Posted by fleur (anonymous) on February 23, 2009 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps the principal problem we have with the FF and Mr. Duke is the slander, both public and private, that has painted our city and it's people as bigots, racists, stuck in Jim Crow, you name it. They have done everything they can to promote division and distrust among members of a community that has been coming together after many years of struggling and has been, largely, succeeding.
When the FF first came here, they were welcomed. If there is antagonism towards them now, then it is the result of their own actions as a group, filtering down from the leadership.
You should know, since you have heard it over and over, that Mr. Duke has misrepresented his relationship to several churches here in order to raise his own profile. You choose to ignore that.
Didn't you HEAR and pay attention to those comments about your neighbors, or do you simply don't want to hear anything that might change your mind?
Yes, some of the people in the group are very sweet, and well-meaning. It's their leadership that is the issue.
"Angelfire" and the other website covering the actions of the FF leadership are merely reporting facts and actions that we need to know about here.
As much as we would like to think these people, as a group, are all that they say they are, they are not. I think there is a good deal of wishful thinking in your post. I don't know you, but I get the feeling that you mean well, however for some reason have your perception clouded by some kind of mixed loyalties here.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on February 23, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dusty, You said:

"I have spent a good deal of time with many members of the Freedom Foundation. So far I haven’t found the first one who wasn’t friendly, pleasant and well grounded in the classic Christian tradition.

In other words, they are exactly who they profess to be. Are they perfect? No. No one is."

I say;

Dusty, do you know that the House of God in Selma's special revelation is that Jesus IS NOT GOD?

Would You call that 'classic Christian tradition?'

In fact they are exactly opposite of 'who they profess to be.'

They have bamboozled a few Christian churches into believing that the House of God in Selma is a Christian organization.

They are many things, but Christian isn't one of them.

Think, Dusty. Why does Mark let others defend him but he won't be questioned. You're innate sense of discernment should be setting off red flags. You know the run-a-round when you hear it.

Nina

Posted by dunc (anonymous) on February 23, 2009 at 10:22 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by mojo25 (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 1:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point Nina.

Posted by mojo25 (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 1:33 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PS: I might also remind Mr. Brown that "prejudice" means to PRE-judge without knowing. The antagonism towards Mark Duke and his group result from having gotten to know them all too well, and is a response to his/their actions and words.
If there is any "prejudice" going on here, it is from them. Vr. his "sermons" and the nasty picture he paints of us all as "ghosts of the confederacy."
Or didn't Mr. Brown see, at the very least, the SPLC article?
Unfortunately, it has to be said, a good deal of nasty gossip such as that mentioned by "mojo25' HAS been passed around by certain parties regarding activities they IMAGINE going on within the FF group. It clouds the real issues, and would ask my fellow concerned citizens to examine their conclusions and base them on the facts...which are plentiful...rather than idle speculation and sensational rumors. The objective truth is bad enough without adding prurient speculation.
Perhaps, if the FF people would actually JOIN our community, rather than setting themselves up as a "we can do it better than you and we are going to show you poor, ignorant, backward jerks how to live" group, it would help. Selma doesn't need "saving" as Mr. Duke so arrogantly believes, just good neighbors.
I have seen it mentioned elsewhere, also, that if Mr. Duke meant what he said about reaching out to the disadvantaged, why are they all living in historic houses in what is, regardless of ethnicity, a largely higher-income, higher-class neighborhood. Why aren't they out there in Selmont, or other poverty pockets, offering tutoring, after-school activities and other opportunities to the overlooked of our population? Why are they sending their kids to private schools?
"Practice what you preach" certainly does not seem to apply here.

Posted by nowhining (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mojo25, thanks. You said it well. I also read angelfire, and wish that all of the citizens of Selma would read it. I believe that the infamous Jim Jones must have been a likable person also, but we know how that ended. History repeats itself, so we need to beware. We were taught as children by reading Little Red Riding Hood, that wolves really do come in sheeps clothing. Selma has its own problems without the FF, and in my 50 plus years of being here, I can't remember a group that has caused more disention that the FF, and who were given a voice to say what they want on the radio daily, not just sound bites on the news.

