Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ
Your story is another example of the tremendous disfunction of 'the shepherding' going on in "The Lords Recovery" (TLR), a misnomer for sure.
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JJ's right; 'the shepherding' is actually laced with avoidance, denial, and suppression. Just Call O Lord Jesus repeatedly, get into the latest ministry messages, serve in the meetings, pray-read the bullet points, and exercise your spirits (yell) and all your problems will magically disappear.
That's a big reason why they look for 'good building material'. Then they can avoid problems.
(And compare that to Jesus' ministry - the exact opposite!)
Bradley, It might be worth considering why your wife was so freaked out. Certainly you weren't perfect. (we all have faults). Why did she repeatedly act out so badly toward you? (now, we're NOT looking for saucy details - please protect her, and yourself, from further injury)
Think about a socialization environment in which folks are constantly being fed "glorious church life, feasting on such a rich store" mantras ("brothers, verse 1 - loudly!")when the reality is absolutely not so. Likewise, think about a scenario in which everything, and I mean everything, except what the 'ministry' is putting out this month is held to be either passe or poison. Think about what that kind of environment does to someone's soul. No opportunity for growth, for healing, for real open-ness and repentance and restoration. No curiosity. (you'll be punished for being curious, or adventurous - "poison" or "independent" or "rebellious") No, just masticate the processed triune god and become god in life and nature (but not in the godhead, as that would be heretical).
Think about the expectations, the appearances, and the reality of what it really feels like inside. No wonder your poor wife behaved so badly. It's a repressed and repressive environment. So how to get the demons out? Bad behaviour. Hidden lives, of anger, addiction, shame, compulsiveness. The exact opposite of the transformation that's supposed to happen.
I left the church and went 'agnostic' for several years; became worldly but still was able to work, learn, and hang out with unbelievers. Tried to (somewhat at least) restore my humanity on human terms & be a member of the human race. Tried to avoid depravity and dissolution, just because it's a crappy way to live. Learned how to think again. Eventually came back to God on my terms (lo and behold it was Jesus all along, for me).
Peace & blessings on your journey. Thanks for having the courage and open-ness to share on the forum.