In this article, we delve into the strategies of manipulation implemented by Pastor Isaac Noriega and the leadership team of Golden Dawn Tabernacle. Through our investigation of similar organizations, we came across an unsettling pattern of conduct exhibited by Golden Dawn's leadership. Esteemed specialist in undue influence and controlling groups, Steven Hassan, has compiled a list of common traits shared by such groups. This article is based on Hassan's BITE model, which encompasses four types of authoritarian control: Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional. It is noteworthy that Golden Dawn conforms to nearly every single point on this list. Groups that fulfill the BITE criteria are categorized as cults.
Article Purpose
The authors of this article wish to emphasize that the statements and inquiries presented here are not meant to cause harm or disparage anyone's intellect. The purpose of this article is to shed light on Isaac Noriega's unwarranted sway over congregants and churchgoers who contribute tithes at Golden Dawn Tabernacle. Personal beliefs will not be discussed, and instead, the Bible will serve as the basis for determining what is right, wrong, or sinful.
Biblical standards will be used to assess the stringent rules that Isaac has enforced for several years. The subsequent questions have been raised by present and past members of the church.
- Why are there so many Church rules and are they Biblically based?
- Why do the Church rules evolve (and get stricter over time) if they are from God?
- Why would God change his standards of holiness?
Isaac frequently asserts during his sermons that he receives divine revelations of "The Word" from God. Throughout the years, he has disclosed new “sins” that have been privately communicated to him by God. He has also employed this approach while introducing fresh regulations or benchmarks of righteousness. Hence, the question arises - is Isaac a spokesperson for God, or is he merely an authoritarian figure tightening his hold over the assembly with time?
B.I.T.E. Model Examples
The following examples demonstrate how Isaac Noriega's regulations align with the BITE (Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional) control model. It's important to note that we're only using a few instances as illustrations; the full extent of the rules can be found on the rule page.
Behavior Control: The members of the church are required to adhere to rigorous rules regarding their hairstyle, social circle, recreational activities, attire, significant decisions, and other aspects. The emphasis on conformity within the church stifles individuality, discouraging members from standing out and instead encouraging them to fit into the mold of a "simple" or "subject" member. Additionally, there's an enormous burden to project an image of being "holy" and "sold-out," which compels members to conform to the mold of an exemplary church member. The consequence for non-compliance involve being ostracized and enduring public humiliation.
Information Control: The use of smartphones and the internet is strictly prohibited, and members are discouraged from visiting libraries or seeking education outside of the church's own curated school for children. Communication with former members and anyone outside the church, including friends and family, is prohibited. Fellowship with other churches, even other Message churches, is not allowed without explicit authorization from Isaac, such as during the April meetings. The church leadership withholds information from the general assembly regarding scandals, financial and legal issues. Additionally, leadership encourages members to spy on each other and submit anonymous tips to entrap those who break the rules. Isaac is known to grossly abuse confessions, weaponizing them whenever it serves his purposes. Members are restricted from asking doctrinal questions, with Isaac claiming to have a superior understanding of the word.
Thought Control: Isaac is viewed as the ultimate authority and is believed to speak on behalf of God, while parents' roles are downplayed, critical thinking is discouraged, education is limited, and children are committed to the church from birth (lifetime contract). Members are taught that they cannot leave if they truly love God. Isaac's sermons are known to be lengthy, often lasting up to 3-3 1/2 hours, which can overwhelm and exhaust members of the congregation. This tactic is used to induce mental fatigue and discourage critical thinking. This is exemplified by a recording in which Isaac tells a member who had questions that they were being influenced by too many voices and should not think for themselves or conduct research. When presented with evidence or questions he dislikes, Isaac uses a strawman logical fallacy by misrepresenting the argument and dismissing it with a blanket statement attributing it to Satan, even if the evidence or questions are legitimate.
Transcript:
"I'm just telling you that, that you're listening to too many voices, and they're leading you for them in the wrong way. Now Satan can have facts, Satan can have proof, but in the long run Jesus identified him to be a liar, so they can present all this truth to you -- all this all these Truth for you."