Posted by radaroreilly (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In every city, culture, and civilization, there has always been "fringe groups" that make a lot of noise and get a lot of attention. In most cases, they do not represent the heart and mind of the consensus. I suggest that we, the consensus, simply move on in a positive direction with our city. Blame does no good and quarreling fringe groups only distract us from our common purpose, which is to make Selma a better place than we found it and a better community for our children. I'm not suggesting that we wear blinders and turn off our discernment and disregard wisdom. What I am suggesting is that we keep moving on. If we do this, I believe, the agitators, noise-makers, and other fringe groups will simply be left behind, standing in the dust-cloud of their own discontent.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's pretty obvious Dusty is a follower of the Freedom Foundation and has been summoned to speak on behalf of Mark Duke. I find it very hypocritical that Duke takes the liberty of ducking out of the picture after making outlandish statements, then resorts to letting his followers fall on the landmine for him. When is this man going to be responsible and accountable for words he speaks. He runs a talk show that never takes calls of anyone other than mindless followers that play along at their beck and call. If anyone calls in to ask a question pertaining to words HE SAYS....they hang up and say it's negative. It's amazing DUKE can't defend or justify what he says. If you truly believed in what you said, then you would face the music and the people that are asking these questions. It's the same 3 people that call in their show everyday anyway.

Duke has been nothing more than a bigoted, egotistical, backstabbing, hypocritical and deceiving boil on Selma's back. In the grand scheme of things, this group has done nothing for this town other than divide and flee town at times of crises. Watch very closely the moves these people make. Once you start paying close attention, then you'll understand their true purpose of being here....and it's not what they say it is.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, ol' Dusty is a Freedomer that would believe the moon is made of cheese if Duke told him so. These people can't see an inch in front of their face. It's pretty scary actually. It's amazing what a veil of religion can do to people. I have never seen something like "religion" be so abused and taken out of context...and used to personal advantage. Religion alone has to be the one thing that can be so sacred, personal and powerful....YET...so manipulated, abused and mind altering.

As long as you mask "good deeds" under the title of "God"...you can make people look the other way with all the controlling, politics, corruption and half truths you are bringing out of the back door. These people think they are untouchable as long as they prop up everything they do in God's name. There has to be a time when you are accountable to what you say and do. Yes, you are subject to criticism. Yes, people are going to have an opinion about you based ON WHAT YOU DO AND SAY. If you didn't want the public to oppose you , then maybe you should have watched what you said about Selma and the public behind their backs. Nothing was taken out of context. It's all their BLACK AND WHITE. Just because a major group of public disagrees with you doesn't mean they are (1) wrong (2) devils

Again, how many people in history have fell straight on their backsides from doing this??? Too many.

Posted by md (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Mark was invited to come to Selma with his organization by JoAnn Bland, who is either currently or formerly associated with our local Voting Rights Museum."
I am not a local, but I find it hard to believe that a Selma resident went seeking someone with a foundation in Colorado to move to the city. It is much easier to believe that someone with a foundation in Colorado offered his services to the city of Selma. Especially someone who loves publicity and has several followers skilled in marketing who can make even the smallest event seem like something of national importance. (Which is much easier in a place like Selma which already has instant national name recognition.)

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are several stories as to why the House of God came to Selma.

There's the Freedom Foundation website reason:

"After careful consideration and much prayer, coupled with support from key community leaders and everyday residents, several board members and volunteers moved to Selma in January 2007 to support the community, and to initiate several community development projects."

Then the SPLC article reason:

to "Challeng(ing) their new home's worst traditions is what led them to move there last year.

and from the same article:

"the members of the Freedom Foundation claim to be answering what Martin Luther King Jr. termed "a call of conscience" to promote racial harmony and social justice in the Deep South."

Finally there's the real reason that Mr Duke tells his House of God, Colorado Division:

"We're not called to go to Selma to build a building. We are called to build the church though. And when we build the people, we're building the church. It ain't about a building. It is about the people. We build the people up. The church will come into being. "

We report, You decide...

Posted by bamafan (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds to me like the "The Dukester" needs to find out what flavor "Kool-Aid" his followers prefer????

Jim Jones in the works..... history does repeat itself...

Posted by joetraylor (anonymous) on February 24, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't agree with EVERY word of Mr. Brown's letter, but appreciate him writing it and I am VERY offended at the responses...full of hatred and venom. Is this really who we are, Selma? I pray to God the Freedom Foundation is not driven away by this behavior. I'm not sure any of us would endure what they have.

I know God will prove these folks and what their real motives are. from everything I have SEEN and experienced (not heard 5th hand or read from anonymous sources on the world wide web), they are who they claim to be.

i really feel sick about some of this behavior and know I am not alone.

Thank you for writing, Dusty. You don't deserve these responses and the Freedom Foundation certainly doesn't deserve all of the junk they've received.

Lord, have mercy on us and please, please help us.

Posted by wewillfindthetruth_com (anonymous) on February 25, 2009 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As someone who has been doing in-depth research on the spiritual connection of Mark Duke, his House of God cult, The Freedom Foundation and the “Spiritual Rights Movement,” I find many of the statements in Mr. Brown’s letter to be utterly naïve.

