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Do IT this week: Layering
Has an area ministry with a focus on youth forced itself between mother and son? Or has his faith simply formed even closer
By Jim Carney
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Sunday, Feb 08, 2009
She brought her husband and daughter, too.
''Xenos is a Cult'' and ''Tom, Don't Drink the Kool-Aid,'' said some of their signs.
Annemarie Smith, 48, a Roman Catholic from Stow, believes her 18-year-old son, Thomas, has been taken by a cult.
She has launched a religious war that has engaged the Stow police, mayor, high school and a municipal judge. She started an Internet blog and is trying to rally others to the cause.
Online, she makes allegations of alcohol abuse, vandalism and brainwashing of young children. She calls the church leader and his family ''Devil man,'' ''Devil wife'' and ''Devil son.''
Her son, meanwhile, left home to live with church friends and has received an ultimatum from his parents: ''Us or the church.''
Xenos Christian Fellowship is her target.
The congregation of about 160 rented space at Riverwood Community Chapel in Kent until Smith's sidewalk protests raised concerns among the Riverwood leadership. Now the group meets mostly in Stow and Cuyahoga Falls homes, community buildings and restaurants.
The local Xenos leader, Keith McCallum, a bearded former software writer, accuses Smith of a ''terror campaign'' and threatening to shoot him. He said her allegations have no merit.
In a quarter century of ministry, he said, ''we've never had any lawsuits, crimes or misdemeanors filed against us.''
McCallum, 52, said that his group is nontraditional in that it has no building and is focused on young people, but it is traditional in its study of the Bible.
His family has a history of Christian work. His mother was born to African missionaries. Brother Scot McCallum died accidentally in 2003 while on a mission trip in Russia.
And another brother, Dennis, started a ministry in the early 1970s — much like the one in Stow — with small group meetings.
Today, Dennis McCallum is pastor of the loosely organized 5,000-member Xenos Christian Fellowship, a megachurch on the Columbus beltway.
But as some local members joke, no matter how big or how established the church, just having an ''X'' in the name seems to alarm people.
Teen finds new religion
Thomas Smith had no idea in the seventh grade that when he went to a Bible study with a friend that it would lead to separation from his family.
The invitation came from Kyle McCallum, son of the church leader.
''It was seventh grade, and, oh, this was fun,'' he said of Xenos, but then, ''eighth grade came and I really didn't care about God.''
His attendance ebbed.
''It became a battle between me and Keith . . . for him to convince me to believe in God. ''
At age 16, he had what he described as a saving moment.
''I accepted Christ. . . . It was amazing,'' he said, but he fought changing his lifestyle.
Then, last June, there a series of events weighed heavily on him. He again had dropped out of the ''fellowship.'' He had graduated from high school and there were things in his life and at home that left him conflicted.
In one day, he lost his girlfriend and was in an accident in the car that he had purchased with money working at a coffee shop.
''I thought, what is going on in my life? What is my life? Look at what I have done and where it has gotten me. I am standing in the middle of the road. My car is crashed. What do I still have?''
For a second time, he said he had a spiritual moment.
''I was like, wow, I still have Christ in my life and I still have God.''
That's when the serious rift began at home.
Baptism leads to fight
Annemarie Smith says she raised her family in a good Catholic home. Now, she says that her son has not only gone astray, but he is in trouble with the law.
Thomas was baptized Catholic and attended St. Martha school in Akron through fourth grade, at which point the family moved to Stow. After that, he said he did not regularly attend church.
His mother, a stay-at-home mom, said she had no problem with her children occasionally attending church with friends — and she believes her son's attraction to Xenos is more about friends than God.
The tension grew exponentially after Thomas' roadside reckoning and an announcement to his parents that he planned to be baptized again, this time at a Xenos service, and that he would like for them to attend.
They told him he already had been baptized Catholic and they would not attend.
The day before it was to happen, there was a fight. Thomas, by then 18, and his mother disagree on the circumstances, but Thomas left and did not return.
Thomas went to McCallum's for a few days, then moved in with some other church friends.
Blog is born
Annemarie Smith calls the baptism ''the breaking point.'' She went to Stow police asking for an investigation of cult activity.
She also launched a blog, Parents Against Xenos, and explained her feelings about the baptism: ''I was mortified. I had failed in my religion and also my son. Catholics must promise to raise their children also in the Catholic faith, I have always held that dear to my heart and this news just caught me off guard.''
His baptism and discussion of his spiritual awakening were videotaped and posted on the church Web site.
''Before I was a Christian, I was a screwed-up guy. I was living for nothing,'' he said in the video. He wasn't sure where he would be had it not been for ''the love and relationships that Keith and everyone has shown me and the Lord has shown me.''
McCallum's willingness to discuss God led them to talk in a bar until 4 a.m. on a school night, he said.
His mother said she was enraged at the video.
Thomas and McCallum later said that the meeting was until 1 a.m. at a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant on a weekend. Thomas said recently that he was mistaken about the time because he was emotional as he recalled the two-year-old event.
In response, his mother has accused McCallum of making people change their stories.
''So sad to see him scampering about like a rat,'' Annemarie Smith says on her blog.
She also is revealing about her own family, posting on the Web the fact that ''my husband works in the adult industry.''
Annemarie Smith said she believed Thomas was going to make it an issue, so she would be forthcoming. Leonard Smith, she said, is a financial officer for a Cleveland distributor of adult material and she hosted related in-home passion parties.
Her focus is on what she believes is a cult and brainwashing.
Allegations begin
In Beacon Journal interviews, she said some former Xenos members told her of spray painting at a local cemetery. Stow cemetery officials say there has been no such incident.
Annemarie Smith also suggested that college students took young boys and girls camping near Port Clinton. She said she wasn't suggesting that anything sexual happened, but that it was a brainwashing trip.
McCallum said the event was a camping ''retreat'' involving many of the families in the church — people of all ages.
