Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Debelak
But problems arise when people claim – or worse, when you claim – that you know what the skyscraper is supposed to look like, that you’ve seen the blueprint.
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This often repeated analogy of "blueprint," citing Moses' time with Jehovah on Mt. Sinai which resulted in the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness, has served to calcify the thought processes of those in the LC's. Thus, by this analogy, WL/WN have already "spec'd out" in fine detail every matter of significance related to "erecting the skyscraper."
PD, you mention a matter of grave import. Is God more interested in our functioning as "pipefitters," or is He more concerned with a "leak-free" system. Let me give a "for instance" for discussion. The new way door knocking program of the late 80's was so spelled out that the comment was made that an "unbeliever could have been hired" to do this great work. God was basically removed from the "process" because the procedures were codified for mass production. In fact, the trainers were using "statistical analysis" from the results of Door Knocking sessions to determine the spiritual condition of each team. Are "specs" such as these really in the "blueprint?"
You already mentioned the dilemma of removing obedience to the Lord from the "pipefitter's" job description in lieu of program directives in the form of "blueprints." Another rotten side-effect of the "blueprint pill" is the eventual production of ordinances and traditions. We just don't care what the Lord is doing in you, only that you are doing well to build the "skyscraper." Don't tell us that the Lord is leading you to try a "new procedure" for "connecting pipes," we have already "recovered" the proper way.
Translate this thought into today's real life conflicts. The "blueprint" must include "piano only" music for our worship to God, because drums are worldly "gimmicks," which violate the "blueprint specs." Hence, "drums" are a "breach of contract" similar to using "aluminum" instead of "steel." Once detailed plans of the "blueprint" have been "signed-off" by the powers that be, they are finalized for production. Imagine the lengthy "change order" process that is involved with something so serious as introducing "electric guitars." Since the original "architect" has passed away now for a decade, who in their right mind would "sign-off" on a change of that magnitude? The whole building might collapse!
Thus, the entire LC movement is hardened in time by some imaginary "blueprint" by self-assumed "founding fathers." Every spec they passed on to us has become an unchangeable ordinance. Add up all the ordinances, and we have "traditions of men" superseding the word of God.