Mr. Brown’s asks the questions “Just what do the people of Selma have against the Freedom Foundation. And on the flip side of the coin, just what do the people of the Freedom Foundation have against the people of Selma.” He then proceeds to answer the questions with one rather oddly simplistic answer – “it appears to be the same.”

Let me say at the outset that I do not believe that anyone in Selma should drive Mark Duke and his cohorts out of town, and language that suggests it is very divisive. As long as no laws are being broken, Mark Duke has every right to preach his brand of extremist separatist religion (and he does), and his followers have every right to follow him (and they do).

On the flip side of the coin, as long as no laws are being broken, citizens have the right to privately or publicly question what others preach (and I do). At its core, America is great because of freedom of religion, speech and the press.

It seems that Mr. Brown is suggesting that Mark Duke’s publicly spewed low view of Selma and its people is a result of JoAnn Bland introducing him to J.L. Chestnut, Rose (Sanders) Tour’e and Sam Walker? Is Mr. Brown really saying that he believes that Duke holds his low view of Selma’s Caucasians because of these people? Or is he suggesting that because of them that Duke has a low view of Selma’s African-Americans? Perhaps Duke’s interaction with these people has resulted in his low view of anyone who doesn’t agree with his narcissistic spiritually.

It is quite noticeable that the people that Mr. Brown blames for Mark Duke’s hateful and prejudicial views are all African-Americans – separatist racists is what he calls them. Mr. Brown, are all of Selma’s “loud-mouthed yahoos” black?

None of the interpretative views I offer above using Mr. Brown’s suggestions are correct; Mark Duke was preaching his repulsive separatist and self-aggrandizing messages, often tinged with racist vile, long before he met JoAnn Bland and moved to Selma. Does Mr. Brown truly believe that Mark Duke and his closest and devoted followers moved to Selma on the suggestion of Ms. Bland? I don’t, because Duke says otherwise in his preaching to his cult. Mark Duke has also preached that there is no need for a civil rights movement, but rather a spiritual rights movement and he started that long before coming to Selma.

Split across multiple comments because of length – split 1 of 3
Allan McConnell – Birmingham, Alabama – www.wewillfindthetruth.com

Posted by wewillfindthetruth_com (anonymous) on February 25, 2009 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Continued from previous comment – split 2 of 3

I never met J.L. Chestnut, but I listened to his radio show the two weeks or so before he died last year, and it sounds like he gave Mark Duke quite a pass. I heard him encourage Mark Duke to answer the claims that some people (including me) were making about him being a cult leader. Mr. Chestnut invited me to be on his program to talk about this issue, and I was told to expect a grilling. Unfortunately, I was never able to go on the program; I was scheduled to be with Mr. Chestnut on the Friday that he went to the hospital for the last time.

I’ve never met Sam Walker, and the only thing I know of him is from a STJ article that mentions him as being a consultant for the National Voting Rights Museum.

I’ve met Mrs. Tour’e (Rose Sanders) very briefly on a couple of occasions, and I was a guest on her radio program one time. I get the impression that she is a straight talker who says what she wants when she wants. Does that always work to her advantage, or give her a stellar public image? Probably not, and I think she understands that fully. Perhaps the vicious statements that Mark Duke made in one of his cult meetings: that “he bought the Tepper’s Building from the Devil” and Jezebel (both referring to Mrs. Tour’e) should be blamed on her and the other “yahoos” rather than Duke being held accountable for his own words. Maybe Mr. Brown thinks that Duke’s hate-filled and hurtful words were okay because they were about someone he classifies as a racist separatist. The fact that Duke’s followers had a really big laugh at Mrs. Tour’e’s expense is very telling of their views too.

Since I have been very critical of Mark Duke and his cult from a Christian perspective, I wonder what Mr. Brown means when he says that the members of the Freedom Foundation are “well grounded in the classic Christian tradition.” What classic Christian tradition is he speaking of?

Generally, Christianity is not a faith based on tradition(s), but rather truth claims as to the personage and nature of God and the method of salvation or reconciliation [personal relationship] with God. Christianity’s foundation is established solely on the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth.

Of course, Christianity has some traditions, and there are disagreements between Christian denominations and sects as to what those traditions are and what meaning they hold, but the whole of the Christian faith rests on the deity of Jesus Christ – period! To quote John R.W. Stott: “Nobody can call himself a Christian who does not worship Jesus. To worship Him if He is not God, is idolatry; to withhold worship if He is, is apostasy.”

Duke and his band of cultists deny the deity of Christ, and, as a result fall outside the true Christian faith.

