Originally Posted by alwayscurious
1. Why is there a sense of stigma when others use non recovery version bibles? God's Word is His Word. period.
You are 100% correct and there is no legitimate reason for any "stigma!" The Recovery Version is decent, and I know people who use it. But it is not the be-all/end-all by any means. I find things in all translations that are not the best or most literal, and are flavored by someone's ideas. This is certainly true of the RV as well.
2. How come we don't quote other "ministry books" other than ones published by LSM?
It's a purposely myopic, elitist and protectionist view. When in the LC, we were repeatedly told, "There's nothing fresh of the Lord out there outside of LSM, so don't bother looking!" This is so, so not true. Granted, one has to dig a little to find books that speak of the church as dwelling place of God & walking daily according to spirit, etc., but they can be found.
3. How come there is a stigma against marrying outside of the church life if the other person is a Christian? the Bible doesn't say don't marry outside of "the recovery". Is it because there might be a potential point of conflict with the non RCer? If anyone is able to elaborate even more on this, maybe give feedback/advice, that would be VERY VERY appreciated!
This is another protectionist practice and quite legalistic. You are right - there is no such admonition to be found in scripture! Some Christian sects (including Roman Catholics) try to do this to preserve their control and influence. Many folks also talk about the LC trying to arrange their marriages - try finding that in New Testament scripture! (hint - not there)
4. How come I feel like I'm doing something wrong when I'm doing normal things such as eating lunch out with friends, watching a movie, playing games, playing sports, listening to music, etc..... I just don't understand this, some of my friends from the church don't really feel this, and others I know outside of the LC don't either, so I'm wondering if there's a problem with me since I feel so bad when doing stuff outside of just the meetings and etc...
I think what you are describing is just "gray fog condemnation" that our spiritual enemy tries to put on us believers. That is, you can't point to any particular sinful thing causing it . . . it just seems to surround us sometimes. The Lord loves us so much He died to justify us. He doesn't condemn us. Stand fast on the facts of His love for us, and invite these negative & nebulus feelings to be on their way. If He doesn't want you to be doing something, the Anointing within is surely able to let you know clearly!
5. We say we are not a denomination, but come on, are we not? maybe not nominally, but in terms of practice and having LSM material everywhere..... are we not? I am perplexed and at my knees trying to understand for many months now....
In my book, anyone that focuses on a particular ministry to the exclusion of others is a group separating itself from other Christians. The term "denomination" is rooted in "denominate" or to divide or separate. So in that sense, certainly yes, the LC is a another denomination. The ground of oneness is one such divisive teaching (though the irony of that is not missed by folks on this forum!) The centralized authority of the LC ministry is another way it denominates.
6. If I do end up leaving in the off chance, my entire life will be ruined and shattered. 98% of my friends are all people I have grown up with in the LC, my very, very small immediate family will no doubt grow further apart from me. As a result of growing up as a church kid, my immediate family is VERY separated from our blood family and it's almost like they are acquaintances and not family (rarely see them 2-3 times a year, and that's being generous). It's like I have so many around me, yet have none truly around me, outside of the LC. I mean, I love the saints and they are all truly my family. They all love the Lord and they are all great patterns in life (from the bottom of my heart). They're the family I never had. But of course, this could all change if I do leave the church life. I can't put into words just how much of my identity, if not all of it, I would lose if I left. I would have no one to turn to even just as human companions. And its not like I can just turn to someone to talk to them about how I feel, word spreads faster than wildfire in the church. I'm just at a crossroads and need a lot of help.
What you convey is really too bad and truly sad. It's a decision only you can make . . . and do seek the Lord in this matter before doing anything. Whether you stay or go should be completely up to you and Jesus, and don't receive "good advise" from anyone telling you to specifically do this or that end-game action. Here's a couple things to consider. Look at the characteristics of love in 1st Corinthians 13. If you leave and it happens as you have said, would these ones be operating in love as described in that passage? Love is the real acid test - and should be present not just when things are going well and according to someone's conception of things. His love to us is real no matter where we go or what we do. Many groups "shun" others who leave them, such as the Amish and the LC certainly does their version of this too. They might say, "We're shunning you for your own good - it's tough love. And if you come back, we will welcome you with open arms." But I don't believe Jesus ever shuns us in this way - to cut us off from love and fellowship to control us in some way.
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