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The Thread of Gold by Jane Carole Anderson "God's Purpose, The Cross and Me" |
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04-14-2008, 05:11 PM | #1 |
Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον For God So Loved The World
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The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
"This book, The Thread of Gold: God's Purpose, the Cross, and Me, tells the true story of Jane Carole Anderson’s twenty-year journey through the Local Church of Witness Lee. It reveals her discovery of the powerful and practical message of the cross, one that saved her from deception and revealed God’s purpose for her life. The author writes, 'When your goal is to know God, you will find an amazing thread of gold being woven into the details of your life and circumstances. That golden thread will be your very own, unique, personal experience of Him. You will come to know Him as One who takes care of everything concerning you—from commonplace things to the deeply significant matters of the heart. I know Him as both the God who takes care of my washing machine and the God who wipes away my tears. In His way and time, He will unfold the unique purpose He has for your life. Ultimately, you and your thread of gold will remain forever, perfectly woven together with millions of others and their threads of gold into God's masterpiece, and put on display for eternity.' We at Protus Publications are truly thankful that The Thread of Gold has already been helpful to a number of people as evidenced by those who have given us feedback. We continue to pray that God will put this book into the hands of all those whom He desires to receive it" ----------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 Into the Pit The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” (Jer. 31:3) IN THE SPRING OF 1977, MY HUSBAND AND I DRAGGED our bodies home after a church meeting in Houston, Texas. During that meeting, I was publicly humiliated; and after it, I was further shamed, censured, and ostracized. I had sensed God’s nearness throughout everything that had transpired until that night, and then it seemed that He had abandoned me to this horrible experience. Those I loved had cast me into a pit of spiritual darkness and left me there to languish alone. I went to bed still sobbing as I continued to relive what had happened. That Meeting I was upset, nervous, and fearful as I sat there, waiting for Dan Williams to speak. I had been in this condition since the time I had been told, several days earlier, that my attendance in this meeting was mandatory. Dan was an elder and regional leader from a church in another city who had traveled to Houston with the purpose of holding this meeting. He was a tall, thin man who always wore a longsleeved white shirt, a thin tie, and dark pants. He was sitting forward in his chair on the front row jiggling one of his legs up and down periodically. Then he rose and began to speak. He asked that the tape recorder be turned off. This request was extremely unusual and, therefore, foreboding. Because of events in the preceding weeks, I knew whatever was coming wasn’t going to be good. When Dan began to speak, he announced that there was a “sisters’ rebellion” in the Texas churches and that the sister leading this rebellion was in the Houston church. According to him, this sister had committed serious offenses against the church. She and others with her had encouraged people to open up and talk about their problems. According to Dan, this was the same as encouraging people to vomit. He disapprovingly said that when these sisters had told people to pray and wait for direction from the Lord, they were advocating “passivity.” As I had sat there listening to him, I had no doubt that I was the person about whom he was speaking. Though he didn’t mention my name, many people in the church had already heard I was in trouble and had stopped speaking to me because of what was considered to be my “leprous condition.” Dan declared that these rebellious sisters had opposed the Lord’s present move in the church and had caused a serious division. He proclaimed that they were seeking to be spiritual giants and that this was unacceptable in what he called the age of the body, the corporate expression of Christ. Because of their spiritual self-seeking, they had become deceived. Satan had used them to cause serious error and trouble and, hence, to damage the church. At one point, he stated his belief that sisters didn’t have any spiritual discernment, and that they were, therefore, easy prey for Satan’s deception. He also stated his belief that sisters could not receive revelation from the Bible. He continued speaking for a long period of time, informing church members about the evilness of the sisters’ rebellion and stating that any evidence of such rebellion would not be tolerated. A large knot of nausea and almost pain was throbbing in my stomach as I sat there listening, feeling like time had been cruelly suspended so that the wound I was receiving would be the deepest possible. When I ventured a glance around the room, hoping for anyone, anything that might be able to stop this nightmare, all I saw were faces glancing back at me with looks of pity. Dan finally concluded his message: “One of these sisters hasn’t repented or talked to us. You know who you are. After this meeting, come to the fellowship room.” My husband and I knew he meant me. It apparently hadn’t been enough to put me in a public coffin; he needed to nail it shut. The Inquisition With many eyes on us, we crossed the meeting hall and entered the fellowship room. I felt like I was being summoned to the Inquisition. Dan was waiting there with a number of others who had been invited to attend as witnesses. Most of the local elders were present. One of their wives was present. An elder from a third locality was also there. A number of sisters were there, including some that had become members of the church through our efforts and had lived in our home for a long period of time. It appeared that the elders wanted them to be clear that I was not to be trusted. I was directed to sit down on the end of a couch. Most of the people present were sitting on folding chairs in a semicircle across the room from me. My husband was given a seat with them. Others were standing. A folding chair was on my right side, about a foot away from the couch. Dan turned it to face me and then sat down. Looking at me, he began repeating in judgment of me his pronouncements from the public meeting. He offered no specific facts and no clear examples of my “rebellion.” He asked me nothing. I did not understand his vague accusations. One of these was, “…and the shameful downfall that you caused to one of us.” I had no idea what he was talking about, but thought that by “one of us” he might mean one of the elders. I wondered if his comment referred to a local elder named Steve Smith, who had broken down and wept in front of me and a few others several weeks before this. Steve was not present in the room that night. Dan informed me that he knew all about the “secret meeting” we had planned for the spring. However, this was news to me because I didn’t know anything about it. He said that all my rebellious, negative speaking had “come to their ears,” revealing a conspiracy among the sisters that was undermining the elders and church oneness. Maybe he used the biblical phrase “come to our ears” to try and give scriptural support to what he was doing. He wasn’t interested in learning whether I realized I was the leader of what he was calling a sisters’ rebellion. He told me emphatically that I needed to repent for my offense to the church, and from that day forward, I was to “stop all my talk and be quiet.” I sobbed throughout his monologue. His non-specific accusations left me feeling that my person was being attacked. Near the end of the torment, I said, “The only solution I can see is just to dig a hole about six feet deep and put me in it. I think the problem is just who I am.” I also told him, “Whatever has happened, it isn’t my husband’s fault. It’s mine.” At this point, another of the elders present, who always seemed to be lurking in the background, Sam Jones, chuckled and said, “I always wondered why the Lord put you two together, and now I know.” I had no idea what he meant by this strange statement. Why had he always wondered this? What did he now know? I certainly didn’t understand his apparent amusement. How could anyone find anything funny in what was happening at that black moment in that room? I was weeping and in extreme distress, yet he found humor in the situation? Sam’s comment, at best, was thoughtless and cruel. Later that night at home in bed, I tried to pray, but I couldn’t. I was experiencing an internal, spiritual, and emotional agony. How had such darkness swallowed us? I had belonged to Jesus since I was a child, and He had never failed me. Where was He now? I felt like I was suffocating in a deep, dark pit filled with blackness. Copyright 2005 by Jane Carole Anderson |
06-02-2011, 04:08 PM | #2 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
Thankful Jane, I have a question about the book Thread of Gold ...
On page 195, you talked about the promotion of Daystar in Houston. This seemed to be after that 1977 Memorial Day weekend quarantine and after the death of your mother in law. I was under the impression that Daystar solicitations were several years earlier in time, more like the early 70's, and that by '75 or so, Max R. was traveling around requesting the saints to "forgive" these as "donations." Can you clarify this?
