"Against the Tide" by Angus Kinnear

[Ohio]

Posted by Testing123

For a more critical perspective on Watchman Nee, you might try the two books written by Dana Roberts - "Understanding Watchman Nee" and "Secrets of Watchman Nee." Roberts was never associated with the Local Church. Personally, I don't like his books, especially the latter, which tries to be controversial in painting Watchman Nee as a philandering embezzler.

Posted by Testing123

In the second Roberts book, the author implies that Nee was involved with prostitutes, as well as having improper relationships with young sisters in Shanghai. He also suggests that Nee used his ministry to funnel money into his own pocket for the lavish, decadent lifestyle he enjoyed in private. It is really a stunning departure away from anything serious ever previously written on Nee, and I sincerely believe that these accusations are well beyond silliness. As far as I know, Roberts is the only "scholar" to have adopted this line of rhetoric - what was, in fact, the Communist Party's attack against Nee used to shut down his ministry behind a semblance of legality.

Except for Dana Roberts, and now Dr. Lily Hsu, every author has portrayed Nee as almost angelic. Other authors who heard less than perfect reports about Nee, always attributed it to the cruel tactics of the Communist Party, and, of course, nothing they have presented should be taken at face value, unless it can be independently corroborated. With the endless glowing reports on Nee, it is almost impossible to reconcile the disparities we are confronted with in his life. None can deny the gifts, the talents, and the wisdom Nee was endowed with, along with a fervent desire to serve God. I suppose the same accolades could be said of King David.

With two authors now presenting confirming accounts of Nee, his pristine image must be reconsidered. Like his "successor" Lee, the source of the danger seems to lie in his willingness to be highly exalted among God's people. Nee in China was uplifted as was Lee in America. The early Apostles, however, were not this way. They may have struggled for power and glory before His death, but not afterwards. Paul repeatedly demeaned his own stature in the church, and lest he forget, the saints could remind him of their murdered comrades, and God would ratchet up the pain from that thorn. Thus, Paul would remain as nothing in the church, and Christ, the Beloved of the Father, would remain all and in all in the church.