2: Through UBF I found God, became a holy man/woman, and got a calling for “world campus mission” which is now the meaning of my life.At the end of the "spiritual struggle" to write your UBF "life testimony,"

"True rest" and "true freedom"

2006-09-25T16:59:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)A comment that I posted elsewhere months ago regarding the use of the UBF-ism, "true rest":28th-Jul-2006 03:10 am (UTC) - "true rest" and "true freedom"The UBF-speak that most of us are familiar with includes phrases such as "true rest" and "true freedom." They mean "constant work for the group" and "obedience and subservience to the group's leader(s)," respectively. Rest is almost

Easing into abuse one small step at a time

2006-09-07T22:35:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)The following is from an advice column that I read recently. It reinforces what many agree on, that abusive relationships--be they in marriages or in cults--share many characteristics and dynamics in common:I am involved with a woman whose husband abandoned her. At first our relationship revolved around her heartbreak over his actions. He was unfaithful to her and moved out of

The UBF sogam: not "from the heart"

2006-08-29T01:26:00.001-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)To say that the "sogam" is an important UBF tradition is probably an understatement. I can remember being taken to watch "Rocky III" by Little Sarah in 1982 because Sam Lee had this taste in movies that he wanted everyone in UBF to share. After the movie I was asked what my "sogam" was. (Um, I can't wait for Rocky IV?) And after other movies and conferences I would be asked what my

UBF and support for healthy marriages

2006-08-15T23:59:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1)What support? You'd think that if a church decided to do the cultic thing by strictly arranging all marriages, they would at least provide sufficient support and guidance, knowing that the problems associated with arranged marriages will inevitably surface. But not so in UBF. Here's something I wrote in 2004:Date Posted: 14:59:47 10/11/04 MonAuthor: JoeSubject: UBF's support for

Easy believism

2006-07-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)No, not that easy believism. I'm talking about the easy believism described below (from here):He [a "Christian journalist"] wrote to me stating he has met with the Joe Jr. team [leaders of a church] and that the church was no longer a cult. He stated he has taken the "leader's word at face value and trusted them." If this is an example of what is available for Christian

Spiritual abuse in Kiev, Ukraine

2006-07-17T15:17:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)Here's are some accounts of spiritual abuse in the Kiev, Ukraine chapter of UBF whose director, Peter Kim, is apparently a disciple of Peter Chang in Bonn and praised as an "exemplary" chapter leader. Many familiar themes in there for me:17th-Jun-2006 12:51 pm (UTC)[Author:] hdchris I decided to translate the issues he mentions, because they once again affirm that UBF abuse

Geographical distribution of UBF abuse

2006-07-17T13:56:00.001-04:00

I'm updating my geographical distribution of UBF abuse list. The following is a simple listing of current UBF chapters where I have seen or been told of what I would consider to be reports/complaints/observations of spiritual abuse and other kinds of abuses and also aberrant teachings/practices:United States:Chicago HQ (obviously) and affiliates: UIC (part of Chicago HQ) IIT (part of Chicago

UBF's Matthew 23 hypocrisy

2006-06-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2) Someone has hit it right on the head in regard to UBF's hypocritical twisting of Christ's commands in Matthew 23:Another passage from the same London UBF sermon:"Look at verses 9,10. 'And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.' We have our fathers and spiritual

A UBF recruit's account of the UBF discipleship game

2006-06-12T19:25:00.002-04:00

(Related: 1) Excerpts from a late 2005 email from a UBF recruit that shows how UBF plays the typical discipleship game to gain greater and greater control in non-moral areas of a recruit's life, and it all starts with the pressure to join "common life":I recently joined one of the common life housing by the () center. I really wasn't sure how I would like this arrangement. The reason that I was

UBF and cultural relativism

2006-06-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)This was part of a Feb. 2006 post from elsewhere:UBF, in using the "it's just a cultural difference" argument, tries to leverage the post-modernish notion that "cultural elements" are somehow beyond good and evil, exempt from any judgment based on any moral standards. Actually, it's not a post-modernish notion. It's just good old-fashioned cultural relativism. So, UBF, this

"a culture of ingratiation"

2006-05-18T01:06:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)The following is part of someone's analysis of the UBF culture:In my opinion, there is a huge amount of desire for recognition in UBF. This results often in competitive, ambitious behavior to get it. A typical place to try and get it is to show off somehow during testimony sharing. Competition or ambition exists to be, among other things, the