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06-02-2011, 08:30 PM | #3 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Another reader asked us this question in 2006. The following a summary of the answer we gave the inquirer: My husband and I just finished discussing the question you asked. In our discussion we uncovered the problem with what is in chapter 13 about the inheritance money:Hope this helps.John remembered that he had actually asked his mother for a loan so that we could invest in Daystar. He did not tell her the reason for the loan. She answered his request by giving him the money, but with the condition that it would be deducted from his inheritance at the time of her death. So when she died in 1977, we received notification that John’s share of the inheritance was less the amount of the loan, as John had agreed. Thankful Jane |
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06-03-2011, 07:49 AM | #4 | ||
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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What was really troubling to me was these comments about Daystar ... Quote:
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06-03-2011, 10:46 AM | #5 | ||
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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While writing the book, I remember asking myself if had I taken money from others and hurt them as Lee did, what would I have done? Would I have paid it back later, if I became able to do so? My answer was, "Absolutely, yes." I would not want to give account to the Lord for the harm I had caused to His children. I would want to restore what I had taken from them, no matter how long it took. After the book was published, a brother who had been an elder on the east coast during the 70s, told me that he had seen a copy of Witness Lee's income tax return in the late 70s (77 I think) and that Lee had made a million dollars that year (just a few years after we had released him). I remember saying, "What!!!???" How could that be? I asked, "If he had income like that, why didn't pay us back!?" So, I feel like asking again today, "If the portrait they painted for us of Witness Lee's post-Daystar-gig condition was a true one, then why didn't Lee pay his brethren back before he died?" (I suspect that the "broken man" picture we heard in Texas was more likely an embellishment of Ray Graver's imagination which was designed to more easily manipulate the sheep.) But okay, let's say he was a broken man and he couldn't make any pay-back in the 70s, then why not do so before the end of his life--especially when he was so repentant, and all that, on his near death bed. How about adding to his parting words, "Oh, and you newly appointed blended ones, see that money goes to pay back every one I hurt financially in the 70s, even the 'little potato' contributors." Surely, funding by that time was not a problem. I mean, didn't "pay-back-my-debts-to-my-brothers" belong higher up the Blendeds To Do list than "spend-millions-to-sue-other-believers-and-defend-the-ministry"? Jesus paid a huge debt for us--one he didn't owe us. So why wouldn't a man who was "becoming God" find it important to make retribution of money he did owe (not legally, of course, but certainly as a Christian leader who used his position and our regard for him in an highly questionable way)? It seems it was more important to Lee to build a god-man publishing empire and make a god-name for himself than to do what was truly godly and right. Quote:
History seems to say pretty clearly that personal gain was a factor on all sides of the equation. It also says, "Apostle? No. Bernie, who then Made Off with the money? Yes." Thankful Jane |
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06-03-2011, 12:13 PM | #6 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Fortunately, the all-knowing Apostle had enough sense to keep a million bucks for himself, so that "all was not lost." That sinking ship had only one life preserver, and it was kept in WL's safe deposit box. I definitely agree with you about payback on debts. Why did WL and the LSM higher-ups never once consider the righteousness of reimbursing the initial investments of the saints? Annual trainings became quite lucrative for LSM, and it quite easily could have made good on her debts. Why was this never done. They preach kingdom righteousness to everyone else, but never lived it themselves. Isn't that what the Lord Jesus called hypocrisy? You mention Bernie Made-Off with all the money. Good example! My son is a financial research analyst for a large university endowment. He regularly examines hedge fund managers and their portfolios. One absolute criteria he uses is the personal stake each manager has vested in his own fund. In other words, when things turn sour, how will the manager fare? Does he have a golden parachute for just himself? Not one single analyst in the entire financial world would have endorsed the Daystar fund. Why? WL had nothing to lose! He was gambling with others' money.
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06-05-2011, 06:15 PM | #7 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
My husband often quotes to me..."You can't cheat an honest man!"
Strange saying until he explains... An honest man will never give in to the temptation to make money in a shady fashion. An honest man will pass on any deals that don't appear on the up and up.
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06-08-2011, 06:41 AM | #8 | ||
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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"Blendeds, be warned. You have proudly followed in Lee's footsteps, boasting in his ill-gotten glory. Do you want to finish the trip he made and end up at the same destination with the same baggage? Wake up while you can. It's not too late for you, but the repentance train is moving pretty fast down the tracks. Much longer and you might not be able to catch it." Thankful Jane P. S. I find it to be a God thing that so many can speak directly to the LSM folks today by means of internet forums. For years they slammed the door (or worse) on any who tried to communicate honestly with them, but the internet has changed all that. Even though they don't want to hear from those of us who have found our voices, they have to. Now that I think about it, this exposes another one of their hypocrisies. They say not to have any contact with negative speaking, yet in order to do damage control, they (at least some who are probably assigned to do so) search out and have contact with material that is anti-them, material which, no doubt, includes all our little "negative" words. Gotta luv it. |
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06-11-2011, 09:17 AM | #9 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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James 5:15-17 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. The key phrase is pray for one another. How can you know what to pray for if you don't know the problem? If you or I are to pray for one another, there will be a need to speak about problems. So Benson believes sisters don't have any spiritual discernment? Acts 18:24-26 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Luke 24:9-11 and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them. Whenever Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned, it's always Priscilla first and Aquila second. Does that indicate Priscilla had more discernment than her husband Aquila? As eloquent Apollos was, Priscilla with her husband Aquila had the discernment to adjust Apollos. As in the passage from Luke 24, I do recognize it's possible for sisters to have discernement brothers are lacking in. Brothers have been generally overly spiritual in the recovery. Just as in Luke 24, for sisters to be in discernment, that is complete nonsense. Just as in Luke 24:12, not until a brother sees for himself is it accepted. My point being Jane and others sisters in Houston at that time discerned a lack and a need among their ecclesia. Brothers being overly spiritual tended to be negligent regarding our humanity. The phrase I often heard as a young brother regarding problems was, turn to your spirit and call on the Lord. When you're overly spiritual and neglecting problems of our humanity, the problems will still exist no matter how much one strives to ignore them. I see the sisters using the problems as a catalyst for prayer. If a sister was having issues with her husband, in expressing these issues, and in praying over these issues, and as prayers are answered there becomes are more harmonious and fulfilling marriage. I think by nature brothers would be offended by such an approach. Not only is it exposing, it debunks the thought everything is allright in their marriage even when it's not. Brothers would naturally think if there's an issue in the marriage, his wife ought to go to him and keep it in-house. Do not go outside the house and expose dirty laundry. |
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06-11-2011, 12:25 PM | #10 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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But as a result, in order to squelch any sense of fellowship and openness they create all kinds of erroneous teachings and practices. |
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06-11-2011, 01:05 PM | #11 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Back to the topic of sisters opening up. I know several sisters who open up to my wife because keeping it inside was too much to bear. One sister in particular tried going to her husband, but he could not take her concerns to heart. How about another couple my wife and I know who divorced last year. While they were married, you could not have guessed anything was wrong. Because there was no willingness to open up, how could they receive counseling and prayer? |
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06-11-2011, 01:29 PM | #12 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Back in the 90's, related to all the high peaks stuff, I remember lamenting the necessary learning of all those doctrines. Who could I speak this stuff too? What was the point in learning it? What was the value in one's daily life? How could I share with others that I was becoming God?!? My only window of opportunity was my allotted 3 plus minutes prophecy time on Sunday morning.
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06-11-2011, 01:33 PM | #13 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
Unless he was a NYC congressman.
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06-11-2011, 10:16 PM | #14 | ||||
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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This post left me with some questions. Quote:
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It's probably too late for me to be posting because I'm at the end of a long day and am sleepy. I considered waiting and re-reading your post tomorrow, but then decided to go ahead now, knowing that by the time I am able to get back to it, I probably will have talked myself out of posting. Thankful Jane |
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06-12-2011, 05:52 AM | #15 | |||
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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I think you are onto a classic flaw in so much of our historic view of the purpose of theology. As I read your post this morning, I was reminded of a blog I read just last night that used arguments about predestination to say sort of the same thing. Now I am not usually one to point to some others' teachings, however, I believe that this is really on topic. For anyone who cares to read the whole thing, it is here. But getting you to to read it is not my goal. It is to use a different discussion to throw a dart at the self-importance of LRC theology. Here are a few paragraphs from the beginning of the post: Quote:
Quote:
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06-12-2011, 09:10 AM | #16 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Amen! Well said, and very applicable. Sadly, this kind of error can easily become the goal for any of us - to strive to prove ourselves right, or more right, than our fellow believers. |
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06-12-2011, 09:30 AM | #17 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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So, take the Daystar issue. If you knew up front it was a con, what are you going to do once the con is exposed? 1. Make sure all of your investors are super spiritual (we are not in this for the money). 2. Make sure all your investors are part of your clique and can easily be manipulated by peer pressure and 3. Make sure any one that does not fall into the first two categories will be funneled directly to you and not talk to the rest of your investors. So for a category 3 saint, someone who is a sophisticated investor yet meets with the LRC, they would be told to complain to the elders. Therefore you can funnel these complaints directly to WL who can determine how to deal with it. To do this everyone must be taught, no, "trained" that "negative" speaking is of the devil (check). They must be trained not to listen to negative speaking (check), they must be trained that all issues go to the elders (check). When I was in the LRC this "training" was extensive, even though I cannot see any basis for this in the NT (you should take your issues to a more mature saint than yourself, that doesn't mean it has to be an elder, and it doesn't mean that it has to be a brother). Also, if the elders realize that they cannot deal with this offended saint they excommunicate them and then tell the church not to have anything to do with them. This is not according to the NT. Instead, the NT says that we should "tell it to the church". It is the church that decides once they hear the case, not the elders, this is a false and erroneous teaching designed to keep the church in darkness. Now it is very common for sisters to fellowship with one another. This cuts the elders out of the loop and prevents problems from being funneled through the elders to WL. This has to be stamped out if you can do damage control. So, prior to the MR excommunication you had the "sisters rebelliion". This was not necessarily based on anything more than the fact that MR's wife must be cut off from fellowshipping with other sisters, as well as anyone else that might be aware of unrighteousness in Anaheim. This does not mean that RG and BP were aware of what was going on, they could easily just be "good foot soldiers fighting the spiritual battle". But as a result more erroneous teachings are brought in about sisters, etc. out of an attempt to get away with the con, or prevent PL from being exposed, etc. Third, you have to teach elders not to meddle in other church's affairs. You have to teach that some issues are "local". This is a very slippery slope. If I was in Houston for years but now moved to Dallas could brothers from Houston fellowship with me about some local issue (as they did with BP). If so, why are other saints prohibited from doing the same? But it was this teaching that RG and BP used to ignore the fellowship from JI, etal. These erroneous teachings are proof that WL was not merely incompetent in his attempt to deal with sins, and mistakes. Instead it was premeditated and he fully understood it was a con. |
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06-12-2011, 11:52 AM | #18 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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But, based on prior events in Taiwan and American, many posters and former members insist that it was the latter. Having witnessed how skillful the BB's have become in all the wrong things, it seems you may be correct.
