Quote:
Originally Posted by Melo
This is my first time posting here, so I thought I’d give myself kind of an introduction. My ultimate goal in posting this isn’t to ruminate in my dislike of Lee or the Local Churches, I just want to see if there’s anyone with a similar upbringing who has advice on disassociating themselves from the church without disassociating from their family.
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Welcome to the forum
Melo!
Like many LC kids, you sound suffocated by an oppressive system. This always happens when old guys in stuffy rooms make up endless rules for other Christians to live by. Both your spirit and your flesh are longing for freedom. If the "
truth sets us free," then LC teachings and rules, though sounding good, are merely doctrines and letters, and not real
"truth.".
I encourage you to reflect on your Christian walk with the Lord, and assess both the good and the bad. Perhaps you have spent more time recently on the downside, but it's far more healthy for you to see the good and the blessings the Lord has given you. As they say, "count your blessings." One Christian counselor calls this "treasure hunting," and is beneficial for us all. For example, if your parents are still married, yet overly devoted to the LC, then thank the Lord daily that they are still married, and you have been spared from the horrors of divorce. I mean that.
Since you are in college, visit all of the best Christian clubs and find new friends and healthy relationships. Talk to the Lord and develop a new and positive relationship with Him. He knows you and loves you. Like I said, your flesh wants liberty too, and many 2nd generation Christians discard their faith in order to find themselves, and become bait for God's enemy. Don't let him present the temporary enjoyment of sin as the only alternative to the oppressive LC system.
Your folks may have dreams of you graduating from the FTT, but they also love you, and want you to love the Lord. He is the Good Shepherd and has led many like you out of the oppressive LC "fold," (John 10) into green pastures (Psalm 23) where His care and love for you does not feel like a straight jacket. Let your parents know how much you appreciate them and their love, helping you to know the Lord Jesus, then share what you have received from the Lord "out there" in Christianity. Rule #1: never argue with your parents. The Lord will bless you when you honor them, not when you obey mandates from LSM.
When I left the LC, I told others that I'm just trying to follow the Lord. What could they say? For about 5 years I visited the LC just to worship with them and see the brothers and sisters. Meanwhile I found other Christian friends to worship with.