Emotional Control: Isaac employs a repetitive pattern of alternating between building up and tearing down individuals over the years. He publicly humiliates them, then at times, turns to "love bombing" as a way to justify his behavior as a demonstration of his "love" or "concern." This behavior is similar to that of an abusive spouse. Congregants are indoctrinated with an "Us vs. Them" mentality that instills fear of the outside world and leaving the church, as doing so is equated with losing one's salvation. Isaac stokes fear of the outside world and emphasizes that all those outside the church walls are lost sinners. He often makes statements such as "there's no peace outside of this place" or "only the bride has love." Additionally, guilt is used as a means of control, with congregants made to feel responsible for everything from his wife's illness to COVID deaths to the recent loss of members, as Isaac never takes responsibility. This promotes feelings of guilt and unworthiness.
Contradictory Examples - Rules for Thee, Not For Me
Church School Example (Fits all B.I.T.E. categories)
In the late 1970s, a school was established on the property of Tucson Tabernacle, which was considered a sister church to Isaac's congregation, and both churches regularly attended a week-long convention in December known as the December meetings. Isaac could often be seen sitting directly behind the pulpit and giving a testimony at these meetings for a couple of years. However, a few years later, Isaac no longer condoned attendance at these meetings or at Tucson Tabernacle, and he preached against churches having schools, considering it a Catholic practice. In the mid-1980s, a child from Golden Dawn Tabernacle was attending the Tucson Tabernacle elementary school, and Isaac was quoted as saying to the young child, "I told your mom and dad that no Christian should be sending their kids to a church school unless they want them to get a Catholic spirit."
Contradictory Conclusion: Golden Dawn Tabernacle currently runs a large school with quasi-mandatory attendance for all children. It is also in the process of being expanded.
Church Dress Code Example (fits all B.I.T.E. categories)
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Isaac allowed men to have pompadours, beards, mustaches, and long sideburns, even extending below the ear. Church members dressed in snug bell-bottom polyester pants and jumbo collared shirts, with ankle-high boots featuring a side zipper and a 2-inch heel. Isaac himself was known to wear bellbottom pants, shirts with jumbo collars, and ankle-high zipper boots. Sisters were often seen with large beehive hairdos and wearing Levi skirts. Family photos from that time period can attest to this. It's important to note that this information is not meant to criticize church members' dress or leisure activities but to highlight the example of control.
Contradictory Conclusion: Today, this behavior would be considered sinful, worldly and one could even be punished by no longer being allowed to attend Golden Dawn.
Public School Education & Extracurricular Activities (fits all B.I.T.E. all categories)
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was permitted for parents to enroll their children in public schools and extracurricular activities. Isaac's son, Stephen Noriega, participated in Little League Baseball for Sunnyside L.L. at Mission Manor Park, and Isaac would watch his son play from the stands. Other family members also participated in organized sports. High school students were allowed to participate in football, wrestling, and baseball for their respective schools. Families were even allowed to attend their children's high school graduation, and some graduation ceremonies were held on Wednesday nights without any repercussions from the church.
Contradictory Conclusion: Today, none of this behavior would be allowed today and would be considered living in sin and punishable by being removed from church.
Recording Services (fits Information control category):
During the 1980s and early 1990s, congregants were permitted to bring tripods and video record church services, particularly during special performances, baby dedications, and weddings. The recorded footage was later viewed for entertainment and historical documentation. It is possible that some of this footage still exists, if the correct individuals are asked.
Contradictory Conclusion: In the present day try setting up a video recording or even audio to record Isaac preaching or a family member singing. It would result in immediate removal.
Summary
The tale of the Boiling Frog is a well-known analogy where a frog is slowly boiled to death as the temperature of the water is gradually increased. We find this analogy to be a poignant reflection of the church's situation, where over time, the rules have become increasingly restrictive, and members have lost their autonomy.
We believe that the church's leaders have intentionally stifled individuality and have used spiritual manipulation to redefine things that were once permissible as "sins." This has been achieved through the guise of progressive revelation, with Isaac claiming to speak for God. We hope to shed light on this issue and expose the yoke that has been placed around the necks of church members.
