“The Twelve Tribes’ beliefs resemble those of Christian fundamentalism and Messianic Judaism; however the group believes that all denominations are fallen, and so refuse to align themselves with any denomination or movement. They believe that in order for the messiah to return, the Church needs to be restored to its original form seen in the Acts 2:38–42 and Acts 4:32–37. This restoration is not merely the restoration of the 1st century church, but of a new Israel consisting of Twelve Tribes in twelve geographic regions." (www.netlibrary.net)
The following is based on my own personal experiences and memories, corroborated when possible by external information. I have eliminated or changed most names to protect the identity of the people I befriended. Quotes and conversations are approximate (I did not have pen and paper at the time to record exact wording), but the gist is as accurate as I could remember it.
A Day in the Twelve Tribes
Story coming soon...
What We Believe
We believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Creator of all things.1 He revealed Himself to Moses as Yahweh, “The Existing One,” a name that expresses His eternal nature.2 He is loving and merciful, full of compassion.3 He is also righteous and just, and will judge all of mankind according to their deeds.4
We believe that Yahshua5 (called Jesus in most English Bibles) was born of a Hebrew virgin named Miriam (Mary), who was betrothed to Yoceph...click here for the full Belief Statement of Twelve Tribes
Our Culture
The remedy of our inhumanity is found in the true humanity of our Master Yahshua.6 He will gather us and deliver us. And the only way to experience this is in His community (the Body of Messiah). Only there, where He is, can we cut loose from all to serve Him for His sake alone, and others as our self. In this place we die to ourselves, not only to the sin in us, but we die to the world and our flesh — our great ambitions, hopes, and desires. Only here we can let loose and soar, leaving behind love for family, Western civilization, and the future of all civilization.7 We love God for His sake alone...click here for more articles and stories of the culture of Twelve Tribes.
We believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Creator of all things.1 He revealed Himself to Moses as Yahweh, “The Existing One,” a name that expresses His eternal nature.2 He is loving and merciful, full of compassion.3 He is also righteous and just, and will judge all of mankind according to their deeds.4
We believe that Yahshua5 (called Jesus in most English Bibles) was born of a Hebrew virgin named Miriam (Mary), who was betrothed to Yoceph...click here for the full Belief Statement of Twelve Tribes
Our Culture
The remedy of our inhumanity is found in the true humanity of our Master Yahshua.6 He will gather us and deliver us. And the only way to experience this is in His community (the Body of Messiah). Only there, where He is, can we cut loose from all to serve Him for His sake alone, and others as our self. In this place we die to ourselves, not only to the sin in us, but we die to the world and our flesh — our great ambitions, hopes, and desires. Only here we can let loose and soar, leaving behind love for family, Western civilization, and the future of all civilization.7 We love God for His sake alone...click here for more articles and stories of the culture of Twelve Tribes.
What Is A Cult?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/
The word cult has three definitions. First of all, it can simply be a group that loves something. When people refer to an "Elvis cult" or "The O.C. cult," they mean really devoted fans.
The second definition is that of a religion whose beliefs differ from the majority around them. In the Roman Empire, Christians were sometimes considered a cult because they worshiped Jesus rather than the Roman gods.
The third, and most commonly used definition, refers to a religious group that is:
1) Exclusive. They may say, "We're the only ones with the truth; everyone else is wrong; and if you leave our group your salvation is in danger."
2) Secretive. Certain teachings are not available to outsiders or they're presented only to certain members, sometimes after taking vows of confidentiality.
3) Authoritarian. A human leader expects total loyalty and unquestioned obedience.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/
The word cult has three definitions. First of all, it can simply be a group that loves something. When people refer to an "Elvis cult" or "The O.C. cult," they mean really devoted fans.
The second definition is that of a religion whose beliefs differ from the majority around them. In the Roman Empire, Christians were sometimes considered a cult because they worshiped Jesus rather than the Roman gods.
The third, and most commonly used definition, refers to a religious group that is:
1) Exclusive. They may say, "We're the only ones with the truth; everyone else is wrong; and if you leave our group your salvation is in danger."
2) Secretive. Certain teachings are not available to outsiders or they're presented only to certain members, sometimes after taking vows of confidentiality.
3) Authoritarian. A human leader expects total loyalty and unquestioned obedience.
Twelve Tribes-EX http://www.twelvetribes-ex.com/
This website is one of the main collections of information and first-hand accounts which point out behaviour and beliefs in the Twelve Tribes indicating oppression, dogmatism, and cult-like philosophies. The beliefs on the website are solely those of the website writer and the people who have posted there.
Topics include: A Dangerous Cult - How the Twelve Tribes Recruit Young People - Ithaca - Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Newspaper Articles - Picture of a Narcissist...Elbert Eugene Spriggs the Slave Driver - Reader Comments on Twelve Tribes Community - Spriggs Believes He's the Elijah to Come - Spriggs Control - The Top Ten Frequently Asked Twelve Tribes Questions - The Twelve Tribes...Community or Cult? - Twelve Tribes and the Treatment of Wwoofers - What They Believe - Yahshua's Apostles - Our Links - Marsha Spriggs - History of the Twelve Tribes Cultic Movement - Netser Teaching - Other Cults - Testimonies of Former Members - What is Mind Control - What is the Gospel - NEIRR Letter - A to Z
This website is one of the main collections of information and first-hand accounts which point out behaviour and beliefs in the Twelve Tribes indicating oppression, dogmatism, and cult-like philosophies. The beliefs on the website are solely those of the website writer and the people who have posted there.
Topics include: A Dangerous Cult - How the Twelve Tribes Recruit Young People - Ithaca - Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Newspaper Articles - Picture of a Narcissist...Elbert Eugene Spriggs the Slave Driver - Reader Comments on Twelve Tribes Community - Spriggs Believes He's the Elijah to Come - Spriggs Control - The Top Ten Frequently Asked Twelve Tribes Questions - The Twelve Tribes...Community or Cult? - Twelve Tribes and the Treatment of Wwoofers - What They Believe - Yahshua's Apostles - Our Links - Marsha Spriggs - History of the Twelve Tribes Cultic Movement - Netser Teaching - Other Cults - Testimonies of Former Members - What is Mind Control - What is the Gospel - NEIRR Letter - A to Z
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Letter from a former Twelve Tribes member:
August 29, 2010 I lived with the Twelve Tribes as a member for 9 months after staying with them for a month prior. They absolutely strip you of your own thoughts and emotions and your own free will. They accomplish this gradually of course, but they work full force on it once you are “in.” Elbert Spriggs exercises much control from the top. He assumes the role of absolute unquestioned leader. Although some nice folks live in the community, they too must deal with all the undue demands and submit to them, or else! (The consequences of not doing so are not pretty- you will be counseled to no end, kept a very close eye on and/ or put to public shame, and then eventually ostracized). Very sad. I am glad I was able to get out when I did. They probably would have kicked me out sooner or later. I was not an “easy” convert in many ways. I lived in the community too long. I feel badly for many innocent people in the community who aren’t even allowed to process their own thoughts without being (often) interrogated or questioned. They let their “brothers” be God for them, and are greatly damaged because of it. The Twelve tribes teach that “everyone can hear from God and share.” But in reality what you share is always scrutinized by whatever the “teachings” (Spriggs writings) have already established. They are the guide to everything and the only right interpretations to scripture, as far as they are concerned. So they try to interpret EVERYTHING for you in the end, and you are left with nothing really. But many people in the community become used to that, and then numb to it- they see no use in fighting anymore, they are too exhausted anyway. (I almost reached this point). Very sad indeed. http://www.twelvetribes-ex.com/ |