Article: Beware of the writings of the Watchman

[Indiana]

Originally Posted by Freedom

This is a perfect example of how ready and willing LC members are to put into practice things that Nee/Lee taught. Of course, beating a child is one of the more extreme examples, but still, WN clearly endorsed it and described his own recommended method of corporal punishment.

As you put it, someone really has to be out of their mind to be willing to do something like this. Unfortunately, it really just boils down to people not being willing to give what they hear or read any amount of critical thought. The attitude is as simple as: "WN said it so it must be good advice." LC members have really gone off the deep end in this way.

Although Watchman Nee did not have his own children he had been in many homes having tended to many broken and ruinness family relationships by the time of his writing. Paul, the apostle, also did not have children and was never even married yet he wrote to Timothy twice, his last 2 epistles, with instruction on how ones ought to behave as parents, as slaves, as slave-owners, and as elders - he was never any of these.

Paul, by this time at his age and maturity in life, both humanly and spiritually, spoke according to his view. Watchman at his age spoke according to his view and his level of maturity. Both cared for the future of the church and saw the need for discipline early, and in a spirit of love only.

Righteousness and peace was a goal within the family and for the church life sought by both Paul and by brother Nee for both present and future purpose, to the glory of God.

The latter's well-intentioned recommendation might work very well, or it might not; but compared to Moses' instruction for dealing with a rebellious child (Deuteronomy), it was a very mild suggestion.

I happen to be listening to tapes on Deuteronomy at the same time I have been in Paul's writing to Timothy; and now have read Nee's word - and have my reactions to them all.
(Note: Moses also was in his maturity, at 120 years old)