Weigh Down Workshop cult alert

[donnA]

SAcripture twisting shows a misunderstanding of scripture by Gwen. Her beleif that there is no trinity show her misunderstanding of scripture.
On the video I watched last night she says, on the subject of false teachers/prophets, that if there is one little thing wrong with what they say, then they are false. By her own judgement standards, she is a false teacher.
A quote from Gwen,"obedience is life , disobedience is death."
Since we know this isn't physical death, it must be spiritual death, so disobaying by not following her and her program is spiritual death. Which is the condition of the unsaved, not the christian. It is works based salvation she is preaching.

I have a problems when she says "women don't care about the trinity, they care about weight loss." If I care so much about self that I'm willing to follow someonme like her with her anti biblical teachings just so I can focus on me and my weight loss, it is proof I don't care about the Thrinity/God. But only about myself. That Gwen's opinion about you, because of her beliefs, and you knowing she doesn't believe in the same God you do, it is proof you don't care about that God. Thats Gwen's thoughts on it.
I for one care more about my God.

 

[BHarris]

From my viewpoint:

You take the good, you throw out the bad. If the practice of eating when true hunger sets in works for you, then go for it. I never got into the Weigh Down program because I saw the danger for me of "flogging." I don't eat properly because I'm not spiritual enough. That is a dangerous mindset for me. For others, it works. Use biblical discernment when associating with ANY religious based organization, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the practices of Weigh Down are invalid. Weight Watchers works, too. With a balanced approach to eating and exercise, it has helped many people in their battle. However, Weight Watchers is not a Christian organization. Depending upon your leader, you could be guided into all kinds of eastern philosophy. Does it make Weight Watchers an ineffective program? NO. It works. We just need to be able to grow to a level of maturity that allows us to see the truth and throw out the rest.

 

[Baptist Mom]

First of all Katie tell me where Gwen says that the trinity is not for women but weight loss is. I have done this program three times and have never heard her even mention the trinity in the program.

None of the problems with the program even came up until Gwen told others on what she believed. So I then think there was nothing wrong with the program to most people until they saw what Gwen believed and then all of a sudden everyone teared the whole program up.

Someone had mentioned weight watchers I have been there and done that. It concentrates on the food and you and not on the Lord. We don't sit here and tear apart the beliefs of the person who founded this program. None of Gwen's beliefs are in the program. I never saw in the program where she said the trinity was not for women but weight loss is for women. Now if she said it outside the program that is another issue in itself.

There have been catholic people who have had programs for different things such as alcohol and drugs and have used the Bible to overcome these strongholds and very strong Bible believing Christians used these programs and lost weight.

I know that the WDW uses Scripture to apply it to weight control but that is not necessarily twisting scripture. If we take these scriptures and make them as sound doctrine then that is twisting scripture. To take a scripture and apply to a certain area in your life is not wrong just be careful that your application is not being used to interpret the Bible literally.

We all take scripture to apply it to our lives and it was not written exactly for that reason. For example we read that the Lord is at hand. Many people apply it that the Lord will be coming back soon and that is an application to this passage. But what it really means is that the Lord is near He is always with us. Is it wrong to apply to second coming to this verse NO! of course not! So don't be so judgemental of programs that do this. Because each one of us have done the same thing.

The problem with this program is what the founder believes more than anything. But her beliefs really are not in the program. She might say something occassionally that I don't agree with but most of it has nothing to do with her beliefs. She designed this program for all denominations and she does not put her beliefs in the program on purpose.

If your sole purpose is to go through these videos and see exactly what she is saying that you don't agree with maybe your time should be spend better just getting in the Word and growing closer to the Lord.

Just because we don't agree with someone's personal beliefs it does not mean that we have to take the time to tear up their whole program. Our time would be much better spent in the Word of God and if others don't see things the way you do just pray for them. We can only change ourselves but the Lord can change others.

I think it is time we put this whole subject to bed. Don't you????

God bless.

 

[BHarris]

Put it bed???

Only after we all have a hot fudge sundae with lots of whipped cream!!!

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

Weight watchers doesn't claim to be a Christian organization and offer a Bible Study that is intended to be used as a "back door" intended to fleece the church and get them believing in false doctrines such as works salvation, no trinity, and non diety of Christ.

