LISTEN: “Turning Point” (Wayne Bent speaks from prison)
The imprisoned leader of the Lord Our Righteousness Church isn’t letting incarceration keep him from espousing his foreboding pronouncements from his familiar post in cyberspace. A new audio recording featuring the voice of Wayne Bent appeared on the LOR’s Web site today. It sounds as if it was recorded over the telephone.
In this latest recording, the convicted sex offender can be heard for 12-minutes and 57-seconds. Here’s one excerpt:
It seems like ages ago when they murdered my distant cousin, Charles Bent, the first governor of New Mexico. It was in Taos, the same dark town where they murdered me. They beat down his door, shot him, then cut off his head. They hated this new ruler who was over them.
Bent finishes-up his latest message with these words:
Angels now sing their songs, and the sounds of my prison are overcome in the music and melody of my Father. We will soon go away, and men will never behold our brightness again.
The entire transcript of the recording is posted on strongcity.info.
COMMENTARY
As I listened to Bent’s latest offering, I found myself reminded of a song by the late Johnny Cash. Bent’s oft-scratchy audio and the tone of his message seemed similar to Cash’s spoken words at the beginning and the end of The Man Comes Around (The first 20-seconds of Cash’s tune can be heard here) .
I went to YouTube and watched a few videos featuring The Man Comes Around. The first one included news footage of nuclear explosions, riots and the attack on the Twin Towers (although this video did not include Cash’s spoken words at the beginning).
Next, I went to Wikipedia to learn a bit more about the song I’ve often listened to on my iPod. According to Wiki:
The song is introduced by a spoken portion from Revelation 6:1-2 in the King James Version. This portion of Scripture describes the coming of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each heralded by one of the “four beasts” first mentioned in Revelation 4:6-9. The first horseman rides a white horse. The musical portion then begins with Cash reciting that a man, presumably Jesus, will one day come to pass judgment. The chorus indicates that these events will be accompanied by trumpets, pipers, and “one hundred million angels singing”.
With such glaring reminders of the content Bent has posted on the Internet over several years, I had to wonder how his song might begin. That is, if Bent were to sing a song aimed at warning the world that he “will one day come to pass judgment.”
“equal opportunity consummator” I LOVE it!!!
Ron, I’m in total disbelief! I just don’t understand why you think he should not be held accountable for his actions under the law? He is a sexual deviate and he is right where he belongs. He abused his position as a leader of the church, he knew before he laid down with the girls that it was wrong and he did it anyways! He needs help and he isn’t going to get that under house arrest and he doesn’t need a mental institution either, he’s not crazy. Maybe he is a sociopath?
Diane, I assumed you meant Sam and not Ron (since he hasn’t posted anything recently in this thread).
You should go read my posting on my blog, Diane. Click the link on my name — over to the right with the picture of a hand. I go into considerable detail there about how (and describe the various ways) he should certainly be held accountable under the law. Yes, he did wrong, but a first time offender convicted of incidental (not for sexual gratification)touching a 16 year old on the breast should not get ten years (which is the kind of sentence men get who have had actual sexual intercourse with children repeatedly over many years).
Read what I wrote. I said he should be punished… and I explained actions which would certainly be a protracted punishment, but without incarceration. The isolated nature of his residence lends itself quite well to restrictions regarding limitation of any future contact with minors. I believe that had this been a case involving an average citizen, first time offender (with no controversial religion in the picture), under the same infraction circumstances, the sentence would have probably six months to a year, perhaps even with a probated sentence. I am an advocate of equitable sentencing practices.
— Sam
I cam here to let erveryone know about the new message from Wayne on Strong City, “The Myth Exposed.” You all might want to check that out.
As for what Sam has said quite honestly I’m not sure what to think about all that.
Hi Sam,
I looked at your blog. I guess my perspective is a bit different because I think he was grooming the young ones by insinuating (in his prolific writings) what they would eventually call the voice of “Father” speaking to them. Of course he groomed the older ones also, but they are adults and can do what they wish. I also take issue with what he did with the young ones who were of age (Danielle and Esther),because since they grew up in this environment, they do not know anything else and therefore could not make an informed choice.
Lastly, since he has said repeatedly that “Father” told him that this was going to happen, I shouldn’t think he would want to thwart the will of God and be “let loose”, as this is after all his cross to bear.
