Page 6
University Dally Kansan, February 28, 1983
The Way is not the truth and the light, some say
By JULIE HEABERLIN Staff Welter
Staff Writer
EMPORIA — Seventy-five miles from Lawrence, students of The Way College in Emporia are religiously training their bodies and souls to be leaders of the future.
But The Way International did not take over the college seven years ago without making
Some townpeople are still antagonistic about the settlement there of a fundamentalist ministry with beliefs and practices that have stirred national controversy. Some have gone so far as to say that Victor Paul Wierwisler, the leader of the church, is leading a destructive, mind-bending cult.
However, those enrolled in classes at the college are adamant when they say their lives have never been more fulfilled. They appear vibrantly harpy, polite and physically fit.
CAMPUS BUILDINGSare kept spatially clean, and the grounds are well-groomed. American flags hang in almost every building. A beaming inch by 10 inch photograph of Ronald Reagan is on one wall of a hallway, along with large photographs of the president's family and Cabinet.
According to Ron Barton, a student and the college's public relations director, those enrolled in The Way Corps, a leadership training
program, pay $4,300 for each 11-month semester.
The college curriculum offers only biblical
texts.
"I think people are getting used to us," he said.
"Except for one or two people, they realize we are not this cut they thought we were."
But there are still those in the town who think they have reason to be watchful. A review of the past reveals several activities that drew protest. Many of them were related to the money that unified 50 couples on campus grounds
ANOTHER INCIDENT, the 1979 book-burning ceremony at the college, which Wierwiesu attended, was answered in the form of an Emporia Gazette editorial, which avowed that "book burning had a deservedly had reputation." Nasa practiced it in pre-war Germany.
The Way's news release reported that several thousand dollars worth of books, magazines, records astrology charts, Ouijie boards and magazines, a fire camp, campe fire cover by a wire mesh cage.
Several years earlier, the town protested so loudly about a Way Corps class at the local armory on paramilitary procedure that college executives banned it from the curriculum.
Craig Martindale, a former KU student, and the new president of The Way International, said the town incorrectly perceived the intent of what he said had been a hunter's safety course.
Barton echoed his statement and said, "They
blit it out of proportion. I keep a gim in my room, but it is just because I like to go on hunting
DURING A TELEPHONE interview from Ohio, Martindale, who oversees operations in Emporia as well as on private properties in four other states, also said that the public had exaggerated the fact that Way Corp. members would be bringing a burglar or rider on various retreats.
"Guns are optional, like a basketball or football," Martindale said. "It's been exaggerated. We've never hurt anyone, never physically done anyone any harm."
Pricilla Coates, national director of the Citizens Freedom Foundation in New York, has been one of the 100 former May followers, some of whom are still suffering severe emotional damage.
"The mind control comes through the 'Power for Abundant Living Class.' Coates said. "Way members use a technique they call 'under-sheering'." They pick out a target, become that person's friend and then do what are really very thoughtful things for them.
"THEY MAY USE sex as a recruiting technique. When we the first ex-member told me that, I thought it was just bad apples, but I've never had young people, who have done the same thing."
"I don't think they teach them to use sex. They just tell them to do what they have to do."
Others who oppose the activities of The Way are less critical. The Rev. Tom Walmalse, director of Ecumenical Christian Ministries at Emporia State, said he thought of Way followers he had met on campus as members of a cultist group who were "divorced from reality."
"I see them as losing touch with the way the world really is," Walmsley said. "They offer a black and white, either-or kind of answer to problems. They offer a great deal of love, a community of caring. People get seduced into it."
WALMLEY SAID Wierwille's biblical research was a sham that emphasized clear-cut evidence for the existence of God.
"When you buy into the Way, you are saying that the Bible is infallible, that there are no mistakes," Walmays said. "All modern scholars worth any salt understand that the Bible was written during period of time by many different people. There are bound to be mistakes and contradictions."
But Walmeyn said that when he confronted unsuspecting Way followers with his opinion, he would have been in trouble.
"It seems that if they come in contact with someone who is well-educated and will argue a point, they back away," he said. "That tends to make me a little suspicious — most fundamentalists will debate you."
JM McMORGOSSN JR. Imperial to the Kenan After a day of class, students at The Way College of Emporia, carrying their sack lunches, leave the catereria for evening classes.
