Individualism

[OBW]

The question is: am I going to think for myself or become an adherent to someone else's theology, philosophy or political theory? According to Witness Lee being "body-consciousness" seemed to entail forsaking thinking for yourself. At the same time, he seemed to be doing a lot of thinking for himself.

The problem with this is that it is a false dichotomy. It ignores that my own thinking is influenced by the thoughts of others no matter how I try to be just me. And it makes those who follow someone out to be non-thinkers when they may have simply studied the ideas of the others and decided they were right and others were wrong.

And in the end, either it is truly a singular theology with gray areas around the edges, therefore we actually agree on the basics, no matter how much we want to say we are simply thinking for ourselves, or we jettison the basics in favor of a truly "just me" idea that is not exactly consistent with everyone else.

All this coming from a guy who is having a hard time with some of the core teachings and emphases of the group with which he is currently connected.

[zeek]

Originally Posted by OBW

The problem with this is that it is a false dichotomy. It ignores that my own thinking is influenced by the thoughts of others no matter how I try to be just me. And it makes those who follow someone out to be non-thinkers when they may have simply studied the ideas of the others and decided they were right and others were wrong.

I am influenced by everything I read and everyone I talk to somewhat. But, I don't follow anybody unconditionally or accept their propositions uncritically. I call that "thinking for myself" and it's very different from what was expected of people in the LCM and other church groups.

And in the end, either it is truly a singular theology with gray areas around the edges, therefore we actually agree on the basics, no matter how much we want to say we are simply thinking for ourselves, or we jettison the basics in favor of a truly "just me" idea that is not exactly consistent with everyone else.

That seems like a false dichotomy or black and white thinking to me. Aren't there an infinite range of possibilities between those extremes?

All this coming from a guy who is having a hard time with some of the core teachings and emphases of the group with which he is currently connected.

I'm not sure who you are referring to there.

[TLFisher]

Something I have considered, over the last two turmoils the actions of current blended brothers was independent, individualistic, and self-serving. They had a paychecks to worry about and ambitions within Living Stream Ministry to achieve.

[awareness]

Originally Posted by Terry

Something I have considered, over the last two turmoils the actions of current blended brothers was independent, individualistic, and self-serving. They had a paychecks to worry about and ambitions within Living Stream Ministry to achieve.

Come to think of it, back when I knew Ron Kangas, he always had a unique mind of his own. And as far as I can see since, he's used it quite well.

Proving, those that use their mind to support Witness Lee climb to the top of the LC. While all others are told to get out of their minds, and into their spirit, they stay in their minds.

We all need to use our minds. So ... I advise: brother, get out of your spirit, and into your mind. You'll go further, whatever and wherever you go. And ... and ... you won't fall for mind tricks.