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Originally Posted by djohnson
finallyfeelingprettyok if you read something about someone on this forum e.g. Mr. Rapoport and it doesn't make sense to you based on what you know I recommend trying to contact the person directly and asking them their viewpoint on the same subject.
Another example is Hope's discussion about James Barber. From my research the attitude Barber had about "SMO's" was widespread in the LCS. Maybe different terms were used but the same attitude. I would even suggest the entire leadership of the LCS, then and now, with some possible exceptions, have an edge of arrogance towards anyone who is not wholeheartedly and unquestioningly pursuing their agenda. Barber was not the exception he was the rule. Since Barber is dead we cannot ask him about it but do some research and I'm sure you'll find the attitude was pervasive.
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Hello dj,
I would use a stronger phrase than arrogance to describe the attitude towards the believers in Christ who were not "good Material," or could not fully participate in the up-to-date agenda. It was wrong, wrong, wrong and fully against the nature of our Lord Jesus.
I never heard anyone use the term SMOs except James. He actually boasted that it was his term. Due to his gift in teaching and position as one of the inner circle of WL almost from the beginning, James shaped many attitudes and practices in the lc.
As you point out, you cannot check with James. If you do have access to Max or his friend asks him about James' attitude. I appreciated Max's efforts to deal with the arrogance among many of the leaders and in particular he was very frank to point out the failure to appreciate those who may be considered a little bit of an "ugly duckling." Whereas James was quick to point out alleged short comings in others, church elders and Christianity in general, for the most part Max did not speak much about people who were not in the room. Now he could really tie into a brother when he wanted to but at first did it to his face. Unfortunately, he seemed to get the WL habit of criticizing others behind their back. On my part by 1978, I had had it with the undermining from James and that which was beginning to come from Max's inner circle and from Max himself, at least as reported to me by many of his inner circle. Twice I confronted Max and he did not deny my charges but did promise to change. I accepted that but later was very dissapointed to learn that he was still going that way. No doubt WL had a lot to do with this as this was not the Max that I first met and came to know.
Looking back, I find it hard to believe for how long I gave the main leaders, WL, JB, MR a pass on attitudes and behaviors which any sincere believer would reject or have serious reservations. Maybe that is part of the djohnson "gravitas" thing which I lack. I hate to think of how guilty I must have also been. LORD HAVE MERCY ON US ALL!!!
During my journey toward the goal of the high calling in Christ, I have not found it helpful to do the group judgment thing. (dj you tend to throw all into the same pot. Just think about it. ) The Lord is very specific when He convicts us. Thus we can confess and clear up the matter. Unprofitable condemnation is always very general. Kind of like the devil's, "Don, you are bad bad bad, you have always been bad and you will always be bad." Whereas the Lord says, "dear child, I love you and want the best for you. Leave that sin, or attitude or worthless thing. That is not the new creation which is the real you. I am here. Come to Me now." This is my hope for all of us. If I feel compelled to point out less than pleasant things from the past, I am looking to the Lord that it will be for the purpose of light, conviction and restoration. Please pray for me.
In Christ Jesus there is hope for us all,
Hope, Don Rutledge