Joseph

 

[Theopolitan]

Baptist Mom:

You keep using Scripture and your relationship to Jesus to overcome the temptation to overeat, just like Gwen taught you. My wife went through the program and it not only changed her weight, it changed her whole attitude. She loves Jesus more than food.

Beware of Gina and JBotwinick who under the guise of spirituality swallow the camels of Weight Watchers and other man-centered diet plans. (But it's okay and good because these programs don't claim to be Christian.)

Also, you are exactly right to assert that Scripture can have a multitude of applications. One godly Bible teacher I knew said, "There is only one correct interpretation, but there are many applications."

Let me ask you, is it true that the Son is subject to the Father? Yes.

Is the Father the Son, and is the Son the Father? Absurd. One begets and the other is begotten.

There is no error here whatsoever.

Are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost one God? Yes

That Gwen has not yet reconciled this in her own mind is irrelevant to the WDW, and is really only a tiny little gnat, yet sufficient to choke those who elevate intellect and scholarship above submission to the will of the Father.

You keep being a testimony of the goodness and love of the Father, and His reward of your submission to His Son as Lord.

 

[Gina B]

Theo, please go to page 3, the 6th reply down, and you will see what I believe about how we should eat. I accept the apology for your ignorance in advance.
On the Trinity. Gwen teaches they are three separate gods, with different levels of power, and we should bow to each separately. I do believe it is called polytheism, the belief in multiple gods, and it is unbiblical and evil.
Gina

 

[Baptist Mom]

Theopolitan,

Thank you I appreciate your kind post.

I was just going to leave WD but the Lord showed me I can the program without promoting it so that someone might go astray because of Gwen's beliefs. Also, none of her beliefs are in the program.

I wish there was a section on this board called general encouragement!!!! We need some encouragement on these boards!!!!

But I really appreciated what you said and I am going to continue to draw closer to the Lord through this program whether man agree with me or not I am following the Lord.

Some think it is too harsh to call overindulgence sin but it is! Jesus went to the cross for our overindulgences and we need to have true repentance and walk as He walked. Not to look to a man (or a woman) but to look only to the Lord.

God Bless and Thank you Theopolitan you have been a real encouragement to me.

Cyndi

 

[donnA]

GWen says on video session 2 that the Holy Spirit is the mind set of God. She has lowered Him even lower the force of Star Wars.

 

[Theopolitan]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by katie:
GWen says on video session 2 that the Holy Spirit is the mind set of God. She has lowered Him even lower the force of Star Wars.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Katie, get a grip!!

St. Paul said Christ God's brightness and image, Hebrews 1:13. Is he then reducing Christ?

Why don't you provide the context verbatim? I know it would take a little more work.

 

[Kathy]

It's kinda scary jumping into this conversation I'll admit, but Theo, you really do seem angry and are very antagonistic toward many people involved in this discussion. Aren't you doing exactly what you are saying others shouldn't do to Gwen Shamblin? I'm not saying that you shouldn't have your opinions or that you shouldn't even post them, but you really should curb the antagonistic manner in which you post. I thought that as Christians, we approach each other AND the world with LOVE? I will pray for you Theo and I really hope that you do not see this as an attack.
Take Care & Be God's
Kathy&lt;&gt;&lt;

 

[Theopolitan]

Kathy,

I covet all the prayers anyone would offer in my behalf.

 

[Theopolitan]

BaptistMom:

You are welcome, and don't allow the "superior" spirituality of scorners like Gina and JBotwinick cause you to stumble. They want to talk about God, but you obviously wish to submit to His will.

Like I said, I observed my wife participate in the WDW and saw a marvelous change in her life. I saw others who did not wish to submit to the Lordship of Christ and therefore could not overcome their apetites. These are they who were the WDW's harshest critics.

You simply keep it up and let your life speak of God's goodness. Remember what Christ said, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."

 

[Kathy]

I agree Theo! AMEN

 

[donnA]

http://www.newschannel5.com/news/investigates/weighdown/weigh1.htm

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

Especially look at the videotaped interview with Gwen Shamblin on her theological views and the remnant fellowship.

Joseph

 

[Baptist Mom]

If any of you who are against this program have gone through this program I would like to hear from you...Did you go through this program before the contraversy came out and did you really have problems with the program before all this media attention about WD and what Gwen believes. If you are really honest I really don't think so. I have not met one yet that was really honest about this that said yes.

