Is the LC more susceptible to the outward vs. inward?

HBJ · 07-31-2021, 06:09 PM

This is a difficult topic and will probably lead to a lot of discussion. In 30 years in Protestant Christianity now, I have only been in places focusing on the heart, i.e. our heart and its attitudes. Yes some churches have more outward learnings, such as Catholicism and the rosary. But whom am I to say that those who do such things do not seek God, and are not motivated by the heart. This includes the LC. I believe they have practices that are outward, but we need to pray for those there who seek the Lord. In the wheat and tares parable the Lord says to let them grow together and he will have the angels harvest rightly at the end of the age. We shouldn't purposely damage anyone.

I do think the LC leads to more outward expressions than inward and this can lead to issues. This is because of the LC's exclusivity, and people wanting to be part of the in group. I recently looked at my class photo from Junior high when I was in the LC. I was dressed in the brother's uniform, dress slacks, shirt and a button down sweater.

In the 90s, I went to visit a relative in Phoenix, who was still in the church. My wife and I went to a meeting, and when I walked in the door, noticed that a majority of sisters were dressed in navy skirts, white blouses and a kerchief head covering. For any outside we might as well been Amish, putting requirements on dress!

In the 70s a brother in the locality I was had decided to leave. He did this by bringing his whole family to a meeting and them all parroting our way of 'Praising the Lord", and using our outward way of expression. We thought they had all come to the Lord. But soon after he moved back home and we never heard from him again. It was done to fool us.

Finally, someone in my youth group outwardly knew all the LC phrases and lingo. Later in life became a registered sex offender.

Not that any of these things can't happen elsewhere in Christianity, but I think the LC ended up inadvertently focusing on the outward, so it is easier to 'fake it' there. Comments anyone?

07-31-2021, 06:09 PM	#1
HBJ Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Bothell,Washington Posts: 28	Is the LC more susceptible to the outward vs. inward? This is a difficult topic and will probably lead to a lot of discussion. In 30 years in Protestant Christianity now, I have only been in places focusing on the heart, i.e. our heart and its attitudes. Yes some churches have more outward learnings, such as Catholicism and the rosary. But whom am I to say that those who do such things do not seek God, and are not motivated by the heart. This includes the LC. I believe they have practices that are outward, but we need to pray for those there who seek the Lord. In the wheat and tares parable the Lord says to let them grow together and he will have the angels harvest rightly at the end of the age. We shouldn't purposely damage anyone. I do think the LC leads to more outward expressions than inward and this can lead to issues. This is because of the LC's exclusivity, and people wanting to be part of the in group. I recently looked at my class photo from Junior high when I was in the LC. I was dressed in the brother's uniform, dress slacks, shirt and a button down sweater. In the 90s, I went to visit a relative in Phoenix, who was still in the church. My wife and I went to a meeting, and when I walked in the door, noticed that a majority of sisters were dressed in navy skirts, white blouses and a kerchief head covering. For any outside we might as well been Amish, putting requirements on dress! In the 70s a brother in the locality I was had decided to leave. He did this by bringing his whole family to a meeting and them all parroting our way of 'Praising the Lord", and using our outward way of expression. We thought they had all come to the Lord. But soon after he moved back home and we never heard from him again. It was done to fool us. Finally, someone in my youth group outwardly knew all the LC phrases and lingo. Later in life became a registered sex offender. Not that any of these things can't happen elsewhere in Christianity, but I think the LC ended up inadvertently focusing on the outward, so it is easier to 'fake it' there. Comments anyone?