UBF and human rights

2006-05-03T23:28:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)The right to make your own decisions is a fundamental human right. It is the pattern of all cults and abusive groups to attack this fundamental right, subtly, relentlessly, from the start of your recruitment process. Here's a comment on UBF and the concept of human rights, which was prompted by the report of another UBF message that tries to erode respect for the concept of human

A UBF Easter conference memory

2006-04-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

From my personal story:In April 2000, I attended a UBF Easter conference where Samuel Lee was present. A college student named Daniel C., the son of current Chicago UBF elder, Isaac C., delivered a message during an evening meeting. For no apparent reason, Mr. Lee stated that he did not like the message that Daniel delivered or the way that Daniel delivered the message, and Mr. Lee ordered that

Horror stories in the UC and UBF

2006-04-11T22:28:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)This was a post from February about horror stories told in the Unification Church and in UBF about former members:I was reading something written by Ingo Michehl, a former Moonie. He and I may have crossed paths around 1989-90 at UIC in Chicago while I was going to school there and he was recruiting there for CARP, a student organization and Moonie front group. As expected,

"The Discipleship Game" - Program of bondage

2006-03-27T23:35:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)More from chapter 1 of the book "Twisted Scripture" by Mary Alice Chrnalogar:THE PROGRAM OF BONDAGEThe hidden agenda of abusive discipleship is that you should not make decisions without both you and your discipler feeling at peace about it. They claim this will ensure that you will make fewer mistakes on your Christian walk. At first this seems to make logical sense: more

A marriage of sorts...

2006-03-17T11:47:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)From a recent Sarah Barry "life testimony":I gave my heart to God first, then to Samuel Lee and to Korea. I decided to trust God's work in Samuel Lee."I gave my heart to God first, then to Samuel Lee..." is what you'd expect someone like Sam Lee's wife to say. Barry is touted as someone who "gave up her marriage." But in terms of commitment and loyalty, she virtually married Sam

The "marriage by faith" program at work

2006-03-07T17:53:00.003-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)I continue to see (and be amazed by) the usual deceptions being issued from UBF about the controlled and arranged nature of the "marriage by faith" (MBF) practice. Here are a couple of examples of former members' reactions when they saw the true nature of "MBF":(1) I asked questions like, "What is marriage by faith?" and I was told nothing but flat out lies and half truths. I

"Shamanistic influences on Korean Christianity"

2006-02-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1)Here's an interesting post on the shamanistic influences on Korean Christianity and how it relates to some people's UBF experience:I've been reading an article about Shamanistic influences in Korean Christianity at the Rick Ross website. (http://www.rickross.com/reference/yoidoyonggi/yoido3.html) I have seen this discussed on forums before, but I was able to connect some of the

"The Discipleship Game" - Rules taught by men

2006-02-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4) The following excerpt is a continuation of chapter 1 of the book "Twisted Scripture" by Mary Alice Chrnalogar. The author reveals one of the first twists of Scripture by abusive disciplers ("shepherds" in UBF): the expansion of the biblical definition of sin. We've seen this plenty in UBF. For example, UBF sermons have proclaimed that students missing meetings or Bible

John Jun on the "enemies of God"

2006-02-12T22:29:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2)From the same recent "message" in which he sees the parents of UBF recruits as an "obstacle," John Jun, the newly "inaugurated" Director of UBF states:Burning anger consumed him, like a volcano. He took the disgrace as his personal insult. Out of his spiritual anger, he committed himself to killing this enemy of God, and removing the disgrace of Israel and the insult against God.

"The Discipleship Game"

2006-02-03T02:07:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2)The following is the beginning of chapter 1, "The Discipleship Game," from the book "Twisted Scripture" by Mary Alice Chrnalogar. A few chapters of the book are on-line. One of the editors of the book is a former member of UBF who was personally abused by Lee/Barry. The game described in chapter 1 reminds me of PECAS' writing on "systematic obedience training" through which UBF

Giving up on change

2006-01-26T04:50:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)(Click to view the full-size version. Ok, so the cartoon's not specifically about UBF, but it's got a good point. I talk about someone who was abused in UBF 4 months ago and left. Then someone claims that UBF has changed so much in the last 4 months. And so it goes.)From http://www.ubf-info.de/cts/zukeran1995.en.htmCan Abusive Churches Change?Those who find themselves in

The institutional racism continues

2006-01-16T21:35:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1)Again, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, another example of UBF turning back the clock. This time it's from a UBF X-Mas 2005 report from the University of Illinois at Champaign UBF (now headed by Sam Lee, Jr.):It is like a pond in front of a house. Whenever a man casts a line, a fish bites it and was caught. The same thing is UIUC sheep (1). Even though there are so many sheep, there is