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06-12-2011, 01:22 PM | #19 |
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Re: serpents and doves
be wise as serpents harmless as doves...gives serpents a predatory advantage over doves.
Was WL a con-man by choice or necessity? |
06-13-2011, 09:46 AM | #20 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Your explanation seems to have moved away from what Terry asked ("What is the issue with encouraging ones to talk about their problems?") and even away from your response to Terry's question ("I think the problem with sisters opening up about their problems is obvious..."). You then switched horses from sisters talking about their own problems to sisters talking about their problems with PL. (I also asked for your source of information about sisters having problems with PL that they might talk about.) At this point, I think the simplest thing for me to do is just respond to what you wrote about sisters (at least what I think I understood you to be saying ). Just so we're clear, I am now riding along side your horse, and this response does not concern Terry's question (about sisters talking about their own problems.) First of all, I don't agree with your portrait of sisters in general as being in some kind of situation outside of the loop of control of the elders. You said, "it is very common for sisters to fellowship with one another. This cuts the elders out of the loop and prevents problems from being funneled through the elders to WL...." For one thing, this implies that brothers don't ever fellowship with one another without the elders being in the loop, something which clearly isn't so. For another, your premise is just too broad for me and I don't find it to be true. From your out-of-the-loop premise about sisters, you move to the conclusion that sisters like Sandee R. had to be dealt with because they were outside the loop and couldn't be stopped any other wayfrom causing damage. To the contrary, the fact is that Sandee was very much in the loop in Anaheim and that not only was she (and two other sisters) in fellowship (in the loop) with the local elders on a weekly basis for several years prior to Lee's action against them, she was also directly in fellowship with Lee himself on a regular basis. She was very close to W. Lee and even called him Witness. (This is something I never heard anyone else ever do.) I learned these facts in January 2006 in a personal conversation with her. She and the sisters with her were flabbergasted by all that happened. She said that every thing that they did with the sisters in Anaheim over a period of three years prior to 1977-78, was done in fellowship with and under the direction of the elders and Lee. These sisters were very supportive of Lee and his ministry and would have done whatever he told them to do. (This made what ultimately happened to them incredibily horrible.) As sisters in Texas being out-of-the-loop, Don Looper told another sister (he and she were in Austin at the time) that I got in trouble because the things I had said had come to the ears of the elders. I always found this statement to be very interesting because it implied I was talking behind their back. The fact is that the things I had said were said directly into the ears of the elders in Houston by me and my husband and another couple and another sister (TOG, 161). We were in the loop, funneling directly to their ears what we had to say. It was clear to me by what the Austin sister was told, that Don Looper had received his inaccurate information from another source (no doubt Benson and/or Ray). (As some evidence of my last statement: Don Rutledge wrote me in an email a few years ago about a conversation between Don Looper and Benson that took place on an airplane the week before the 1977 Memorial Day weekend. Don R. was purposefully excluded from this conversation, but he overheard enough to know that it was something about sisters. I might be able to quote what Don R. wrote if I can find it, and if anyone is interested. In other words, Benson was talking to Don Looper about sisters in a very serious and private way just a few days before the sisters were squashed in Houston by Benson and Austin by Don Looper.) So that I don't digress further, I'll stop. My point is that sisters were "in the loop" and that the reason they were squashed was something other than what you have proposed. Thankful Jane |
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06-13-2011, 12:50 PM | #21 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Jane, you mentioned incredibly horrible. Yes it was. What about the children? Not only the children of Max and Sandee, but children of other saints in Anaheim who may have stopped meeting with the Church in Anaheim during this period. Children are not equipped to handle being cut-off as adults are. As you know I lived in Anaheim during this period. Many of the church kids went to the same public schools. All of a sudden, some of those they had considered to be friends in school, at church, and in the homes, were no longer recieved by families who continued meeting with the church in Anaheim. Keep in mind during that time it wasn't all about Max. Some left over the meeting hall on Ball Road. Here were brothers voluntarily giving their days, their evenings, their sweat for a building they believed was for the Church in Anaheim. Suddenly it's not for the Church in Anaheim, but for Living Stream Ministry. In the present time, it's that big a deal to give time to work on LSM projects. Back then at that time I'm sure for many brothers Daystar was still fresh in their memory. |
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06-13-2011, 01:36 PM | #22 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Is that the same conclusion that the Rapoport's arrived at?
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06-13-2011, 02:07 PM | #23 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Terry, can you say more about this? It's also quite informative to the forum, when you give a child's perspective of "quarantines." They are the innocent victims of leadership abuses and excesses, and the quarantines which resulted from rivalries in the Recovery between controlling factions. I remember reading with tears, the painful accounts of Thankful's young son, who basically "shut down" due to his mother's anguish of heart in the aftermath of BP's abusive "discipline."
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06-13-2011, 02:54 PM | #24 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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At first Sandee could not understand why Lee spoke to her and the other two sisters in public about his "concern" about how they sat together. Then after a little time, it became clear what was afoot. They realized that Lee was taking steps to discredit them. They said that Lee had to move carefully in doing this because they were very close to the brothers and sisters in Anaheim, many of whom they had been personally involved with, helping them with problems, etc. They said Lee was not involved with the brothers and sisters there practically other than by standing at the podium and teaching them. Because of this, he had to gradually undermine the Rapaports or such actions could have blown up in his face. The reason I am writing that "they" told me these things is because Matt and I had two long talks in person with both Max and Sandee in January 2006, not long after I talked to her on the phone for the first time. Thankful Jane |
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06-13-2011, 05:04 PM | #25 |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
Blue is quoted from Jane, Black is my response.