The contradictory nature of the rules and the use of the B.I.T.E. model to control members is clear to see and begs the following questions:
Were Isaac and Golden Dawn Tabernacle members living in sin for allowing kids to be in public school and play organized sports?
Was Isaac living in sin while sitting in the bleachers watching his son play baseball?
When did God tell Isaac that having a church school was no longer promoting a catholic spirit?
When did God tell Isaac to ban kids from participating in organized sports?
What divine inspiration fell upon Isaac to make the practice of attending other message churches tantamount to cheating on God?
Are these rules God-given or were they created by Isaac’s controlling behavior and his own insecurities?
Were these strict rules brought in because God gave Isaac spiritual insight?
Or were they part of a power grab calculated to further his monarchal reign?
We will address additional examples in a future article, but for now, we have chosen only a few examples that fit the entire B.I.T.E. model. We have presented enough contradictions here for members who tithe to ask themselves whether God's standards change based on the latest fashion trends of each generation.
The answer is clear if we use the Bible as our standard. Malachi 3:6 says "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Furthermore, we find no biblical basis for the above authoritarian rules that Isaac has implemented.
There is no denying that there has been a significant shift in the way members are controlled, both in terms of behavior, access to information, and even their thoughts and emotions. The evidence is clear: Isaac Noriega's authority has become increasingly oppressive over time, resulting in a significant loss of personal freedom and a strict adherence to his teachings and rules. Unfortunately, this behavior has turned the church into a cult, with members psychologically imprisoned.
The Bible says that by their fruits you shall know them. Matthew 7:15-17 says “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit." Would you consider Isaac Noriega's authoritarian behavior good fruits or bad fruits? We believe the answer is very clear.
It is our hope that any current members who read this will come to this realization, and find the strength to break free from this oppressive environment. The Bible tells us that there is freedom in Christ, not the bondage and oppression that the members at Golden Dawn Tabernacle are subjected to. Freedom is biblical, authoritarian control is not. We leave you with these words of encouragement.
Galatians 5:1: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
2 Corinthians 3:17: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
1 Peter 2:16: "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God."
Do you have any control information you'd like to report about Golden Dawn Tabernacle / Tabernaculo Emanuel? Please feel free to comment below, or you can contact us, anonymously, or if you would like us to respond to you, please provide an email address or phone number at this link: Contact Us.
Archived Comments#
6 comment(s) imported from the original site:
Former GDT member — February 26, 2023#
I applaud your efforts to explain and describe the situation progression without shaming the people. Yes, there are congregants who are the individuals close to upper echelon of leadership and assist in the breaking and molding of the people. But some of these people are are truly either seeking a form of psychological or spiritual relief from something they are running from, something that is plaguing them, something that is unsettling within. These are the individuals at highest risk, and very susceptible to indoctrination.
Slowly boiling the frog is the exact way to put it. When I was there, I was pulled out in the sixth grade we continue to go to the library every week. My brother and I expressed great interest in airplanes and used to check out airplane books from the library all the time. We were suddenly banished from getting these books, except one book for months. “It has spirits on it” this became the increasingly used phrase for everything that was felt dangerous to self-esteem and self identity.
We read a lot of books from the library. Some of the kids used to make fun of my brother because he would read the dictionary and like to wear a beret or military style cap. Some of this was your typical youngster peer to peer bullying and pressure. Although I was pulled out of sixth grade, I never really did any formal education other than when the Iowa test was still required annually, but that was only one time. I was put to work with the property maintenance trustee and helped weld those massive gates that are now there. I think I worked for two or three years until I was 17. I got paid about $300 for that work.
As I got older, AOL became a thing and outside social interaction as well as information access became easier. Shortly after I left, I told my mom; we were not like the other kids there, because you instilled the desire to learn. You taught us to think for ourselves. Her response: “We raised you wrong, then“
A church school, no library access, no phones and no Internet rules most definitely hit that information and thought control and the BITE model. The other phrase that always stick out to me was “reasoning is of the devil“ — don’t question my rules. As soon as you question, it means you’re questioning God apparently. As soon as you start asking questions, it means you’re thinking independently. If you can disassociate and think too much, you would quickly realize what a terrible situation everything is.