That quote again

2006-01-16T11:46:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)Something about UBF's institutionalized racism again, appropriate perhaps for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The more you read it, the more disturbing it is. Here's part of the quote again:"There was a time when I had all black sheep or Chinese sheep or street sheep. Once Dr. Lee gave me a direction to give away my black [African American] sheep. Reluctantly I did so. Then God

Sell everything you have and buy a "bible house"

2006-01-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)Posted elsewhere in 2003:Author: JoeSubject: Luke 18:15-30: sell everything you have and buy a BHIn reply to: Brother in Christ 's message, "Re: New thread on doctrine" on 09:23:05 10/25/04 MonThis is how a March 2003 Chicago UBF "message" by Ron Ward began:TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFELuke 18:15-30Key Verse: 18:22"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, `You still lack one thing. Sell

Reconciliation without compromise

2006-01-07T21:58:00.002-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)This was posted elsewhere:I'll post this as a response to the question posed here: Is reconciliation with UBF possible? Is it desirable? Though I'm borrowing other peoples' observations, I can hardly speak for everybody, so this is posted as my opinion.My definition of reconciliation is this: "From my point of view, reconciliation might be being able to acknowledge at

The cult extended family II

2005-12-29T23:05:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)Whom did I have to call first from the hospital when my two kids were born? Whose approval did I need for what I could name my two kids? Whose approval did I need to buy a share of a house? Whom did I have to notify if I was leaving town on a business trip? Whom did I have to notify first, immediately after I defended my dissertation? Who chose my future marriage partners (

The real manger ministry

2005-12-24T17:11:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1)The Real Manger Ministry... as opposed to this. I choose the King in the manger, not the little, puffed-up Herod behind the pulpit and his ever-faithful minions.

The art of the half-hearted apology

2005-12-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)Let's say a long-time alcohol abuser wrote to his estranged wife whom he battered for years: "If I have done anything to offend you, I apologize and ask your forgiveness." How do you think she'd react? How should she react? Could you blame her?I've written elsewhere before: "Even a simple short letter from Sam Lee or Sarah Barry with even a qualified (half-hearted)

The worst response of all: "I don't care."

2005-12-13T22:23:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2)Abe Lincoln: "I don't care. I don't care."What's this? Abe Lincoln said, "I don't care. I don't care?" No, not that Abe Lincoln. I'm talking about UBF Abe Lincoln (also mentioned in my personal story). Someone courageous recounts a conversation with Lincoln at a UBF summer conference in 2004:Here are a few things UBF people had to say:Abraham Lincoln (fellowship leader in Chicago

The thankfulness that only flows uphill

2005-12-09T22:51:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1)A little late for Thanksgiving, but here it is. Written elsewhere:The [UBF spokesperson] also uses an unspoken but common UBF tactic against those who leave UBF on not-good terms (i.e. almost everyone who leaves), the tactic of accusing them of "unthankfulness." "We loved you and did so much for you and put up with you and showed you 'mercy' for all those years when we should have

Having nothing to do with God...

2005-12-07T13:05:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2)This was from A summary of some of UBF's biblical/doctrinal errors:Romans 1:5 is often quoted by UBF leaders to equate grace and apostleship, such that a person's acceptance of God's saving grace is constantly called into question if they are not participating in the group's main mission of recruitment. Apostleship, as UBF defines it, is the only fruit of grace that UBF recognizes

"But obey him anyway..."

2005-12-03T00:47:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)From a document back in 2001 when there was this thing called a UBF reform movement, 2. You may not understand everything he says or does right now. But obey him anyway, you will experience God's will. [Seems almost like a perversion of Mt. 6:33, doesn't it?]This is another popular explanation by which UBF tries to convince people to obey Samuel Lee. Whether or not

"When North Koreans speak of reunification..."

2005-11-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)The following paragraphs about how North Korea views "reconciliation" (or more popularly, reunification) are found in this LA Times article about an oddly-timed baby birth by a suspected South Korean Pro-North Korea activist (say that fast 5 times):When North Koreans speak of reunification, their meaning is radically different from what Americans might think in recalling the

Fighting the "spiritual battle" against ... parents

2005-11-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)John Jun off to a flying start as the newly-selected Director of UBF:From: chungjoeDate: November 8th, 2005 - 01:17 am[John Jun wrote in a November "message":] When our young Bible students decide to live as Jesus' disciples, the first obstacle they often face is persecution from their parents and friends. They are persecuted because they can't spend as much time with

Leaving a cult is like ... defecting.