Okay, ZNP. I've read your response several times and though it is very interesting, it doesn't answer my specific questions. Your explanation seems to have moved away from what Terry asked ("What is the issue with encouraging ones to talk about their problems?") and even away from your response to Terry's question ("I think the problem with sisters opening up about their problems is obvious..."). You then switched horses from sisters talking about their own problems to sisters talking about their problems with PL. (I also asked for your source of information about sisters having problems with PL that they might talk about.) I did not move away from those questions. My point was simple, you are trying to figure this out thinking with the mindset of a “dove” (a born again Christian), as a result you are mangling NT verses to attempt to justify this behavior. My point was if that does not work, try something new, instead think like a serpent, consider the mindset of a serpent. The Lord told us to do this (be wise as serpents). The NT tells us we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. If you do this there is a simple explanation for the LRC pushing eroneous teachings. It was merely a case of damage control by those with the mindset of a serpent. At this point, I think the simplest thing for me to do is just respond to what you wrote about sisters (at least what I think I understood you to be saying  ). Just so we're clear, I am now riding along side your horse, and this response does not concern Terry's question (about sisters talking about their own problems.) Then you are not riding alongside my horse, because my response did concern his question. My point was you are trying to understand, explain, justify, etc. these false teachings. Take a step back, look where they originated from and you can dismiss them altogether out of hand. First of all, I don't agree with your portrait of sisters in general as being in some kind of situation outside of the loop of control of the elders. You said, "it is very common for sisters to fellowship with one another. This cuts the elders out of the loop and prevents problems from being funneled through the elders to WL...." For one thing, this implies that brothers don't ever fellowship with one another without the elders being in the loop, something which clearly isn't so. For another, your premise is just too broad for me and I don't find it to be true. Wow! You really missed my point. First, let me ask you a question, where in the NT does it say that anyone should be under the control of the elders? What is the scriptural basis to say that a church should be under the control of the elders? The NT says that it is the Church of God, it is the Church of Christ and it is the Church of the saints. Never does it say it is the Church of the Elders. So, before you tell me how you were a submissive sister, explain to me why you were? The order of submission is to your husband under the condition that he in turn is submitting to the Lord Jesus. How did the “elders” short circuit that? This reminds me of the Book of Galatians where Paul marvels that the Galatians are so willing to submit themselves to the judaizers. From your out-of-the-loop premise about sisters, you move to the conclusion that sisters like Sandee R. had to be dealt with because they were outside the loop and couldn't be stopped any other wayfrom causing damage. To the contrary, the fact is that Sandee was very much in the loop in Anaheim and that not only was she (and two other sisters) in fellowship (in the loop) with the local elders on a weekly basis for several years prior to Lee's action against them, she was also directly in fellowship with Lee himself on a regular basis. She was very close to W. Lee and even called him Witness. (This is something I never heard anyone else ever do.) No, my point was that if you were running a Christian Publishing house with a Philanderer, and were trying to skim money off the top with a covetous man then exposing this would cause your house of cards to collapse. I was asking you to stop thinking like a dove (a born again Christian) and think like a serpent (to “be wise as a serpent"). Max had clearly confronted PL, therefore how do you respond. Since none of WL’s responses fit the mindset of a dove, I considered how a serpent would respond. You would have to destroy the credibility of Max, you would have to excommunicate him, but that would be difficult, even dangerous. First, you have to cut off all fellowship with Max and his wife. The only reasonable explanation for what happened to you and Max’s wife is that WL was going into damage control to protect his kingdom from being exposed in the light. WL had the mindset of a serpent. I learned these facts in January 2006 in a personal conversation with her. She and the sisters with her were flabbergasted by all that happened. She said that every thing that they did with the sisters in Anaheim over a period of three years prior to 1977-78, was done in fellowship with and under the direction of the elders and Lee. These sisters were very supportive of Lee and his ministry and would have done whatever he told them to do. (This made what ultimately happened to them incredibily horrible.) Look, I was once working for a brokerage firm and made them probably in excess of 1 million dollars over the course of about 4 months yet I was blindsided and driven out of the company. Why? Because I learned that one of the brokers was a crook. Why was I driven out? Because it turns out the entire firm was crooked. If I exposed the crook the whole house of cards collapses so I had to go, regardless of how profitable I was. As it turns out the brokerage firm was out of business within 12 months and my exodus was instrumental in their demise. Max’s wife was flabbergasted because she was thinking of the mindset of a dove and considered WL to also be a dove. Regardless of how you look at the facts you cannot reconcile WL being a dove with his actions. However, if you take the mindset of a serpent it is very easy to reconcile his actions. As sisters in Texas being out-of-the-loop, Don Looper told another sister (he and she were in Austin at the time) that I got in trouble because the things I had said had come to the ears of the elders. I always found this statement to be very interesting because it implied I was talking behind their back. The fact is that the things I had said were said directly into the ears of the elders in Houston by me and my husband and another couple and another sister (TOG, 161). We were in the loop, funneling directly to their ears what we had to say. It was clear to me by what the Austin sister was told, that Don Looper had received his inaccurate information from another source (no doubt Benson and/or Ray). This accusation is preemptive. Once this goes around, then when Max is excommunicated his wife can’t say anything because it looks like she is merely talking behind the backs of the elders or trying to retaliate. You were merely collateral damage. The simplest and most obvious explanation is that WL had the mindset of a serpent and was protecting his kingdom by keeping the deeds of his evil sons in the dark. (As some evidence of my last statement: Don Rutledge wrote me in an email a few years ago about a conversation between Don Looper and Benson that took place on an airplane the week before the 1977 Memorial Day weekend. Don R. was purposefully excluded from this conversation, but he overheard enough to know that it was something about sisters. I might be able to quote what Don R. wrote if I can find it, and if anyone is interested. In other words, Benson was talking to Don Looper about sisters in a very serious and private way just a few days before the sisters were squashed in Houston by Benson and Austin by Don Looper.) So that I don't digress further, I'll stop. My point is that sisters were "in the loop" and that the reason they were squashed was something other than what you have proposed. Thankful Jane My point is that you were “in the loop” created by the elders based on bogus teachings. The bogus teachings are necessary for WL to maintain control and do damage control. There is no Scriptural basis for this and all the teachings on the sisters, rebellion, negative speaking, submission, etc. that are pervasive in the LRC should be deeply suspect and reexamined based on NT teachings. I believe that the real benefit in the fellowship on these forums is for us to become inoculated to this kind of deceit. Just like exposing the human body to a disease will make it stronger if it can defeat the disease. I think, at least in part, this is what is meant by "those that overcome". There are diseases in the Catholic church which need to be overcome, there are diseases in the Protestant churches, the non denominational churches, and the LRC. You seem to think that somehow this was all a big misunderstanding and if BP etal understood that they would apologize. But after all these years don't you think it is reasonable to think that this was not a misunderstanding? Perhaps the reason they want this to go away and for everyone to forget it is they know that what they did was just one more inexcusable sin. If they admit they were wrong would they have to admit that they were doing a coverup, that many, many of their teachings and actions were a result of this. One lie begets many many more lies. |
06-13-2011, 06:01 PM | #26 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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06-14-2011, 05:36 AM | #27 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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I don't see the teachings, bogus or otherwise, being the cause of the loop. The loop is simply the position to have some level of knowledge of what is going on. And yet, even if the elders had been talking positively with Jane & John (J&J) prior to Benson coming along with a different take on what was happening, it doesn't make them truly "in the loop." It just means that their activities and intents were known by the elders, and even seemingly approved by them. That is far from "in the loop." It would appear that there was much going on that was not made known to J&J that you would think would be known by someone in the loop. For one, it is likely that there would have been some indication that there were concerns about where they were headed. Instead, it looks more like a kind of oversight by the elders of what they were doing that had one appearance but instead hid a season of discussion leading a different way and ultimately resulting in evidence that J&J never had any real idea what was going on. That is not "in the loop." And even if the blow-up had never occurred, there is nothing on the table so far that suggests that they were in the loop — just "in fellowship" concerning their particular ministry.
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06-14-2011, 07:32 AM | #28 |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
I first used the term "in the loop" according to its meaning, in the context that sisters fellowship, especially on the phone from one locality to another, would be "out of the loop" of the elders. The term "in the loop" was put into quotation marks because I was quoting Jane's use of the word. She argued that she and other sisters were submissive to the elders in the context of this "in the loop". My entire post pointed out that the teaching that you must be submissive to the elders is an erroneous teaching. There is a NT verse that asks saints to submit themselves to elders under the presumption that they are watching for your souls. There is no teaching whatsoever that saints must have all of their fellowship approved by the elders and under the authority of the elders. That is the bogus teaching I was referring to and was stated over and over again in my post. What is the NT basis for the control that the elders want to have over all of the saints fellowship and ministry? I find no NT basis for it and feel it is the outgrowth of an attempt to do damage control on the sins of WL's kids being exposed.
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06-14-2011, 08:40 AM | #29 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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I plan to respond to ZNPs long post (#25) which was a response to mine (#20) as soon as I have time. Note: the current dialogue between ZNP and me began with his post #10. The back and forth that followed is found in post #14, #17, #20, and #25. Thankful Jane |
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06-14-2011, 12:49 PM | #30 |
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Trying to straighten out a mess
Blue was written first, by Jane.