The Wav
From nage 1
true answers to biblical contradictions. He admitted that the organization opposed many of them.
"But I say, let's just have a nice, healthy competition," Martindale said.
He denied critics' charges that Wierville, who founded the ministry 40 years ago after earning his doctorate from Pikes Peak Theological University, was an alexandrian in a mesiah figure with a mindless following.
"There are a just lot of people out there who are intimidated by what we are teaching and are jealous of the impact we are having on young people," Martindale said.
after power, in that he has turned over the presidency to me.
Martindale said his position was that of "an executive, like other executives of corporations," as well as minister and teacher. He said that he and a three-member board made the financial decisions about Way followers' lives, all of which circulate within the organization.
"I THINK IT'S obvious that Wierwille is not
Way members are strongly encouraged to tithe within the ministry and address all checks to The Way International headquarters in Ohio. One ex-member estimated that she had donated $3,000 to The Way through titbing, classes and written materials.
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER members are mesmerized into believing that Wierwille, or anyone else, can receive messages directly from God, they do strongly insist on the logic of their founder's research and teaching. Wierwille has written several books, including one that says the Trinity is false. title1 "Jesus Christ Is Not God." His latest book 'proves biblically and astronomically' that Jesus was born Sept. 11, 3 B.C., Martindale said.
estimated that it received $100 million a year in followers' contributions.
A reporter who joined The Way for eight weeks
Former KU football coach Don Fambrough said he remembered Martindale as a "morally outstanding young man."
On the surface, Martindale's progression from college to president of The Way reflects a storybook image of an all-American, clean-cut, fundamentalist life. He attended KU on a football scholarship, was a psychology major on the dean's list, and was president of both the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Baptist Student Union.
IN THE 1971 Jayhawk Yearbook, published in the turbulent year of Charles Manson's trial and continuing turmoil over the Vietnam War, seniors were asked to submit a biography or picture that would represent themselves in the book. The authors of *The Life of Jesus Christ* and several biblical quotations.
It was during his senior year at KU, Martindale said, that he met a friend who introduced him to the Way. Only two months away from being ordained into the Southern Baptist Church, Martindale took the "Power For Abundant Living" class and was "electrified," he said. He walked away from graduation and into the Way Corps on the Wierwille farm in Ohio, where members are trained for leadership positions.
Both Wierwille, who is now in Europe, and Martindale spend half their time 'moving the word' across the world and are rarely available
for interviews. They travel in a $750,000 airplane, the Ambassador A.
"Craig was a young man I held in high regard," he said. "He was very quiet, hard-working, quiet, intelligent."
"UNCLE MILTY"
MILTON COLLINS
CITY COMMISSION
Place a want ad. Call 864-4358.
1943.8.10.284 AM 8:41 MILTY"
"UNCLE MILTY"
MILTON COLLINS
CITY COMMISSION
one world, one human family
the Bahá'i Faith*
"An introduction to the Baha I Faith"
"A film strip will be presented"
Mon., Feb. 28, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. at the International University, Kansas Union.
"Everyone is welcome."
The KU Center for East Asian Studies presents
presents
COLLOQUIUM ON U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONS:
A Series of Public Lectures Spring 1983
"The U.S.-China Economic Relationship: Entering the Second Decade"
Christopher Clarke, Associate Director of Research The National Council for United States-China Trade. Tuesday, March 1, 8:00 p.m. Jayhawk Room (Union)
"Prospects for China's Agriculture: Growth and the Role of Foreign Trade"
Steven Butler, Fellow of the Institute of Current World Affairs. Wednesday, March 2, 7:30 p.m Council Room (Union)
"Energy and Energy Policy in China: Paradoxes and Prospects"
Thomas Fingar, Director of the U.S.-China Relations Program, Stanford University. Thursday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. Council Room
Other lectures coming in late March and April to be announced. All lectures open to the public at no charge
WILDERNESS DISCOVERY CAMPING EQUIPMENT RENTAL
HOURS
equipment now!
The WD office is located on Level 1 of the Satellite Union
Reserve your Spring Break equipment now!
or call 864-3887 for rental rates and more info.
A service of Student Union Activities
APARTMENT BILLS GOT YOU DOWN?
Let Naismith Hall take the "kassle" out of apartment living. Reserve a place now for spring 1983 or move in TODAY!
Naismith Hall 1800 Naismith Drive (843-8559)