2005-11-02T22:06:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)I was reading an article about Chicago White Sox pitcher Jose Contreras, a Cuban defector, and was thinking of the similarities between leaving a cult and leaving a totalitarian dictatorship like Cuba. How do people defect from totalitarian dictatorships? Up to the time that they defect, they try to give the impression of being loyal "comrades" and then make a desperate dash

When you can't be truthful about your past ...

2005-10-18T02:45:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)... don't expect people to believe that you've "changed" in the present. (Not that any UBF leader has ever publically admitted a need for substantive changes.) Another Oct. 9 has come and gone, and with it has come more praiseologies for the dead former tyrannical leader on his birthday at the new annual UBF tradition, UBF "Founders Day." But that doesn't surprise me. What I

It's always others that need "divine discipline," isn't it?

2005-10-10T13:14:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)From a UBF headquarters Sunday "message" a couple of weeks ago:In the last couple of weeks, we have experienced devastating hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. From God's point of view, it is divine discipline on our nation for ignoring God's calling.The code language used by UBF for much of its spiritually abusive practices is "divine discipline," and in this context it means that the

A thought on "discipling"

2005-09-25T19:23:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)A thought on "discipling" from The Discipling Dilemma, Chapter 9 ("shepherding" in UBF can be considered just an extreme form of "discipling"):By the next year, 1977, Michael Harper, leader of a prestigious British charismatic organization, was sounding his concern in the book Let My People Grow. In this book he made several arguments that are especially relevant for the present

1 Peter 2:9 and UBF; missing the point

2005-09-19T00:44:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)1 Peter 2:9 came up in a church sermon I heard this morning. And unlike the experience in UBF (i.e., 1 Pe 2:9 used in an empty slogan to try to stoke exploitative nationalism), the verse was actually properly understood and interpreted.A reputable pastor, a trained servant of the Word, one who likely has the foundation of training in systematic theology in a reputable seminary

As we left the morgue...

2005-08-27T01:12:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)As mentioned here, I was one of only two UBF people who saw my-brother-in-law's body after his suicide. The other was the current President of UBF, and also a UBF physician. As we left the morgue the Sunday morning after Samuel's Saturday suicide, the President of UBF said to me in his sometimes cynical way, "He [referring to Samuel] cannot go to heaven, huh?" What a fitting

"The 2-dimensional world of UBF physicians"

2005-08-16T17:54:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)A former member's comment on the 2-dimensional world of UBF physicians:The stories of suffering like this in a fellowship full of doctors and nurses are quite incredible. I myself remember a Korean woman missionary in Chicago who clearly had mental health problems, and was eventually driven to suicide, in my estimation in large part because of Samuel Lee. After her death, it

Sam Lee comment on another 2ndgen suicide

2005-07-31T23:29:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)This is Sam Lee on the 1990s suicide death of another UBF 2ndgen, the daughter of a Korean UBF elder,... One girl was the concertmaster in an orchestra. She was rebuked by the conductor and criticized by orchestra members. Then, that afternoon, she jumped from the third floor of the music stadium and immediately died of brain damage. She knew that she had to work harder so that

Salvation by "renewal of holy desires"

2005-07-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)As I wrote before, if you read or listen closely enough, what's wrong with UBF becomes readily apparent in their sermons and announcements. As someone posted at livejournal.com/community/rsqubf, July 9th, 2005Chicago UBF Message Preaches That We Still Must Work To Be Saved @ 03:00 pmby pecowasOn June 12, 2005, Jim Rabchuk delivered the Sunday message at Chicago UBF based on

A problem of cultural differences and misunderstandings

2005-07-26T07:50:00.000-04:00

UBF has claimed repeatedly over the decades that its reputation as a destructive group has come about through unspecified cultural differences and misunderstandings (UBF being a Korea-based group). Those who cite the cultural differences excuse have in mind UBF's most visible and controversial practice, the practice of "marriage by faith," i.e. arranged marriage. But when pressed about it, the

The Holy Spirit led me to commit to God first

2005-06-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)If you read or listen closely enough, what's wrong with UBF becomes apparent in their sermons and announcements (besides the plainly obvious wrongs such as their numbers obsession and arranged marriages).Two common themes in UBF sermons and sogams come to mind.One, the UBF message performer or sogam reader says, "One man said, 'The Holy Spirit told me not to come to UBF (or skip

