Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeakersCorner
No need for apology at all. Your “blessed afternoons” vs. “evening beatdowns” displays insight. I didn’t know that about Darby. Believe it or not, I have been the recipient of a few public beatdowns though, I must say, none like some others I witnessed. I personally saw that whole method of leadership as counterproductive to the max. A lot of it was performative, I thought. A lot was simply Chinese culture brought to the West which I hate. Whatever. I had some of the same basic criticisms of Bobby Knight, who I used as a proxy to make points here.
I brought up David (as in King David) in a post above because he too did a lot of stuff that was indefensible. This forum, though ostensibly here to bring conversation between those in with those out of the LC, is mainly here just to point out the flaws. The Bible certainly points out David’s flaws but it also tells us that David was a “man after God’s heart” and that God will establish His ultimate throne on the regal line David founded.
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Brother SpeakersCorner, as you may well remember, we had often stood side-by-side defending the valuable "pearls" we have received in the Recovery. I'll never forget the 2by4 you threw me once when my knees got a little wobbly defending the faith.
I would like to address these "beat-downs" according to the scripture, adding that I am in no way categorically opposed to them. Rather the question is simple: What is the goal and the motive behind the "beat-down?" There are two types:
(1) Paul's instruction to Timothy (I Tim 5.17-21) provides incentive. "Beat-downs" are used exclusively for leaders who sin. Not arbitrarily, but in cases where there are witnesses, and necessarily due process. The goal is to warn the church, limited to those who are affected, so that all might be in fear. This must also be done without prejudice against one who may be disliked, and without partiality towards one who may be favored.
(2) Peter warns us not to "lord it over" others, (I Pet 5.3), which should match John's mention of the Nicolaitans, or "conquer the laity," (Rev 2.6) and his rebuke of Diotrephes, who loved to be first. (3 Jn 9-11) These admonitions correspond with Jesus' own warnings about wanting to be great, (eg Matt 20.20-28) and Paul's warning with tears of those who will "rise up from within drawing the disciples after them." (Acts 20.30)
This latter type of public "beat-down" has no basis in scripture, and merely serves to establish hierarchy in the church, targeting one's perceived rivals. Unfortunately the Recovery was consumed with the latter, and the former was rarely employed especially when sorely needed. Supposedly, sister M E Barber "recovered" this practice, which has dominated LC culture ever since.
Concerning King David, yes, he had notable failures now known by all men. God was faithful via Nathan the Prophet to apply a serious "beat-down" of the first type. I am not aware of David using the second type.