Local Church History

[aron]

Originally Posted by Terry

Whatever brother Don chooses to write, keep writing brother. I have waited years for a brother like you to present a history that illustrates "both sides of the coin".

Terry Fisher

I echo brother Terry's words of appreciation and encouragement. I remember reading "Fermentation of the Present Rebellion" not long after I had joined the group. I had joined in a very emotional way, giving myself wholly to the teachings and practices. It was akin to being married; you overlook anything negative in a swirl of rapturous emotions and declarations. Then one day you wake up and realize your new 'family' is whispering of dark things going on.

I read the "FPR" as a newbie, taking in every word as gospel truth. The possibility that there were any redeeming qualities in the 'rebellious' ones was not considered. The only fault in the author was that he had been too trusting, too lenient with the guilty parties.

Today I realize history is more complex than that. "FPR" and other such documents tried to be the definitive assessment of events, and to give the final, authorative word. Don Rutledge's history is more cautious, admitting its provisional nature as being one person's impressions and recollections, and is thus much stronger as a source for those who want to know what really happened in the "Lord's Recovery".