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Page 21 text:
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I was something to talk about. Representing all 50 states and 17 foreign countries, members of The Way International, a biblical research and teaching ministry, congregated on campus to participate in a two-week session beginning Saturday, June 18, and ending Saturday, July 2. The Way’s class in “Power for Abundant Living” (PFAL) is normally presented on film or audio tapes, but in recognition of The Way’s 30th anniversary, the classes were taught live by the Rev. Victor Paul Wierwille, controversial founder and president of The Way International. Rev. Wierwille controls the teaching and the administration of The Way. All books and pamphlets of the organization are either written or authorized by him. The $6 million Way Bob Winegarner, The Way's coordinator for the conference, contacted Dave Stout, Ball State’s director of conferences and special events, in late June of 1976. Stout's office acts as the mediator between groups and the university. Even though The Way is a controversial group and one of many cults that have parents concerned over “programming” of their children, Stout’s office issued the group the usual rubber stamp. “Rarely is there ever any question as to whether a group should have a conference here,” Stout said. As early as December, 1976, administrators began questioning the wisdom of such an automatic approval of The Way's conference. Dr. George Jones, director of religious programming, sent a memo to Dr. James Marine, assistant dean of Student Programs, explaining the nature of The Way. Since the conference had already been cleared, Jones was instructed by Dr. Merrill Beyerl, dean of students, to prepare a formal report on the group. Jones read Way literature and talked to local Way adviser Carl Hoge in preparing his report. Jones admitted in the opening paragraph of his report his “dislike for the doctrines and methods of the group and his “sympathy for the young people who have found help from The Way.” Bias aside, the report showed, for one thing, that The Way International makes a lot of money. According to the report: “The income of The Way International has astronomic potential. If even 10,000 adherents tithe a $5,000 income and take two courses per year at $75 per course, the income to The Way International headquarters would be $6.5 million. Except for a central staff, most leadership seem to donate their time to the organization. The purchase of a college campus, the preparation of high class graphic and video material, and anti-slander legal action are made possible by a flow of income of this magnitude.” Jones goes on to say that The Way draws its membership from “the alienated youth of today,” citing an advertisement which propounds The Way's PFAL sessions. The advertisement states: “If you have power for abundant living, you can gain self-respect; enjoy satisfying work with more-than-adequate income. You can overcome depression, discouragement, and disappointment and have love, joy, and real peace. . . If you have the more-than-abundant life, you can have whatever you want!” Ball State got what it wanted. The Way was billed approximately $517,000 which included dining, housing, use of Emens Auditorium, special meals at the Student Center, a picnic for Way members, and long-distance telephone calls. (RLA) Much of The Way’s philosophy was taught through a Power for Abundant Living seminar (PFAL). Ed Sanes, an instructor for the religious organization, lectures to a class of Way followers. Several students attended the informal classes as well. (REM) The Way x Summer Events 17
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Page 22 text:
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After being jailed for disobeying a lawful order, Smock managed to requisition the Arts Terrace and continue his anti-Way campaign from there. ordered off by Thomas Osborn, direc- tor of traffic, safety, and security. Smock was jailed and released on $500 bond. Soon afterwards, he managed to requisition the Arts Terrace, and he continued his campaign against The Way from there. If nothing else, The Way managed to inject some life into an otherwise dreary campus. “It was like we were invaded,” Mary Mackin said. Over- night, the campus population had nearly doubled, and, to Mackin, it seemed almost like the regular school year. When The Way packed up and left, the controversy left with it, and the Physical improvements scheduled for the off-season included a new vault for the Administration Building and the re-surfacing of campus roads. Finishing touches are added to the new parking structure, despite it having opened six months earlier. (DRT) Student protest to The Way was exhibited in many ways during the organization’s two-week stay. Graduate student Dan Kunt displays his opposition to the teachings of the group on his chest. Others carried signs and marched in front of Emens. (ELJ) 1 AAD BARELY LANCOME SEIIRA AA Heit THE WAY oo We To HELL = - I8 Living x: Summer Events
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