Quote:
Originally Posted by John
Terry,
I simply wrote to show that things are not always as they seem and maybe to show just a little bit about the inner workings of the system....
|
We were definitely taught not to poke our noses in anyone's business when they went to have fellowship with the elders. I had just assumed that if you had something serious to talk to the elders about you didn't need to have 200 other saints theorizing why you went to talk to them (Problem with their marriage? Are they moving? Financial troubles? Do you think they'll make that brother an elder? etc.)
I was once brought into that fellowship room and told that "I had two strikes against me". This was a shock. I didn't have a clue that I had one strike and now they are telling me I already have two, and yet I still didn't have a clue what these two strikes were or how I got them. Clearly it was a form of intimidation to get me to speak a certain way. The problem was I didn't really have any clue as to what way that was. So instead I just decided that seeing that I had 2 strikes and could strike out at any time, better make sure I release my full burden when I speak, because who knows, it could be my last time.
I experienced other forms of intimidation which I have already shared testimonies about some of those cases. I am guessing that I was never excommunicated in part because of Jane A, the elders were keenly aware of the price involved. Also, I did all of my speaking in the meetings, so everyone in the church was well aware of what I was saying, it is much harder to mug someone who is standing in a spotlight where 200 people can see. Also, for as much intimidation as I received from the "LSM faithful" I received twice as much support from the silent majority in the church.