The arrest of Thomas, however, has elevated the fight to the courtroom.
Thomas, Kyle McCallum and others were in a car in the Chapel Hill area several days after Christmas. Cuyahoga Falls police stopped them after receiving a report that someone was waving guns from the back seat of the car, and the two were charged with inducing panic.
Thomas says the guns were plastic, and they were playing. Their pretrial hearing is Feb. 20.
Annemarie Smith has gone to Stow Municipal Judge Lisa Coates for help.
In her letter she said: ''This may sound horrible to you, but I do hope Tom has to do some time or is punished severely, because with the grace of God and some time away from this group, he may come to realize what this group has cost him and he will begin to turn his life around.''
She wrote that Thomas ''was a great kid, honor roll every year,'' but now, ''his father and I believe with all our hearts he has been brainwashed.''
And ''as a Catholic, I believe God had a hand in Tom's arrest.''
Things get ugly
For Keith McCallum, Annemarie Smith's online campaign escalated enough in January for him to go to police about something she had said a year earlier.
She told her son that she was going to get a gun and shoot McCallum.
She didn't deny it when police investigated. A department supplemental report said that she admitted saying in anger that she would like to buy a gun and shoot McCallum. She said she didn't intend to follow up on the threat but instead she would ''affect Mr. McCallum's leadership'' through ''legal means and blog postings on the Internet.''
In all, three complaints — one from Annemarie Smith, one from McCallum and another from a family alleging their daughter was being harassed — have been investigated by Stow police, and Chief Louis A. Dirker Jr. said that, as far as the department is concerned, the cases are closed.
''From our end and from people we've talked to, there is nothing that caused us concern that anything illegal or unethical is being done,'' Dirker said.
Parents raise concerns
Jon and Brenda Roszkowski were the ones who complained to Stow police that their daughter was being harassed at Stow-Munroe Falls High School after she left the church.
They met with the Beacon Journal at Annemarie Smith's house, along with another parent and former church member, Jackie Brown, and other family members.
''Church is No. 1 before family'' at Xenos, said Jon Roszkowski. His daughter transferred to Woodridge High School to escape the problem, he said.
Stow Principal Susan Schur said she talked with students she believed were involved, warned them against harassment, but concluded that there was no behavior warranting discipline.
Brown, of Cuyahoga Falls, pulled her daughter out of the church. At one point, Brown and about a dozen family members were involved, but she became concerned about the amount of time teenagers were investing.
''They seemed to only care about the kids,'' she said of church leaders, and that was troubling. There is, she said, ''something wrong with this church. They are turning people away from God.''
Church defended
But Pastor Duane Crabbs, who heads South Street Ministries in Akron, sees it differently.
''The Jews weren't thrilled with this group of Jesus followers'' in the first days of the church, he said.
Crabbs said he was influenced in his faith by the Columbus Xenos church when he lived there.
''Xenos has a hard edge to their message, but that is the hard edge of the Gospel and that involves service,'' Crabbs said.
Young volunteers from Xenos tutor young people at South Street twice a week, Crabbs said. Xenos members also volunteer for ACCESS Inc. in Akron.
Becky Allen, an 18-year-old Stow-Munroe Falls High School senior, rejected the idea that the group is cultish and said people are troubled because ''we don't have a building.''
She was one of nearly 30 high school students who met in January in the basement of church leader Greg Morscher.
For about an hour, they studied Scripture and prayed, then had refreshments.
New member Steven Collins, 17, of Stow, surmised: ''I think a lot of people think it's a cult because they encourage you to read your Bible and pray, and people aren't OK with that.''
And, he said, there's that ''X'' in the name.
''Maybe the name of the church might freak them out.''
Focusing on youth
Keith McCallum said Smith's allegations are unfounded.
''If that is happening, we sure would like to know how and where, because that is pretty crazy stuff,'' he said.
McCallum described himself as a ''flower child'' when he grew up in suburban Columbus.
''I was a Christian kid.'' But, he said, ''I was way out of my league as I got into the drug culture. I wish there had been a church that had been able to reach out to our culture that I could rely on.''
McCallum said he has a ''furnace burning in my heart for these younger generations'' and few churches are reaching out to them.
''It breaks my heart that there are so many kids with so many tragic emotional issues going on and the Christian church is having a hard time being there to help,'' McCallum said.
The Xenos mission statement says that all people are accepted by God and the church, no matter where they are in life. According to the Xenos Web site, ''Xenos (pronounced zee-noss) is a Greek word meaning a traveler or someone living outside their native land.''
There are Xenos fellowships in Dayton and Cincinnati, too. However, the Columbus church says the satellites aren't directly connected.
Fellowship gets start
Keith McCallum, who has a journalism degree from Ohio State University and studied theology at Ashland Theological Seminary, said he has been ordained by the Columbus Xenos.
His work in Northeast Ohio began in the early 1990s, when he traveled to the Cleveland area from Columbus to plant a church. He was in software development at the time.
He launched home studies and organized the weekly ''Central Teaching'' sessions. In 1994, he moved his family to Bedford, then to Stow in 2001.
For several years, they met in Bedford, later in a warehouse in northern Summit County and then rented space at Riverwood in Kent. Recently, they've been meeting at the Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls.
McCallum said he and his wife, Darlene, work full time for the church. He said he had some savings from his business career and that in 2007, he and his wife made about $42,000, including taxable and nontaxable income.
The vast majority of Xenos church members have had no other church relationship, he said.
A lot of people ''have a grotesque picture of church. Often it is either past experience or it is so alien and foreign to their cultural experience. It is like walking into The Wizard of Oz.''
The church is not ''hung up'' on such things as services, robes or steeples, or even church music. ''We don't do anything traditional,'' he said — with the exception of focusing on the Bible.
He said he met with Stow Mayor Karen Fritschel and Chief Dirker a few weeks ago to explain the church mission because of the controversy.
