You may be wondering what will happen if you read this book. Maybe you are confused about what I am doing. Should you believe the Brian who once spoke glowingly about our ministry? Or should you believe the Brian who now bashes and criticizes our ministry unceasingly? Should you believe the Brian who prayed so much and sat quietly in meetings, enabling our country to become a priestly nation? Or should you believe the Brian who now slams Korean missionaries at every turn?
I would ask the same questions of you. Which UBF should I believe? Should I believe the UBF that claims to be a mainline evangelical church and Christian missionary-sending organization? Or should I believe the UBF that is a chaotic network of self-supporting businesses? Should I believe the UBF that claims to be making disciples of Jesus? Or should I believe the UBF that shreds peoples’ lives with invented disciplines like dead dog training? Should I believe the UBF that praised me for two decades? Or should I believe the UBF that says I am demon-possessed after sharing my honest feelings?
You may not believe the things I write about here in this book. That’s ok. I am not asking you to believe anything. I am not asking you to agree with me or to leave the ministry. I understand that this section is all that you may read from this book. It may be too fearful, too emotional or too difficult to keep reading.
If there is one thing I want to say while I do have your attention, it would be this: I loved UBF once just as you do. I am not some outsider who speaks from observation. I am a true insider who once stood with you in your mission. I believed in the mission UBF teaches. I believed it so strongly that I gave over my life decisions, like who to marry, to the ministry. I gave my youth, my adult years, my time, my money—I gave everything for the sake of our vision for a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
As I mention in the opening of this chapter, one day in 2006 I was shocked to hear a student tell me he would not join my Bible cult when I approached him on campus. I did not even say anything, but he knew what I was doing. In my mind, I was obeying Jesus. In his mind, I was recruiting for a cult. How could this be? Did he not know I was a holy servant of God appointed to change the nation into a holy nation? I pondered this man’s words for years. It was one of many reality checks that helped set me free from a subtle yet powerful Bible-based delusion. In time, I began to see the growing disconnect between my perception of UBF and the reality of UBF. I came to terms with two realities in particular: I am living in a fantasy. I am seen as a cult leader by the outside world.
Source: Identity Snatchers by Brian Karcher
This passage is written by a former member of UBF (University Bible Fellowship) who describes his experience within the organization. He speaks of his past love and devotion to the mission of UBF, but eventually came to the realization that his perception of the organization and its practices differed from reality. The author reflects on the moment when a student referred to UBF as a “cult,” which sparked his journey of self-reflection and questioning. The author states that he is not asking the reader to believe what he writes or leave UBF, but rather to consider his perspective as a former insider. [ChatGPT]
How would you generally critique the text?
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions, but I can provide an objective critique of the text.
The text is written in a reflective and personal style, with the author sharing his experiences and thoughts about his time in UBF. The writing is clear and descriptive, with the author’s emotions and thoughts conveyed effectively. The author raises valid questions about the disconnect between his perception of UBF and its reality, which could be thought-provoking for some readers.
However, the text lacks a balanced perspective, as it is written from the author’s personal experience and may not accurately reflect the experiences of others within UBF. It would benefit from a more nuanced examination of the organization and its practices, taking into account the experiences of different members and leaders. Additionally, some claims made in the text, such as the description of UBF as a “Bible-based delusion” and a “cult,” may be controversial and would benefit from further examination or evidence. [ChatGPT]
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of this text.
Strengths:
- Personal reflection: The text provides a personal and reflective account of the author’s experiences in UBF, giving a unique and insightful perspective on the organization.
- Clear writing: The author’s writing style is clear and descriptive, effectively conveying the emotions and thoughts experienced by the author during their time in UBF.
- Thought-provoking: The author raises valid questions about the disconnect between their perception of UBF and its reality, which could be thought-provoking for some readers.
Weaknesses:
- Limited perspective: The text is written from the author’s personal experience and may not accurately reflect the experiences of others within UBF. This lack of balance could limit the text’s credibility.
- Controversial claims: Some claims made in the text, such as the description of UBF as a “Bible-based delusion” and a “cult,” are controversial and lack evidence to support them. These claims may detract from the credibility of the text.
- Limited analysis: The text provides a personal reflection on the author’s experiences in UBF but lacks a deeper analysis of the organization and its practices. This could limit the text’s ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of UBF.
[ChatGPT]
What value does this text offer to outside observers, to current members, and to former members?
The value of this text may vary for different readers.
For outside observers, this text may offer a glimpse into the personal experiences of a former member of UBF. It could provide a deeper understanding of the organization and its practices, although it is important to note that the text is written from one individual’s perspective and may not accurately reflect the experiences of others within UBF.
For current members of UBF, this text may challenge their perceptions of the organization and prompt them to reflect on their own experiences. However, the text’s controversial claims may be perceived as a threat to their beliefs, which could cause feelings of discomfort or defense.
For former members of UBF, this text may resonate with their own experiences and provide validation for their feelings and thoughts. The text’s reflective and personal style could provide comfort and support for those who have gone through similar experiences. [ChatGPT]
