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Transcript

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MARTYRS

$1.25

Friday, May 16, 2014

Vol XCIII, No. 311

Is this group still a concern?

What can be learned?

Cult Origin and Beliefs

  • Not as much as other groups around the world, even though the leader believes that he is a prophet sent by God.
  • An event occurred where an ex-member had violent plans against numerous churches but Doug denies ever influencing any members to do anything violent
  • It is still uncertain whether the FOTM is not a concern at all, or if it is building up until something disastrous occurs.

Fellowship of the Martyrs

Case Study and Points of Interest

James Todd and Greg Weiler

  • In 2004 Doug Perry disliked the institution of church and had a religious awakening.

  • 2 years later he moved liberty Missouri and started up the fellowship.

  • Demons responsible for anything bad

  • The cup model

  • Marriage is a friendship and only divorced by God

  • Heaven is a point system

  • Gods voice guides them to do everything
  • In 2012, Gregory Weiler was arrested and charged for possessing destructive materials
  • He was then accused of planning to bomb 48 different churches
  • This January he was ruled not guilty by insanity
  • 2011 James Todd and his family found the FOTM online
  • They ended up moving to Liberty, Missouri to live with the other group members
  • James' wife began to hear voices
  • After that James left in the night with his children

“Nobody seems to want to label an organization as a cult until the disaster happens,”

Is this group a cult?

Does it meet the characteristics?

Recruiting Techniques

Information on the Leader

Who do they target?

Doug Perry

This group meets some characteristics of a cult...

  • The beliefs are new and change (ex, the cup model)
  • The leader of this cult is living but he does not claim to be the messiah
  • There is no ancient writing
  • Some members are fanatical, but not necessarily withdrawn
  • Beliefs are centered around the will of the leader

However there is no mention of...

  • Total financial commitment
  • Isolation
  • Physical gratification
  • Conditioning techniques
  • Deception

  • Son of a pastor
  • Claims to have witnesses the church's "shady-behind-the-scenes" business
  • Double majored in religion and psychology
  • Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration
  • However he became a businessman
  • First encounter with God in 2004
  • Preach about Jesus and his teachings two thousand years ago.
  • Attempt to "bribe" those with mental illnesses/disabilities to join the fellowship.
  • Look for those that believe in Jesus' teachings but are against the church.
  • Through technology (social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to look for those that may be willing to join the FOTM.
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