Black was written in response by ZNP. Red is my current answer to ZNP’s black. Jane post #20: Okay, ZNP. I've read your response several times and though it is very interesting, it doesn't answer my specific questions. Your explanation seems to have moved away from what Terry asked ("What is the issue with encouraging ones to talk about their problems?") and even away from your response to Terry's question ("I think the problem with sisters opening up about their problems is obvious..."). You then switched horses from sisters talking about their own problems to sisters talking about their problems with PL. (I also asked for your source of information about sisters having problems with PL that they might talk about.) ZNP post #25: I did not move away from those questions. Nevertheless, you did not answer my questions or Terry’s in a straightforward manner as one should do out of respect for another. Terry asked “what is the issue with encouraging ones to talk about their problems?” In your answer you changed “ones” to “sisters” and then proceeded to talk about sisters, Phillip Lee, elders, Daystar, etc. What’s with that? Since this thread is about The Thread of Gold, it was my understanding that Terry’s question was related to what happened in Houston regarding people opening up about their personal problems. I understood him to be asking what was wrong with encouraging that. (If I misunderstood, then Terry can say so.) It seems you just wanted to spring board to something else you wanted to say about sisters and your big picture assessment of things. ZNP post #25: My point was simple, you are trying to figure this out thinking with the mindset of a “dove” (a born again Christian), as a result you are mangling NT verses to attempt to justify this behavior. My post was not about figuring out anything or justifying any kind of behavior. My post contained some facts of which you seem to be unaware. It was a response to a false premise you set forth that sisters were outside of the communication loop with the elders. I offered evidence to the contrary. That was the extent of my post. By the way, what NT verses did I “mangle?” ZNP post #25: My point was if that does not work, try something new, instead think like a serpent, consider the mindset of a serpent. The Lord told us to do this (be wise as serpents). The NT tells us we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. If you do this there is a simple explanation for the LRC pushing eroneous teachings. It was merely a case of damage control by those with the mindset of a serpent. Excuse me? You write as if I am trying to figure out the behavior of elders and Lee in my post. I did nothing of the kind. You were the one that talked about them, and I did not respond to that part of your post. My response was restricted to one thing-sisters being in communication with the elders--as I explained. Jane post #20: At this point, I think the simplest thing for me to do is just respond to what you wrote about sisters (at least what I think I understood you to be saying  ). Just so we're clear, I am now riding along side your horse, and this response does not concern Terry's question (about sisters talking about their own problems.) ZNP post #25: Then you are not riding alongside my horse, because my response did concern his question. My point was you are trying to understand, explain, justify, etc. these false teachings. Take a step back, look where they originated from and you can dismiss them altogether out of hand. Where exactly in my post was I trying to “understand, explain, justify, etc. these false teachings”? Jane post #20: First of all, I don't agree with your portrait of sisters in general as being in some kind of situation outside of the loop of control of the elders. You said, "it is very common for sisters to fellowship with one another. This cuts the elders out of the loop and prevents problems from being funneled through the elders to WL...." For one thing, this implies that brothers don't ever fellowship with one another without the elders being in the loop, something which clearly isn't so. For another, your premise is just too broad for me and I don't find it to be true. ZNP post #25: Wow! You really missed my point. First, let me ask you a question, where in the NT does it say that anyone should be under the control of the elders? What is the scriptural basis to say that a church should be under the control of the elders? The NT says that it is the Church of God, it is the Church of Christ and it is the Church of the saints. Never does it say it is the Church of the Elders. So, before you tell me how you were a submissive sister, explain to me why you were? The order of submission is to your husband under the condition that he in turn is submitting to the Lord Jesus. How did the “elders” short circuit that? This reminds me of the Book of Galatians where Paul marvels that the Galatians are so willing to submit themselves to the judaizers. No need to “wow.” Just read my post again more slowly. I did not respond at all to any part of your post except for what you said about sisters. I told you this plainly when I said, “At this point, I think the simplest thing for me to do is just respond to what you wrote about sisters (at least what I think I understood you to be saying). So, you have no basis to say that I missed your point. You don’t know what I missed or thought about the rest of your post because I didn’t tell you. I never said that elders should be in control. I simply said that as a matter of history, sisters were in the loop (meaning they were telling the elders what they were fellowshipping and doing) and were submitting to the elders. I gave no value judgment about the correctness of this. I presented evidence that they were in the loop because you had claimed they were not. That was it. If you want answers from me to the rest of the questions you asked in the above paragraph, then please ask them in a way that does not assume that you know my position on these things. Jane post #20: From your out-of-the-loop premise about sisters, you move to the conclusion that sisters like Sandee R. had to be dealt with because they were outside the loop and couldn't be stopped any other wayfrom causing damage. To the contrary, the fact is that Sandee was very much in the loop in Anaheim and that not only was she (and two other sisters) in fellowship (in the loop) with the local elders on a weekly basis for several years prior to Lee's action against them, she was also directly in fellowship with Lee himself on a regular basis. She was very close to W. Lee and even called him Witness. (This is something I never heard anyone else ever do.) ZNP post #25: No, my point was that if you were running a Christian Publishing house with a Philanderer, and were trying to skim money off the top with a covetous man then exposing this would cause your house of cards to collapse. I was asking you to stop thinking like a dove (a born again Christian) and think like a serpent (to “be wise as a serpent"). Max had clearly confronted PL, therefore how do you respond. Since none of WL’s responses fit the mindset of a dove, I considered how a serpent would respond. You would have to destroy the credibility of Max, you would have to excommunicate him, but that would be difficult, even dangerous. First, you have to cut off all fellowship with Max and his wife. The only reasonable explanation for what happened to you and Max’s wife is that WL was going into damage control to protect his kingdom from being exposed in the light. WL had the mindset of a serpent. These points have not been in dispute at all by me. In fact I have made similar points in other posts in the past. You are addressing me with a lot of assumptions. Jane post #20: I learned these facts in January 2006 in a personal conversation with her. She and the sisters with her were flabbergasted by all that happened. She said that every thing that they did with the sisters in Anaheim over a period of three years prior to 1977-78, was done in fellowship with and under the direction of the elders and Lee. These sisters were very supportive of Lee and his ministry and would have done whatever he told them to do. (This made what ultimately happened to them incredibily horrible.) ZNP post #25: Look, I was once working for a brokerage firm and made them probably in excess of 1 million dollars over the course of about 4 months yet I was blindsided and driven out of the company. Why? Because I learned that one of the brokers was a crook. Why was I driven out? Because it turns out the entire firm was crooked. If I exposed the crook the whole house of cards collapses so I had to go, regardless of how profitable I was. As it turns out the brokerage firm was out of business within 12 months and my exodus was instrumental in their demise. Max’s wife was flabbergasted because she was thinking of the mindset of a dove and considered WL to also be a dove. Regardless of how you look at the facts you cannot reconcile WL being a dove with his actions. However, if you take the mindset of a serpent it is very easy to reconcile his actions. It is normal for a believer to expect the best of other believers. It is normal to be “flabbergasted” when the sheep’s clothing falls off a fellow believer, one you are close to and trust, and reveals a wolf. Once the wolf behavior manifests itself, it doesn’t take a whole lot of discernment to be able to say, “wolf.” In other words, you don’t need to try and persuade me about the nature of Lee’s or the elders behavior. I saw the wolf’s tail on some elders for the first time over thirty years ago. About a decade later, I saw the lead wolf emerge with his pack, without wearing any sheep's clothing. I don’t really appreciate that you are writing to me based on your presumption that my current thoughts are as you imagine. Jane post #20: As sisters in Texas being out-of-the-loop, Don Looper told another sister (he and she were in Austin at the time) that I got in trouble because the things I had said had come to the ears of the elders. I always found this statement to be very interesting because it implied I was talking behind their back. The fact is that the things I had said were said directly into the ears of the elders in Houston by me and my husband and another couple and another sister (TOG, 161). We were in the loop, funneling directly to their ears what we had to say. It was clear to me by what the Austin sister was told, that Don Looper had received his inaccurate information from another source (no doubt Benson and/or Ray). ZNP post #25: This accusation is preemptive. Once this goes around, then when Max is excommunicated his wife can’t say anything because it looks like she is merely talking behind the backs of the elders or trying to retaliate. You were merely collateral damage. The simplest and most obvious explanation is that WL had the mindset of a serpent and was protecting his kingdom by keeping the deeds of his evil sons in the dark. I have no idea what you are talking about when you say what I wrote was a preemptive accusation. As for your last sentence, you keep pressing your idea as if it is something new. This basic understanding of Lee’s behavior concerning Phillip has been made and established by others, including me, on other threads written over the last five or more years. Jane post #20: (As some evidence of my last statement: Don Rutledge wrote me in an email a few years ago about a conversation between Don Looper and Benson that took place on an airplane the week before the 1977 Memorial Day weekend. Don R. was purposefully excluded from this conversation, but he overheard enough to know that it was something about sisters. I might be able to quote what Don R. wrote if I can find it, and if anyone is interested. In other words, Benson was talking to Don Looper about sisters in a very serious and private way just a few days before the sisters were squashed in Houston by Benson and Austin by Don Looper.) So that I don't digress further, I'll stop. My point is that sisters were "in the loop" and that the reason they were squashed was something other than what you have proposed. Thankful Jane ZNP post #25: My point is that you were “in the loop” created by the elders based on bogus teachings. The bogus teachings are necessary for WL to maintain control and do damage control. There is no Scriptural basis for this and all the teachings on the sisters, rebellion, negative speaking, submission, etc. that are pervasive in the LRC should be deeply suspect and reexamined based on NT teachings. ZNP, first you said sisters were not in the loop with the elders. Now you say that sisters (in this case, me) were “in the loop.” So which is it? If after reading my post you changed your mind about this, why not say so? Instead you just move ahead and launch a new argument about the elders’ control being based on bogus teachings and you write as if no one else, including me, has ever noted this or re-examined what the NT says about such teachings. That simply is not the case. ZNP post #25: I believe that the real benefit in the fellowship on these forums is for us to become inoculated to this kind of deceit. Just like exposing the human body to a disease will make it stronger if it can defeat the disease. I think, at least in part, this is what is meant by "those that overcome". There are diseases in the Catholic church which need to be overcome, there are diseases in the Protestant churches, the non denominational churches, and the LRC. You seem to think that somehow this was all a big misunderstanding and if BP etal understood that they would apologize. But after all these years don't you think it is reasonable to think that this was not a misunderstanding? What? Please provide quotes from me that have caused you to conclude that I seem to think this somehow was all a big misunderstanding and if BP understood that he would apologize. Also, rather than pose a question to me based on your assumption about what I think after all these years, wouldn't it be better to ask me what I think first. From what you’ve written, I can assure you that you do not know what I think. ZNP post #: Perhaps the reason they want this to go away and for everyone to forget it is they know that what they did was just one more inexcusable sin. If they admit they were wrong would they have to admit that they were doing a coverup, that many, many of their teachings and actions were a result of this. One lie begets many many more lies. To me, this is stating the obvious. Thankful Jane |
06-14-2011, 01:26 PM | #31 | |
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In the Loop/Out of the Loop
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With a local elder I had been witness to such an possibility being a reality. If it happened with this brother, could have happened in Dallas or anywhere else? |
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06-14-2011, 03:39 PM | #32 | |
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Re: In the Loop/Out of the Loop
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Benson called me and said that WL wanted he, Don L, myself and perhaps Ray to go to Seattle and then to Chicago to support Max who was bringing important fellowship to the churches in those areas. I can assume that actually it was Max who gave this direction on behalf of WL (?). We met in the DFW airport to catch the plane for Seattle, Benson from OK City and Don from Austin and if Ray was there from Houston. Don told me that the others had some private local affairs to speak about and asked me to get a seat in another part of the plane. I walked by them once on the way to the men’s room and Don [Looper] was speaking in a very disturbed way (not common for him) and I heard him say “She said …” By that I knew he was disturbed about one or more sisters. Later I asked him since he had been so agitated could he share anything with me. My memory is something about a clique or other but he was extremely brief and never mentioned it again. Benson I believe went back to Texas after a day with the elders in the Seattle region. Don went on to Chicago with me. Thankful Jane |
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06-14-2011, 03:53 PM | #33 |
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Re: In the Loop/Out of the Loop
This story confirms much to me about the fine character of Don R. The fact that BP would exclude him from the conversation is quite telling. Unfortunately, when it came to backstabbing the brothers and sisters, BP did not want the company of "decent men."