Split across multiple comments because of length – split 2 of 3
Allan McConnell – Birmingham, Alabama – www.wewillfindthetruth.com

Posted by wewillfindthetruth_com (anonymous) on February 25, 2009 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Continued from previous comment – split 3 of 3

What other classic Christians traditions could Mr. Brown be speaking of? Perhaps its the biblical institution of marriage? No. Mark Duke does not teach anything close to a biblical view of marriage (or divorce for that matter). Maybe it’s The Ten Commandments? No. In my opinion, Mark Duke treats them like the ten “old-system” suggestions. Telling the Truth? No. The Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you)? No. Mark Duke wants to be treated with kid-gloves, while he wickedly attacks those who dissent from his spiritual teachings.

Mr. Brown says that “they [Freedom Foundation] are exactly who they profess to be.” That is not a statement based in reality. Mark Duke came to town telling pastors and Christian leaders of his great Southern Baptist heritage and beliefs. Behind their backs he was telling his cult that Baptist doctrine was bad and held him back. He claimed to be a Baptist to gain their trust and acceptance, but behind their backs he was telling his cult that he had been baptized into the Devil’s Army. He claimed to be a Christian, but then denied Jesus is God. He claims to turn the other cheek, and then lies to some of Selma’s pastors about a man in an attempt to destroy his character and credibility. This man after many years saw through Duke’s spiritual error and abuse and escaped the control of the group. This man was also a founding trustee of the Freedom Foundation.

Sorry Mr. Brown, some of the notions that Selma has of Mark Duke being a separatist cult leader are not preconceived, but rather rooted in seeing and hearing him in action.

That some of the people of Selma have a negative view of Mark Duke is true. But, for Mr. Brown to use a blame game and race-baiting by saying it was caused by Angel Fire or African-American leaders is untrue fantasy.

Allan McConnell
PO Box 530212
Birmingham, AL 35253
205-612-1734
wewillfindthetruth@gmail.com
www.wewillfindthetruth.com

Posted by mojo25 (anonymous) on February 25, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW! I didn't know I said something so horrible that my comment was removed. I was only trying to speak the truth...but I guess to some, the truth hurts. Cherry or Grape?

Posted by SelmaSmartBoy (anonymous) on February 25, 2009 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Will you people stop criticizing other people's opinions and let them speak?? Leave them be! You people are the reason Selma is laughed at among the states.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on February 25, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Army of the Lord

ARE WE WALKIN' INTO THE ENEMIES CAMP, LAYIN' OUR WEAPONS DOWN

SHEDIN' OUR ARMOR AS WE GO, LEAVIN' IT ON THE GROUND

WE'VE GOTTA BE STRONG IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT, PROVE TO THE ENEMY

WE ARE THE ARMY OF THE LORD, AND WE'VE WON THE VICTORY

ALL AROUND US A WAR IS GOIN' ON, BETWEEN THE WRONG AND THE RIGHT

WE'VE GOT TO CHOOSE WHICH SIDE WE'RE ON, THE DARKNESS OR THE LIGHT

AND SOME OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE LORD, JUST DON'T REALIZE

THAT THE CAPTAIN OF THE ARMY OF DARKNESS HAS COME TO BLIND THEIR EYES

CAN'T YOU SEE THAT WE'RE IN BATTLE, THERE'S NO PLACE TO HIDE

OUR SHIELDS OF FAITH ARE FULL OF DARTS, SHOOTING FROM EVERY SIDE

JUST SHAKE OUT THE DARTS AND RUN RIGHT AT EM

AND REMEMBER WHO YOUR FIGHTIN FOR

DON'T FALL ASLEEP 'CAUSE IF THEY CATCH YA THEY'LL TAG YA PRISONER OF WAR

Posted by ethical36701 (anonymous) on February 26, 2009 at 4:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mark Duke and the Freedom Foundation are trying their best to tear us apart and their plan is working!!!
I pray that the Lord will rectify this grave situation. I pray for Dukes
followers that they may see through him and his lies. I pray for Selma.

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on February 26, 2009 at 6:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now, things are getting a bit silly.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on February 26, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From: Mark [mailto:marksduke@REDACTED FOR PRIVACY]
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 10:15 PM
To: AJ Page; Becca Armstrong; Becky Duke; Carla; Dan Vaughn; Fontella Pappas; Ginger Skelton; Gwen Blackberry; Jason Armstrong; Jason Makaroff; Laura Alyce; Laura Jane; Matt S.; Paige; Shawn; Tressa; Wally; Tommy

Subject: Peace and Unity!!!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,For those of you that were here last night and prayed we wanted you to know God has moved in a great way.

God has dealt with Becky, Shawn and myself in the same way and we justed finished our "official" family meeting and we are eager to tell you how God has spoken and brought us great peace and unity.