''Spiritual decisions are extremely significant and, boy, do they cause arguments,'' he said.
McCallum said the church's beliefs can be summed up like this:
''We believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, that came down to Earth to pay for our sins and make it possible to have a personal relationship with God by grace, and not by good works or rituals, but by God's forgiveness.''
And, he said, the church is praying for Annemarie Smith.
Annemarie Smith said she is ''praying for the other families of Xenos.''
Division remains
''I know I can't save Tommy,'' she said on her blog. ''He has to save himself.''
And over the holidays, she posted this: ''Holidays are unbearable and your dogs miss you.''
McCallum, meanwhile, is at a loss.
''We are all about maintaining and deepening relationships,'' so this dispute runs counter to beliefs, he said.
Thomas Smith said he has called his father's cell phone almost weekly, but there is no answer. His mother disputes that, although she says he left a message on the house phone a few weeks ago saying he is well.
He is a sophomore at Kent State University and working part time for a NASA contractor.
''I want to reconcile that relationship more than anything else,'' he said. ''They are my only parents.''
But, he said, ''it's hard to hear your mom say she thinks you should go to jail.''
Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Akron, Oh
Posted 07:07 AM, 02/08/2009
''They seemed to only care about the kids,'' she said of church leaders, and that was troubling. There is, she said, ''something wrong with this church.
I'm not religious, but I believe this is much better than what some of the kids today are doing.
Are they being led to vandalize, rob, or kill? If not let them be.
Posted 07:38 AM, 02/08/2009
why such a long and drawn out article for this? this goes on all over the world, every day. he's 18, an adult, let him do what he wants to.
btw, if you look at the definition of a cult, you'd find that ALL organized religion is a cult. fear, control, rules, etc...
Massillon, OH
Posted 07:48 AM, 02/08/2009
As a former Catholic, my mom was not comfortable with me going to a "holy roller" churh as a teenager. My initial interest in going was a girl and the chance to play on the softball team. Mom felt threatened when I accepted Christ, began reading the Bible, and became excited about my newfound sense of spirituality.
A couple of thoughts here. One, any religion views proselytizing negatively especially Catholicism. If mom is a "dyed in the wool" Catholic, of course she would object to her son "going over to the other side." And yes, she would take it as a personal failure. Second, the extreme position she has taken suggests she has some "control" issues. If that is this case, this is her problem, not her sons. Rather than a disproportionate response, I would suggest that she take a step back, gain a little clarity, perhaps attend a church service, and find out what is lighting her son's spiritual fire. Every person is a free morale agent with the right to choose. While this son has not chosen to embrace his Catholic roots, he is still his mother's son . . . for life.
Massillon, OH
Posted 07:55 AM, 02/08/2009
The mom has huge control issues that are appropriate for the counseling office. I doubt if she has done much research into Xenos or cults. As for the "don't drink the kool-aide", are you kidding me? She needs to get a grip. Her boy has not chosen to embrace her faith. She feels the rejection and guilt of him "going astray." The problem isn't the son's or the churches . . . it's hers!
Rittman, ohio
Posted 07:59 AM, 02/08/2009
Well, the point has been made he is 18.
Waving toy guns in the backseat of a car however, is truly stupid .
Akron, OH
Posted 08:06 AM, 02/08/2009
Slow news day?
I also think that 1st page above the fold plus TWO WHOLE PAGES is too much for this nutter mother & her nutty campaign.
Which is the real cult here?
Akron, OH
Posted 08:07 AM, 02/08/2009
Pre-Vatican II Catholics were raised with a form of brainwashing where they had to rote memorize a Catechism and had to be able to produce it word for word on questioning.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:21 AM, 02/08/2009
I think some of the previous comments have stated the issue here. Another slow news day at the ABJ.
Cults come in many forms. Many of todays cults are anti-religious and likely is a product of the me-me society we have today.
Unless or until this organization breaks any laws, they can teach what they wish.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:35 AM, 02/08/2009
I agree with psars 61. I am technically a "protestant" but I also have good friends who are Catholic, so I am aware of the peripheral differences we have. We have agreed to disagree on these, but we celebrate the central Christian themes both denominations share (and neither of us are completely "dyed in the wool" and recognize our slight "non-denominational tendencies).
I researched Xenos online and found their statements of faith to be pretty consistent with traditional Christian beliefs (who Jesus is, how to get to Heaven, etc...) Their differences seem to be worship styles - probably to reach those who are not interested in "traditional" worship styles.
The fact that Thomas is going to school and working part time runs contradictory to the practices of typical "extreme" cults. Those types of cults practice complete isolationism for their congregation, fearing the influences of the outside world.
Posted 08:55 AM, 02/08/2009
Catholism is also a lifelong cult, let's not forget that. So did anyone else read between the lines and notice that when your world is small and your chips are down, you can be easily influenced by the "word of God" spoken to you by others. The young man thought he was at a crossroads in life when he broke up with his girlfriend and got into a car accident in the same day? Due to the influences around him, he automatically thought to be "saved" by God because his circumstances were so "bad". I feel sorry for him and all the others who do the same thing.
Kent, Oh
Posted 09:16 AM, 02/08/2009
The feature article is proof positive.....not that we needed any more proof.....that religion divides. It doesn't unite people, it divides people. As Christopher Hitchens says, "religion poisons everything."
Here you have a family in which each participant calls themselves a Christian....worshipping the same Saviour sent by the same Father....and look at the result. Strife and division.
Religion divides people, always has, always will.
The first step for those still under the bondage of divisive religion is to DOUBT. DOUBT is good.
Posted 09:24 AM, 02/08/2009
I am an agnostic, but I see some utility in religion for some people. Charitable work, self-discipline, and so-on. Its just not for me. Our constitution provides for the "free excercise", the kid is 18, that should settle it.
