Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
The problem I have with most of the "life-changing" stories is that what (in hindsight) appears to have changed is perception that "I" am in "God's best." And it is generally true that we feel better when we feel better about ourselves. It does change our lives.
Some would argue that religion does this in all of its manifestations. But not really. Those who truly are hungering and thirsting, poor in spirit, meek, humble, etc., do not really get strokes for it from outside of themselves. No one is going to tell you that you are better because you are meek. But if you join up with the latest extreme version of "God's move on the earth," they constantly tell you how special you are to be there.
|
Given all that I've seen in the LC, I definitely wouldn't place to much on "experiences", however, at the same time LC teachings like deification have obviously not had any meaningful impact in the lives of members.
As I see things, if the LC had anything of value to offer others, there would have to be something to show for it. I wouldn't presume to say what sort of manifestation that this would be, but I do think that there would be at least some way that outsiders would be able to know if a particular LC teaching was of value.
Therein lies the irony of that the LSM/DCP are attempting to do. I never found the teaching of deification to be even remotely beneficial to me. I would suspect other members could admit the same. The only benefit was that reciting various "high peak" slogans and mantras made leaders happy and no LC member was to make leaders unhappy. It just seems odd that LC leaders would take one of the very things that had never really offered any benefit to members and use it as part as their "building a bridge" with other Christians.