Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2005, Page 69
Vampirism
Youth Said Susceptible
Asked to comment on the problem of teen vampirism illustrated by a recent murder trial in
Toronto, University of Alberta Sociologist Stephen Kent, who studies cults, said: ―I didn‘t
blink and eye‖ when reading about the case because ―some people can feel tremendous
eroticism through drawing blood and pain and death.‖ Cults can seduce people of any age,
he said, but teenagers are especially vulnerable because of loneliness, a need to belong,
sexual confusion, and family tensions. (Globe and Mail [Toronto], Internet, 2/17/05)
Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF)
Father Complains Child “Blasted”
Bernard McGhee claims his wife is in contempt of court for allowing their three children to
be subjected to ―blasting‖ — a controversial loud prayer practice of the Rutherfordton, NC,
Word of Faith Fellowship — in violation of their joint custody agreement. Pam Sharp
admits that her children participate in blasting, and says: ―I told DSS (Department of Social
Services) it was my Constitutional right and their Constitutional right to decide how to
pray.‖
Bernard McGhee, a former WOFF member, believes blasting is ―abusive, coercive, and just
bad.‖ A psychologist testified that the children suffered from anxiety and depression
because of the blasting. A local psychiatrist, who treated the children in 2001, said they
were not depressed or anxious. He believes blasting, which he has admittedly never
witnessed, has a ―healthy effect on children,‖ adding: "I don't see the Word of Faith as
being that different from an evangelical church. I thought it was healthy for the kids, I think
they [WOFF] members are kind to take in people that others will not take in. The children
seem to be given a lot of stability by being in the church, in my opinion." (Jerry Stensland,
Daily Courier, Internet, 1/28/05)
Vampirism
Youth Said Susceptible
Asked to comment on the problem of teen vampirism illustrated by a recent murder trial in
Toronto, University of Alberta Sociologist Stephen Kent, who studies cults, said: ―I didn‘t
blink and eye‖ when reading about the case because ―some people can feel tremendous
eroticism through drawing blood and pain and death.‖ Cults can seduce people of any age,
he said, but teenagers are especially vulnerable because of loneliness, a need to belong,
sexual confusion, and family tensions. (Globe and Mail [Toronto], Internet, 2/17/05)
Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF)
Father Complains Child “Blasted”
Bernard McGhee claims his wife is in contempt of court for allowing their three children to
be subjected to ―blasting‖ — a controversial loud prayer practice of the Rutherfordton, NC,
Word of Faith Fellowship — in violation of their joint custody agreement. Pam Sharp
admits that her children participate in blasting, and says: ―I told DSS (Department of Social
Services) it was my Constitutional right and their Constitutional right to decide how to
pray.‖
Bernard McGhee, a former WOFF member, believes blasting is ―abusive, coercive, and just
bad.‖ A psychologist testified that the children suffered from anxiety and depression
because of the blasting. A local psychiatrist, who treated the children in 2001, said they
were not depressed or anxious. He believes blasting, which he has admittedly never
witnessed, has a ―healthy effect on children,‖ adding: "I don't see the Word of Faith as
being that different from an evangelical church. I thought it was healthy for the kids, I think
they [WOFF] members are kind to take in people that others will not take in. The children
seem to be given a lot of stability by being in the church, in my opinion." (Jerry Stensland,
Daily Courier, Internet, 1/28/05)