I agree with you Annaliese. Considering that I was there and watched him turn down sleeping with one particular woman over and over, only for him to turn around and all of a sudden see a need to sleep with the 7 young ones. He said he was only doing “what they asked of him”. So much BS! He didn’t do what Callie asked of him. She wanted him to sleep with her too. But I’ve said this so many times, that is why I quit posting.
I just want to say something to Sam concerning Wayne’s incarceration. I was surprised that such a long sentence was given to him also until I started considering the things Wayne taught us over a span of 20 years. He taught us that we were the creators of our life and things came to us through cause and effect – our faith and beliefs became visible in our life. Does that make sense to you? It was also taught to us that though a cause may come to us and not look “just” we could always know that the God of heaven metes out his judgements and sees things that “men” cannot see and his judgements are always just. Those are just a few things that come to my mind.
Knowing the history of the church, I also know that Wayne and his doctrines have been the source of disruption for many families and marriages, not just the most recent divorces. Yes, he did cross some boundaries that he shouldn’t have crossed with the young girls, and that landed him in jail. Now this is just my observation, but if there is truly a God in heaven, then He certainly gave Wayne the fruit of his own beliefs as well as cause and effect. Wayne is guilty of separating husbands and wives and in effect has been separated from his own wives. Do I think he should be able to live peacefully on his land, cuddled up with all his wives, nice and cozy under house arrest? No, I don’t. The beauty of it is that God didn’t think so either. If the Lorites could get real honest about it, using their own belief system, they would have to admit that as true.
So, I’ll probably go back to being quiet again. I need to do my school work. Have a good evening everyone. ;-)
Hi Julie –
Well, I didn’t say there wasn’t justifiable “karma” at work for Wayne Bent. And yes, I think that bible verse which reads, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” is right on.
And if that’s what God has ordained… then efforts to lessen his sentence will be in vain. But, I really like to be objective. I am concerned with incarcerated people in several situations. I fight for everyone to get sentences which are equitable, in relation to what are routinely and recently imposed for similar crime convictions. So, my campaign is unrelated to whatever “karmic destiny” Wayne has generated for himself. I’m sure he deserves a lot of punishment… as I probably do for the all crap I have pulled throughout my life and the hearts I may have messed with (which I now regret… but, maybe all that might make for some good song lyrics). But, you see, I am not addressing what he deserves for his life experiences, but merely acting in relation to the situation concerning the results of this particular court case. It’s all just part of my consistent stand on fairness in sentencing practices.
I’d do the same thing for you.
— Sam
I have decided to stop worrying about Wayne and his fate. Yes, I believe he got what he deserves, but others believe he has been treated too harshly. He has distroyed lives, but most of victims have been willing. I hope that I can make more positive use out of my time and I will let God deal with Wayne. He is not my saviour, and I hope that people will come to their senses and just let him fade away. I believe there are far better people out their who can our help and prayers.
Ron and Sam, I apologize for constantly getting your names confused. Early onset Alzheimer’s??
My husband was the victim of sexual abuse from his maternal uncle and as soon as I can muster the strength, I will write and share with you. It is and painful and so ugly.
Sam – I wonder how you would feel if god forbid, something like this happened to a member of your family.
I did ready your blog and while everyone has the right to their own opinion, I totally disagree. I see that SC posted your message on their site, they will embrace you now.
I read Wayne’s latest rant last night and it sickens me. He blatantly lies about what he did and now his excuse is “I prayed wrong”.
At the moment Sam may, “be on their hearts,” but I doubt that will last very long. For one thing if they truly have read the total body of Sam’s writings on his blog he has always been quite honest and critical in his thoughts on Wayne/Michael’s actions. How can we forget he also wrote, Catching a Glimpse of Hind Parts and People of the Lie? He just happens to also believe in fair sentencing and the rights of an appeal. So momentarily I guess they might over look everything else and embrace this one point. Usually they seem to be an “all or nothing,” type of group, so this appears to be a bit of a deviation for them.
And it is too bad he “prayed wrong,” one would think by now he would get the praying down right!
Just read Michael English’s book, and it is a great read. He is one of the most gifted singers I have ever heard, and his story is an example of how God can watch us make mistakes and fall over and over, and without fail, help us back up again. That’s the God I know!
We can all step back and try to look at this from different perspectives, at any time we choose. We can imagine what is was like for every person on the land. They opened up to us. They choose the words to share with everyone what they were doing. They were “out” about it all. So we all looked and read and found our own conclusions. But my conclusions could be wrong, and Wayne could really be the Messiah. I am not perfect and I am not all knowing.
