A rough looking young man (sort of a biker type) once approached me and asked "Is that a Bible?" I yes, and then then asked me, "Have you ever heard of Tony and Sue Alamo?" I said yes, I had, and that they were the leaders of a heretical cult that did not really represent Christianity.
He told me that he had been hanging out on Hollywood Blvd one night, and that a bus with the word "heaven" in the destination window had pulled up. Some friendly young people who begged him to go with them to a wonderful place where he could have free room and board and learn about God. So he did.
The bus took him out of LA and out into the desert many miles from the nearest town to an islolated compound. He found out that the place was run on a very strict schedule with chores, everlasting meetings, and constant immersion in the teachings of the leaders, Tony and Sue Alamo.
After a couple of days he was thouroughly tired of this, and he asked to be taken back to Hollywood. They said that they were sorry but only those who were commited to the "vision" and "ministry" of these "God annointed" leaders could ride the bus. He realized that he was a prisoner of a cult! He was free to leave at any time...but the prospect of hiking 20 miles accross the desert in Summer was a daunting prospect, to say the least.
He beefed and groused for a couple of days, but they would not relent. So, he decided to "take a dive". He put on an act that he had "seen the light" and wanted to commit his life to the cult. They then allowed him to go on a recruiting team to Hollywood Blvd.
He took his hike, but down Hollywood Blvd. instead of accross the desert. :-)
What is this fellow up to these days?
Tom Maddux
Check out this link:
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/07/24/Tony-Alamo-convicted-of-sex-charges/UPI-37741248464065/Can you imagine this man saying from the pulpit, "God is in control. dear friends."
Technically, God is not in control. I believe God is sovereign and will achieve His ultimate purpose, but God definitely did not authorize this man's abuses of the flock of women that were trusting this man to lead them closer to God. We all need to be watchful that pastors and others guide by example. They should not control by manipulation or coercion.
"”The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Mt. 20:27).
