Quote:
Originally Posted by UntoHim
I definitely don't see Nigel or anyone else calling for folks in your position to denounce the Local Church/LSM, rather they are merely pointing out that the main way to deter outsiders from labeling them as a cult is to stop teaching and practicing in a cultic manner. After all, it's not like other Christians just call them a cult because they don't like the way they dress. The questionable teachings and practices have been the main source of concern for decades. And instead of dealing with issues and concerns, Witness Lee and his followers have continually turned to petty name calling and even taking the matter up with the worldly courts of law (a direct, flagrant violation of 1 Cor 6) , which simply raises further questions and concerns.
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As I see, Nigel was commenting on a sister's article which is directly related to the local churches. I suspect Nigel had been in the local church culture for around 40 years? So he would know very well about the cult label. What is being done the shirk the label?
As I understand prior to the Great Lakes Area turmoil, many localities opted to the chagrin of LSM not to participate in the lawsuit against Harvest House. That's one way. Another is how to you present yourself as a locality? Is it as a ministry church or as a church general in nature to all those in your community?
For example:
http://churchintoronto.com/
Only by your speaking in content and actions through receiving is the cult label going to have a hope to change. My personal opinion is a corporate repentance is in order. Specifically regarding lawsuits and quarantines.
As I see from Nigel's article, it's not that LSM is unable to do anything regarding the cult stigma, it's because they
won't do anything in regard to their teachings and practices.