He has spoken to us about his will and his will for the cause and the people. We are all three very excited and unified in this.

This comes after much trying of our faith and brokeness since the first of the year. Right now God is saying for Becky and I to stay legally married and to make even greater committments to the cause.

One of those committments is that as we've done so for the last 5 months Shawn will continue to partner with me as a spiritual partner in the cause...doing clinics, running the operations, ministering to the people, ministering to me and even her and Becky partnering with the kids at times and other areas Shawn can help support. Part of thos partnership includes me mentoring Shawn in her calling as one of the leaders in the spiritual rights movement. All 3 of us can see that this is a God-given partnership and it is unique in the sense that God has given Shawn an ability to minister to me in a depth that I haven't had before. Ineed this support as God takes us to the next level.

We all three have talked about becoming more of a family unit which includes God healing some hurt of 16 years between Becky and I. Also, Becky and Shawn coming closer together in how to partner in charity and sacrifice. All of our decussion tonight centered around God and the cause.

We are happy to announce that Shawn is officially moving in with us. She will be living with us full-time and becoming a part of our family. To say the least the 3 kids Duke kids were extremely excited as we sat down and shared with them what God had said.

We are now praying about either Shawn or myself quiting our jobs in December of this year. If I quit Shawn will support the house hold and I will go full-time in the ministry. If Shawn quits I'll provide as Shawn runs the spiritual rights operations.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on February 26, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tonight Shawn and I are working on training schedules for leadership to include training on Saturdays around clinic appointments. There will be other things we'll get out to you asap.
I can't tell you the incredible peace we have here. There aint no stoppin' us now...we're on the move!!

Being certain of God's voice. The increasing of our faith.... A unity that passeth all understanding and a committment of love and charity toward one another and God's cause and people.

This is a major victory and God has answered our prayers. as God continues to lead and speak to us and/or if anything ever changes down the road we'll let you all be the first to know, but as it stands this is the official word and statement and the settling of God's direction and the preventing of the devil who has been trying to strike, hinder and divide us and God'swill.

If anyone asks or questions you on anything related to these issues please feel free to direct them to me or Shawn or you may feel free share with them anything pretaining to this email as appropriate.

Please know we are committed to doing God's will no matter what it looks like.

All three of us tonight were and are ready to make any sacrifice God asks us to make. but it was God that spoke tonight and gave us this clear direction.

Again, let me state that it is time to end the devils distractions, to move forward as a family and as a church.

God bless us all in this great cause. I want to remind you that God said this is the year of jubilee and he is doing just that. It is an honor to walk with each of you toward something we've never seen or had before.

Your brother and sisters,
Mark, Becky and Shawn

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on February 26, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mark, we don't care.....we just want you to find "peace" somewhere else.
You are SO full of it! This is, of course, MY OPINION, and shared by the majority of Selmans.

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on February 26, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, if you read their statements/organization descriptions (the FF's) the "clinic" they refer to appears to be a place where you go to get your wrong-headed ideas fixed...supposedly "spiritual therapy." "Wrong-headed" must mean that you have started to think for yourself????? At least, that's what I got out of reading that.

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on February 28, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

According to the cult experts Selma is overrun by the influence of cults but no one is talking about the others.

I find it interesting that all of the cult-hunters are not focusing on far more high profile cultists than Mark Duke and the Freedom Foundation.

Here are some of the others listed in the cult watchers book.
I wonder how many of you will be equally as outraged by their presence in Selma as you are by the presence of Duke and the FF.

Jehovah's Witnesses.
There are several congregations in the city, let's get them out of here.

The Nation of Islam.
The state rep guy needs to be run out of town too.

Mormons.
I see them riding around on those bikes, they're a little too physically fit for my liking.

Others listed include Oprah Winfrey, the Beatles and the Amish.

The Freedom Foundation appears to be an organization made up of black people and white people that do community service and cultural projects together.

On the otherhand, Angelfire is like a modern-day KKK cowardly attacking people anonymously wearing a cyber-hood.
Sign your name or you're simply not credible and get no respect here.

Posted by lightning (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom, you should read your posting before sending, for what you say makes a double standard does it not? you post under 'wisdom, anonymous' do you not? So why not put your REAL name out there for all of Selma to read?So here in YOUR OWN WORDS we read -"Sign your name or you're simply not credible and get no respect here"

For you see I simply read from your above post the following! Wisdom? Crediblity? Guess you are lacking in both when you write-
On the otherhand, Angelfire is like a modern-day KKK cowardly attacking people anonymously wearing a cyber-hood.
Sign your name or you're simply not credible and get no respect here

Posted by joetraylor (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I respect what Wisdom has written because it is the TRUTH. Truth always gets my respect.

