Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell
Years ago, I was called into a "little dark room" as I came to know it, by 5 men who were called "elders" and I was "disciplined." I was terrified that night. I was filled with a fear that influenced my walk with the Lord for years after it happened.
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This whole sad story is just flat out wrong on so many levels. I'm so glad you have "recovered" from this mistreatment in the Recovery and the Comforter of the Lord has healed you,
Nell. And thank you so much for sharing.
This ugly pattern was learned and duplicated from the top down. I doubt these elders would have treated you this way if they operated as an independent "local church, each answering to the Lord" as we were taught and sang in that song. (Hymns #824)
In this regard WL totally misrepresented God, a loving and righteous Father who cares for all of His children. Brutal and unrighteous abuses such as this were portrayed as "bearing the cross." This kind of unrestrained power thrust upon silent subservient devotees made monsters out of the leadership, all patterned by how WL treated his circle of lieutenants.
Moses misrepresented God when the Israelites were stubborn and naughty and he suffered loss. Then how about elders who misrepresent God to the little ones in their congregations who have done nothing wrong?