Intro of an ex "Church Kid"

[JJ]

Originally Posted by kappagamma

I will say though that jumping into this forum has perhaps sparked a small amount of seeking that I have not had in many, many years. I almost bought a Bible the other day but am torn between versions at the moment

I’m glad you are healing from LC violation. While I wasn’t raised in LC (I was entrapped at age 17), one of the reasons I left was I wanted no part of forcing LC religion on young people or entrapping others, as it violates principles of the gospel being offered freely and not forcing a response.

I’m also glad this forum has perhaps sparked a small amount of seeking. Jesus really is amazing, and worthy of all praise, honor, and blessing.

These days purchasing a paper Bible is not necessarily needed as free on-line Bibles can be used with computer, tablet, and smart phone with internet connection or download. I use Bible Hub, Bible Gateway, and Blue Letter Bibles for different purposes. Just put each name into a search engine and viola, pick each one and try them out).... all major and many minor translations are there, individually or side by side in parallel mode). I like the literal translations like Berean’s and Young’s as well as Strong’s NASB in Bible Hub. Lot’s of tools including Greek and Hebrew text and commentaries are included. Bible Gateway has audio mode for some versions, which I like for quick reading.

[aron]

Originally Posted by JJ

These days purchasing a paper Bible is not necessarily needed as free on-line Bibles can be used with computer, tablet, and smart phone with internet connection or download. I use Bible Hub, Bible Gateway, and Blue Letter Bibles for different purposes. Just put each name into a search engine and viola, pick each one and try them out).... all major and many minor translations are there, individually or side by side in parallel mode). I like the literal translations like Berean’s and Young’s as well as Strong’s NASB in Bible Hub. Lot’s of tools including Greek and Hebrew text and commentaries are included. Bible Gateway has audio mode for some versions, which I like for quick reading.

I'll see you and I'll raise you one. Not only is the Bible freely available in various forms but the surrounding literature as well. For instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls open up a window to the messianic expectations of a separatist sect called the Essenes. When John the Baptist came out of the desert preaching repentance, he greeted the religious ones coming from Jerusalem with epithets. Clearly there's a back story here.

Witness Lee famously told us that he hadn't learned anything from anyone for 45 years. For those coming out of the LC/LR, there's some catching up to do!

Of course there are a lot of flakes out there, a lot of proverbial chaff. But with the internet one can sort through things fairly quickly. We have resources available that were undreamed of 30 years ago.

[awareness]

Originally Posted by aron

I'll see you and I'll raise you one. Not only is the Bible freely available in various forms but the surrounding literature as well. For instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls open up a window to the messianic expectations of a separatist sect called the Essenes. When John the Baptist came out of the desert preaching repentance, he greeted the religious ones coming from Jerusalem with epithets. Clearly there's a back story here.

Witness Lee famously told us that he hadn't learned anything from anyone for 45 years. For those coming out of the LC/LR, there's some catching up to do!

Of course there are a lot of flakes out there, a lot of proverbial chaff. But with the internet one can sort through things fairly quickly. We have resources available that were undreamed of 30 years ago.

Anyway, those growing up in the LC have a ton of catching up to do. They followed only one voice, Lee's. That leaves 'em incredibly short on christian matters.

Google and Wikipedia are just starting off points. And so is the opening up of their minds. After growing up with closed minds, that ain't easy.

May the Lord of all knowledge be with them. And thanks to Him for the abundance of the internet. We wouldn't be here without it.

[kappagamma]

Originally Posted by awareness

Anyway, those growing up in the LC have a ton of catching up to do. They followed only one voice, Lee's. That leaves 'em incredibly short on christian matters.
Google and Wikipedia are just starting off points. And so is the opening up of their minds. After growing up with closed minds, that ain't easy.
May the Lord of all knowledge be with them. And thanks to Him for the abundance of the internet. We wouldn't be here without it.

This is quite arrogant, yes? I would argue that - yes, while there is quite a bit of Lee in our upbringing you are talking about a lifetime of Bible reading, verse memorization, etc. The RV wasn't out our whole lives...we've read other Bibles, too... and further... those of us who have made the choice to leave no doubt have spent countless hours comparing translations and what is offered by other denominations etc to see what else is out there. We just aren't puffed up about it (only some offense intended). Also LOL at growing up with closed minds. Have you actually observed the cross-section of "Church Kids" out there? How "open" is any hard-core religious fanatics mind? And how "closed" is someone who has chosen a different path? Have you seen how many posts on this forum get stormed by certain individuals with certain viewpoints? That's a heck of a lot more closed-minded than most of the "Church Kids" I know... but what would I know... I only am...er....was one

[awareness]

Originally Posted by kappagamma

This is quite arrogant, yes? I would argue that - yes, while there is quite a bit of Lee in our upbringing you are talking about a lifetime of Bible reading, verse memorization, etc. The RV wasn't out our whole lives...we've read other Bibles, too... and further... those of us who have made the choice to leave no doubt have spent countless hours comparing translations and what is offered by other denominations etc to see what else is out there. We just aren't puffed up about it (only some offense intended). Also LOL at growing up with closed minds. Have you actually observed the cross-section of "Church Kids" out there? How "open" is any hard-core religious fanatics mind? And how "closed" is someone who has chosen a different path? Have you seen how many posts on this forum get stormed by certain individuals with certain viewpoints? That's a heck of a lot more closed-minded than most of the "Church Kids" I know... but what would I know... I only am...er....was one

Kudos to you kappagamma, for not having a closed mind.