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the fact that "wisdom" failed to mention the Cayce cult that exists here makes me think that Dusty is back with us.
SO, anything you are involved in is NOT a "cult?"
These other groups you run down as "cults" are not trying to run the city, lie in order to get people and money into their organization, get grant-money for private use, and are contributing to community efforts instead of trying to bully out existing programs with "we can do it better" attitudes.
If you want to split hairs, any religious entity is a "cult" and, in fact, that is the word favored in most other languages, although not with the same implications.
Yeah, right...sign your name if you want others to.
"Angelfire" provides a serious service here while attempting to avoid small-town-type repercussions. ( That's just a fact of life in a small community and is not a criticism of Selma, itself.)
And what, "joeT" makes you think that Dusty, oops, "wisdom" is speaking the truth? He's not.

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And as if that weren't enough...more evidence of what the FFers REALLY think of Selma. This was posted on "topix" and taken from amanda Farnsworth's "myspace" page before it was taken down:

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
sweet home alabama
so, here's my most recent news...

i'm outta here for a while. alabama isn't home, exactly, or even necessarily sweet, but it's where i will be for a while. in Selma, Alabama, starting and running a new theatre company there, for the time being. i'm open to suggestions on what to name it...i can't believe how desperately this town wants a theatre. they need it, they just have no one with the drive and skill to start it. boy howdy, they've never seen the likes of me.
that's where i've been for this last week, sorry i haven't gotten your messages. i still don't have time to write you all, i'm only here to pack up everything and drive back. that's the bad news. it's come up very quick. and now, two days in my car...yay for me...i'm accepting donations for the Get Amanda An iPod Right Now Fund.
i'll be there for some time, return date to be determined, trying to turn the town upside down. i'm ready to see if this will get off its feet, to see if the town will come together for a new venture like this--and i'm excited to see what it could do for the social situation in that town. if you want to see what modern day racism and segregation look like, just come visit me. but don't wear gang colors. fun times.
but, can i say--from the time i've spent there this week, the people i've met and connected with--i am IN LOVE with the city. i've never seen talent like some of these people have, and the KIDS!!! the talent is mind-blowing. and they have no direction, none at all. that's the heartbreaking part: they're going nowhere. they haven't a chance to even get out of town--let alone get coaching, get seen, get CAREERS. that's what i'm there for--to give them the chance that we all needed. i can't wait.

so all that to say, i'm leaving, like, in ten minutes. this weekend. but it's not really a bad thing. it's time. time for a change, time to de-stress and run my own schedule again. time to get well, really well. time for some lovely warm 90+ degree weather and humidity that loves my skin. time to also learn what it's like to be unpopular for the color of said skin.
so! i won't see any of y'all for a while. and when i do, i'll have regained my childhood southern accent. i WILL miss you all, and probably won't see most of you before i leave--so from your friend, vocal coach, and music director, good luck and my thoughts are with you.
i love you all! wish me the best of times--see you in the funny papers!!

love amanda

Currently listening :
The Times They Are A-Changin'
By Bob Dylan
Release date: By 21 June, 2005

Posted by fleur (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

from the above posting, I gather that this gal means well, but her arrogant attitude that she is somehow God's gift to Selma, simply reflects what I hear from FFers constantly.

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lightning: It could be a double-standard OR it could be a crystal clear example.

It depends on one's perspective.

You have the right to decide whether my anonymous comments are credible or not, just as I have decided that Angelfire is like a modern-day KKK cowardly attacking people anonymously wearing a cyber-hood.

It appears to me that you took my view of Angelfire rather personally for some odd reason. In church the preacher usually says "just say ouch."

It is so typical on this website for some people to attack anyone that has a different point of view, perspective or outlook.

I however, am mature enough to understand that not eveyone will agree with my position.

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a thought.

Maybe some locals actually like the FF but choose not to outwardly support them to avoid small-town-type repercussions.

Just offering another possibility. : )

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

You said:
"I find it interesting that all of the cult-hunters are not focusing on far more high profile cultists than Mark Duke and the Freedom Foundation."

Do You believe that Mr Duke is indeed a "lower" profile cultist?

You also said:
"I however, am mature enough to understand that not eveyone will agree with my position."

In order to 'agree', we must KNOW Your position.
Do You believe that Mr Duke has been honest in declaring his beliefs? Can You see why some would be cautious of the House of God in Selma?

Lots of questions, not enough answers.

I respect differing views ( Mormans,etc); I abhor lies.

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nina: The point I'm trying to make is Duke and the FF are not the only "cult" in the area according to the cult-watcher manual. Yet they are the only ones being called out and attacked.