Posted 09:24 AM, 02/08/2009
If this lady is such a good catholic and promised to raise her children as such then why did she pull him out of catholic school when they moved to Stow and he only went to church occasionally after that? May be she ought to look at her practice of catholicism. She didn't do the best job and her son has found something that may give him direction and she can't handle it. She also needs to get a life. He is becoming and adult and can make his own decisions and although that is not easy as a parent it has to be. Also, going to jail is not the answer for her son.
Posted 09:26 AM, 02/08/2009
I was brainwashed at the age of 1st grade in a catholic school. They teach you that you will go to hell if you don't belong.I can't imagine that anyone not belonging to the catholic religion is going to sent to hell. I believe that any church/religion is good/ as long as you don't go overboard. Like politics/ like religion. It is a private matter. Nobody likes to be preached on & preaching your religion in the workplace is harrassment.
akron, oh
Posted 09:33 AM, 02/08/2009
My cult is better than your cult son. Come back to it.....
akron, oh
Posted 09:43 AM, 02/08/2009
holidays are unbearable and your dogs miss u... LOL
If anyone is goofy and brainwashed... I am betting it isnt the son...
akron, oh
Posted 09:49 AM, 02/08/2009
A more accuraye title for this piece would be "Menopausal control freak mom goes berserk".
Hormone therapy might calm things down.
Peculiar how the dad is keeping a low profile.
Probably out talking to a divorce attorney.
This lady is a candidate for psychological help.
Of all the things her son could be involved in, this sounds like the cream of the crop.
Please go have a vibrator party and leave these folks alone.
_________, OH
Posted 10:08 AM, 02/08/2009
WOW 1st lady your son is 18 you need to let go. Go to the Catholic church ( I am catholic too by the way) you claim to be so a part of and pray for that boy and keep praying.To talk the walk you gotta walk the walk!!!GO TO CHURCH. Nowhere in the article do you say you go so that would make you in my book not Catholic or non practicing. Lady I'd stop now before you not only destroy any relationship you might have down the road with you son,but also your mind. Give it to the lord. The kid isn't worshiping the devil so lighten up. All kids have to grow up on their own to some degree. This is his chance to grow. When he is ready he'll come around. Maybe it wont be for 10 years or longer but he will. During that time what can you do since you can't have you way??? You can GO TO CHURCH and pray!!!!!As far as Adult industry stuff I personally wouldn't be a part of it period and definitely not while raising a family. But hey you made your choices right? So has he. GO TO CHURCH pray.Some things you can't control. Making this minsister out to be the bad guy to regain control YIKES. Until he's done wrong he's not the bad guy. GO TO CHURCH find your peace there!!!!!or there will be no peace for you.
Posted 10:11 AM, 02/08/2009
Another slow news day! And you wonder why your subscriptions dwindle along with your advertising revenue.
Mom, pray.
Pray for you son because that is all you can do. He is an adult who will do what he wants. Let him make his own mistakes. Son, you do belong in jail if you think waving (toy?) guns in a parking lot is fun?! A word of advice-do not ask your mom or dad for money. Go it alone. I wonder how you are paying for tuition at Kent State. You certainly cannot earn college funds on a part-time job. You must be in deep loan debt.
Glad I checked the news online before I bought a paper today. Now I don't need to waste my money.
north canton, oh
Posted 10:34 AM, 02/08/2009
Stumpy, you made me laugh. Thanks.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:37 AM, 02/08/2009
Let the young man be a man MOMMY! If you want to talk about cults, look at yours. Do you not worship the statue of the Virgin Mary? WOW it seems my Father in heaven wrote 10 rules. You need to follow them!!!As the old saying goes..it is better to believe in GOD and die only to find out there is no GOD than is is not to believe in GOD and die..only to find out there is a GOD.
We must remember that ANY church is an organised religion. Example..got to 3 different churches in 3 weeks. You will find 3 different teachings of the same Bible verse. Bottom line is..believe in GOD and believe in yourself. Number one will take care of number two. NEVER GIVE UP ON NUMBER ONE!! Praise him not only in good times but praise him during your bad times for these times are a test.
Posted 10:55 AM, 02/08/2009
The scripture says, "raise up your children in the way that they should go and they will not part from it"
This young man is finding his way, in his own way and while fearful of the consequences, mom needs to realize, that SOME religion is better than NO religion.
Catholic guilt has probably caused this young manto be conflicted to look elsewhere for Heavenly guidance.
Reverse psychology could work here. Instead of blasting his church and his choice, GO with him, see what he sees, hear what he hears. You may be surprised. Step away from what YOU believe long enough to see HIS attraction
And mom, Tommy would have been in the back seat of that car waving toy guns whether he was at St. Martha's or Xeno's.
Your behaviour now can affect your relationship with your son the rest of his life. Dont give Xeno's the opportunity to be bigger than his love for you.
A little counseling might help you and I mean that in a loving way.
Been there, done that
Stow, OH
Posted 11:12 AM, 02/08/2009
she hosted related in-home passion parties.
She told her son that she was going to get a gun and shoot McCallum.Annemarie Smith says she raised her family in a good Catholic home.
Lady ,it's people like you who give Christians a bad name .What a hypocrite .
Posted 11:27 AM, 02/08/2009
".... Her boy has not chosen to embrace her faith. .."
I think that this is really the most likely root of the mother's angst.
Because she is such a devout catholic, she would probably feel and act the same way if her son started attending a Baptist, Pentecostal or other less "traditional" Christian church. You don't have to sit through a sermon in Latin to believe in and follow Christ.
And FWIW, it's not exactly as if the Catholic church has had such a gleaming and stellar record of good works over the years, especially in regard to children.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:39 AM, 02/08/2009
Xenos seems more like "Chaotic Christ-following."
