Can you dismiss WL's ministry because of his sins?

Cal · 11-23-2011, 07:11 AM

First off, nobody is perfect. Everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God. Simply that someone stumbles does not invalidate all the work he or she has ever done for the Lord. Luther and Darby are two good examples. Both had serious failings at the end of their lives (for that matter Moses did, too.)

Witness Lee had failings, too. He also had successes. In that sense he is no different than any other imperfect servant.

If I am interpreting OBW correctly then I disagree with him that Lee completely forfeited his standing as a teacher. I don't know that Darby repented of his exclusivism or that Luther repented of his hatred for Jews before they died. But I can still read their writings and get good out of them. I can still be inspired by the faithfulness they did show. And be warned by their failings.

Lee taught a lot of things and much of it is good. That shouldn't be the issue and I think OBW goes too far with his dismissal of Lee.

What I think is the issue is this whole thing about Lee being some special MOTA--the very real belief that there was something special about the man himself that leads LRC folks to make irrational life choices and allows them to be manipulated.

If we can look back on Luther and Darby and view their life and work objectively, and see them as flawed men who did some good things and also made some mistakes then why can't we do it with Lee?

This to me is the crux of the matter. We must see Lee as we see any other historical figure. LRCers must learn to not be intimidated by his shadow. The MOTA, the infallible apostle who is right even when he is wrong, must be exposed and discarded. It's easy to do with those other so-called "MOTAs" like Luther and Darby. The same approach must be taken with Lee.

The Lord allows us all to be exposed. And the bigger we claim to be the harder He lets us fall. This is a mercy. Can you imagine the delusion we'd be under if Lee had been near perfect? Did you ever think that the Lord lets mighty figures like Moses and David and Luther fail precisely so we will not hold them in too high esteem? And so that people with an agenda are less able to abuse that reverence to control and manipulate us?

ZNPaaneah · 11-23-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Igzy

First off, nobody is perfect...

I am very much encouraged by this post. Thanks.

11-23-2011, 07:11 AM	#1
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	Re: Can you dismiss WL's ministry because of his sins? First off, nobody is perfect. Everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God. Simply that someone stumbles does not invalidate all the work he or she has ever done for the Lord. Luther and Darby are two good examples. Both had serious failings at the end of their lives (for that matter Moses did, too.) Witness Lee had failings, too. He also had successes. In that sense he is no different than any other imperfect servant. If I am interpreting OBW correctly then I disagree with him that Lee completely forfeited his standing as a teacher. I don't know that Darby repented of his exclusivism or that Luther repented of his hatred for Jews before they died. But I can still read their writings and get good out of them. I can still be inspired by the faithfulness they did show. And be warned by their failings. Lee taught a lot of things and much of it is good. That shouldn't be the issue and I think OBW goes too far with his dismissal of Lee. What I think is the issue is this whole thing about Lee being some special MOTA--the very real belief that there was something special about the man himself that leads LRC folks to make irrational life choices and allows them to be manipulated. If we can look back on Luther and Darby and view their life and work objectively, and see them as flawed men who did some good things and also made some mistakes then why can't we do it with Lee? This to me is the crux of the matter. We must see Lee as we see any other historical figure. LRCers must learn to not be intimidated by his shadow. The MOTA, the infallible apostle who is right even when he is wrong, must be exposed and discarded. It's easy to do with those other so-called "MOTAs" like Luther and Darby. The same approach must be taken with Lee. The Lord allows us all to be exposed. And the bigger we claim to be the harder He lets us fall. This is a mercy. Can you imagine the delusion we'd be under if Lee had been near perfect? Did you ever think that the Lord lets mighty figures like Moses and David and Luther fail precisely so we will not hold them in too high esteem? And so that people with an agenda are less able to abuse that reverence to control and manipulate us?