Since they are not the only, the biggest or the most influential "cult" in the area, I can't help but think that there is another reason they are under attack. What that reason is I can't say definitively but I think it would shed a lot of light on the situation. Why those other "cults" are not receiving the same treatment is another question.

The beliefs of Mister Dukes, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and Nation of Islam have nothing to do with my beliefs. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that there is none other under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. However, those beliefs do not require everyone else to believe what I believe. Every man has to make that call for himself. If Almighty God gives people the choice to believe what they will, so do I.

I'm not intimidated by their presence here or afraid of being lead astray. I know what I know.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 1, 2009 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

I appreciate the opportunity to 'talk' with You.

You are absolutely correct; there are many 'cults' in Selma.

CULT: a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.

The main issue I have with the House of God in Selma is their deceit.

They call themselves 'Christian' but they are not.

They don't believe that Jesus is God but they have hidden this doctrine from Selma.

Mormons, JW's and Nation of Islam are very OPEN about their beliefs.
The House of God in Selma ISN'T.

They have deceived some area Churches into letting Mr Duke preach in their pulpits.

If they would just come out into the open and admit to all that they have said in private then folks would leave them just as alone as they've left the Mormans, JW's etc.

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 2, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nina: It is my pleasure talking with you.

Have they deceived people more than any other "cult" deceives people? And "Godless" politicians are allowed to speak in church pulpits all the time.

Don't get me wrong I totally understand hating lying. God hates it and so do I, but trying to run Duke and the FF off looks too much like the sordid times of years gone by in Selma that have not yet been forgotten. And quite frankly it looks somewhat like how the Pharisees treated Jesus.

I think their being here gives you and I a chance to teach them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, something they would not hear by being isolated only among others like themselves.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 2, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

The last thing I want is for Mr Duke to lead his followers somewhere else. Selma is a forgiving town and, I believe, would be more than willing to forgive Mr Duke's lies. However, how do You treat liars who won't repent? Do You ignore them?
Do You warn others about them?

The Bible is clear on going to Your brother if You have anything against him. Do You believe that Mr Duke would receive an accusation against him when he won't even take a 'negative' phone call?

Have You heard any of Mr Dukes sermons to the House of God in Colorado?

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 2, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nina: How do you treat liars that won't repent? You love them. (While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.) You have trouble believing what they say, but you love them.

As you say, the Bible is clear about going to your brother if you have anything against him. The key I think is the approach. Attacking and accusing will probably only cause him to close up, block you out and get defensive. Plus, it's not a christian approach. Satan is the accuser, that's what his name means.

And yes, I have heard and read some the things he's said while in Colorado. He seemed to say some things he most likely wouldn't have said here. But who hasn't said something behind a person's back that we wouldn't necessarily say to their face. Or stopped talking when someone we were talking about walked in the room. Most likely we're all guilty of that.

We have to respond in love because after all, we are the ones who know God.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 2, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

Mr Duke teaches that Jesus is NOT God

AND

If You believe He IS God, You can't live a sinless life because only God can live a sinless life

THEREFORE

You will go to HELL

He also teaches that if anyone speaks against himself they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit and they will go to HELL

Do You think that he should be forthright with this doctrine?

What responsibility do You think those who know of his lies have to Selma?

I believe it wouldn't be very 'loving' to remain silent.

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 3, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

His teachings are not biblical and definitely in error. But what Duke teaches has no affect on anyone other than those who follow him. What I mean by that is what Duke teaches does not affect the eternal destination of those who have been redeemed.

As for those being led astray, each person has a responsibility to know what they believe. Noone is responsible for anyone else. We all have to stand before God alone.

The Bible teaches that the Word of God saves. And only God knows who will be saved and who will be lost. Our job is to sow the seed of the Word, nothing more. And he who hath ears let him hear.

I don't understand what makes Duke and the FF a greater threat than the other "cults" previously mentioned. None of them believe Jesus is God and their members know that and believe the same thing. It seems to me, that if the issue were about leading people astray, far more attention would be given to the bigger more influential groups. They are leading far more people astray numerically.

Do you think someone speaking out about the Jehovah Witnesses would stop any of the members from attending? Probably very few. Will it stop people from joining? Probably not, because they go where the people are, they go door to door and you probably won't go that far.

Call him. Keep your cool and debate the scriptures or make your point and call back if you need to. But the moment you get belligerent, your credibility will become questionable.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 3, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,
You say, "Our job is to sow the seed of the Word, nothing more."

I respectfully disagree. The Word describes something more than sowing the seed here:

Gal. 2:11+12
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.

