Berkeley 74-76 My Story

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by aron

What I remember most is the incessant shouting. Your moniker for Berkeley probably is in line with that pattern of experience

Been thinking about the warnings regarding deceiving spirits (1 John 4:1; 1 Tim 4:1). Your characterization of the "shock and awe" tactics of charismatic Christianity rings true to my experience coming into the LC as well. You come in all naive, seeking, hoping. . .the tumult and excitement catch you up like Philip after he baptized the Ethiopian. An overwhelming feeling of exultation and joy. Everyone is holding a Bible and you think, "What could possibly go wrong?"

Then the "apostle" steps in via his designated lackeys and the fire recedes. And you're in some weird situation, living on yesterday's memories. In my case, I heard the FTTA telling us to "ignore the poor" and go after revenue-producers. I smelled a rat and walked out.

As it turns out, excitement is no substitute for truth.

Yes, agreed. There was a lot of shouting! I remember being taught in the meetings and prompted on how to testify - you know - short, quick & living! We would practice this. I know the idea was to get us to engage our mouths & spirit, which I appreciate. To me, things didn't go off the rails too badly until the 1980s. But, I'm sure I just wasn't aware of all the things going on. I do thank the Lord for my experience back then, as He surely wanted me there. Now I am sure He wants me here, with simple brothers just pursuing Him! (and no big central control messing things up)