James Barber - History of Witness Lee

[Freedom]

Originally Posted by JJ

I give credit to Witness Lee for preaching the truth related to eating Christ. But, he surely didn't invent it (comes right out of scripture, and others have preached the same).

I don't know how much Christian groups besides the LC have emphasized this, but something tells me that even some of the positive things that Lee emphasized may have been overemphasized or perhaps discussed in an abnormal way. Just because a certain truth is found in the Bible doesn't mean that it automatically deserves an undue emphasis. Especially in regards to what WL taught about eating Christ, I find that a lot of it might have been intended for shock value, rather than because it represented truth found in the Bible.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by Freedom

I don't know how much Christian groups besides the LC have emphasized this, but something tells me that even some of the positive things that Lee emphasized may have been overemphasized or perhaps discussed in an abnormal way. Just because a certain truth is found in the Bible doesn't mean that it automatically deserves an undue emphasis. Especially in regards to what WL taught about eating Christ, I find that a lot of it might have been intended for shock value, rather than because it represented truth found in the Bible.

Yes, "we're divine by eating Jesus" comes to mind.

[Freedom]

Originally Posted by JJ

Yes, "we're divine by eating Jesus" comes to mind.

There is a song in the LSM hymnal (#1146) with a line that says "We'll masticate Jesus..." Most newcomers don't understand that the word masticate means "chew". I have seen strange looks on people's faces when that song was sung. No one could convince me that the word choice wasn't there for shock value.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Freedom

There is a song in the LSM hymnal (#1146) with a line that says "We'll masticate Jesus..." Most newcomers don't understand that the word masticate means "chew". I have seen strange looks on people's faces when that song was sung. No one could convince me that the word choice wasn't there for shock value.

Of course it was there for "shock value." That's how these people think.

During my final days in the LC during the summer of 2005, trying to work as a long-time church deacon with this new lackey from Chicago sent by TC in Cleveland to be our new "boss," I dared to protest a number of his absurd changes in my church.

His response, "sometimes we need to shock the saints."

Taken straight from the Recovery playbook.

[Freedom]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Of course it was there for "shock value." That's how these people think.

During my final days in the LC during the summer of 2005, trying to work as a long-time church deacon with this new lackey from Chicago sent by TC in Cleveland to be our new "boss," I dared to protest a number of his absurd changes in my church.

His response, "sometimes we need to shock the saints."

Taken straight from the Recovery playbook.

I really think that LC leaders intentionally use the element of shock as a litmus test to see how far people are willing to express loyalty. If a newcomer can sit through a bizarre song without so much as batting an eye, then they are probably good LC material. The same kind of 'test' is likely viewed as worthwhile for longtime members to gauge their continued loyalty.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Freedom

I really think that LC leaders intentionally use the element of shock as a litmus test to see how far people are willing to express loyalty. If a newcomer can sit through a bizarre song without so much as batting an eye, then they are probably good LC material. The same kind of 'test' is likely viewed as worthwhile for longtime members to gauge their continued loyalty.

Then perhaps Lee used his own profligate son as a litmus test for loyalty, and Benson passed.

Interesting!

Originally Posted by Ohio

Then perhaps Lee used his own profligate son as a litmus test for loyalty, and Benson passed.

Interesting!

Shock versus following the Lord Spirit's leading (which isn't as showey).

Once during a training "testing time" I shared what I had been enjoying, but not very loudly or with panache. Brother Lee said "brother exercise your spirit" after I shared. I was surprised because I thought I was speaking in the Spirit, just not loudly. I didn't think a lot about it. But, I've since seen the term exercise your spirit isn't in the Bible. Exercise yourself unto godliness is. It's made me think that he was looking for loudness vs genuine spirituality. That's sad.