I formed lifelong friendships with my co-workers in the church, which continue to this day. In my twenties, I met many prominent academics and celebrities. As a young boy, I met heads-of-state in Ghana, Liberia, and India, as well as the Dalai Lama. Our family had wonderful luxurious vacations. Growing up in this environment offered many advantages: I got a first-hand, first-rate education in the publishing and entertainment business. My mother and father Mark and Elizabeth Prophet were the leaders of the organization, which they named the Summit Lighthouse, later known as Church Universal and Triumphant (CUT). Collectively, they were referred to as ‘Ascended Masters.’ These overseers who we believed had this awesome power over our lives were angels, ‘cosmic beings’ from other planets, as well as ‘ascended’ historical figures from earth. Failing one’s ‘mission’ or denouncing God could result in the second death, a concept which was drilled into my head verbally before I had even learned to read. ![]() Threaten their immortality? Now that’s something to inspire fear in a believer. Threaten someone’s life? That’s one thing. They enforced a strict code of behavior, violation of which would result in severe punishment (karma), and possible loss of ascension. They exacted a price for their protection and guidance. ![]() But I quickly learned that they were not just benefactors. These beings were supposedly benevolent overseers. During my childhood, my parents and the other people who raised me prayed incessantly to unseen beings who they claimed were guiding the lives and actions of humans. I was raised in a religious commune–some would call it a cult. My parents taught me that my life was meant to be lived in service to God, and all my efforts should be directed toward achieving immortality. From early childhood, my constant immersion in worship, prayer, and monastic living forced me to consider existential matters.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |