Interview with a Christian Author from Poland
Part I: The Mechanics of Deception and False Christo Centrism
Q: On the Hijacking of Christian Concepts: Charles Manson frequently used biblical language and twisted the image of Jesus to control others. Looking back, at what point did you as a young man lose your spiritual vigilance? What psychological and spiritual mechanisms caused that "counterfeit" to feel like the real God to you?
A: That's just it; I lacked spiritual vigilance, only desiring fleshly pleasures. I grew up blinded to the power of the Holy Spirit, so I didn't have the "real" bill to compare with the counterfeit. I was destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, not because of the many counterfeits people blame.
Q: On Leader Authority and Blind Obedience: Today, some churchgoers blindly trust leaders simply because they display seemingly supernatural elements. You once trusted Manson completely. From your perspective as a mature Christian today, how can believers maintain a healthy, biblical boundary with leaders they love, without falling into the trap of human idolatry?
A: A modern-day definition of idolatry is codependency, looking to others for something that only God can truly give them. I suggest reading "Escape from Codependent Christianity" by Dr. James B. Richards. We escape this trap by realizing our identity in Christ alone. That his finished works made us right with God, providing peace and the ability to experience His love and acceptance for security that a spiritual leader can never give.
Q: On Counterfeiting the Supernatural: In the "Family," you experienced altered states of consciousness, bizarre coincidences, and a profound sense of "supernatural unity." How do you now distinguish between the sovereign, pure work of the Holy Spirit and false spiritual manifestations or psychological manipulation?
A: We identify counterfeits like the government does fake money. Instead of studying all the counterfeit money, they get to know the feel of the real bill. Likewise, counterfeits will be easily discerned, when we are experiencing God in all His fullness by living daily in His presence and walking in the Spirit.
Part II: Syncretism and Occult Influences (The Susan Atkins Connection)
Q: On Susan Atkins' Occult Baggage: Before meeting Manson, Susan Atkins (Sadie) was involved with Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan. Having known her so closely, do you believe this early exposure to open occultism opened spiritual "doors" that made it easier for Manson to break down her morality? Do you think her later actions were tied to that early spiritual contamination?
A: I certainly can't speak for Susan, but I believe if she were alive today, she'd say that she was morally depraved long before meeting Manson. Her desires that led to her choices opened the doors to occultic contamination and actions that eventually destroyed her, but God . . .
Q: On Syncretism and Carrying Over Past Practices: Susan Atkins later experienced a profound Christian conversion and ministered to fellow inmates until her death. In your conversations with her over the years, did you notice how difficult it is for someone with an occult background to completely renew their mind? How can a Christian prevent carrying old, esoteric concepts into sound biblical theology?
A: True, Susan led a victorious Christian life in prison, but I never had conversations with her. Regardless, the battle rages for our minds whether in past occultism or not. We are complete in the Spirit, but our minds won't be until we are glorified. We overcome the doctrine of devils by knowing the Word of Truth, testifying of the blood of Christ and overflowing with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Q: On False Angelic and Demonic Revelations: Manson manipulated the group by claiming deep, hidden spiritual secrets. Today, some circles are shifting toward "angelic visitations" that bring teachings outside of Scripture. What biblical criteria for "testing the spirits" do you find most critical in discerning a true move of God from a deceptive spiritual entity?
A: Contrary to popular belief, I never saw Manson with a Bible. We trusted his claims outside of Scripture, because we were ignorant of God's Word, lacking knowledge. Ask yourself: Is the doctrine an essential of mainline Christianity? Does it line up with God's Word as a non-essential? Like the apostle Paul, make it a priority to share the simplicity of the Gospel with the world around you!
Part III: Spiritual Safety, Healing, and the Church Today
Q: On Modern Deceptions (New Age and Cultural Syncretism): Many modern churches are opening to worldly practices like eastern meditation, yoga, or pseudo-psychological methods, seeing them as harmless. Looking back at the 1960s counterculture—which started with a search for "love and peace" but ended in spiritual darkness—do you see parallels in how easily today’s Christians drop their guard?
A: I see parallels throughout history of people walking in the flesh looking for love and peace, who are powerless over Satan's devices, only to find a counterfeit. If the Pastor isn't centered in the Word of God and on fire for Jesus or Spirit-filled, neither will the congregation. They will be open to worldly practices and become dependent on them rather than Jesus. It may appear as love and only discovered when its toxicity takes the life of the church.
Q: On the Fear of the Holy Spirit: Because of cult abuses and charismatic scandals, many traditional churches have shut down the topic of the supernatural entirely. What would you say to Christians who are so afraid of demonic deception or human manipulation that they completely avoid seeking the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit?
A: This kind of fear leaves the door open to the demonic, because the power and authority of the Holy Spirit is lacking to keep the door closed, "nor give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The Holy Spirit is our Helper to discern the spirits that would bring deception into the church. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Q: On the Foundations of Spiritual Safety: In your writings for Abounding Love Ministries, you often talk about identity in Christ. If you could give a believer three non-negotiable biblical principles to remain completely safe while pursuing spiritual gifts and prayer, what would they be?
A: #1 Keeping saturated in God's Word, #2 Keeping Scriptures about the Blood of Jesus on your lips, and #3 Keeping filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit!
Q: On the Ultimate Test of Fruit: Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits." Susan Atkins served inmates until her final days, and you have ministered for decades. From the perspective of someone who walked out of deep darkness into the Light, how do you define a genuine "fruit of the Holy Spirit" that cannot be faked by psychological technique or demonic imitation?
A: According to Jesus, genuine fruit comes from the seed of God's Word, that has been planted only in "good ground," someone ". . . who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matthew 13:23). He also said: "I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Q: Last important Question: "There is a spiritual truth that falling into a deep pit of darkness happens in a split second, but climbing out of it is a long, grueling journey. As a Christian who has spent decades walking in God’s grace, how do you personally handle the inner warfare regarding your past? Is it truly possible to experience total freedom and a renewed mind, or is it a lifelong battle against the accusations of the enemy and one's own conscience? What advice would you give to someone who has escaped a spiritual trap or severe sin, but is still fighting the daily weight of their past and trying to completely rebuild their thinking?"
A: In my previous answers, I've shared the key to handling inner warfare past and present. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). Faith in the Word, the blood of Jesus and the power of Holy Spirit is the key to living daily in God's presence. It's a lifelong battle against the world, the flesh and the devil, who tempts the desires of the heart, even Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). He overcame the devil by God's Word and so do we overcome him "by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony" about the blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11). Our communion must be more than just Sunday morning, but a lifestyle of transformation through being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Interview Questions by Lukasz Olechnowicz, a Christian Author from Poland, who is writing a book "specifically how occult elements, New Age practices, yoga and non-Biblical therapies quietly penetrate evangelical churches."
The Daily News Interview . . .
Thank you. I think your past is well detailed on your website, but here are a few questions I have:
Q: Patricia Kernwinkle has been recommended for parole again, which is subject to final approval. What is your reaction to the news? Do you expect it to be approved this time? Why or why not?
I was asked this exact question this morning by an inmate while walking back to the cell from breakfast. He thought it gave me hope, but I told him, "I did too much!" He said, "At least you are honest!"
It's hard for me to get excited for Patricia, since Governor Newsom will possibly be running for President in 2028, and will deny her request because of politics. Her Manson connection continues to keep her in prison.
Q: You said in your above message to me, you aren't thinking of parole at the moment. Why is this? Have you lost faith in your chances of release because of 18 denials? Or are you no longer concerned with living life outside of incarceration? Please elaborate if so.
I was born in Dallas, Texas on 12/2/1945. I grew up with my parents, sister and brother in Copeville, a small town of 150 people, 35 miles north of Dallas. I loved my dog Collie, making friends around town and creating new go-carts. "My Love For Cars" was evident from an early age, thoughout my childhood and teenage years. I excelled academically and in sports as a all-American kid, while trying to hide my drinking and gallivanting from my parents while in high school and college.
In the beginning, life was too easy for Charles Watson. As a star athlete in high school, many people knew that he was on the road to greatness. But for Charles, life didn't feel complete. He always felt an emptiness inside, something was missing and soon he began searching for that something or someone who would bring fulfillment and purpose to his life. His search led him into the arms of Charles Manson. Manson and his family of followers gave Charles the security and acceptance he longed for. Through the use of free sex and drugs. Manson began to slowly gain complete control of him and the the other family members. By the time Charles realized how much out of control his life was, it was too late! His participation in the murder of the La Biancas had tied him to one of the most gruesome and cold blooded crimes in history. Could God forgive someone like Charles Watson? Charles found out for himself just how merciful God can be.
You may write Charles directly using the following mailing address:
I was born in Bethlehem to a Yugoslavian father and a Palestinian mother. For much of my early life, I felt lost. Often, I acted out recklessly, which continued until high school, when I first heard about you. I started listening to your podcasts and reading your Monthly Views on your website. I cannot fully express the impact they had on me.
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