If a person standing next to me said they saw God right there before them and I didn’t see God, how could I dispute their perception? I imagine it was not a good time to be calling yourself the Messiah when Jesus did it, yet I believe.
Wayne may be minutely offensive in regard to his image in the media, but their story has left an impression on me. What I find so sad is that Wayne hurts none of us by NOT being the Messiah, he really hurts those that hold him so dear and believe in him. He has not changed since being put in jail, he is still as connected with his followers, and he is still speaking out and sharing all of it with us. He speaks of this as his sacrifice.
I really appreciate your thoughts Julie. And Sam I read your blog and would like to see reform to mandatory sentencing.
I think it will be a long road and many more telephone sermons before Wayne gets out.
I can’t help to think that we all really aren’t that different and I can reserve the need to have any judgement, as a jury has done that and the process is long over.
Hi Julie,
I find it so interesting that you once lived at Strong City and I wonder what gave you the strength to break free. I also find it interesting that you noted that those whom Wayne consummated with were all attractive. If you don’t mind, I have 2 more questions I would like to ask:
1. Do you truly think Wayne believes he is the Messiah or do you think that he likes the attention and power that it garners?
2. Since he has “consummated” with all those women, I find it interesting that there were no pregnancies…why is that? To me I would think any form of birth control would be perceived as thwarting God’s will.
Thank you Julie!
I really have no idea if he really believes his own story or not. It’s a question that I have wondered myself.
There haven’t been any pregnancies because Wayne was fixed a long time ago
The reason I finally cut my tie with the church came with the “consummation” of the virgins. After saying “no more consummations” and avoiding anything sexual with any of the older women (of which I considered a sign that it was just a “parable”)….. but then watching him go after the younger ones….well, that was enough to push me over the edge. The nice little image of Wayne evaporated for me right then even though he still has his little story for those who want to listen. I don’t buy it.
Currently there are several other people who claim to be Jesus returned. Rev. Moon(remember the Moonies?),José Luis De Jesus Miranda,Vissarion, Adi Da(well, he just died) and many others. Wayne is a bush league messiah compared to those guys. Before you follow Wayne, at least check out the other contestants!
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your answers. I am glad you were able to see the light and leave. I hope your life is great now, but I am sure you feel as though you left your family behind. Wayne has been “fixed” huh, I wonder how that jives with doing to will of God? Sinless perfection would seem to indicate that this would be a bad move. I often wonder about Danielle and Esther, as they are so young and have apparently grown up with this way of life. I know that Esther’s mother is there, but is any of Danielle’s family there? Why was Hanifa not one of the 7? She seems to be pretty outspoken and I would have thought she would have “felt the tug” of the consummations.
Annaliese
Annaliese – have you seen her picture?? Yikes!!
The women there obviously don’t take a few extra minutes for themselves. Wendy Bent is much younger than me yet I look much younger than her. It’s amazing how much of a difference a nice haircut and some highlights make.
Danielle and Esther are young and beautiful but that will change quickly for them if they keep fasting for long periods of time and starving their bodies of healthy food and vitamins.
Actually, Hanifa was one of the first older set of 7. She has always been outspoken and very involved in church activities.
Danielle’s family is still in the church too – her mother and and younger brother and sister. They don’t live on the ranch property as far as I know.
Life is going really good Annaliese. It was tough for a while just because like you said, I left my family behind, but things get more behind all the time.
Diane, makeup and dying your hair is not part of the equation at Strong city.
Hi Julie,
Glad to hear your life is well…is it hard to assimilate yourself back into society after having been so separated from it for a period of years? The world can seem an ugly place…no matter where you are. I am curious how old you are and whether or not you have children? Did you question your faith? This story is fascinating to me. These women all seem so very strong, intelligent, articulate and yet they believe Wayne is the Messiah. It is hard to figure out how this happens. Save for the younger ones who grew up that way, I don’t really understand it.
Annaliese
It seems like we are hearing from Michael just as much now as we were before he was locked up.
This one is entitled Why So Long? Be sure and check out the picture they have showing for him, He looks to be about in his 40′s in that shot.
But never fear his words are the same,we are all wrong on the outside and he and his little group are the only ones who understands what is really going on.
Yes, it sounds like his surroundings are starting to get to him. I wonder what his followers think about this……