Stow, Oh
Posted 11:54 AM, 02/08/2009
It is sad to see that Mrs. Smith has alienated her son because he has found his way to God. If she really loved her son she would not have given him an ultimatum. "Us or the church". I could see if he was doing drugs or something illegal that would hurt himself or his family but it sounds to me like he is a responsible person, and yet he is still young by the stupid gun thing. I think that Mrs. Smith needs not only to apologize to her son but she needs to apologize to God and ask God to give her guidance. She says that she is a catholic, which is a religion not a relationship. I was raised a Baptist but now Iam a Christian. It's about a personal relationship not a denomination. Seek first the kingdom of God. I have a young child who is loving and bright and I don't care if she would murder someone, I will never stop loving her, no matter what. You say that you love your son. So show him. Stop this lunacy.
Posted 11:57 AM, 02/08/2009
It is unfortunate that catholic faith is being held above the plain and simple love for the Lord. We are here to Glorify Him - not ourselves. The fact that this family is being divided by this matter is extremely sad. Some advice Mom - catholicism is not the answer - the Lord is - once you understand and live for Him, you will be at peace. God Bless all of you.
Posted 12:52 PM, 02/08/2009
This is news? Except for the family involved, who cares?
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 12:55 PM, 02/08/2009
A dad who is an officer of a business that distributes adult material and a mom who hosts related in-home parties are not providing a good home, Catholic or otherwise. Your son will be better off at his church and staying with friends.
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 01:20 PM, 02/08/2009
"is a financial officer for a Cleveland distributor of adult material and she hosted related in-home passion parties."
I find it ironic that this mother would be so angry about a son seeking spiritual guidance at a churh while she and her husband work and support an industry that has destroyed lives and marriages. I wonder how the Catholic church feels about the father's profession.
Reynoldsburg, Oh
Posted 01:30 PM, 02/08/2009
I've attended the original Xenos (located in Columbus) for a couple of months now. I can't speak for the Stowe-based branch, but Xenos is consistant with any other evangelical, non-denomination church I've ever been to, and I've been to a lot!
If the mom has only ever been to Catholic churches, than Xenos is a huge difference, but a cult? Rediculous.
An ultimatum between church and family is a sad thing to do a kid. It's heart breaking that the family refused to attend his baptism. And the mom is only doing more damage to their relationship with her blog, which I've been following for a couple of months.
I wish the son the best of luck, and I hope the family can come around.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 01:32 PM, 02/08/2009
Ooops. My comment didn't make it in because I wrote that the kid's parents were in the pron (purposely transposed) industry. The ant-spam filter appears to be working!
Bedford, OH
Posted 01:37 PM, 02/08/2009
Going through all of this has been quite the adventure. I feel like I want to cry reading this, the evil one straight got what he deserved. Satan is going to try to take us down for sure! Its such a good day! I feel amazing knowing the truth is out. I feel sympathy for Mrs. Smith though. I will pray for her that she one day sees the light. If you read this Mrs. Smith, my heart goes out to you, may you one day meet the Lord, and share gods gift with him and all his children!
Philippians 2:1-11
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross! As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:45 PM, 02/08/2009
B-
That really puts it into perspective, brother.
I share your sentiments of sympathy and compassion, and it's great seeing you articulate it via Scripture.
Even if we're brainwashed, Mrs. Smith, we're brainwashed to believe God loves you, too.
STOW, OH
Posted 01:53 PM, 02/08/2009
hey its me, the one who got arrested. I would just like to thank Mr. Carney for his excellent investigative journalism and professionalism.
your comments were very helpful and encouraging! Thank you! I especially enjoyed Donny's comment! How true!
And I would also like to invite anyone who has any concerns or questions about this church to check out a meeting, we certainly are not about "Hiding" from the world. We are keeping Mrs. Smith and her family in our prayers. I really have hope that God can help restore Tom and his mom's relationship.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:54 PM, 02/08/2009
A cult? It would be terrible to belong to a cult. Imagine belonging to a cult that sexually abused children and covered it up for decades. Imagine belonging to a cult that told its followers how to vote and also tell them what they can and cannot do in the privacy of their own bedrooms or with their doctors.
Why would this mom want allow her son to join a cult like this?
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 01:56 PM, 02/08/2009
What's a "passion party". Doesn't sound like something aChristian should be involved in.
Kent, OH
Posted 01:56 PM, 02/08/2009
I just hope that this may be the push to restore Tom and his parent's relationship. How beautiful that would be!
stow, oh
Posted 02:04 PM, 02/08/2009
these comments are great haha...i just started going to the meets back in september maybe? and i just want to say that these people are anything but a cult...they are the best friends anyone could possibly have...i have never been happier with a decision in my life, and i have never been religious...
Everyone i have met in Xenos has treated me like a best friend, like family, and i could not be any more thankful for that. Tom is a great person and I really hope this helps mend he and his parents' relationship...
stow, oh
Posted 02:08 PM, 02/08/2009
and i am proud to say that i am a member of the Xenos community
Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
Posted 02:16 PM, 02/08/2009
''We believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, that came down to Earth to pay for our sins and make it possible to have a personal relationship with God by grace, and not by good works or rituals, but by God's forgiveness.''
That statement is what makes it possible to reconcile with anyone. FORGIVENESS is so freeing and life-giving. Tom, I am praying for you and your mom that your relationship is restored.
''We are all about maintaining and deepening relationships,'' so this dispute runs counter to beliefs, he said.
Jesus Christ died that we may have a relationship with the creator of the universe and with one another - all are able to have a relationship with God - this relationship is for the asking.
stow, oh
Posted 02:26 PM, 02/08/2009
I feel sorry for Mrs. Smith but moslty for her son.
It is obvious that this entire ordeal and persecution of this church group is derived from her belief that "if you arent catholic, you arent following the right god".
catholics have been wrong before..... the crusades, the inquisition, witch hunting, a couple of priests in the news .......
