Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
The problem with Lee's authority doctrine is that it demonstrably forces people under it to shelve their consciences for the sake of "submission."
I've noticed when the LCM says "submission" they really mean "obedience." But these words don't mean the same thing.
The difference between "submission" and "obedience" is that "submission" allows for dissent for reasons of conscience. There is no teaching in the Bible that forces followers of leaders to compromise what they feel God is directly commanding them to do. We are to obey the Bible (interpreted wisely) absolutely, but not leaders.
Drake's story of his problem he took to a leader is an example of the insipid way the LCM allows for "dissent." In their view if you disagree with leadership strongly you can go to them so they can convince you they are right. Once they feel they've gracious explained things well enough to you, you are expected to agree and/or shut up. If you continue to disagree it shows you are "not under the Head" and are a rebel. There is no scenario in the LCM where you can honestly say, "I must obey my conscience and part ways" and the leaders respect that. As far as they are concerned that is rebellion and back-sliding.
That's not submission, that's absolute obedience.
However, the two truths "obey your leaders" and "let each be fully persuaded in his own mind" cannot co-exist without the concession that (1) we need to respect those who part ways with us for reasons of conscience and (2) the logical corollary that we must allow for and respect other gatherings in our locality.
If we insist our gathering is THE gathering then we are not respecting the consciences of others. (As evidence, there are many groups which meet as the church in the city which have no affiliation with LSM and the LCM respects or recognizes none of them. This proves they are not truly for oneness except oneness that is centered around them.)
Lee's authority doctrine is designed to enforce compliance with his movement. It is not biblical. It's a conglomeration of Chinese Confuscianism, bad Bible interpretation and a self-serving agenda.
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I think the analogy of a guitar is very helpful for me to understand these truths. On the one hand each string is attached to the bridge which is immovable. Honor the king, obey those that rule over you, etc. On the other hand each individual string is attached to a tuner which must be tightened or loosened to be properly tuned. That is equivalent to "let each be fully persuaded in their own mind". If this is done according to God's design you will have a symphony with many different voices tuned together. Singing and playing in tune is an expression of the "oneness". However, when one voice stifles and eliminates all other voices, they can claim it is for the oneness but instead you are eliminating the symphony.
Jesus is the conductor, the church is the orchestra. You may have some well know soloists, but when a single name dominates you no longer have a symphony (I am of Peter, Apollos, etc). Yet it is the Lord's symphony you are damaging. Hence, "if anyone offends one of these little ones in the orchestra it were better for him that millstone be hung around his neck and he be cast into the sea".