Quote:
Originally Posted by Awoken
Thanks for that post, Freedom. For some reason I cannot explain I find these kinds of observations fascinating - I suppose because I became used to thinking about them and trying to define myself by such standards.  It is ironic how similar in structure and "spiritual reality" the LC is to, say, Catholicism. The main difference is that the orthodoxy isn't written down in a set of rules, it's something you're supposed to decipher based on the LSM material, the BBs, and the other believers around you (probably in that order of importance, too). |
A few months back I started a thread on holidays, and specifically, I posted some W Lee excerpts on Christmas. Part of one of Lee's statements reads:
"Christmas is a blasphemy to Christ, and no Christian with a pure conscience should have anything to do with it." Lee was well-known for making these kinds of statements. These type of statements create a problem for those in the LC. Lee held views that were contrary to the views of normal people and even the views of the lesser-devoted members (such as myself). Since Lee is held as the infallible MOTA, what he has spoken cannot be contradicted publicly (unless rationalized by the BB's). Unfortunately for LC leadership Lee's views are not conducive for gaining people or even keeping current members. Simply put, members have to be sheltered from the more extreme views until later on.
Many in the LC do not hold such a hard-lined attitude on things like Christmas. Others do. The problem is that because Lee made such a statement, that is the official stance on the issue. Lee's views on many issues are found in his ministry, however, the problem is that you have to conclusively read his ministry to find out what his stances were on different issues. Furthermore, in many instances Lee said things at one point in time, then contradicted himself later. Since there is no list of rules, it is left to individuals to interpret what should and shouldn't happen in the LC. It makes for a really confusing situation. Members who don't know any better decide to do something that isn't sanctioned, and then suddenly find themselves in trouble. Others never get in trouble. There is a double standard. It kind of gets to you after a while, as was the case with me.