Hi Randy:
I don't know you but I would like to express my opinions about your work. About 18 months ago, I visited your web-site and read as many accounts and testimonies and stories as I could. I visited several times, and after examining your material from a distance, I developed the impression that a theme existed underneath the surface.
I hope you are not offended, but I noticed you are humble and wise enough to examine constructive criticism and that is honorable. I felt as if you were somehow "riding" or profiting from the Ray Franz incident and forcibly attaching your personal story as part of the 80's purging. I may have to read Ray's account all over again and then read yours as well just for clarity.
I found that some parts of your story and your work on the web-site seem to be "postured" at attaining a status or recognition, not for personal pride ( I do not know you personally and cannot judge your character) but rather as a professional religionist critic and somewhat of an expert on these things.
I know you spent many years at Bethel and I know you are calling yourself an exit counselor and work with Steve Hassan, but I can't help but question everything in general. I apologize Randy, I know your work and journalism like Kent's and many others helps alot of people. It exposes truth and provides freedom of decision.
But I know there is something else there underneath it all. I guess that is the main gist of my opinion. It's just an opinion. Someone else here mentioned that they found your site very bitter, and I guess it may have been in the beginning, but it sounds like you are working on changing the tone for the benefit of everyone. That is commendable!
Just for curiosity's sake, are you a licensed social worker, or psychologist, or therapist of any sort? What is your educational background since the WTBS?