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Originally Posted by Igzy
The problem is not that men build institutions. They always have and always will. And God actually uses some. The problem is the CLAIMS they make about their institutions in order to manipulate and hold onto members and support. Both the RCC and the LCM have claimed to be God's unique church. They are not the only ones to do this and they won't be the last. But this is where the real problem lies because this is infringing on the consciences of believers.
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For me personally, having lived the LC experience through good and bad times, these verses are the most definitive and instructive ...
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When the disciples heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them all over and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life -- a ransom for many." (Matt 20)
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Igzy said, human institutions are in themselves benign, they can be used for good or for evil. What distinguishes the results are the leaders. Do they serve, or do they lust for power? God Himself is very forgiving of these human institutions. History tells us that they have been used for great good, and unfortunately, for great evil. Jesus Himself never advocated for us to become activists for social change, rather He regularly (
throughout scripture indeed)
instructed shepherds and leaders how to serve His people.
I think if we investigated every failure of LCM leadership over the decades we would find, not readily understandable happenstance mistakes, but at their source a lust for power and control. This is what so damages God's people. The very things that the Lord repeatedly warned us about.