Group Think: A Sinister Snare For Elders and Congregations Alike

[aron]

Originally Posted by Ohio

... much of the emphasis over the years on "oneness" and the "one accord" had other motives in mind. These items became vehicles employed to silence internal critiques which were then desperately needed.

.... Some of the most rotten things in church history were done in the name of "oneness." A oneness the Lord never had in mind when He prayed on His last day.

When we look at the present day LC's and how far down they have spiraled, perhaps the single most important factor is "oneness with the ministry."

Forgive me if I repetitively beat my small drum here, but if you want an exemplar of "oneness" that is not of God's heart, look at Revelation 13:17, where no one could buy or sell unless they had the mark of the beast. This is a perfect example of an externally imposed "oneness". "Headquarters has decided (in order to avoid confusion, and maintain good order, naturally) that all transactions must have the approved seal upon them in order to take place."

Now, look at Rev. 13:17, then look over at the current "one publication/one ministry/one move of the Lord" scene in the current LCs, and tell me if that particular shoe doesn't fit uncomfortably well? Ironic that the LCs were so strong against the RCC, and then they fell into the same trap.

Okay, what is oneness? I have a suggestion: Jesus is the Lord! If you say, "Amen!" then I propose that we are one, regardless of the other stuff we are currently, and slowly, working through. If you can't give me an "amen", then sorry, I guess I don't have your portion and you don't have mine.

[TLFisher]

I thought I would bring this thread back up for some of our newer members and lurkers who might be interested in this article.

No matter is we agree or disagree with our brothers in Anaheim or Cleveland, we all are one in Christ. "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all."

It's when you get into peripheral matters or issues, there is no consensus. If you don't line up with the brother's group think or one accord, they will have problems with your concepts. You are not wanted to have an opinion, except theirs; which is the group think. When you get down to it, it is the group think that becomes the measuring stick for accepting or rejecting fellow members of the Body of Christ.