Criticizing your son for his belief in god, then having sex toy parties at your house where/while he was raised...... and wanting him to go to prison???
In spite of all of this..I think that in view of fact that he has still embraced christianity... after all of that..you still should consider yourself a successful parent.
Call your son.... and tell him you love him.
After all isnt forgiveness the primary trait of a christian??
somewhere near you, US
Posted 02:28 PM, 02/08/2009
Whatever happened to "religious freedom" and "turn the other cheek"? LOL!
Just another example of the problem with religious organizations, if you don't believe what I believe, your belief is wrong.
One man made belief fighting with another man made belief - insanity defined.
Stow, Oh
Posted 02:45 PM, 02/08/2009
Mrs. Smith. I would like to hear your views of all of these postings. Has God touched your heart yet? You need to look at all of these remarks with an open heart. Let God show you the truth. Do not be ashamed of the past, it is the past. Open your heart now to God and Tom. I know that he wants a relationship with you if you will allow it. Don't let Satan get the better of you. Always remember that he (Satan) is the great deceiver so again open your heart to hear Him.
Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
Posted 02:58 PM, 02/08/2009
Question Authority - but that what makes this group so intriguing - that don't define themselves as any organization - especially not a religious organization. It's all about relationships based on the word of God as revealed through scripture.
This dynamic is refreshing - far from stale.
Kent, Oh
Posted 03:25 PM, 02/08/2009
Hey this is Thomas Smith. The article above is about me...
I just wanted to get on here and say a few things.
1. First i need to commend Jim Carney for writing such an amazing article. I know you have spent many hours working on this and you truly need to be honored for all your hard work.
2. Next i would like to encourage everyone to explore having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As you can tell it has had an amazing impact on my life. Please contact me to talk further, you can do that by going to my blog:
http://tom.neoblogs.org/ or
http://neoxenos.org/
3. I must thank everyone for all there kind words and prayers for my family. I really hope i get to reconcile my relationship with my family.
Guyana, Oh
Posted 03:31 PM, 02/08/2009
YEAH, EVERYBODY JOIN UP...STEP RIGHT UP.......THE TWO TEEN KOOK KULT GUN WAVERS ARE ON LINE COMMENDING THE STORY AND ARE EXPLOITING IT FOR NEW MEMBERSHIP.............SEE HOW OLD JIM JONES WAS RIGHT IN HIS LAST POST? THESE PEOPLE HAVE NO CONSCIENCE, IT'S BEEN RIPPED FROM THEM AS WAS THEIR SENSES...........I'D LIKE TO DEBATE YOU KOOKS PUBLICLY ABOUT YOUR BIBLE.....ALA THE SKOPES MONKEY TRIAL.......I DON'T KNOW WHO'S MORE PATHETIC YOU TWO KULT PUNKS THAT POSTED ON HERE OR YOUR KOOK PARENTS, BECAUSE BOTH YOUR PARENTS ARE KOOKS TOO.............
Posted 03:51 PM, 02/08/2009
Just a little hint there, Jimmy Boy...
If you really want people to read your posts, you might want to consider using some correct spelling and the occasional punctuation mark or two.
And yeah, yeah, yeah, I get that your spelling (or lack thereof) is part of your whole "vibe" thing, and helping to make your point al'a "Kook this" and "Kult that" and "Kommunity" and blah blah blah... it all so tired and lame.
(Yawn.)
In fact, I only got about 2 sentences into your little tirade and then simply quit reading because it was simply too arduous to continue reading.
Oh... and the all-cap thing? Also very tired.
You think you're getting people's attention with that when the truth is that all you are doing is getting the reader to quickly move on to the next post.
Just a thought.
Posted 03:56 PM, 02/08/2009
Thomas Smith, if that is really you posting, call your mother, invite her to a service, actions can speak louder than words my friend, God says "that when two or more are gathered in my name, let there be rejoicing, and glory to His name. Let your mother know no matter how she feels, that by God, you are her son and loved by the same God who loves her.
It's not easy being a mom now days.
Akron, OH
Posted 05:13 PM, 02/08/2009
True Christians trust and admit that God knows what He is doing, and that He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. Let the LORD guide this young adult to His Son, Jesus Christ, as He alone is fully capable.
The mom should be glad the son is drawn to the Person of Jesus and not just to an obligation ritual repeated over and over until we can say the whole thing in our sleep--sleep induced by lifeless manequins of men not indwelt by the Holy Spirit. If they were, they'd be able to give a sermon that INSPIRES, instead of putting people to sleep!!!
As an evangelical Christian, I'm leery of "loosely formed" or free-form churches too. But remember that at Pentecost, the Disciples proclaiming the truth of Christ with such unseen power and knowledge were thought to have been "drinking too much wine".
Reading the Book of Acts in a modern version is always a good refresher course.
8 "But you will receive power WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES ON YOU; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%201&version=31
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 05:45 PM, 02/08/2009
sorry to say, this mother is being totally misguided in her reaction and love for her son...this church has more in tune with Christ and his teachings than many do
how cruel to refuse to attend something so impacting on her son's spiritual wellbeing and selfperception as his chosing a life-altering baptism; is there something within her own belief that would ever allow a baptism twice in one's life? once as an infant and once as a decision making adult would seem appropriate, not out of place
a cult would never have invited parents to attend; she may want to reflect on that--i'm certain the police have, and clearly understand who is foolish, and who is not
Akron, oh
Posted 06:28 PM, 02/08/2009
I hate cults. They should have included the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research up on Brittain Road in this article...
Posted 06:34 PM, 02/08/2009
To bad the mother doesn't have the commonsense not to air her dirty laundry in public. I mean ... She has a disagreement with her son over religion. Which she then turned into a three pager in the ABJ? Now, everyone knows what her husband does for a living and the type of parties that she / they hold in their home. She says that she just wants her son to come back home ... I think the ABJ, by printing this as news (Human interest or otherwise), have helped to push him further away. Anyone agree? How embarrassing ...
