Let's make LocalChurchDiscussions Better for 2013!

[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by ABrotherinFaith

Cite things. Show people exactly where they can find what is being referenced. There is a lot of "he said he said" here, and I think it would be great for everyone, esp current LC members to be able to look for themselves.

These points are valid and well taken. However there is a big problem with this as it relates to the teachings of Witness Lee - He taught contradictory things, even things that touch the very core of the Christian faith. The best example might be Lee's teachings regarding the trinity. At times his teachings regarding the trinity seemed to be very close to what any evangelical, orthodox Christian might hear in their church, and at other times his teachings contained a strong "flavor" of modalism. He used commonplace language, such as "three in one", "the triune God", "the three of the trinity", etc. He also used modalistic terms, such as "stages". He also plainly stated that the Son is called the Father and that the Son became the Holy Spirit. Now defenders of Lee will try to explain away such a contradiction by pulling out the old “economical versus essential” argument, or the even more lame “he was teaching both sides of the same truth” argument. My point is that for every reference you might give of Lee’s heretical teachings, LCers will pull out a seemingly orthodox statement. They have been trained to defend Lee and his teachings no matter how silly or contradictory they sound. There is only so much time and space available on a forum for this kind of nonsense.

Don't get so easily offended. Read the entire post. Answer people's questions, especially if they are clear and directed at you. Stay on topic.

Amen, Amen, Amen and AMEN!

Try to discuss the LC as it is today. I realize that for that you'll need to attract more current members, but maybe asking questions about how it is now is one way to go. I know I am not the only current member. Others can comment on how it is now. From what I have read a lot has changed since the 80s and even since the early part of this century.

I would concur with alwayslearning here. The simple fact is that most of the changes have been “cosmetic” in nature. Most of the American younger brothers no longer look like they’re in the Marine Corps, and most of the younger American sisters have moved into the 21st century in appearance as well. However, since the teachings and practices are virtually the same, the hearts and minds of the average member are not much different..and neither is their attitude towards former members or even current members with a different opinion.

Don't immediately see an LC member as the enemy/opposition/punching bag. Remember that many are genuine Christians. If what you have to share is valid then reason with them as the Lord did, and pray for them.

I have tried my best to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to open and safe dialogue. However, there is only so much that one person can do. Igzy has been kind enough to take on the burden of the day-to-day operation and moderation. But really, at the end of the day, it is the majority of the forum members that set the tone. Thankfully, we are blessed with quite a number of reasonable people.