I am angry and sad for individuals like my father, who is so high up on that list of your leadership flow chart. I know his background. Like so many others, his age, they came to the church, they came to a God for help and guidance. They were in life situations that they could not escape, situations that were painful, addiction and more. The church long ago was different because everyone had a reason for being there.
I was 15 years old when I realized I did not want to stay there. The church was singing a song about William Branham. My 15 year old brain thought why are we speaking so much about Branham and now we are singing about him? I thought we were supposed to be following God and the Bible. If you ask someone what they thought about some thing they would respond with “well, Bro. Branham said…”
That struck me as odd. sorry for the long post but I wanted to say thanks for presenting this in a manner that is not accusatory or judging of the average person there who is just a victim of a cult system. The only way you could break through to somebody like this is with gentle expression and kindness and true love. To say, you are not alone, you are not responsible to anyone but god. If someone says they are a mouth of god - then it would not be anger, it would not be manipulation, it would not be shame. It would be openness and acceptance.
You could be free to question everything. Maybe somethings you might never know. There are countless philosophers out there who debate the existence of God, the existence of evil. Some of them are priests. Some of them are atheists. Asking questions and finding the answers yourself actually leads to strength in your beliefs.
Control of information creates manipulation of your thoughts, which leads to the ability to slowly increase the heat in the water until you are boiling.
Santos — February 26, 2023#
Information control is the leading method for cults to maintain a grasp on the people. As I started researching the Branham cult I realized that there were so many discrepancies and hypocrisy from the doctrines he preached. None of that information was made available to us because it was always deemed “worldly” to question the belief system. Now a days I question everything. Especially when the authoritative system devalues self expression and individuality
Berean — March 1, 2023#
Hearing Isaac tell his congregants, but even the devil has facts makes it impossible for them to hear any voice, but his think of the kids born and raised in this place from birth. From birth, a normal child will listen to their parents. Their parents will teach them to find truth. Their parents will teach them to reason, etc.. These are all healthy traits which God has instilled in us But to only listen to Isaac this creates generations of children, like we have now who can’t even be like the Berean‘s in the Bible
From birth they’re taught that Isaac is the only true voice, but if they look into scripture, they will find many things, then don’t line up with scripture when compared to what Isaac says, . when they find that none of these rules are in the Bible when they find that it Jesus came to take the yoke of bondage, no matter what it is they won’t accept it because Isaac is telling them even Satan has facts . which is true to appoint, but using the Bible as your map we have no intercessor but in Christ ! please do your research and see that these are man-made rules
Freedom of Mind enjoyer — March 22, 2023#
“Cult members come to live within a narrow corridor of fear, guilt and shame. Problems are always their fault-the result of their weak faith. their lack of understanding, their “bad ancestors,” evil spirits, and so forth. They perpetually feel guilty for not meeting standards. The leader, doctrine and group are always right. They are wrong. They also come to believe that evil is out to get them. Phobias are the ultimate fear weapon of mind control. Shame and guilt are used daily through a variety of methods, including holding up some member for an outstanding accomplishment or by finding problems in the group and blaming members for causing them. (In every destructive cult I have encountered, fear is a major motivator .Each group has its devil lurking around the corner, waiting for members so it can tempt and seduce them, to kill them or drive them insane.) The more vivid and tangible the devil, the more intense the cohesiveness it fosters.” Excerpt from: Combating Cult Mind Control
David Alcantar — December 16, 2023#
So there is this strange pattern with Isaac.. this has been from way in the beginning…I was maybe 15..I heard him make fun of a brother because his desire was to have large parcel of land where his desire was for each one of his kids to have a house… I also remember him preaching when Perry green started his school..stating that Bro Branham said God never sent his people to build schools..citing the school of the prophets.. He also critized so many of Tucson tabernacle people being in business… He also taught and discouraged people from from getting a college degree.. yet he allowed Lucinda to get a degree because it was important to him to him for at tone of his kids to have a degree
David Alcantar — December 16, 2023#
So basically Isaac goes where the wind blothis way…there are a lot more examples…