Get your priorities straight

2005-06-15T11:35:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1)Matthew 6:33, Matthew 8:21-22, Luke 14:26, Genesis 22 are just some of the Bible verses and passages that are twisted by UBF in the name of teaching recruits to "give priority to God." But how does UBF want its recruits to observe this biblical principle in practice? If you are already a Christian and attending another church or group, UBF wants you to "give priority to God" by

Any fool can confess Christ, quote and twist "word of God"

2005-06-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

(Alternate title: Any fool can speak Christianese.)The following is actual spam I've received. If you think that's an example of the absurd use of "Christianese," try reading the revered writings of Sam Lee or a recent UBF "message".From: "benjamin haastrup" To: benhaastrup2@latinmail.com Subject: MY TESTIMONY(DONATION)Dear Beloved in Christ,It is by the grace of God that I received Christ,

UBFism distorts key Christian concepts

2005-06-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)Another post on the phenomenon that I've called "UBFism":Author: ChicagoXile for Daniel S.Subject: Re: New testimonyIn reply to: Andrew S. 's message, "New testimony" on 22:27:38 03/30/05 Wed>Hello everyone. FYI, I have just completed testimony about my two years in UBF.>I'll be presenting a form of this story to the>students at the high school where I teach.>Thanks and God

Friday cat blogging

2005-05-27T00:44:00.000-04:00

It's a blogging tradition. Look it up.This is "Skitty," a name agreed upon by me and my daughter. She's a 6-8 week old stray kitten who had taken up in our house's crawl space with a mother and 2 siblings. It's been a week since I trapped her and brought her in.A moment of relaxation before resuming tearing around the houseYawningAll babies seem cuter when sleeping.She eyes a future meal, our pet

Putting God to the test

2005-05-21T22:34:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)This was my comment on someone else's post about the upside-down UBF concept of a "decision of faith":From: chungjoeDate: May 21st, 2005 - 03:41 amSubject: UBF and Yong-Gi Cho drink from the same fountain.I think UBF, Yong-Gi Cho and unfortunately too many Korean Christians drink from the same fountain [not to say that non-Korean Christians are exempt from this form of corruption].

You skipped a step

2005-05-10T10:55:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1)It's a familiar theme with most cults and abusive groups, the claim that "we've changed." In UBF's case: "We've changed a lot in 30 years" (a claim sometimes made privately, but never publically by the UBF leaders). My contact with UBF veterans from long ago confirms what I've observed: UBF has made the "we've changed" claim throughout those 30 year, while some of the worst abuses

Personal responsibility

2005-05-01T23:36:00.000-04:00

A bit outdated, but I think valuable insights from an anonymous former member: (clarification before you start reading: "Dr. Lee" is Sam Lee.)Author: Anonymous Former Member of UBFSubject: Personal ResponsibilityI am a former member of UBF and wish to maintain an anonymous identity. I've been reading some of the posts and individual views of reform UBFers and missionaries who have formerly been

Random thoughts on growing up in UBF

2005-04-18T11:13:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2)Some random thoughts on growing up a UBF 2ndgen:Date Posted: 14:51:23 04/16/05 SatAuthor: JoeSubject: Re: 2nd gen situationIn reply to: Chris 's message, "2nd gen behavior" on 06:33:06 04/15/05 Fri>And actually, there are many other 2nd gens who left>UBF, including the son of the "UBF president" ...>Why did they leave>and others don't? Maybe Joe can elaborate a little bit>more on

Summary of what gives UBF its "cult" reputation

2005-04-14T23:34:00.001-04:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4)Asked and answered:On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 21:50:53 -0500, ------- ------<-------@-------------.---> wrote:> Could you please highlight for me some of the major problems> many have with> UBF, and why some consider it a "cult"?I think the foremost problem with UBF that has caused them to be in the news and in the sights of cult experts for some 30 years in the United States is the

"Mercy" that extends only to the door

2005-04-04T22:12:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1)This is the concept of "having mercy" on someone in UBF:Date Posted: 18:26:39 04/03/05 SunAuthor: [Toledo UBF person]Subject: Re: Kicked Out or LeaveIn reply to: Question 's message, "Kicked Out or Leave" on 18:07:00 04/03/05 SunI think most people just leave. When we decided to leave because UBF refused to address abuse, we announced it. We didn't say when we were going to leave, but

