[YP0534]

Control is not exercised merely by means of threats of violence, that is true. But I'd tend to agree that some means of coercion must be employed. Control is an exercise of the power of authority (legitimate or not.) In fact, the hellfire and damnation preachers are attempting to control their listeners. It frequently doesn't work because it requires a willing acceptance of the authority of the Bible.

Lee did not coerce me to stay out of shopping malls and movie theaters, even though he clearly suggested I should not go. Elders, on the basis of such teachings, did attempt to exert this kind of influence, but I generally didn't listen to their interpretations of Lee's teachings as rules to follow. To the extent that Lee himself suggested I follow this or that rule, I discounted that as well as his religion, culture and desire to be a teacher of the law.

But I don't feel Lee ever really tried to control me. I am 100% certain my local elders attempted to do so. I met the man once. I read and considered his books and spoken ministry. But most of the bad LC culture that I picked up was transmitted by the traditions of local eldership, not Lee's printed or spoken ministry. (NOTE: This was prior to 1989.)

Regardless, though, the thing I don't think is appreciated is that once you willingly buy into the premises of the system, coercion, and therefore control, becomes possible. If I assent that the elders in my locality are rightly bearing the deputy authority and they give me rules to follow, do I really willingly obey the rules or am I coerced into doing so on the basis of my assent to their authority? When every indication you can perceive is that you cannot walk away and also remain faithful to the Lord, that's where the ability to control arises.

If I'm in a room and the door is locked and I conclude I cannot get out, I'm likely to dance to whatever tune is called by the guys with the key. The fact that there may also be a window that could allow me an exit is no proof of my willing submission, especially if the window is not allowing light currently and is therefore more than a bit obscure to me.

The best thing that happened to me is that the elders told me to get lost. Whether they were deputy authority or not deputy authority, my practical response was the same - I got lost. But most people did not leave under such conditions, to be coerced and controlled out. They are coerced and controlled to remain. Until they are freed from the bondage of the myth of deputy authority, they may be controlled.

The alleged power of deputy authority is the same as that exercised against Ananias and Sapphira. That's even more potent than a gun, isn't it?