Guru Papers

[aron]

Confession: I continue to follow a guru to this day. He's from the East, the Near East to be precise. The Eastern Mediterranean Region, aka the Levant.

His name was Jesus and was held by many to be God's Anointed Christ, the King of the Jews. He was wisdom personified (Matt 12:42; 1 Cor 1:21), and Savior of the World (John 4:41; 1 John 4:14). His disciples called Him "Master" (Gk: kurios), also translated as "Lord". And these disciples, aka Christians, of whom I profess to be one, claim that God furnished proof of His divine character and status, by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:31).

But I don't see any of His immediate followers claiming the "mantle" for themselves. Paul for example was an apostle, which means "sent one", which means today missionary, or traveling evangelist. Not Paul the Uber Boss, the Big Kahuna Maximus, who can do no wrong and whose every pronouncement is fawned over as "God's Oracle." No; that kind of man-elevation seems to come from a source outside of the Christian tradition.

Look at 1 Corinthians, for example. It is from "Paul and Sosthenes" (1:1). Who was Sosthenes? Perhaps the bearer of the letter. But his name was on the letter, too. This wasn't from the church of Paul. Nobody wrote, "Lovers of Jesus affiliated with the ministry of Paul". No; they were affiliated with Jesus, as was Paul, as was Sosthenes. Who was baptized in Paul's name (v.13)?

Was the apostle John "absolutely obedient" to or "absolutely one" with the leading of Paul, recognizing him as God's chosen vessel for that present age? No? Why not, was John then in rebellion against God? Or was maybe this reading of "one special [dominant] vessel per age" a kind of hopeful reading, and rather culturally-biased at that?

Did Paul really expect that the church in Corinth would identify themselves as "Lovers of Jesus, whe recommend the rich ministry of God's bondservant Paul"? I think Paul would have torn his clothes (see Acts 14:14) had he heard such nonsense.

On Witness Lee's death in 1997 the blendeds said that the age of Spiritual Giants was over, and it was the age of Small Potatoes. From whence cometh such statements? Not from scripture, history, or logic. Why should God have one Top Minister per age and give this up post-Lee? Was Lee really that good, that God couldn't find another charismatic soul and henceforth must rely on caretakers and bureaucrats?

[aron]

Originally Posted by aron

On Witness Lee's death in 1997 the blendeds said that the age of Spiritual Giants was over, and it was the age of Small Potatoes. From whence cometh such statements? Not from scripture, history, or logic. Why should God have one Top Minister per age and give this up post-Lee? Was Lee really that good, that God couldn't find another charismatic soul and henceforth must rely on caretakers and bureaucrats?

The split between the Brasilians and Anaheim was because Dong Yu Lan wanted to be an Ascended Master, too. The Blendeds wanted him to be a nobody - no more Giants allowed, only caretakers. But DYL had a good thing going. Just like WL, his acolytes were on the street peddling his words. Just like WL, he could examine and expose everyone & everything but his personal affairs were a Black Box. Why should he give that up and become a nobody? Top of the heap, baby; he'd followed WL's game plan to the letter and now the world was his. Give it up? Not a chance.

What follows an account of an ex-acolyte, with the infamous 'black box' comment by apologist and promoter Ezra Ma. The 'guru' theme's written all over this one: Don't think, don't question, don't ask. Just follow the Program.

Originally Posted by aron

(Translated from Portuguese)

The Local Church Movement led by Dong Yu Lan in Brazil and South America was considered part of the Ministry of Witness Lee, from the arrival of DYL here until the death of Witness Lee in 1997.

But from WL's death, the relationship between the leadership of LSM and DYL, which has never been good, has been deteriorating to the total disruption of these movements and their congregations in 2005 and officially in 2009, when a Letter of Quarantine has been published the DYL.

I participated actively in this process of separation of the LSM with DYL, mainly because he considered extremely idolatrous WL Movement, centralized and authoritarian. These deviations were notorious and affected the consciousness of the brothers, particularly those that related internationally. There was an expectation, at least on my part, that in this break, the Local Church movement in Brazil and South America could fix their deviations, and bring his teachings to their practice.

Almost simultaneously, and as the work progressed in Africa and was successful, problems with the DYL leadership began to arise and develop, either in the teaching field, and in practice. In addition I began to question the Movement administration.

Although he was considered a leader, he did not participate in its management, but the Work in Africa, which I managed, is the movement of people and resources. At the time it was granted a Power of Attorney by the Association Tree of Life, for we function as a branch in Brasilia, with the specific purpose of supporting evangelization in Africa.

