Review of Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way International
A memoir that looks at the inside working of TWI's research department
I've read a lot of critiques of the research methods, unorthodox teachings, and spiritual abuse of the The Way International (TWI), but Undertow by Charlene Edge was the first look inside the research department I've ever seen.
TWI billed itself as a research ministry. The introductory class focused on how to study the Bible, looking at Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic words, examining the context surrounding key verses, or explaining historical customs. Sounds great, right?
Well, it turns out behind this veneer were wrong assumptions, shoddy Greek, and half-baked theories propped up with the idea that someday someone would find a text to substantiate the teaching.
Edge writes about her recruitment into the Way, her many years in different positions, and ultimately her realization that the research department was a sham. Her disillusionment was similar to what I felt when I ultimately left, and it was validating to read that her inside knowledge corroborated what I’d felt for so long.
Many people have left TWI thinking that the original teachings were good, but something got corrupted over the years. Edge shows that the whole foundation was corrupt.
In addition to the look inside the research department, I enjoyed learning more about events that I only remember from the perspective of a small child. My parents joined around the same time as Edge, so it was interesting to read an experience similar to their early days.
I also liked how she described the way Wierwille often accused people of not being spiritually on top of things. This vague standard continues to contribute to my anxiety, and it was helpful to see numerous examples of people being criticized over this.
This memoir is for you whether you simply like reading about cults or especially if you’re a former member of TWI or one of the splinter groups. It’s available from Edge’s website or anywhere books are sold.