Quote:
Originally Posted by aron
I don't consider the LC to be a cult on par with the LDS, but the principle this is the same: a post-protestant fringe sect reliant on the legitimacy of Protestant institutions it left, even while it decries them as whorish Babylonian abominations. What hymns do they sing in the FTTA? Ones by Luther, Darby, Wesley, Crosby, Cowper, Newton et al. - while they deny any association with "Christianity", which in their narrative has fallen into institutional torpor.
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It's ironic how WL took so much of what he had appreciated from other groups and made it a part of the LC, while simultaneously criticizing such groups. Interestingly, such things quickly formed the institutionalized practice of the LC, and remains unchanged to this day. Today LC practice seems reminiscent of what might be found in a time capsule from 40 years ago.
As I see it, WL never really "moved on" from what he seemed so terribly concerned about. He only moved far enough away to gain space to start his own group, which quickly began to posses the characteristics of things that he criticized.
The problem that faces the LC today is they greatly treasure their institutionalized practices and traditions, yet in the public eye, they have to find ways to rationalize their badmouthing of other Christians. What do they badmouth Christians for? For being 'traditional' and organized. Arguably, the LCM embraces a form of practice that is arguably much more institutionalized than even some of the most organized groups. Just look at how easily they get into squabbles about issues like using electric guitars and drums in meetings. For a group that supposedly has no organization, it's kind of funny how everyone can exhibit a uniform practice across every LC you visit.