I thought up there, that all he was doing was by God and for God, but my conscience was becoming more sensitive, because of the inconsistencies I found, particularly in increasing promotion ladder, in your institution, and in business that arose with argument to sustain the work.

In 2008 I moved to São Paulo, in a maneuver exhausting logistics, which seriously compromised my family budget and care for my children. There are several versions on this topic, however, at that time I felt that I should approach the DYL leadership to try to somehow positively influence Movement direction. (some movement advocates said I had gone to SP to give a kind of "coup in DYL" qta imagination!)

At that time I had invested everything he had, property, family, and career on the belief that this movement was an expression of the restored church on earth. Would not it be logical that in the face of difficulties, I simply depart. I really wanted to make "the church" into something that rewards the dedication of the people.

The story is long. Facebook's Notes address in particular this disruption process. I am attaching some files that seek to describe a sequence of events.

Then came the administrative issue and the fear of legal responsibility.

In São Paulo I took note of a Warrant Search and Seizure, which was issued (later halted), due to a Concealment Process Goods and Money Laundering Association against the Tree of Life (AAV).

Were evident signs of administrative irregularities, particularly in resort Tree of Life, where a son of DYL managed an Engineering Company, which at the time was the only one to carry out works at Estancia (meeting place of the Congregations, an auditorium, accommodation, houses and hotel).

The ghost of being a mere orange, providing credibility to the operations, which at least seemed unethical by the Movement summit, began to haunt me.

I worried about being corresponsabilizado for something I lived, but not adequately met, and certainly not agree.

After the episode of the Warrant I went to the resort to talk to one of the main leaders of the Movement, who lived there (Ezra Ma, the chief marketer of Dong Yu Lan).

Surely it was aware qq thing that occurred there. So I argued with him in front of irregularities, what should be our position?

We should just sit on the 1st row and make clear to the brothers who were approving all that was done?

I told him to all the letters that I would not be Orange Movement, and that if there were any irregular or unethical situation, as such Engineering Company that had the monopoly of the works of EAV, so that the situation be corrected because they do not should expect from me what solidarity was not fair and legal.

He claimed not to know anything, but "the administration of EAV was a kind of black box, the Dong's exclusivity."

I argued that, if so, only after the crash is that we would know its contents. Finally we said goodbye. I think he got the message, they could not "trust" me administrative secrets.

There are other episodes that have marked my discontent and frustration.

There was a training in Pocos de Caldas (I think it was in 2009, in the 1st half) to promote the "current move of God," which at that time was through "banners and books of exhibitors".

For me, it completely lost the spiritual sense. A kind of "brainwashing" was characterized, which sought to "convince" the participants at the private setting method, permeated by repetitive, tiresome and theatrical witnesses and under the tireless and insatiable president of Dong Yu Lan, until all surrendered the "evidence" that it really was the work of "Holy Spirit". It is very likely that some had already noticed that I was nearly "edge."

I believe that from here, I had no future projections that place. My concern was how to referral and care for brothers and communities generated in Africa.

In October 2010, because of various events and disagreements, I broke completely with that movement. It was true that no longer recognized the group as "the church", neither its leadership as "anointed of God."

The main motivation that kept me yet integrated into the Group, as I said, it was like meet and take care of the families of full-time brothers who served in Africa, since the funds came from the congregations under the leadership DYL.

I understand that the events that preceded this disruption were not masked to African workers, and the decision of what to do before the apparent reduction of resources, because of the ministerial separation, would be at the discretion of each. This turned out and, miraculously, Heavenly Father has provided care to those who preferred to preserve the purity of their service, ie, they did not accept the impositions of the DYL Movement and also broke the relationship with him.

The episode that ended this disruption process occurred at the construction office in Africa in Brasilia. Files and administrative responsibilities I exerted myself were taken without warning, as in a police operation (I was away, traveling in Africa). This unusual situation, which could have been carried out with transparency, because the right of that function was sustained by an attorney, was carried rudely cable.

Given this, I remained two options: drive my moral, financial and professional damage to a human court, or follow my path of recovery. So me and my house we decided to take the damage, resuming our lives and leave the judgment to God.

Although it has lost many things, including physical health, I have preserved the faith, courage and a companion: Facebook.

The Movement decried me, guiding his followers not to speak with me. However, some members and companions, because they know me, too broke and continued friendship and care.

I went back to work. I got opportunities and today I am consultant hired by a Great Construction Company, in its defense business.

Gradually regained health and financial condition.

