*ahem* Seriously, though, it shows you the coercive mindset that is actively promoted in the "Seven Project" (and, really, throughout the Assemblies).  In fact, the statements above would probably trigger some major warning bells among exit counselors.  According to a list from Dr. Margaret Singer's classic Cults In Our Midst (which is unfortunately in table format, otherwise I'd post it here) the "Seven Project" would fit almost all the characteristics of a thought-reform group--what is, to be blunt, generally what is termed as a cult:

Focus of body of knowledge: Body of knowledge centers on changing people without their knowledge.

("Seven Project" has their website set up that there is very little to show it is in fact a youth evangelism group--much less a "stealth evangelism" outreach of the Assemblies of God's Youth Ministries wing.  Teens unaware of "Seven Project" or the folks running it could be easily sucked in--which is the whole intent.)

Direction & degree of exchange: No exchange occurs, communication is one-sided.

(There is quite literally almost nothing on the website to let you know what "Seven Project" is about and just about the only way you can find out is to join as a member.)

Ability to change: Change occurs rarely; organization remains fairly rigid; change occurs primarily to improve thought reform effectiveness.

(With "Seven Project" it's hard to tell, as the group is relatively new.  It is part of a pattern of "stealth evangelism" of various sorts that the Assemblies of God has practiced for well over fifty years, however, the major changes being in the number of groups and the tactics of "stealth evangelism" (hiding links to the AoG, or that the group is even a "Christian" group at all, until one is well and truly hooked in).  In fact, this has occasionally involved targeting of other churches.)

Structure of persuasion: Takes authoritarian & hierarchical stance; no full awareness on part of learner.

(This is screamingly obvious hitting "Seven Project"'s website.  You are given almost no info on the group at all (not that it is an evangelical group, not that it is a youth ministry of the Assemblies of God, not even that it claims nominally Christian theology with major doses of scripture-twisting) until you have already joined.  The tactics used to sell are in some ways even more subtle than with other coercive religious groups, and are reminiscent of the "psychological tests" used in Scientology "churches" in attempts to recruit members.)

Type of relationship: Group attempts to retain people forever.

(This is more obvious with, say, people once they're in.  In fact, in a lot of AoG churches, it is expressly preached that walking away is "blaspheming the Holy Ghost"; it would not be surprising to see both this and an incredible amount of peer pressure brought on youth to stay in the group.)

Deceptiveness: Is deceptive.

(Quite obvious from the website.  "Seven" is promoted on the pages as being just about everything from a Source of Power to a cure for acne, but you're never told just exactly what the heck "Seven" is.  You have to actually join up to find out.)

Breadth of learning: Individualized target; hidden agenda (you will be changed one step at a time to become deployable to serve leaders).

(Again, very true.  People are introduced in steps as they are recruited.  There are actually various guides given out to the instructors, but even here, the group is highly deceptive in claiming there is no religious content.  Generally only the actual project members (youth and adults) are given the full information, and usually not even at the start.)

Tolerance: No respect for differences.

(Again, quite apparent--"Seven" is quite literally marketed as a be-all, end-all, and once one is in one may quickly discover that, for instance, Catholicism is not welcomed.  Alcohol use is condemned even though it is a socially accepted part of many cultures, even in the US (the Assemblies of God are officially teetotaler and even substitute grape juice for wine during the rare times communion is held), as one example.)

Methods: Improper and unethical techniques.

(Blatantly obvious.  Kids are recruited in with literally almost no information on the actual goals of the group; even public school systems have allowed "Seven Project" in being completely unaware that it is a youth missions project of the Assemblies of God whose whole purpose is "stealth evangelism" to youth.  (This is done because they know damned well no public school system would let them in otherwise.)  School systems are even explicitly lied to in claims that there is no religious content.)

What "Seven Project" doesn't tell you:

SEVEN is your platform. It's your ACCESS (to the wonderful world of dominionism and spiritual abuse, that is; you'll be encouraged to join groups like "Youth With A Mission" which are so blatantly cultic that practically every exit counseling group warns about them)

your EXPRESSION (as long as it's in a manner that is acceptable to the group leaders, that is; being extremely obnoxious "for Jesus" is perfectly okay and even encouraged, we'd be glad to see you at the next "See You At The Pole" event (don't forget to write down all the names of people you want to become fellow "Seven" members so we can nail them on crosses and pray for them to be miserable till they convert!), but expressing doubts is a sign the "Devil is working in your life")

your ENTERTAINMENT (throw out all your secular music, your Harry Potter books, your anime, and burn them; from now on, you'll only want to listen to "Christian" artists, read "Christian" books and listen to "Christian" radio and TV programs, otherwise you could "open doorways for Satan in your life" and Really, Really Bad Things Could Happen)

your INTERACTION (you will be expected to only associate with fellow "Saved" people (aka fellow pentes and charismatics); associating with people outside, unless it's to convert them, can "open doorways to Satan" and lead to Bad Things like acne and pregnancy and AIDS and eternal damnation--we'll even tell you where to get "Christian Yellow Pages" directories so you don't have to associate with non-pentecostal pagans)

SEVEN is your COMMUNITY. (Because you're not going to have anything outside of it.  You do want to be pulling your weight as a member of Joel's Army, don't you?  Remember, doubts lead to backsliding, and every time you backslide you're riding with Satan, kiddies!)

(Yes, in case you couldn't tell, I happen to be a bit of a walkaway from the Assemblies of God.  I'm, sadly, all too familiar with the actual theology as taught...hence why I can note pretty much what they really mean.)

by dogemperor on Sun Jan 15, 2006 at 12:21:55 AM EST
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