Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
I now believe that "oneness," practical or otherwise, was never the right goal. It is a misaiming, misused by those who wish to wield power over others. Genuine N.T. oneness rather is an indicator of spiritual health. Mature love, obedience, and humility are some of the necessary ingredients. We thought we were one because we were told so by Lee. We thought we were one because we had the right names. We thought that we alone were really one, but every test that came our way proved otherwise.
|
As paradoxical as it might sound, when "oneness" is made a goal, it can quickly result in division. I think that the LC is an example of this. They were so concerned with practicing their version of "oneness", that they were oblivious to the division that it was resulting in.
Humans are imperfect and to think there there can ever be any absolute form of "oneness" among any group of people is a bit naive.
It seems that the groups trying to implement "oneness" turn out to be a bit suspicious. How many cults are there who expect uniformity among members. How many cults encourage groupthink? How many cults promote their doctrines as being essential to unity?
My point here is that to have any form of "oneness" essentially requires that some type of uniformity be mandated and that independent thought be discouraged. Everyone can make up their own minds about the LC, but my point is simply by their heavy emphasis on oneness, they have put themselves under a lot of people's radar. And this should be expected. I have a hard time believing any group who claims to be "one" really is without uniformity being involved.