Local Church Discussions - View Single Post

NeitherFirstnorLast · 10-08-2012, 11:02 AM

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". Romans 8:1

Your experience of the Local Church was somewhat different from mine. People still played sports (we had outtings together at the park, played volleyball and football and baseball), and many (who wanted to) watched football and hockey games together. This wasn't considered being too worldly, it was considered practical. One 'super-spiritual' brother even said "we have to take care of our practical needs, not just our spiritual needs". Actually, they often also used this as a form of outreach to fringe members too...

But that's not helpful.... I feel the way you do. I had a real issue with letting Christmas go while I met with the Local Church, and had an issue taking it back after I finally left. The source of your guilt, I am convinced, is not a conviction from the Holy Spirit, but rather a conviction by indoctrination. You, we, were trained to believe something. That training goes deep. Whether you believe or not that what LSM has built is a cult, you have to admit that ex-members could use counselling services just as a former cult-member does.

I don't know where you live, but I would urge you to seek a Christian counsellor to talk these issues through. Yes, pray and read the Word - but also find someone you can really open up to about your time in the 'Recovery', because most of our Christian friends simply can't relate.

Yours in Christ,

NeitherFirstnorLast

10-08-2012, 11:02 AM	#2
NeitherFirstnorLast Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 348	Re: Help in Becoming "Normal" "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". Romans 8:1 Your experience of the Local Church was somewhat different from mine. People still played sports (we had outtings together at the park, played volleyball and football and baseball), and many (who wanted to) watched football and hockey games together. This wasn't considered being too worldly, it was considered practical. One 'super-spiritual' brother even said "we have to take care of our practical needs, not just our spiritual needs". Actually, they often also used this as a form of outreach to fringe members too... But that's not helpful.... I feel the way you do. I had a real issue with letting Christmas go while I met with the Local Church, and had an issue taking it back after I finally left. The source of your guilt, I am convinced, is not a conviction from the Holy Spirit, but rather a conviction by indoctrination. You, we, were trained to believe something. That training goes deep. Whether you believe or not that what LSM has built is a cult, you have to admit that ex-members could use counselling services just as a former cult-member does. I don't know where you live, but I would urge you to seek a Christian counsellor to talk these issues through. Yes, pray and read the Word - but also find someone you can really open up to about your time in the 'Recovery', because most of our Christian friends simply can't relate. Yours in Christ, NeitherFirstnorLast