Quote:
Originally Posted by aron
Data points:
1. Paul converted the truth of the gospel message into objects, called letters, which were distributed among the churches. Paul told the Colossians, "See that you send this letter to the church in Laodicea, and read the one I sent to them." Eventually people will pay money... to cover the cost of paper, printing and distribution.
2. I buy christian books and CDs on the marketplace. Not bothersome to my conscience.
3. Not everyone that wrote a book about Christ or sang a song praising God is a money-grubber. Most times it's the opposite.
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Continuing these thoughts: maybe what really spells doom for the centralized, command-and-control models honed by the likes of the Living Stream Ministry is that the cost of disseminating information is nearing zero. Think how hard it was to copy the Bible before Gutenberg! When Lee came to the U.S. and started the Living Stream Ministry in the 1960s and 70s the printing press was still king. Now with computers and the internet and a printer in every home and public library, information is easily available.
So an attempt to copyright and control not only the Word of God but even commentary about the Word a futile quest. Even the RCC lets its parishioners write, and publish! The LSM model does not stand a chance. The more they try to bind people, the more people will struggle free. The "one trumpet" idea is just a last gasp from Babel. Me, me, me... ten thousand people each standing there, holding a brick or a bucket of cement, speaking and unable to hear or understand anyone else.
Contrast that with the "many counselors" in the OT and the "many waters" in the NT, who with one voice point out the same reality of God.
Put it another way: if the cost of information transmission is virtually nothing, what right do I have asking for money in return for my information? "Freely have ye received; freely give."
This is my last post; I shall not write any more. Thanks to this site for hosting my comments. Thanks to all writers for their feedback. My apologies to all, especially Living Streamers, who've been offended by my often confident speculations. I had a lot of fun and hopefully some of my enjoyment spread around. Peace.