Stow, OH
Posted 06:38 PM, 02/08/2009
Wow. What a mess. I'm the "The Local Xenos Leader" mentioned above. What a relief this article is done -- since 11/08 J. Carney's been a regular fixture, like a "pew" in some churches. But I can't criticize his diligence, and he was courteous.
I only pray this article leads Mrs. Smith & Tom into dialog. It doesn't matter who's done what to whom. Forgiveness is God's wisdom throughout the Bible, and He swept away the "blame game", and said, "I'll take all the blame...now can we start a relationship?"
Mrs. Smith, both Catholics and Protestants agree that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, who laid aside His rights in order to forgive us. Isn't "forgiveness" what all married couples, parents, kids or friends need to make a relationship work? Isn't it guaranteed that love incurs pain & injustice, because we're all sinners? The only question is wether we will give and receive forgiveness.
Since the Mayor of Stow was dragged into this thing, she offered her office to mend the alienation between mother & son -- and she has resources! Riverwood Chapel is willing to help, and their pastors are experienced & qualified in family counseling. I bet some priests or nuns reading this article will offer to help, too.
Mrs. Smith, please talk with Tom. The Mayor, Riverwood Chapel, or maybe a priest will help. It's painful for a moment...but the rewards are incalculable.
stow, oh
Posted 06:49 PM, 02/08/2009
Cults -- what about the liberal media's cult of Obama worshipers. Now that's a nutty group that needs to be watched, not this Xenos church.
Stow, OH
Posted 06:50 PM, 02/08/2009
And just a note for the above comments about the divisions & hatred caused by religion -- you guys are right, and it's the embarrassment of church history.
But also look at the divisions & hatred caused by a million other reasons, including atheism -- Stalin and Mao didn't do so well either.
This is why Jesus died on the cross: everyone loves to hate, but Jesus forgives and offers it freely to anyone willing to receive it:
"For it is by God's grace you've been saved...not as a result of your own good works. It is the free gift of God" (Eph.2:8,9)
Sagamore Hills, Oh
Posted 07:18 PM, 02/08/2009
Are you kidding me, why would the Akron Beacon Journal waste their time to give this paranoid women front page coverage? This is such a nonissue. Maybe the Beacon Journal is just trying to create a religious war? This lady is off base.
akron, oh
Posted 07:59 PM, 02/08/2009
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15
They are imposters, peddling themselves off as God’s ministers, like Satan who has transformed himself into a “messenger of light” (II Cor. 11:13-14).
people like these xenos instead of trying to convert non-believers people
survive by stealing from other christian denominations. former catholics are always a big prize.
remember, satan quoted scripture while trying to tempt Jesus, after His fast in the desert
xenos is a Greek word meaning "stranger" or "alien"
Posted 10:46 PM, 02/08/2009
This woman is a total whack job. After attending a wedding in a catholic church i felt they were one step from drinking the cool aid. All the chanting they do in a monotone was like listening to a cult chant.
Posted 10:48 PM, 02/08/2009
xenos is a Greek word meaning "stranger" or "alien
Sounds like Xenos means Obama
Akron, OH
Posted 10:50 PM, 02/08/2009
I can appreciate your concerns, poorqpine. This is why we invite the investigation of the seeking heart.
All that remains for an individual is to be open and honest before almighty God.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:15 PM, 02/08/2009
Rosemarie, you're an embarrassment to Catholics everywhere. Why not spend your efforts and energy into a better understanding and embracement of other beliefs, not "my way or the highway"?
Thomas, best of luck to you in life, and with reconciling with your parents. But don't be so disheartened if they resist - it honestly sounds as though you're better off without them, hard as it may be. I think your mother means well, but her inability to realize that your faith has the best of intentions is troubling.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 11:40 PM, 02/08/2009
poorqpine,
Xenos is not interesting in stealing people from other churches. In fact, the ratio of people coming from no church background is much higher than most churches. Most churches actually grow from transfer growth from other churches. Xenos has been particularly adept at reaching people with no church background. The people there are not interested in stealing church members at all and focus on those who have no church background or have stopped going to church.
Yes, xenos is a Greek word as mentioned in the article. The idea is that "Christians are sojourners in this life; our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20)." That quote is taken from http://www.xenos.org/aboutxenos/faq/meaning.htm
akron, oh
Posted 11:58 PM, 02/08/2009
Sorry, I couldn't make it through the whole article. Did he make it to OZ or did he wake up? Did his mom get a life?
Stow, Oh
Posted 12:26 AM, 02/09/2009
Oh by the way, hi Keith. I would love for you to call me and discuss these events with me.
Stow, Oh
Posted 12:41 AM, 02/09/2009
The article completely misses the point. The "fellowship" completely engulfs your entire life and exploits the fragile emotional and intellectual levels of young people. I am sorry that it has taken hold of so many lives. No one here understands unless they are or were a part of it (more the latter). If anyone from the fellowship wants to call and discuss the particular short-comings of this church, you know who this is. I am also sorry that when I left only one of you would even talk to me. It isolates and separates, it does not unify. It is not a cult but is an organization that would concern any parent, and i sympathize with Mrs. Smith, although this seems like more of a personal matter. This article should never have been written because it shows a complete lack of understanding and is entirely too long. Like i said above, any members that would like to discuss this with me, you know who this is, and am discussed with everything on both sides. You all need to grow up and understand that church does not mean God, it means church and should not engulf your life.
Stow, OH
Posted 12:45 AM, 02/09/2009
Hi Former Member,
Sure, let's talk! My blog is at http://remonstrance.neoxenos.org - drop on by there & you can let me know how to get in touch.
Stow, OH
Posted 01:45 AM, 02/09/2009
And just to help clarify for those wondering why the ABJ got so wrapped-up in this thing: Mrs. Smith commanded the attention of the mayor, police, high school, Riverwood, and a few "bystanders", so when she contacted the ABJ, it didn't surprise me they sent a reporter out.
