Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel Tomes
by adopting Orthodoxy’s deification dogma, Witness Lee has “followed the footsteps” of his “opposers” who initiated the “Apostolic Order”/”Evangelical/Antiochian Orthodox Church”--Peter Gillquist, Jon Braun & Jack Sparks.
In view of the above, we ask: · When LSM’s Kerry Robichaux declares deification ‘an essential,’ “We in the local churches hold that man may become God in God's salvation,” isn’t he taking the same stand as the “Antiochian Orthodox Church”? |
Not sure why appealing to ancient sources is wrong, except that the LC decries it as "traditions of men" if anyone else does it.
I don't think
theosis is wrong as an idea, per se. But it isn't profitable for public discourse, save to drive a wedge between oneself and others. Origen taught on theosis, but only privately, to those who were able to handle solid food. Publicly he taught repentance from sins, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and good works consistent with that confession. Origen knew that raising controversial issues of which there was no clear answer would only confuse the assembly and weaken its testimony before the unbelievers. If WL only had such reticence and circumspection!! But no, WL was convinced he could go where no man had gone before, and still return alive and whole. In this he was yet another "dime store prophet", one among dozens or even hundreds of misled souls, presuming for themselves places which the Lord had not appointed.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (NIV)
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Where was the 'sober judgment' when WL unveiled his version of theosis for the LC masses? People were running up and down the aisles, screaming, "I'm a God-man!!" The teaching was designed to stir up the crowds, keep them in a state of excitement, confusion, and imbalance. "Winds of teaching", indeed: there was no critical reflection, that I saw; no public discourse (not that there ever was any, in the LC).