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06-14-2011, 04:44 PM | #34 | |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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"What is the issue with encouraging ones to talk about their problems?" Since I have never made an issue of this, nor am I aware of anyone else who has made an issue of this, I am going to assume that the LRC is making an issue of this. 2nd, I have no context from which to work on this question so I will create one -- I will assume that the context is that people in a local church were encouraging others, through fellowship, perhaps in marriage counseling, or perhaps in shepherding new ones, or perhaps in home meetings to "talk about their problems" and that the elders or leading ones with the LRC had an issue with this. (Based on these assumptions and hypothetical context I will respond, if my assumptions or context are wrong please correct me.) First I find it absurd to think that you could do marriage counseling without "encouraging ones to talk about their problems" (my limited experience is that couples seek counseling because they have problems), likewise with shepherding new ones, or even in a home meeting. Suppose someone in a home meeting started to share a testimony and then stopped saying "I don't know if you really want to hear about my problems" and then you responded by encouraging them to speak. So as I thought about many different scenarios where one christian might "encourage ones to talk about their problems" it just seemed more and more absurd for anyone to have an issue with this. My feeling was that this was so idiotic that either I didn't understand the question (my assumptions or context were wrong) or else this was "obviously a case of LRC leaders creating bogus teachings in an attempt to control saints". I thought this is what I said in my first post and that this did respond to the question at hand, but apparently it was not understood that way. So in my second post I tried to make it even more clear, and this time I figured the question probably had something to do with this thread. So I thought about the story in Houston and thought maybe he is referring to that story about "the sister's rebellion" so I used that in my examples, hence my highly offensive use of the term "sisters". |
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06-14-2011, 05:02 PM | #35 | |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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06-14-2011, 05:19 PM | #36 | |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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To berate me for doing what you alleged I did when in fact you did precisely what you berated is, to me, hypocritical. To do this in the very same post is extremely hypocritical. It comes across as being deliberately insulting. |
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06-14-2011, 05:24 PM | #37 |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
This is why my first post said "obviously". I felt that there was no need to explain. You were the one that specifically asked me to clarify what I wrote because you didn't understand.
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06-14-2011, 05:26 PM | #38 |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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06-14-2011, 05:31 PM | #39 | |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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06-14-2011, 05:39 PM | #40 | |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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My first post was very clear, if the sisters opened up about their problems with PL the whole house of cards could come down. As a result the elders create bogus teachings to squelch fellowship. I have been consistent with this view through all of my posts. |
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06-14-2011, 05:46 PM | #41 | |
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Re: Apology, my bad
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However, that story does match my own experience. I have had experiences, like the one I referred to at the brokerage firm, where I thought this is a big misunderstanding. Only years later when the crooks were all exposed did I realize it was not a misunderstanding. |
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06-14-2011, 05:58 PM | #42 | |
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Re: Insults
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Still I will respond: you asked me to clarify a short post I made which began "obviously" and then insult me repeatedly for stating the obvious. This seems to me to be despicable. |
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06-14-2011, 06:27 PM | #43 | |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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"What is the issue with encouraging ones to talk about their problems?" "Since I have never made an issue of this, nor am I aware of anyone else who has made an issue of this, I am going to assume that the LRC is making an issue of this." As I read earlier at the beginning of this thread it was Benson who made an issue of Jane encouraging ones to talk about their problems. Most Christian fellowships I've been in, that is not the norm. In many cities you'll find healing rooms which transcend assemblies/ecclesia/churches. In the local churches I've been in two types of home meetings: A. Those that pray for one another's problems which only come out if it is expressed by the troubled brother or sister. B. Those that do not change gears from the ministry in order to pray for an individuals problem or need. |
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06-14-2011, 07:57 PM | #44 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
ZNP:
First, let me ask you a question, where in the NT does it say that anyone should be under the control of the elders? Closest you'll find is Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Key words and phrases in this verse are, obey, submit, watch over your souls. I'll get back to this verse momentarily. Thankful Jane: As we have discovered on the forums there was a good bit of politicking going on in the relationships between the various elders, localities, and regions. It appears from Don's communication that four localities were represented on the airplane. I was able to find the past communication from Don R., so for the record, here is how he was "purposefully excluded," Whether I feel lc elders are functioning as elders or elders functioning as administrators, I have the utmost respect for elders. When a brother is an elder I give him benefit of the doubt. Me submitting to an elder is voluntary. Whether or not they watch over my soul, as the author of Hebrews says; those who will give an account. It's out of my control. I would have wanted elders in localities I have lived, to have watched over my soul. That has not been the case. Responding to Jane's post, as I read it's not clear who suggested Don go to another area. Was it Don Looper's suggestion to Don Rutledge? The suggestion being a subtle hint to go take a walk to another area. If the suggestion came at Benson's request to Don Rutledge via Don Looper, is it possible in Dallas there were local matters Don Rutledge was excluded from? My question should be based on being "purposefully excluded" being asked of Don to excuse himself rather than Don taking the initiative to remove himself from conversation Don did not want to be party to. |
06-14-2011, 08:22 PM | #45 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Having been acquainted with many brothers who have worked on LSM's La Palma buildings, they joyfully serve in whatever capacity needed. I suggest the issue 35 years ago was not Living Stream so much rather than the individual running Living Stream. Had it been a brother who was running Living Stream, would brothers be stumbled the facility was not The Church in Anaheim's? |
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06-15-2011, 11:06 AM | #46 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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This verse could refer to anyone that has rule over you – a policeman, a teacher, an elder. However, the authority of the police is limited to very clear rules (a policeman can pull your car over based on any concern he has, but he cannot enter your house without a judge first agreeing that it is warranted), likewise the authority of the teacher is limited to very specific rules (the teachers authority is pretty much limited to everything within the walls of the school, outside of those walls the kids are not under their authority). There is no justification to say that elders have unlimited authority, so the question is what is the limit of their authority? In the LRC they think that elders and leaders can excommunicate members. I disagree. I think this authority is given specifically to the church and must be based on the NT. I think BP as a leader has a right to express concern over anything the members of the church are doing that he feels is spiritually unhealthy. But I feel that is the limit of his authority. He has no right to dictate who you fellowship with, to do so is cultic and oversteps the NT. Nor does he have the right to dictate the what you fellowship or How you fellowship (your question). He can teach, exhort, encourage, but the elders are not supreme dictators. |
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06-15-2011, 01:08 PM | #47 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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1 Corinthians 16:16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. I see from your examples your speaking on jurisdiction and limitations of the jurisidiction. For example a policeman only has jurisdiction over the area he's designated to serve and cannot exceed that area. For example an uncle of mine once served law enforcement in Washington County, Oregon. His jurisdiction was limited to the county. Same principal is in effect to elders of assemblies. Specifically the incident you refer to is a illustration of an elder overstepping his jurisdiction as an elder. Once Benson moved to Dallas to serve, he was no longer an elder for the Church in Houston. Another example is the assembly I currently meet with. Elders from ERCC would not be recognized as being elders in the nearest local church. |
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06-15-2011, 06:15 PM | #48 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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I think the biggest case of the error in the LRC is that Elders excommunicate saints, and then announce to the church that someone has been excommunicated without much if any explanation. Instead, if they had to "tell it to the church" as a kind of hearing and the person being excommunicated also got to share their side before the church decided I think that would have eliminated the abuses we saw by WL because he could never have made it fly. |
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06-15-2011, 07:05 PM | #49 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Concept I have problems are discussed and decided upon in elders meetings. Some cases there may not be any room for discussion, but a token approval. The general brother and sister may not even know or have a say in resolving the problem. Think of it like this the elders absorb all the turbulence and for the most part the saints are kept peaceful and positive. |
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06-15-2011, 07:15 PM | #50 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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06-15-2011, 07:34 PM | #51 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Hence BP, RK and the other BB's considered themselves as WL's successors, the so-called "deputy authority" of the body of Christ. In that capacity they quarantined TC, NigelT, and DYL. Then they made the announcement, not to the "church" which TC belonged to, but to the "body," which to them meant all the loyal LC's subscribing to LSM's directives. Instead of "telling it to the church," they called representatives of all the churches, and announced the decision to them. This was done by WL in SoCal for Ingalls, So, Mellon, and Fung, and is recorded in the "Fermentation ..." For TC, the BB's gathered all the representative leaders in Whistler. The result was the 28 booklet "attack pack," and the various websites.
