Local Church Discussions - View Single Post - "The Matter of Gaining African-Americans"

Koinonia · 08-21-2017, 02:23 PM

Drake, the issue is what exactly you consider "discussion." There may be a lot of talk, but I have to agree with others that there really is no opportunity for disagreement with Witness Lee, Living Stream Ministry, the blended brothers, etc., etc.

In my experience, LC members rarely even view disagreement as legitimate. So, yes, there may be a lot of back-and-forth about different services, or how to take care of the young people, or which ministry book to read on Friday nights, etc. But cross a line to "discuss" something of substance related to anything deemed in any way controversial, and you will likely be branded "negative" or "opinionated" and be likened to "opposers" or "rebellious ones," etc. You may also be told that opinions are the embodiment of Satan (so don't express an opinion about anything) and that the serpent comes in the form of a question mark (so don't ask questions). Such an atmosphere is not conducive to real discussion.

08-21-2017, 02:23 PM	#52
Koinonia Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 524	Re: "The Matter of Gaining African-Americans" Drake, the issue is what exactly you consider "discussion." There may be a lot of talk, but I have to agree with others that there really is no opportunity for disagreement with Witness Lee, Living Stream Ministry, the blended brothers, etc., etc. In my experience, LC members rarely even view disagreement as legitimate. So, yes, there may be a lot of back-and-forth about different services, or how to take care of the young people, or which ministry book to read on Friday nights, etc. But cross a line to "discuss" something of substance related to anything deemed in any way controversial, and you will likely be branded "negative" or "opinionated" and be likened to "opposers" or "rebellious ones," etc. You may also be told that opinions are the embodiment of Satan (so don't express an opinion about anything) and that the serpent comes in the form of a question mark (so don't ask questions). Such an atmosphere is not conducive to real discussion.