The LCS Factor

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Igzy

The teaching of deputy authority is nothing more than an invitation to abuse.

To see where the idea can lead, read this post.

Igzy, did you do all the research to find those quotes?

Those quotes are indeed scary, and remind me of my school age days in that system. Most of the ones I knew would never tolerate the outworking of those extremes. They were Catholics by culture and convenience. The worst thing for them could be summarized by the Lord's words, "your traditions make void the word of God." In my generation, in my extended family, just about no one is Catholic anymore. Usually, if they are, it is to send their kids to their schools.

My question about the teaching of "deputy authority" is this: what's the value? The risk of danger far outweighs the supposed value. While God does raise up certain men in the Bible to represent him, once we make that a teaching in the church, then men will raise themselves up ... to the detriment of others. Fallen man has enough weapons in his arsenal, just think what sanctioned teachings will do.

WN knew church history well, along with the "clear and present danger" of even mentioning such a thing as deputy authority, even with caveats on every page. I'm sure in RCC history the "checks and balances" of deputy authority were initially taught side by side, only to be set aside by ambitious leaders who don't want "checks and balances." One such Biblical balance is the presbytery, a group of elders. WN's other teaching of "the work" also propelled the concepts of deputy authority. Those who strongly reject all hierarchy in the church, just don't seem to balk at the same "monster" in "the work." Slowly as "the work" overtakes "the church," we have a "monster" in full authority, yet all the members seemingly are unawares. Change the name of "the work" to "the ministry" and we have today's situation, with "monsters' on the loose for decades.