Please read both "poorqpine" and "Jim Jones" comments, above -- then read Mrs. Smith's blog, and you'll probably understand how it works. (I'm an expert in this now.) It appears there is an alarming problem growing in popularity, but the adherents share common grammar & processing difficulties. And all the complaints share a simple formula: great alarm, great threat, but completely unverifiable.
Quoting from above: "TWO TEEN KOOK KULT GUN WAVERS ARE ON LINE COMMENDING THE STORY AND ARE EXPLOITING IT FOR NEW MEMBERSHIP" -- it's easily-dismissed until you get several more "personas" calling, and it's unnerving. So the Mayor, school principle, the Chapel, police, or newspaper can't afford to ignore it. While investigating, these parties got bombarded with more sensational but unverifiable claims, until it becomes the snarl you see above, in this article.
I strongly commend the ABJ's diligence in sticking with this story through so many twists and turns. They could've simply published the sensational splash about the "Parents Demonstrating" at Riverwood, and moved on, but Carney & his editors kept pursuing it to see if they could find any substance. It was long & a little irritating for us at Xenos, but I personally feel a little safer knowing we have investigative reporters still around and the freedom of the press, even if journalists are annoying (sorry, ABJ).
Stow, OH
Posted 01:51 AM, 02/09/2009
Hey Former Member, I really don't know who are, seriously. Please do contact me, since I guess you know me. I'm intrigued, and I'll listen.
Thanks.
Akron, OH
Posted 02:18 AM, 02/09/2009
Huh. It's telling that mom's blog has NO comments to any of the posts. Fake entries from her 'supporters' perhaps? Or will my posting this change that?
Lady needs to use one of the items she hawks at one of her home 'Passion Parties', and let her adult son lead his life the way he sees fit. He could be out cooking meth, gunning his way through the west side of crAkron, blowing off school in favor of using a fake ID at Kent bars. She should be grateful for that at least.
Posted 07:16 AM, 02/09/2009
Separation Anxiety? This isn't newsworthy!
Barberton, OH
Posted 03:57 PM, 02/10/2009
Religion is silly. Science is fact. You will die. It will be black.
Not to be a party pooper, but reality is far more interesting than any argument religion could muster against what should be common sense logic.
STOW, OH
Posted 11:43 AM, 02/11/2009
I see design in the universe, Common sense to me is there is a designer! :)
Barberton, OH
Posted 03:42 PM, 02/11/2009
@ kjmccallum
No designer. Basic biology should have taught you that. Sorry. You can have all the faith in the world that 'God' exists, but that in no way shape or form makes a 'God' real. It makes you delusional to think so.
I'm not trying to be mean either, just pointing out what we can actually say we know about the universe and our place in it.
While the .00000000000000001 percentage that a designer somehow just 'poof' existed and created the universe in the Big Bang is possible only because we still have some questions about what occured inter-dimensionally before the Big Bang, no religion whatsoever created by man is based on scientifically or historically proven facts.
Posted 04:37 PM, 02/11/2009
As a former Catholic, I know what it feels like when doctorine cannot be reconciled with personal belief. Thankfully, I have a mom who is respectful of the fact I was raised to be a good person, regardless of my attendance at any type of house of worship.
Almost a decade after I stopped attending Catholic Mass I began attending non-denom services. At first it was truly bizzare because I was raised with the repetition of the Catholic Church so it was all I knew. Now, almost a year after I began attending services at EFC, I feel like I have a family there. My 'family' there does not judge me as I am now or have been in the past, they are there when I need comfort, guidance or just to decompress about life.
Shouldn't that be the purpose of a group of people gathering to discuss religion? We can read the Bible on our own, watch ministers preach everyday on tv and the internet, we can even purchase Biblical study guides. But gathering once (or more) a week is about a sense of community with a common purpose...
Akron, OH
Posted 11:46 PM, 02/11/2009
"basic biology?" There's no such thing as "basic biology."
akron, oh
Posted 06:59 AM, 02/12/2009
FAITH-Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.
Barberton, OH
Posted 08:14 AM, 02/12/2009
@j777
What I meant by 'basic biology' is the information one would gain at an early age, say in 6th grade, which I remember as being the first year we tackled some of the bigger topics in the world of biology.
Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
Posted 08:28 AM, 02/13/2009
Interesting dialogue.
Stow, OH
Posted 09:49 AM, 02/13/2009
@ Ed Haas & others here
I agree that religion is silly. Jesus thought religion was evil, too. He reserved his harshest words for the religious elite whose goal was to use their religion to control the people in order to maintain their status & power. So I'm right there with you, Ed.
However, scientists don't have a stellar record, either. My background is in science. I've seen them falsify data & do other unethical things to gain prestige &/or hang onto their grants. They use science to serve themselves. Need I remind people that science developed nuclear technology? Do you think they were unaware of how their discoveries would be used? No religion involved there. Stalin used philosophy & a thirst for power to murder millions. No religion there. Scientists in Germany & America developed eugenics under the guise of evolution to rid the world of "useless" people who drain resources from those of us more “worthy. “ Let’s hear it for “survival of the fittest.” No religion there. Wow, talk about divisions between people. Doesn’t take religion to do that.
My point is: the problem is people. Humans have the unique ability to mess everything up - religion, science, the environment, families, marriages, etc.
Jesus lived, died, & rose again to save people from themselves. We ALL need saved, especially the religionists & scientists. :)
People are the problem. We need our hearts changed.
BTW, I’m the “devil wife” from the article. Wanted to be up front about that.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:02 AM, 02/13/2009
Just to be clear- you're saying the things you learned in biology in 6th grade you've held on to with an iron fist, refusing to let go because they are TRUTH GODDAMMIT?
Maybe I'm over-analyzing.