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06-15-2011, 07:37 PM | #52 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
It's kind of like how the government continually lies to us so that we don't "panic."
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06-15-2011, 07:53 PM | #53 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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06-15-2011, 09:30 PM | #54 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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1 Corinthians 12: 12-26 12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Bringing up John Ingalls name. I had an opportunity to meet him last summer. Appreciation of Witness Lee's ministry was expressed. The quarantine which occurred took place after John left. The quarantines serve as damage control. As for Titus and his co-workers, from what I've read Titus is a difficult brother to work with and he may have personality traits that rub people the wrong way. We all have peculiar traits and defects, but that by no means warrants quarantines. An trend ZNP may have referred to is control. Brothers leading Living Stream want the churches thinking as they do. Which in turn requires brothers thinking as they do leading the churches. There is too much risk to invest decision making to the church. Any given local church may not have the same feeling LSM leading brothers have. What would it do if a local church put on the brakes with the ministry because there's a need to care for the families, to care for the marriages, to care for the single brothers, and sisters. It's good if brothers and sisters want to get into the ministry, but if there's a problem in our soul, the ministry is not going to shepherd the soul. That requires one another. Back to this thread, When Dan began to speak, he announced that there was a “sisters’ rebellion” in the Texas churches and that the sister leading this rebellion was in the Houston church. According to him, this sister had committed serious offenses against the church. She and others with her had encouraged people to open up and talk about their problems. According to Dan, this was the same as encouraging people to vomit. In case you don't know Dan Williams from the Thread of Gold is Benson Phillips. As I said earlier in this thread Benson considered it an offense to encourage and talk about problems. Souls of the saints cannot be shepherded unless problems are openly talked about. |
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06-15-2011, 10:27 PM | #55 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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06-16-2011, 06:18 AM | #56 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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06-16-2011, 10:46 PM | #57 |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
There were other factors, but the building was the final straw. For the most part I don't care who owned the meeting hall, CIA (Church in Anaheim) or LSM. It made sense with Living Stream's headquarters being in Anaheim. You could say the Church in Anaheim is the flagship for all the local churches. Why did the meeting hall being Living Stream's rather than the Church in Anaheim make such a big deal? Put it into historical perspective. Phillip Lee was the personality running LSM and because it was him with his poor reputation, need I say more?
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06-16-2011, 11:11 PM | #58 |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
Dear ZNP,
Sorry for my lack of response to your last posts to me. My availability to post is very limited right now. First, let me say that I am sorry for offending you in my previous post. I was purposely short and somewhat blunt, hoping my meaning would be clear and not get lost in wordiness. I knew that in doing so, I was risking offending you, and I’m sorry that I did. A professional communicator once told me that real communication takes place when one person says something and the other person understands the actual meaning the first person intended to convey. In my opinion that hasn’t been happening in our communications. This person also told me that the primary responsibility for clear communication rests with the one giving the communication. So, if there is failure to communicate, the giver needs to reassess the communication to discover why it failed and adjust it accordingly. I have read one time through all your most recent responses to me. I see that on one hand we have made a little progress. (Thank you for your apology on one point.) On the other hand, I see you’ve introduced more statements that are troubling. Right now I am deciding whether I am going to bow out or pursue trying to communicate clearly with you by responding to your most recent posts to me. My schedule will be a factor in what I decide. If I am not able to find some time tomorrow, I won’t be available at all for a week or two. The bottom line for me at this point is that I have found parts of your writing to me to be confusing and unclear. My train derails frequently as I try to follow your logic and understand your reason for, and your support for, your statements. I read something, then I say, “what?” and then I re-read it and re-read it and keep ending up back on confused street. I typically don’t have this problem with reading comprehension, so I find this to be frustrating--especially when I write one specific thing to you and explain that I am not responding to other things you wrote, and you come back with statements like “Wow, you really missed my point.” A nicer, and possibly more accurate response, would have been something like, “Wow, I see that I really didn’t communicate that well” or "I understand that you chose not to respond to my main point, but I would be interested in hearing what you have to say about it." I found that some of what you wrote to me lacked foundation and seemed to be based on assumptions as if they were fact. (That’s the reason for the whole “in the loop” matter I presented to you.) Some of what you wrote came across as patronizing, and thereby offensive. (That’s probably the reason I was willing to risk offending you with my blunt response.) I am not saying you intended this, just telling you its effect on me. I also find that you may even respond to something I have written without keeping it in context. If I proceed, I will try to give you examples of things I’ve mentioned in this paragraph. I do not enjoy difficult interactions with others and am having some regret about having engaged you at all. It would be nice if we could get through this to a good place, but that will take some work and possibly require more time than I have available. I'll have to wait and see. Thankful Jane |
06-17-2011, 07:21 AM | #59 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
I have been attempting to follow the postings on this thread recently and feel there has been quite a bit of confusion. The title of this thread is The Thread of Gold, regarding the book written by Jane Anderson.
Post #9 by Terry quotes from this book and asks a general question, "What is the problem with encouraging ones to talk about their problems?" As one who has read The Thread of Gold, I see where Terry is coming from. His question is in light of Jane Anderson getting into trouble because (as is described on pages 161-162 of the book) she and an elder's wife were realizing the benefit of helping one another and praying for one another regarding problems/weaknesses. However, Ray Graver got upset when the discussion of opening up and getting help exposed that another elder (of all people---an all-knowing elder who is supposed always to have it altogether and have all the answers) was in need of help. This is part of what triggered Benson Phillips' accusing Jane of being part of a "sisters' rebellion" in the Texas churches. This is what is described in The Thread of Gold. ZNPaaneah then states in post #10, "I think the problem with sisters opening up about their problems is obvious, there were sisters in Anaheim that had problems with PL and if they felt they could open up about it the whole house of cards could come down. But as a result, in order to squelch any sense of fellowship and openness they create all kinds of erroneous teachings and practices.” Such a statement is completely out of context of the prior conversations regarding "sisters' rebellion in the Texas churches." Therefore –even though ZNPaaneah uses the word "obvious" he is making an assumption regarding the LSM Ministry in Anaheim and stating because of that the elders "create all kinds of erroneous teachings and practices" when in reality these teachings and practices were already in play from the inception of the so-called local churches as is clearly illustrated in The Thread of Gold. It appears this has caused a series of misunderstandings in the discourse on this thread. It pains me to see such words as "despicable" and "insulting" as seen in post #42. |
06-17-2011, 08:31 AM | #60 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
Thanks much to bookworm for the last post, I think that cut to the heart of the matter.
How ironic that some "problems" have taken place between some posters here, and it partially springs from discussions regarding "Jane Anderson getting into trouble because...she and an elder's wife were realizing the benefit of helping one another and praying for one another regarding problems/weaknesses." Does anybody else see a problem with this? I think our brother ZNP has gotten himself into a bit of a "can't see the forest for the trees" situation. Much of what Jane experienced should be taken into the context of what was taking place in her Local Church and region (I think this is clear in the book TOG) I think it's a mistake to try and transfer these events to what was happening in other churches, regions or the whole LC movement for that matter. This is not to say that some of the same abuses where also happening in other places (for we know they were) it's just that the book is recounting Jane's personal experience and everything should be kept in that context.
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06-17-2011, 11:29 AM | #61 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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And I should add, as an outside reader, I just don't understand the current conflict on this thread because it didn't seem to me that ZNP intentionally tried to incite trouble. But that's just me. I am one of those brothers called "foolish and slow of heart" on the long and winding road to Emmaus. Since much has been said about so-called "sisters' rebellions" being squelched, in both Houston and Anaheim back in 1977, by leaders who were in communication with each other, it's legitimate to compare the two places. Thankful herself has connected the two events, partly due to public comments made by BP in the annual training to discredit Thankful and her book. I do believe the "connection" has helped to explain some of the behind-the-scenes activity that appeared so confusing to us regular "common" folk back in spring of '77. Part of my education on this forum has been to have the motives and inner workings of LSM exposed for all to see. LSM has a long history of dissembling "rebellions" to cover up their abusive ways. The events surrounding Thankful's so-called "discipline" by BP is one important piece of a larger puzzle, which was surreptitiously hidden from the saints in the Recovery, especially in Texas. The events surrounding Sandee Rapoport and her public shaming were another interconnecting piece of the puzzle. I believe after the book ToG was written, Thankful contacted SR and learned of the connection. So, if we "strictly" post according to the letter of the law on this thread, we should limit all discussion to the book; but if we expand discussion to related events, especially those which Thankful has herself connected, then ZNP's queries are legitimate, and even welcome and helpful. Either side can feel free to correct me if they feel what I have posted it not exactly right.
