Should I Stay or Shoul I Go?

[OBW]

(I know that it might seem that I am looking for a pat on the back, but I really don't care aboout that. These are serious questions.)

Despite Lee’s strong opposition to all aspects of the ecumenical movement, the trend among so many groups these days is to acknowledge that we don’t agree on everything, but that we do agree on the basics (or true fundamentals — not the junk fundamentals that set Fundamentalists apart). As a result, we are more inclined to participate in events, and even regularly attend and worship with groups that may not be entirely in line with what we think is the “most correct” way.

It is due to this kind of thinking that I have become, at times, less inclined to give a lot of grief to those who chose to remain with the LRC, including those in my family.

Now there is a truly meaningful question as to whether the many (what I will characterize as) off-track teachings of Nee, Lee and the next generation of the LSM/LRC are harmless or can damage either, or both of, the spiritual walk or the psyche. In other words, is there something spiritually or psychologically harmful about the teachings of the LRC that we should be strong to warn them of?

And do we warn them because someone somewhere else is a poor leader or is abusive in the manner in which they wield power?

I do not go into whether the LSM/LRC base of teaching is built around a system of error. I’m not sure that anyone is willing to take it that far. I think it is true, but the evidence is that it has fallen off most people’s radar.

And even if they are, is it worth all the squabbling?

I have considered these questions numerous times, both together and separately. When I take them separately, I am inclined to wander away from this forum and let it run its course. When I take then together, I become convinced that this is not just something like arguing about the exclusivism of the Church of Christ (if they are still that exclusive) or the errors of the RCC, or if it is instead something that truly warrants serious battle.

I am becoming ambivalent and need something to provide the kick in one direction or the other. And the way the forum has operated of late does not help. It has become less interesting, being so often overcome with almost off-topic posts. And then manhandled by some who seem to be of no definite position but just seem to disagree with everything or at least always put a fly in every jar of ointment. Or piece together an assortment of unrelated verses in a manner that would make Lee proud and then electronically fold their arms and declare that everyone should simply accept it as so.

The last time we had a really large group of people involved was when someone was dishing up great fodder for the fight to go get those so-and-sos at the LSM/FTTT that were forcing US citizens to marry Chinese immigrants. At least until it was revealed to be the babbling of an upset father but not at all like what was claimed.

I grow weary and I wonder if it can even be classed as “growing weary in doing good.”

I do not think that the forum should just close. But I’m not sure that I can contribute much more.

And these are, to me, alternative questions to Unto’s that I am thinking through to make my own decision about what I like about the forum, what I think it needs, and what part I can or will play. Maybe they can get someone else to think as well. And maybe you (whoever you are) can talk me off the fence. I won’t suggest that either side is preferred.

And then maybe — just maybe — someone would like to talk me into leaving for good.

Don’t bother talking about our collective history. If it is only history, it is probably time to go.