Jesus, "OTHERS," yourself

2005-04-04T16:23:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1)(Alternate title: Do unto "OTHERS" as you would have them do to you.)More on institutional racism in Chicago UBF from http://voy.com/60734/10019.html:Date Posted: 07:08:58 04/04/05 MonAuthor: ChrisSubject: Two kinds of "junk" sheepThe following had been posted here already two years ago:Did you know that Samuel Lee classified people as "junk" sheep (who should not be invited and

Some peculiar moral reasoning

2005-03-29T23:26:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2)Someone wrote the following in January of 2001 in the rsqubf guestbook:Name: he must goComments: Looking at this dreambook has brought back memories and brought on new feelings, the foremost of which is heaviness of heart over the condemnation of Gary (Jeremiah) Cowen. Nothing was done for the poor man. He was judged for his sins and made to suffer, but it was not God who judged

"Some ways to identify high-pressure groups"

2005-03-22T14:29:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3)The optimist in me wants to see a good trend beginning to develop on American campuses. The Chaplain's Office of the University of Pennsylvania lists some ways to identify high-pressure groups:Observe the group’s responses to you and how you feel. If you can answer “yes” to three or more of these statements, you should seriously reconsider your involvement. . The group seems to

They have already received their reward

2005-03-18T21:23:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2)I have predicted in the past that Sarah Barry, surrounded by the same people who elevated Sam Lee and his misdeeds to untouchability with endless and exaggerated praise, would get worse, not better over time. This goes beyond her tolerating (even encouraging) the use of her "official" title, "Mother" Barry.In December of 2004, there appeared this post by a Korean UBF member about a

"A Word of Warning"

2005-03-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1)Stanford Associated Religions lists some characteristics of destructive religious groups:Unfortunately, not every religious group has your best interests at heart. Groups to avoid have some or all of the following characteristics. * Pressure and Deception: They use high-pressure recruitment tactics or are not up-front about their motives when they first approach you. SAR members

What love-bombing is like

2005-03-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

From a former Triton UBF 2ndgen's story:On a rare occasion when we went to the beach, my parents found a baby crab. They immediately grabbed this crab, took it out of its natural surroundings of Lake Michigan and brought it home. They placed it in an old fish tank and proceeded to feed it. I found it strange that we had a newfound pet in the house since up till now we only had goldfish. A few

"About Destructive Religious Groups"

2005-02-23T16:26:00.000-05:00

The United Ministry at Harvard lists some characteristics of destructive religious groups: * a leader who claims divinity, or a special relationship to God * a leader who is sole judge of a member's actions or faith * aspirations to total control over a member's life * development of unhealthy emotional dependence on the group or leader * prohibition of critical analysis or

All this really did happen...

2005-02-12T22:55:00.000-05:00

A post at a Ex-Jews for Jesus blog reveals how similar the frequency and types of abuse are in various abusive groups.

Good intentions, zeal and ... abomination

2005-02-03T23:43:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1)Something I wish I'd written:Author: WardSubject: Re: I met ChristIn reply to: UBF "second gen" 's message, "I met Christ" on 17:13:12 02/01/05 TueRegarding this part:"Well, a lot has changed in UBF over the past couple of years. I do have to admit that there were a lot of strange, shameless things going on when DSL was leading UBF."The fact that "DSL" was leading is exactly the point

Blogging plan for this year

2005-01-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a blogging plan for this year:* More on moral relativism and moral apathy in UBF; how UBF tries to "rise above" the moral struggle just as it tries to "transcend" the need to help the poor; how "preaching the gospel" in UBF becomes an excuse to stop "wasting time" to think about morals and ethics; "that's not our main ministry."* How the leader veneration culture and authoritarian

Blog recommendation

2005-01-14T11:27:00.000-05:00

Here's something different, a blog recommendation. An interesting blog is http://evangelicaloutpost.com. In particular, check out the "Know Your Evangelicals" series.

Cults on campus and chaplains' awareness

2005-01-14T09:32:00.000-05:00

An interesting paper on the awareness of cults and preparedness of campus chaplains to deal with the cult problem on campus can be read here (pdf). As I've suspected, there is some ignorance among these chaplains about the cult problem and the seriousness of it. Of course, the chaplains should not be dealing with the problem by themselves.