For all I saw and went through, I am absolutely convinced that man's religion has nothing to do with the Lord Jesus and with God, however, have always been opponents.

Sorry realize yet, especially in the movement from which I came, the commitment of many faithful, consuming their time, resources and faith itself (seen as occurs with many who left), serving religion and, day by day, up disappointed with it .

It is sad to see the proposed consecration being presented in the name of God, and people devoting their assets to support ideas of a sick and self-centered mind. I don't intend to convince or convert people of anything, nor could, but I can neither ignore facts and experiences. It would be a sin to keep silent. Some later on historical analysis of events may question whether the silence would not be a crime of omission.

I understand that there is not much I can do, particularly to members of the DYL Movement, because people are unnerved when talking to religious leaders, however trust in the heavenly Father who sovereignly all-seeing, all controls and ensures so their children are cared for.

I hope everyone there is freed and can finally experience real freedom in the Spirit and the unique headship of Christ.

Still echo in my ears a meeting that was hosted by DYL in the presence of the directors of AV Publisher in one of the rooms on the premises of AV Publisher and residence of DYL in São Paulo, to try to get my "repentance ". He talked about my "attacks" to their "ministry" and gave me the word.

I just repeated the observations he had made in the letter that I write to him, pointing to the problem of discomfort on the promotion of Dong Yu Lan and AV by congregations over the name of the Lord, and neglect the Word of the Apostles and of the Lord Jesus Himself in particular the emphasis on the teaching and practice with respect to business.

At this point there was something quite remarkable. When I mentioned that it was unacceptable that the "restoration" ignore the words of the Lord Jesus, so I started to quote the verse that Jesus spoke in the temple, "it is written, my house ..." (Luke 19:46). I could not finish. Dong Yu Lan stood up and started screaming, "Enough! Enough! U will not convince me of anything. If u want to follow me, follow me, if u do not want to follow me, do not follow me. " (with Chinese translation into Portuguese)

This is Donguismo !!!!

[Freedom]

Originally Posted by aron

The split between the Brasilians and Anaheim was because Dong Yu Lan wanted to be an Ascended Master, too. The Blendeds wanted him to be a nobody - no more Giants allowed, only caretakers. But DYL had a good thing going. Just like WL, his acolytes were on the street peddling his words. Just like WL, he could examine and expose everyone & everything but his personal affairs were a Black Box. Why should he give that up and become a nobody? Top of the heap, baby; he'd followed WL's game plan to the letter and now the world was his. Give it up? Not a chance.

One thing that seems to escape LC members is that because Lee served as everyone's role model, it goes without saying that there would be some who would seek to initiate his self-appointed 'MOTA' status. To the extent that TC and DYL saw themselves as being special, that is a problem that can be attributed to Lee. He created them. He is who they sought to mimic. Does it really surprise anyone that in spiritual guru Leeland, that there were plenty line up ready to take his spot? I'm not surprised, not the least bit.

DYL or TC could have been his successor. Instead the blendeds won the grab for power.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Freedom

One thing that seems to escape LC members is that because Lee served as everyone's role model, it goes without saying that there would be some who would seek to initiate his self-appointed 'MOTA' status. To the extent that TC and DYL saw themselves as being special, that is a problem that can be attributed to Lee. He created them. He is who they sought to mimic. Does it really surprise anyone that in spiritual guru Leeland, that there were plenty line up ready to take his spot? I'm not surprised, not the least bit.

DYL or TC could have been his successor. Instead the blendeds won the grab for power.

Exactly. And that's all those quarantines were -- a power grab. Disguised by tract wars.

I was told by one former worker that TC told him personally about many in Asia who had begun a slogan, slowly gaining momentum: "Nee-Lee-Chu."

Compare that with our pattern Paul, supposedly the Proto-MOTA: "All in Asia have forsaken me." (2 Tim 1.15)

[OBW]

Originally Posted by Freedom

DYL or TC could have been his successor. Instead the blendeds won the grab for power.

The Blendeds won because they controlled the source of LCM lore and dogma — the LSM.

And while there are several Blendeds rather than just one, the issue is that they realized that with the diversity of what was actually practiced, and what was and was not known concerning the issues of the past, no one of them could reasonably rise to preeminence and maintain what was left. And even in that they failed because of TC and DYL.

But I would suggest that there is a "hidden" hierarchy among the Blendeds. In other words, some are more blended than others. Maybe a triumvirate of BP, RK, and RG. All others are given specific local or regional responsibilities, but these are more global.

