Good morning saints,
Before we continue, I want to stop to go over the points some of you have raised.
I want us to address the issues raised by both parties here in a thorough and balanced way, with respect for both parties.
If what we are doing here is giving this book the trial it was due but never received, then we need to take into account
all the facts and stand not only for the defense (if that is the way we might naturally be inclined), but
also for the prosecution.
Given that, let's look at ZNP's statement below:
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah
“Promulgating heresy”
“cultic practices”
“financial improprieties”
“deceitful recruiting”
“autocratic control”
They are able to publish these accusations in a book for any and all to read, certainly derogatory. How exactly was the LRC supposed to defend itself if they are not permitted to go to court? (I am referring to your extensive quote concerning the prohibition to lawsuits).
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First brother, I understand these events transpired while you were a part of the LC. Yes, you offer a first hand view that I don't have - but you must also confess, that being a part of the "body" of the prosecution at the time, your view is biased. Here your bias is exposed (and I say this gently, not in an accusing tone):
You have copied the allegations made by the prosecution: Promulgating heresy, cultic practices, financial improprieties, deceitful recruiting, and autocratic control - and reposted them as though they have already been proven (established) to be true.
However, we have not yet (atleast) found any such allegations made within the book in question. Until the evidence (if it exists) is uncovered, we cannot arrive at the conclusion that LSM's allegations are true.
Also: When you say "I am referring to your extensive quote concerning the prohibition to lawsuits" - are you referring to my quote of 1st Corinthians 6:1-8? If your complaint is with that quote, then you will have to bring it to the Lord. The quote from 1st Corinthians does not stand alone in Scripture. The Lord on numerous occasions instructs us on how we are to deal with one another as brothers and sisters.
Matthew 18:15-17 “
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
Here, the Lord's direct instruction to His disciples is to deal with a brother who sins against you (which is what Witness Lee and LSM have alleged) between you and him alone. SCP has already supplied
evidence that they attempted to have such one-on-one discussions, but were repeatedly
rebuffed by the Local Church of Anaheim and by Witness Lee in particular.
1st Peter 2:18-25 "
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ..."
Again, LSM alleges that SCP was behaving in an unjust way -
but even if this is true, Scripture is clear: As "true" believers, LSM and Witness Lee are called to "suffer unjustly" - for "that is a gracious thing in the sight of God." In this case, one can argue that Lee refused to take up the cross, and suffer as Christ suffered - but rather sued for what he believed was his.
Again: Matthew 5:38-42 “
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
LSM and Witness Lee allege, essentially, that SCP at the least behaved in an evil way towards them. Weren't the words of our Lord Jesus Christ clear? Turn the other cheek. This trial, this propensity to litigate, has been used by the wide Christian community to condemn LSM. This one event, more than any other, has caused PERMANENT damage to LSM's testimony within the Christian community. That is precisely because, I must assert, that Scripture couldn't POSSIBLY be more clear: Suing a brother in Christ is WRONG. It is a SIN. The only way to arrive at another conclusion is to disregard or dismiss the clear Word of God and to say it lacks authority. I don't believe you would say that ZNP - from what you've written elsewhere, I
really don't - I think what I've heard from you here is only reactionary; a nerve has been hit, because you were a part of the LC in the time this happened. Am I right? Do we not agree that all of Scripture is God Breathed, and that no prophet wrote of his own volition, but as carried along by the Spirit of God?
Regardless: The point of this "trial" is not what God has to say on the matter. If it were, I think we would have to declare the defense the victor even before the trial began, because God would refuse to hear the case. The point of this trial is to give LSM what they say they wanted: A chance to appeal to Caesar. "Caesar" was an unbeliever - so the evidence that LSM brings forth as the prosecution (as well as the defense offered by SCP) must buttress arguments using
secular law. That is not to say that Scripture cannot be used throughout the course of this trial - because in this case, I believe BOTH the Prosecution and the Defense recognize the Authority of the Word of God.