Sam Lee in heaven humor

2005-01-07T21:36:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)Some old posts speculating about Sam Lee in heaven including a "skit," something I was known for in Chicago UBF: Date Posted: 08:19:34 04/01/04 Thu Author: rsqarchive Subject: April Fools repost: Samuel Lee in heaven In reply to: rsqarchive 's message, "Statement of apology, repentence and resignation from Barry" on 07:11:47 04/01/04 Thu Date Posted:

Despair and hope at Christmas

2004-12-23T11:57:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1) I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th'unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head: 'There is no peace on earth,' I said 'For hate is strong, and mocks the

I won't be "home" for Christmas

2004-12-10T23:44:00.000-05:00

(related: 1, 2, 3, 4) There are those who insist that Christmas, at least, should be a time for family unity. I wish it were that simple. But it really isn't, is it? I don't believe in unity for unity's sake; "Peace, peace" when there is no peace. (Jer 6:14) People need to take a sober look at unity. Who is your unity helping really? Maybe I should be more direct. Unless absolutely necessary,

Jerry King's advise

2004-12-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

The following is a post from June that contains what could be considered constructive criticism of UBF from a former member, though the advise is directed toward the CMI (formerly the Reformed UBF). As with any criticism, constructive or otherwise, UBF's habit is to totally ignore it. Date Posted: 14:27:58 06/03/04 Thu Author: Joe Chung Subject: Jerry King's advise to the CMI It looks like the

Another summary of UBF's errors

2004-11-24T22:28:00.000-05:00

This by Ward Canfield, formerly of Chicago UBF: Date Posted: 11:57:44 10/08/04 Fri Author: Ward Canfield Subject: Re: UBF Doctrine In reply to: Tom F 's message, "UBF Doctrine" on 09:31:45 10/08/04 Fri ... UBF ERRORS 1. Fear and pressure tactics used to control peoples’ behavior within the system: direct threats, ostracism, disparaging public criticisms, vilifying rumors, fake institutional

"the very foundation of their faith"

2004-11-24T01:17:00.000-05:00

(related: 1, 2, 3 ) The following post contains an analysis of UBF's dogmatic adherence to one man that was sent to me in July: Date Posted: 09:40:13 10/11/04 Mon Author: Joe Subject: Dogmatic adherence to one man In reply to: Ward Canfield 's message, "Re: UBF Doctrine" on 11:57:44 10/08/04 Fri >2. Dogmatic adherence to one man’s theology and >personal opinions: little or no individual

"Systematic Obedience (to people) Training"

2004-11-23T01:06:00.000-05:00

(related: 1, 2) The following is an insightful post about how a person's independent decision making, even if led by the Holy Spirit, is anathema in UBF. Notice during the narrative how a human leader subtly takes the place of God. Date Posted: 21:11:16 10/14/04 Thu Author: PECAS Subject: Systematic Obedience Training Systematic Obedience Training I am a member of UBF who left this year. I

Heavy lifting on "marriage by faith" II

2004-11-16T23:15:00.000-05:00

A former female member of UBF wrote a detailed followup to the previously mentioned article on UBF "marriage by faith." In her followup she describes in practical terms the harm that is routinely done by the "marriage by faith" system and dysfunctional marriage-obsessed culture of UBF. She also describes the process by which the UBF pressure to marry "by faith" gradually wears down a recruit's

Heavy lifting on "marriage by faith" I

2004-11-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

(Related: 1, 2) Chris Z., formerly of a German UBF chapter, did some heavy lifting in September of 2003 on the UBF practice of "marriage by faith." Of particular interest to me is his description of the upside down concept of doing things "by faith" in UBF: Second, I want to point out that "marriage by faith" is, of course, a euphemism, a terrible misnomer. For what has UBF "marriage by faith"

Moral relativism

2004-10-24T22:56:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1, 2) "Moral relativism asserts that nothing can be truly wrong (in every circumstance, in every culture); the answer to the 'is it wrong?' question is always, 'it depends.' Moral relativism cringes at the word 'evil', because in a world without true right and wrong, evil is too strong a term. For example, a terrorist to one person, is a freedom fighter to another: so says the

How many hits?

2004-10-21T16:27:00.000-04:00

I know I probably shouldn't care about this, but I do track how many times this blog has been viewed. By my rather unscientific method of counting, I estimate that this blog has been viewed 2,800 times since it was begun in late November of 2003.

How not to defend UBF

2004-10-20T12:35:00.000-04:00

(related: 1, 2)I would say that most attempts to defend UBF reveal several unflattering things about UBF: willingness to twist scripture and take scripture out of context, unwillingness to answer uncomfortable questions, lack of care for and even hatred toward people who were abused. But some UBF defenders really take it over the top when they try to portray themselves as somehow part of a

A humble suggestion

2004-10-13T22:42:00.000-04:00

If you have belonged to a church for a good period of time, and in the course of discussions about said church and its leadership, you find that you cannot answer questions of morality that a 9 year old could answer, it may be time to evaluate your continued involvement in said church.