I see something here and there that she might say but the program has nothing to do with her beliefs. So instead lets tell our Christians brothers and sisters to go to the world instead???? I don't think so. Their thinking is even worse and their weight loss programs focus on themselves and the food. This is Biblical even if you don't want to admit it. Eat the way the Lord created you. Between the boundaries of hunger and fullness and focus on Him and not on yourself or the food. If you don't like what Gwen stands for then don't watch the videos and go the Bible for encouragement and support.

It is time to give this subject a rest.

Cyndi

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

Actually,

This matter was laid to rest 9 days ago...I think you just didn't like the conclusion.

Let me leave it at this...look at all the evidence, pray about it, and make up your own mind through the leading of the Holy Spirit. As for me and my house, we will not subject ourselves to Gwen's unGodly teachings. We will continue to serve the Lord. We will also not encourage secular pagan programs...we will continue to endorse the First Place diet program which is scripturally sound and endorsed by the SBC. If you will look through all of the evidence, watch the video of the interview with Gwen Shamblin, look at her own website, and read the testimony of her former employees who were either fired or resigned because of the pressure to join her new church and endorse unGodly theology, you will see that she is a cult and should be avoided at all cost. If not, I will still love you as my brother and sister in Christ. But, I will seriously pray for you as I think you are getting yourself mixed up with a very dangerous cult. I consider this, along with the TBN crowd, to be one of the most dangerous cults today.

Please weigh all of the evidence carefully and spend some time praying about this and ask God to lead you in the direction you need to go.

Joseph

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Baptist Mom:
I see something here and there that she might say but the program has nothing to do with her beliefs. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Actually,

If you will watch the video interview with her, you will learn from her own lips that the program has everything to do with her theology about the trinity and the diety of Jesus. Look at the evidence...PLEASE.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/investigates/weighdown/weigh1.htm
Take a look at http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?id=928279&segment=48400. In it she explains that her views against the trinity and the diety of Jesus has everything to do with her concept of weight loss.

Joseph

[ July 16, 2001: Message edited by: JBotwinick ]

 

[Baptist Mom]

Joseph,

I have looked at all...but I think first place is taking a worldly diet and putting a Christian tag on it but putting a Bible study in it. No where in the Bible does it tell us to focus on food and exercise to overcome gluttony.

Actually Gwen's theories are ok it is her doctrine that is wrong. I never said I was going to support her programs. I just said that the theories behind it are Biblical to eat between the boundaries of hunger and full. Gee whiz that God created me. The other thing is to focus on the Lord instead of the food. Why did God create us? To glorify HIM!!! I am not saying to go to a class and use the program itself. What I am saying though is I do think the principles within are Biblical. To focus on the food and not yourself.

I checked out First place and I was not impressed at all in fact I was discouraged. Just another weight program that focuses on yourself and the food but sticks a Bible study and some Scripture memorization in there.

I actually think it would be best if we would focus on the Lord and as we do this our hearts and our minds will change and we will lose weight. It is not about ourselves or food it is about our relationship with the Lord. Yes WD is right on target here. But I choose not to support WD or give it my money and I highly discourage people from going to that program because of what the founder believes. I do agree with you on what she believes is WRONG! I also think that we should stay away from the program but I do think we can use the principles and our Bibles and develop support groups within our churches and go from there without using her program or videos or anything.

I just think that most programs including this first place one still encourage focusing on the food and yourself. Requiring you to drink so much water to eat certain foods and to exercise. By goley...I never focused on any of these things and I lost 50 pounds and I gained it back through pregnancy and lost all it and have kept it off. So if we just think of how the Lord made us and eat within that paramenter and remember that our body is a temple of the HOly Spirit...yes!!!! the Holy Spirit! Read God's Word and study it and memorize it. Then take the Word and apply it to this area of addiction to food, to the computer, to tv, and to anything else that is requiring our time and energy when we should be giving it to the Lord.

The other thing I would reccommend is forget these programs. It reminds me of the self help programs that the world offers. Just get Bible out and eat between the parameters of hunger and full.

I do not belong to WD nor do I support it and I do not agree with Biblical issues that Gwen and others stand for and will not be part of it. But I do agree with the principles of eating between hunger and full and focusing on the Lord and not the food.

God Bless. I do thank you though and appreciate your thoughts on this subject.

Cyndi