Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
In many ways, living in greater Cleveland helped to deliver many of us from this spiritual stronghold. TC helped to expose the false loyalty to a man, and would direct us to the Lord. But at the same time, he gave WL a pass on all his wrongdoings, saying that WL was his "spiritual father," and whatever mistakes WL made were "none of his business." I agree with this saying within proper boundaries, which definitely were violated on a regular basis when your so-called "spiritual father" becomes abusive towards your "spiritual brothers."
May of TC's loyal followers never were delivered, however, from serving man. When I finally reached the point where my three elders were all TC loyalists, placing TC's wants and whims and tantrums above the church, that was my tipping point. For them it seems almost impossible to make the distinction between man-pleasing and God-pleasing.
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This "spiritual father" argument has always struck me as misled. (Not saying you are making it.) Where does the Bible say we should be loyal to a "spiritual father?"
Again, it's an emotional appeal, not a rational one. I understand being appreciative of people who have helped us. But "father" subtly co-opts the commandment of honoring one's natural parents to bolster a misplaced loyalty. The kingdom of God neither relies on nor requires such allegiance. TC is out in the weeds here.