Quote:
Originally Posted by jigsaw44
Thanks so much for your testimony- great detailed breakdown on every part of your life in the LC.
I got a question for you and others that know the answer to this question
Q. What is the idea of philosophy of "Love" in the LC?
- Do they seem it as something that needs to be controlled until a certain point of time when one is ready for marriage. Or do they see it as a "worldly" and sinful thing? The idea of being super strict on dating for youth is common in the Christian world of parenting. But I have seen men beyond 30 who can't even approach a women just as a 15 year old can't. It has to be something more than, simply- don't worry about love til your older. Just even older gentlemen in the LC can't pursue a women they "love".
Is love a positive emotion in the LC at any point? Or is any sign of emotional attachment bad? Cause they don't even believe in friends, I couldn't even imagine a positive outlook of love for another person. That is prob why they separate genders so much is to prevent emotional development on any significant scale. But what is the benefit of just not letting people chose who they truly want? Why are elders the puppet master's in regards to putting people together like animals with no emotions and just testosterone that needs to be utilized for "fruitful" purposes"? Is it to make sure a ****ty marriage leads to one hanging on closer to the church rather than someone they truly love? I am not saying all LC marriages have no Joy, I have seen a darn good handful of happy LC Marriages, but the ****ty marriages are there in large numbers and the couple can barely put a smile on their faces when together and look downright miserable. Bad marriages are in every facet of society and happen for one reason or another. But why make it so hard for one to experience love and proper pursuit of a life long partner at even an adult age when one has their life in order? It must be their personal and official view of "love".
Is there a statement by witness Lee or some living stream ministry publication by the coworkers that emphasizes this skewed philosophy of anti love sentiment? Or is it just some de facto customers that developed due to the overall LC culture crafting this seemingly negative view on "love"?
|
I've tried to think about this for a couple days, but it's not an easy question to answer. I'm sure it varies quite a bit depending on the particular LC. In my experience, there is an unspoken, yet intense fear of encouraging sexual activity. It was implied that any romantic relationships at a young age will lead to "improper" behavior (I put that in quotes because I think there are some who would say that kissing should be saved until marriage). Even among adults, any relationships were kept very quiet until an engagement announcement. And as you've noticed, there are almost silly measures taken like married people who avoid sitting next to anyone of the opposite gender except their spouse.
There is a strong stigma toward divorce, so when divorces do occur, it's never spoken of. However, I think that some of the lovelessness you may see isn't in situations where people want out. I think that many don't know how to be in a healthy, loving relationship. Few do anywhere, but I think that unhealthy (not necessarily toxic) relationships are normalized in the LC.
I think that this may come from the teaching that overcoming Christians should place Christ and the church above all else, including family. Of course, this isn't necessarily kept in practice, but I've heard it in teaching and it does affect the way people treat their relationships. A truly loving relationship, especially among young people, is a distraction from the church. It was for me. Instead of a normal and natural thing, this is treated as negative. Romantic relationships that aren't completely grounded in the church are somewhat seen as a pathway away from God.
I feel like I have over-generalized here because it's really challenging to talk about things that are not spoken about. I'm speaking from things that have been said to me as well as broader practices and attitudes that I've observed.