[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by Igzy

The early church fathers defended a lot of basic truths we take for granted. They never defended the local ground or one local administration. That should tell us something.

Actually this tells us all we need to know about "the doctrine of dirt". Furthermore we can also dispel with this notion of "one local administration". If the original apostles (who, if anyone was ever qualified to teach such a thing) did not insist upon such a hierarchical system, we should not either. And even IF they did, how could we possibly trace our way back, and follow the trail that proceeds for 2,000 years? This is what the Roman Catholic Church has done and we all can agree where that has gotten them.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Conveniently these apostles just happened to be him (Nee) and his coworkers! Lee took the ball and ran with it creating a highly centralized global work with him at the center exercising apostolic authority. A good gig if you can get it I guess. But most Christians would just LOL at such pomposity.

The truth is that Watchman Nee, for all his genius, for all his altruistic intentions, was really no different than any of the long line of well-intentioned men who decided that they were qualified to bring their followers back to true, 1st century New Testament Christianity. Yet, even with the great advantage of attempting this in the virtually unspoiled land of early 20th century China, Nee and his followers came short, falling victim to the same foibles as others – fleshly strivings and jealousies, divisions, competition between leaders, etc. Neither the “doctrine of dirt” nor the practice of proper, biblical “local administration” could save them.

Fast forward to Witness Lee and company. Oh Lord….just take a tour of this forum for the results of his efforts.