[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Personally, I have received far more benefit by hearing and thoughtfully considering others' stories of LC history, than by being challenged for my own views.

Originally Posted by alwayslearning

As long as it's clear that their comments are merely their views of LC system history. Usually they are not stated as such or have any disclaimer rather they are set forth as the truth regarding the history of the LC system and therefore invite challenge.

First of all I totally agree with the first part of what Ohio has stated here. I think we would all do well to keep in mind that this is virtually the only place on the Internet where current and former LC members can come and "tell their story". I also think we can be sure that there are many lurkers reading what is posted that we never actually hear from, and yet are receiving great benefit from our dialog.

In regards to "being challenged", well I would say that is part and parcel of an open, healthy exchange among members on an Internet forum. We Local Churchers (current and former) aren't necessarily used to this kind of back-and-forth exchange. I've been out of the LC Movement for many years, yet I still find myself being needlessly offended or upset with another poster, when all they were doing was expressing their views of a teaching, practice or bit of history. Witness Lee did not take well to others view regarding such matters, so this has become ingrained in the hearts and minds of his followers.

Someone just mentioned our dear brother Don Rutledge (where ya been, bro...don't make yourself so scarce!) - I recall a sister coming on the forum and sharing a very painful and damaging event that she experienced as a young person in one of the Texas local churches. Don came on right away and challenged the veracity of her account. As the sole moderator/admin of the forum (at that time) I was put in a bit of a quandary on how to "referee" the conflict. I decided to just let each party say what they were going to say and let the readers sort out what they believed or didn't believe.

I received MANY PMs from each side of the fence, with one side or the other demanding that I censor/delete either the original story as told by the sister, or that I censor/delete Don's claim/challenge that her story was not accurate. Though I had/have very strong feelings about the veracity of the sister's testimony, I think (I hope) I did the right thing for all concerned by just leaving all the posts stand as they were. Anyway, my point is that challenge, for the most part, is good for our forum. The only problem I've ever had with one poster challenging another is when it gets personal or when there is name calling and/or flaming involved.