And so

"Four legs good, two legs bad"

becomes

"Four legs good, two legs better"

As for the title of the thread, "Another Guru," I am reminded of a line from the Disney animated movie, Aladdin, in which some local guy watching a procession of pomp and circumstance of a noble coming to see the princess, says "another suitor for the princess" in a very sarcastic manner.

And so, with apologies to Monty Python, we have

"Another guru"
"And there was much rejoicing" "yea.."

[HERn]

It may be that the Anaheim blendeds knew they would be out of a job if TC or another ascended master was to take over. It will be interesting to observe the power plays when RK, EM and others start receding. The recovery is finished whenever the rate of members who leave exceed the number of marks who get recruited.

[Freedom]

Originally Posted by HERn

It will be interesting to observe the power plays when RK, EM and others start receding.

I'm inclined to think that as the blendeds slowly disappear, members will struggle with an identity crisis. Who should they follow? What were they following? Who will lead them on? Those are all questions they will be forced to answer, as did members who where there when Lee passed on.

In a movement that is formed around a guru and is held together by the guru, it's continual existence is dependent upon the existence of that person. There was an LC leader who referred to the Chinese proverb "when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter" as a supposed 'proof' that the LC wasn't centered around Lee. Actually, the reason the LC is still in existence is because Lee had a "blendedfold intensified" continuation. They had enough credibility among members to assume his position. And even despite that, there was still somewhat of a mini identity crisis that still happened.

I really don't believe that the blendeds have any successor 'group' in mind. Of course they could put anyone they want up at the podium if that became necessary, but whose to say members will follow their appointed successors? The rank and file consider themselves to be dumb sheep, so they need a leader. If there isn't anyone filling those shoes who has credibility among members, then the LC will cease to exist as we know it.

[HERn]

The blendeds must be thinking of who can take over. Whoever it is will need to be uncompromising, faithful to Lee, disparaging of Christianity, and able to write nonsensical outlines using obtuse references to the bible. The body of Christ is much bigger than the sect known as the lords recovery.

[Trapped]

Originally Posted by Freedom

I'm inclined to think that as the blendeds slowly disappear, members will struggle with an identity crisis. Who should they follow? What were they following? Who will lead them on? Those are all questions they will be forced to answer, as did members who where there when Lee passed on.

In a movement that is formed around a guru and is held together by the guru, it's continual existence is dependent upon the existence of that person. There was an LC leader who referred to the Chinese proverb "when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter" as a supposed 'proof' that the LC wasn't centered around Lee. Actually, the reason the LC is still in existence is because Lee had a "blendedfold intensified" continuation. They had enough credibility among members to assume his position. And even despite that, there was still somewhat of a mini identity crisis that still happened.

I really don't believe that the blendeds have any successor 'group' in mind. Of course they could put anyone they want up at the podium if that became necessary, but whose to say members will follow their appointed successors? The rank and file consider themselves to be dumb sheep, so they need a leader. If there isn't anyone filling those shoes who has credibility among members, then the LC will cease to exist as we know it.

This will be an interesting shift to watch here over the next period of time. As far as the "speaking blendeds" I believe the pool is smaller as several of them have been afflicted in their physical health to the point where they cannot give long messages anymore, and the ones still well enough just speak more messages instead to compensate. I am only aware in recent times of one addition to the typical group of brothers who speak messages. I just can't imagine there are many clamoring to take on that role, but stranger things have happened.

Who will lead them on, indeed? What on earth will be the glue that holds them together?

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by HERn

The recovery is finished whenever the rate of members who leave exceed the number of marks who get recruited.

Mark, that's an interest term. In relation to the LC it can be defined as "Does not, or chooses not to, follow the backstage politics"....as we know there is politics in the local churches.

[aron]

Originally Posted by OBW

The Blendeds won because they controlled the source of LCM lore and dogma — the LSM.

The Blendeds won the tract wars because they had a bigger captive audience and a bigger printing press. But I doubt Dong is crying in his milk: he got to be Avatar. He got to be God's Deputy, the Oracle of the Divine Will, albeit in a smaller pond, rather than a nothing in a slightly bigger pond. And he probably took the trade-off without any hesitation.

The Message therefore lives on: We're the True Remnant Assembly, God's Little Flock, guided faithfully by God's Deputy, the Enlightened One with the Golden Riches of Heaven. And we're misunderstood, opposed, defamed, attacked, and persecuted by Deformed Monstrous Religion, including the California-based Blended Lieutenants of Lee.

Dong was nothing if not a faithful follower of Lee's play-book, here. And like Lee, he got to be the center of his own spiritual universe.