[awareness]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

Rereading and reflecting on this thread's topic, I have to agree that the source of pretty much all the LC ills originated from WL (aka MOTA). But let me put forth a little different take on it. I've many times said on here that I praise the Lord he brought me to the group (early 70s) and that then He lead me out again a couple decades later. However, what really started my inner change, was the realization that something was seriously absent - it's when He began to show me that God's love for us really was the key motive in all He does.

In the LC, we were taught "God eternal had a purpose . . . spreading to eternal future." That is true, and I praise the Lord for showing us this. But the tone of of this teaching in the LC was not so much centered on God's love, but rather on the idea that God would get His purpose no matter what, and if any of us stood in His way He would flatten us like a pancake. This thought is off, because actually, God's purpose is all wrapped-up in His great love for us! As 2 Peter 3:9 says, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God is not about achieving His purpose in spite of us - He is doing it because of us!

The light revealing God's love as His main motivator, is no small realization concerning what scripture is actually telling us about Him and His purpose. For me, it was the single biggest leap forward in my understanding of scripture: I believe wholeheartedly that Love is the key to understanding God and the Bible.

So consider what would have happened if love had been the main ingredient in WL's teaching and LC practice - many of the negative issues on this list probably wouldn't have been present at all. Can I get a witness?

Hear! Hear! Here! Here!