Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Well, to me it comes across as an arrogant assurance that is not in keeping with the proper Christian spirit. What could be the harm of praying? Why would anyone say "I don't need to pray?"
No, to me it's symptomatic of religious fervor. One of the problems with groups like the LCM is they lend themselves to a kind of mindless don't-confuse-me-with-the-facts determination. I know, I was there. Muslim zealots have this problem. They are so convinced they are supposed to be right, and the pressure is so high to be absolute, that their minds can't handle it and they go a little crazy. Some go a lot crazy. You see that over and over with people in fringe groups, which is one reason their groups are fringe.
If the LCM was really interested in unity, why not reach out to everyone in a humble and reasoning way. Why not take a step-by-step approach, instead of expecting everyone just to close their doors and join "the Recovery," which is never going to happen.
The reason is they aren't interested so much in unity as in doing things their way and remaining in control. Plus they enjoy the heady feeling of being "the remnant." It's a no-lose situation. They can remain in their fantasy of being "God's unique move" and never require any proof of it. All failures to grow and spread can be rationalized away, as you have done.
LSM must keep up the perception that Lee was the MOTA. This is about control and keeping the cash cow going. Imagine the drop off in ministry sales if they admitted to his errors and failures.
Again, i don't hate Lee or anyone in the LCM. But I do hate a system that uses the fear of judgment and loss to hold Christians in its grip. And that's what the LCM does. It's time to fess up. It's time to repent.
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I'm just saying there is another side to this. That was your experience. That was not everyone's experience. There are issues with your approach as well. You have recounted a story whereby you asked them to pray about a matter, they didn't, and then you have basically judged him for being self-assured and taken it as a sign that he is not spiritual.
Your approach is like the one some folks tried with Jesus, "tell us if you are the Son of God or not". Maybe you would ask Jesus "have you prayed about whether or not you truly are the Son of God?". In my view the correct response to those types of questions is to remain silent, as Jesus did.