Paul was contending for the faith. He saw the harm that duplicity could do to the Body. The parallels with Mr Duke are profound.

bel·lig·er·ent

ADJECTIVE:

1. Inclined or eager to fight; hostile or aggressive.
2. Of, pertaining to, or engaged in warfare.

It's hard to engage in warfare without being belligerent; ask Paul! :)

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 3, 2009 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We war not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities in high places.

The job of sowing the seed of the Word and nothing more, is the responsiblity of a christian to a non-christian.

The scripture you cited is of one christian (Paul) opposing another christian (Peter). That's very different from this situation since the person that should be opposed I'm guessing is in a "cult" and therefore not a christian.

But I do agree that the choice of that scripture is profound.

Paul calling Peter out for allowing "Jewish christians" to influence the way he (Peter) treated "gentile christians." Paul opposed Peter TO HIS FACE for not doing what he (Peter) knew was right, all because he was bending to outside pressure. Jews did not eat with Gentiles and the Jewish christians were trying to bring that old custom from Judaism into christianity. Paul corrected Peter.

The scripture also shows the imperfection of people within the church. Two apostles on different pages, one corrects the other, but he doesn't go to war with him.

I have tried to address the points you make but since you are not addressing the points I make I'll ask point-blank, Why are you not prepared to go to battle against the other "cults?"

Belligerent: adj. combative, contentious

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

When the other cults lie to Selma about their beliefs and deceive naive Pastors into letting them sow the 'Seed' (which are really tares) in these Pastors Churches, then I'm sure someone will rise up against them.

Mr Duke CLAIMS to be a brother so how else do You suggest we treat him?

Nina

PS You've found an interesting 'synonym' for belligerent but in it's purist sense belligerent is:

Origin:
1570–80; < L belliger waging war (belli-, comb. form of bellum war + ger-, base of gerere to conduct) + -ent; r. belligerant < L belligerant- (s. of belligerāns, prp. of belligerāre to wage war; see -ant )

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

One more thing:

At what point do You believe Jim Jones should (or could) have been contended against?

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Naive pastors! Pastors are suppose to be the spiritual leaders of church congregations. They're the ones these congregations depend on for spiritual guidance. Shouldn't they have discernment. Before they let someone have acces to the flock shouldn't they know where that person stands. And here's a big one, shouldn't they, the dooped pastors be the ones contending against, calling out and LEADING this war, this "crusade" against the non-believers.

I don't care how YOU ALL treat Duke. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God will guide how I treat someone and I believe God knows best.

Belligerent: I initially used the word and was trying to let you know what I meant when I used it.

When Jim Jones lies to Selma about their beliefs and deceive naive Pastors into letting them sow the 'Seed' (which are really tares) in these Pastors Churches.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

Yes, naive Pastors.

They haven't heard Mr Duke say that Jesus isn't God,yet.

There are more Pastors every month who ARE listening and willing to contend for the Faith.

You had best choose today on whose side You will stand.
When it all comes down, and it will, You will have to live with Yourself.

I've tried to answer Your points. Please answer my question:

At what point do You believe Jim Jones should (or could) have been contended against?

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Each person who followed Jim Jones should have had their own personal relationship with the Lord instead of blindly following another human being, and that my friend is the bottom line.

Jim Jones was a classic example of the blind leading the blind. And if these pastors were blinded from the truth because they did not have an indepth theological conversation before allowing Duke to address their congregation, then they are just as responsible as Duke is, because they are the ones called to pastor and they did not protect their flock from harm like a good shepherd. That's another case of the blind leading the blind. A bunch of sighted people blindly following a blinded man is exactly that.

When what all comes down? My salvation is eternally secure.

Nina I appreciate the exchange but it truly appears to be going nowhere. God bless you.

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

Over 280 children were killed at Jonestown.

Nina

Posted by wisdom (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and isn't that where all of us christians want to be.

280 children are in Heaven with the Lord. Hallelujah!

Posted by Nina (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisdom,

At what point would You have intervened in their lives?

Nina

Posted by bamaham (anonymous) on March 9, 2009 at 5:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AS USUAL PEOPLE FUSS AND COMPLAIN BACK AND FORTH ABOUT ISSUES. IT REMINDS ME OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA. THE REAL PEOPLE THAT NEED TO LISTEN NEVER HEAR. FOR INSTANCE, IF YOU LIKE LIKE RUSH LIMBAUGH, YOU LISTEN, IF YOU DON'T YOU DON'T. IF YOU HATE COUNTRY MUSIC, DO YOU LISTEN? NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY, IT ALL AND I REPEAT "ALL" BEGINS AT HOME, IN HOW YOU ARE RAISED. BUT THE ONES THAT NEED TO KNOW THAT, ARE NOT READING THIS OR LISTENING! AND NEVER WILL.