[Cal]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

But I cannot see anything in the ministry material that would necessarily lead one to conclude that "natural is evil".

Here's the first sentence from the Chapter "Dealing with the Natural Constitution" in the book The Experience of Life, by Witness Lee

“Constitution” as used here means “the aggregate of man’s physical and mental powers.” In the Bible there is no such term as the natural constitution, and it is seldom mentioned among Christians; yet in our experience there is such a thing.

So right off the bat Lee admits the idea he is expounding about is not Biblical. But that doesn't make him shy because his "experience" tells him it's real. Right out of the gate we are off the rails of the Bible.

More from the book...

However, God still cannot use one who is merely naturally capable. Natural capability, unless broken, is a hindrance to God.

What does it mean that the natural capability gets broken? I never understood this. Finally I realized I didn't understand it because it's a superfluous and mistaken idea. Our capability cannot and does not get broken. If anything gets broken, we do. When in a crisis we hit rock bottom and realize we need God desperately, then that is a breaking experience. But what gets broken is our self-reliance, not our "natural constitution and abilities."

More from the book...

But one day [Jacob] was broken by God and became Israel; then he lost his capability and craftiness.

When you get broken you don't lose your abilities, you lose at least some of your self-reliance.

More from the book...

First, all natural ability is selfish, and all its schemes and devices are for the sake of self. Second, all natural ability is mingled with the elements of flesh and temper; therefore, when it is disapproved, it becomes provoked. Third, all natural ability involves craftiness and maneuvering. Fourth, all natural ability contains pride and makes oneself feel capable, thereby resulting in boasting and self-glorification. Fifth, all natural ability is not under the control of the Holy Spirit and is extremely daring in doing anything. Sixth, all natural ability has no regard for the will of God; it acts entirely according to self-will. Seventh, natural ability does not rely on God and does not have to rely on God, but relies wholly upon self.

Here Lee describes why the natural ability is... what? "Bad" or "evil" is the only reasonable conclusion. He is clearly saying there is something wrong with our natural ability. He doesn't call it evil, but he strongly implies it.

Further there is nothing to justify the passage above. Lee talks about natural ability as if it is something that needs to be dealt with by God. But it's not our ability that needs to be dealt with, it's our self-centered willfulness. The last sentence is exactly backwards. Lee says, "natural ability does not rely on God and does not have to rely on God, but relies wholly upon self." The truth is actually the reverse. It's not natural ability that relies on self, it's self that relies on natural ability. Natural ability is not some conscious thing that can "rely" on something. Lee is totally confused here.