[Matt Anderson]

So we don't like the word idolatry. That's fine. So it is a strong label like the word 'cult'. Okay. As I said, I am going to stick with God's words on this subject because it has been one of the key things that has helped me see the light.

So, what's the message that underlies idolatry and how does it really apply to the LC and to today? The message and the meaning are still valid and relevant.

In the list of base sinful acts that Igzy quoted, I believe that we have all read (or at least some of us) about the following ones present with or supported by Lee.

sexual immorality,
hatred,
discord,
jealousy,
fits of rage,
selfish ambition,
dissensions,
factions and envy.

and yes

idolatry,

So, yes, idolatry is aligned with the more obvious stuff. We have examples of a number of these more obvious things in the LC.

I'm not talking about something nuanced here. We've all been in the garlic room too long. As djohnson has said and my wife experienced when we went to an LC meeting. It appears:

1. cultic
2. idolizes Lee

These two are more obvious to the human perception if you aren't initiated in the group already.

If anyone thinks I am being extreme just to be extreme, I'm not. I'm just keeping this subject on the table for everyone to continue to consider. If God says nothing to you through it, then fine.

I'm working on an exposition of 1 Corinthians 10 to help demonstrate from a NT point of view what Paul was saying about idolatry and the "table of the Lord" versus the "table of demons".

The main substantive questions are really related to whether idolatry can take a form that does not include physical idols and/or meats offered to physical idols among believers in a christian setting?

For example, when someone, in reverence, says "Brother Lee says..." and then offers up words from HWMR to others at the Lord's table is this something that is idolatrous?

As Paul says, the OT children of Israel were given manna from heaven which he equated with "spiritual food" that was Christ. Christ says I am the bread of life and that his words (I believe rhema) were spirit and were life. The words that the Lord Jesus Christ speaks to you are spirit and life to you. He provides them on a daily basis (Give us this day our daily bread) and puts them in our heart. If another man comes along through a system of Christianity and replaces the Word of God with things like HWMR and begins to provide you your daily bread is this not replacing your attention on the Lord with something else? Is this not idolatry?

If you choke on the word, idolatry, I am sorry. It's not my word. I'm just trying to pay attention to God for what God says the way He says it. I know this isn't very modern of me.

Most of those listening here are not inexperienced in the Word of God. You should be able to eat meat. There is no control here that forces you to believe one thing or another, so there is no real parallel to the LC. If you can discredit what I say and go on your way then more power to you.

Matt

P.S. One of the points that Paul makes in 1 Cor 10 is for the Corinthians to "judge for themselves". He's basically saying, listen to what I have to say on this subject and then decide for yourselves. I agree with Paul.