Drowning out the gospel

2004-10-08T21:33:00.000-04:00

(related: 1) I grew up in Chicago UBF, but it was in the local Baptist church (Edgewater Baptist (*) on Chicago's north side) where I first heard and believed the gospel as a teenager. If UBF did teach me the gospel, I don't remember it. Maybe it was drowned out by the gospel of mission, where I first have to become "a normal human being," get all "A's", have great vision for my country and for

Spurgeon on the graceless pastor

2004-09-27T16:26:00.000-04:00

(related: 1, 2)Something I wrote in March about another nominally Christian, "mission-minded" monster named Feroze Golwalla, whose small but incredibly abusive "missionary-training" cult included students from Wheaton College (of all places!):Date Posted: 12:27:33 03/22/04 MonAuthor: JoeSubject: The characteristics of a young Samuel LeeIn reply to: Joe 's message, "Re: UBF is not the only

"Church Displays Members' Individual Tithe Amounts..."

2004-09-21T23:02:00.000-04:00

This "story" at The Holy Observer--the Christian equivalent of The Onion--is a funny fabrication of course: SAN ANTONIO, TX – Have you ever seen your church's income figures and casually estimated how much each attendee would have to tithe to reach the total? Have you ever looked around during a Sunday morning service and wondered who specifically is giving how much? Well in a time when privacy

Common elements in personality cults

2004-09-21T13:01:00.000-04:00

(related: 1, 2, 3)I recommend reading this recent article (unfortunately no longer available) about the N. Korean personality cult.I'm not going to say that Sam Lee and Sarah Barry were deified in UBF, but the personality cult was definitely in evidence. How many homes in UBF do not have at least one picture of Sam Lee and Sarah Barry framed prominently somewhere, especially that blown-up black

"Americans hate the CYA mentality..."

2004-09-20T21:05:00.000-04:00

Someone's comment on the whole shameful CBS-Dan Rather memogate affair: I would have thought that anyone at CBS with any sense of how to run a business would have taken the approach of how the Tylenol poisoning disaster was handled. To this day Tylenol remains an industry leader. They did it by being honest and forthright with the public. Americans hate the cover your *ss mentality of

What an incredibly feeble blog I have.

2004-09-14T13:01:00.000-04:00

I will normally try to stay on topic on this blog, but, man, what an incredibly feeble blog I have.

Jesus in UBFism

2004-09-03T18:00:00.000-04:00

Some posts regarding what I've called "UBFism": Author: Joe Subject: Re: Jesus not so important in UBF In reply to: former 's message, "Jesus Not Important in Toledo UBF" on 07:10:34 06/28/04 Mon >The Toledo director does it again! Another Jesusless >message! > >http://www.kille.org/ubf/message.htm The Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Moonies, even Muslims, mention Jesus in their sermons. UBF

Mother Teresa and "Mother" Barry

2004-09-03T17:53:00.000-04:00

(Related: 1)Were you there one Sunday when Sam Lee compared Sarah Barry to Mother Teresa?Author: JoeSubject: Mother Teresa and "Mother" BarryIn reply to: Truth seeker 's message, "Happy are those who abandon little children!For" on 16:31:44 07/10/04 Sat>ALL THIS WITH THE BLESSINGS OF MOTHER BARRY!>What did Mother teresa do on the contrary? She>picked up abandoned children of calcutta slums>and

"We've changed, not that we needed to change."

2004-09-01T13:52:00.000-04:00

My response to UBF's "we've changed" argument (again, an argument that is sometimes made privately, never publically by UBF leaders):Date Posted: 12:54:18 08/03/04 TueAuthor: JoeSubject: "We've changed, not that we needed to change."In reply to: Bong-Jin Kang 's message, "Re: "Things have changed" article?" on 19:46:27 07/29/04 Thu>As I said on 8th,July's post, the Korean UBF top [John Jun]>

Personal views become more "prayerful" in UBF

2004-09-01T01:33:00.000-04:00

It is my experience that "prayerful" can be a loaded word in UBF. If you have been in the group long enough, and a view that you express in a sogam is not in line with the view of someone above you [most likely your view could be construed as slightly critical of a UBF leader], you are likely to be told to revise your view to make it more "prayerful". The following is a post about my observation