The truth is simple
Peter,
What I like about the truth is that it is simple. The Lord didn't put it out of reach of those who aren't so "smart." You have nailed it in a simple way, and that should put the whole "idolatry" thing to rest. But somehow I know it won’t. "Theologians" love to opine.
When Paul told the Corinthians that they shouldn't eat with idolaters, he simply meant not to eat with people who literally worship idols. We must keep the historical context in mind, always, when we read these dated writings.
There were those who literally worshiped graven images, and even offered up their food to these idols. You are right. He meant don't spend time with those who literally bow themselves to idols. It’s not any more complicated than that. Witness Lee had a knack for taking simple teachings in the Bible and blowing them up into mushrooms of “truth.” I think that’s what’s going on here.
If Paul would have had Matt's definition of idolatry in mind, his word about not eating with idolaters would have effectively disbanded the whole church.
According to his definition, those who said they were of Paul, were guilty of worshiping him as an idol. Those who said they were of Apollos, likewise, would have been guilty of idolatry, and so on. The very few in the church in Corinth who didn't engage in "idolatry," would have been forbidden from eating with those who say they are of whomever. Isn't the problem with the Living Stream Church that they basically say: "I am of Lee."
As members of His Body, joined to Him as our ascended Head, we are indeed called upon to extend His mercy and grace to all the brothers and sisters, while at the same time discerning the system. A consciousness of the Body of Christ (and I don't mean "the baaaaaaaahdy") is indeed one of the wonderful things that we have inherited from the teachings of Sparks, Nee, and even to a degree Lee. It balances our selfish tendency to only focus on "Jesus and me."
Branding all the brothers and sisters who remain in the Local Church as “idolaters” it totally without His mercy. The word is clear that if we are harsh and merciless to others, we can expect the same from the Father.
Roger
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