Non-monkey lurker here.
Again, thanks for the forum. I just wish more "lurkers" would share. I need to hear their stories and I'm sure others do to.
I want to stress that I do not regret my lc experience in OHIO and hold no animosity toward the group or any individuals. In addition, many memories are positive and I don't have a lot of problems with their beliefs and practices. IMHO, they are mostly sincere believers who have their "way," as much as I found that way to be intolerable.
As I read the posts here, I must admit that the fine doctrinal points can be confusing (e.g., Triune God - who can ever really understand that!, but it's great that people are free to express themselves here and the different points of view are enlightening. I never felt freedom to express myself during my 5 years in the lc (seems to have been SO much longer!). I still recall what I call the "Brother Comma" syndrome. You know, "Brother, yadda yadda." Usually, "you're in your mind" or "you need to turn to your spirit," or some such ice water. So I just went along with the "flow," so to speak, to avoid confrontation. That got old and when I decided I couldn't take that or the controlling lifestyle, I decided I had to walk away.
Peace to all and a great sunny weekend!!! ... "non monkey" lurker