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06-17-2011, 02:47 PM | #62 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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06-18-2011, 07:35 AM | #63 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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I believe we will be able to get things cleared up later when I have some time. So everyone carry on and keep pressing on towards glory! Jane |
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06-18-2011, 08:22 AM | #64 | |
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Pressing On
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I post less frequently than I used to because that's exactly what I've been doing - "forgetting the things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:13. Brothers and Sisters, praise the Lord that He saw us out of a religous system which didn't differ in reality from any other controlling pseudo-Christian guru-lead movement in the past or present. Praise Him that our chains are gone and we've been set free! Please brethren, now that you've been freed, press forward toward the mark, and forget the things which are behind. I believe I need to say that if you feel called to witness here about what you went through, in the hopes of helping others - well, that's between you and God, and I have no right to tell you to do otherwise... But please hear me because I only want to sound a cautionary note: If there are, and I suppose that there are, real and current members of LSM churches here, then is this really the best way to open their eyes? I have found, in speaking myself to many, that when events of the past are raised then immediately their hands go up, and they refuse to hear you. I have heard them rebut me with things like: "We shouldn't go there. The Lord has moved on, and so should we." or "You've been drinking from a poisoned well. You should be very careful about where you draw your water from." or my favorite, the emphatic: "God could speak through an ass if He wanted to!" (apparently comparing Lee's speaking to the speaking of Balaam's donkey - as if that lends Lee any more credibility!). My feeling, my conviction, is that if you want to help people find a real and living relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, digging into a past of which they may or may not be aware is not the way to gain them. They're on a dark path, following a blind man or a corrupt man, depending upon your point of view - and yelling to them that the path is dark and treacherous won't really help them - they're on it and they can't see a way off... they'll just keep following the leader because that's the easiest thing to do. What you need to do, what we all need to do together, is shine some light. What we need to do is call them into that light. Show them the straight and narrow way; and seeing it, they will really see. In Christ, NeitherFirstnorLast |
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06-18-2011, 09:19 AM | #65 | |
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Re: Pressing On
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The other day watching the news I was reminded why this forum has value. Liberal CNN was informing us how few students even know Abraham Lincoln. I thought to myself, ask these high school students about alternative lifestyles, black history month, or lady gaga, and see how much they know!? Public education has all sorts of hidden agendas which do not include the history of our country. (or your country, up north) There are some, however, who do want to know history. Some of those in the LC's want to know what really happened in the past. LSM and local leaders provide none of this information. The forum is the only source we have. Some people study early American history, some study church history, some study recent Recovery history, and some study no history at all. Churchill said, "Those who fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it." Back on topic. JCA's book ToG was especially valuable to me because it dispelled myths which brothers had instilled in me years ago. Her account of history helped to deliver me from a stronghold.
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06-18-2011, 06:48 PM | #66 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 As for what happened to Jane, was it the result of this event or was it the result of multiple events like it? I have more to say, but I must postpone until later. |
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06-18-2011, 07:00 PM | #67 | |
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What about current members who have not been objected when speaking about the past by respected co-workers have taken place in trainings or in conferences? |
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06-19-2011, 10:17 AM | #68 | ||
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Re: Pressing On
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I know what you are saying, Ohio... and as I said, if you feel lead to this kind of exposition, then I am not going to tell you that you are wrong. I only caution that it may not be as profitable to the saints as you might hope. Quote:
Let me make a very rude comparison between marketing strategy and reaching the lost, if I may (and I mean no disrespect, Lord). In the 1980's, Pepsico had an ad campaign wherein they targeted their competition directly. Rather than sing the praises of Pepsi, they 'demonized' Coca-Cola. Rather than tell people that their product was the best and demonstrate it, they used a kind of 'mud-slinging' technique to insinuate that Coca-Cola was for the uncool and the aged ('Pepsi: the Choice of a New Generation'.) Pepsi only advertized their product alongside their competitors, and always showed theirs as the right choice to make (remember the 'Pepsi Challenge', or even the recent commercial with the two truck drivers?). Coca-Cola, in this same time period, invested heavily in marketing through sing-song lyrics ("I'd like to buy the World a Coke", etc.). Coca-cola focused their marketing efforts on brand-name recognition and having people associate their product with good times and world peace. Coca-Cola never once mentioned Pepsi's name or showed their colors. You can certainly argue that both strategies are successful. Both Pepsi and Coca-Cola are still here today, battling it out for market dominance. On a personal level, when I watched Pepsi ad campaigns as a child, I was honestly disgusted with their tactics. It turned me off their product completely, and I refused to even consider drinking a Pepsi. Reaching the lost, and that's really what those stuck under Anaheim's thumb really are, shouldn't be about pointing out the gross violations and the dirty schemes. What does that serve to do? You might get those people to see the truth, and you might get them off that dark path - but what alternative have you shown them? Those of us who 'meet' here don't 'meet' physically. We are collection of Saints, but we don't have anything more than a 'virtual' place to meet - we can't give them the support that they need or the guidance that they will require if we do convince them to leave. How have people like 11 of 101 been helped? How many people are there like that out there; people who have now seen that everything that they held dear, everything they believed, was a lie... and now fear that Christ was the liar too. In Christ, NeitherFirstnorLast |
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06-19-2011, 12:36 PM | #69 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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During the 1970's there were couples paired up not according to their preferences, but according to preferences of leading brothers and leading sisters. How strong were these marriages going to be? They could very well be soulmates or they could be two individuals in a marriage who had very little in common. When you have very little in your soul bonding the marriage, for some couples it could had been just the local church enviornment keeping the marriage intact. For some couples the sister could very well be 100% committed to the marriage, but for the brother the marriage took a backseat to the ministry. This could be some of the issues married couples endured. For example the wife could get into an argument with her husband basically saying she wants the humanity of her husband and not an overly spiritual brother. Her husband doesn't take her words to heart and they leave for the meeting with the problem unresolved. When they arrive at the meeting, it's as the on/off switch is turned on. Everything is grand and he doesn't have a problem, praising and giving God the glory. However the wife sits quietly, doesn't make an issue, but inside she isn't fooled by his charade. I'm not saying this did happen, only asserting it could have happened. This could be problems referenced in The Thread of Gold pages 161-162. Sisters speaking about expecting more from their husband, offended brothers such as Benson and Ray. This in addition to Ray witnessing a co-elder breakdown in front of him. I believe most of us would have been moved with compassion had we witnessed such an event. Certainly not a matter to be offended about. Ironically what happened in that couples apartment on that night in 1977 (?) would not be condemned in anything I have experienced. It is an example of an elder being shepherded by non-elders. It is needed for a home meeting to become vital. My point is if this is what Jane was condemned for and Benson bringing it back up during the 2005 Winter training, had the local church saints really known what Jane was disciplined for, their reaction might be exasperation. |
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06-22-2011, 09:54 AM | #70 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
When Jane and the elder's wife in Houston in the late 1970s started to speak about helping one another through difficult times evidently this was perceived as a threat to the "real purpose" of the LC—especially when it brought to light a needy elder.
A result of the Local Church becoming so very exclusive (special, THE building of THE Church), was the refusal of the leaders being open to anything of "poor Christianity" including Biblical marriage counseling. My own experience was that after many years of marriage when I went to an elder and his wife for help at a very difficult time in my marriage the advice I was given was to forgive my husband (who was not attending the meetings at the time) and do what I could to get him back into the meetings. When I specifically asked about counseling for us, I was told that the answer was "getting back into the meetings." This was in the early 1980s in Texas. So by that time the mindset for sure was the only answer is the LC and the meetings. Obviously the Local Church had no "marriage counseling service group" or such. There was no provision for giving guidance (even scripturally based) to couples through difficult times. Clearly the Local Church had only one focus: God's eternal purpose for building the Church. The mindset was very strong that we were to "get out of our minds and turn to our spirits" and be in the meetings and all would be taken care of; the army had to set the mind on the spirit and carry on. There was no consideration of God's purpose and design for marriage despite all the talk in the LC about Christ and the Church as His bridegroom. This form of "brainwashing" does nothing to promote love for one another in the body of Christ and it does nothing to encourage a married man and woman to love and value each other and love and value the children they are blessed with. Last edited by bookworm; 06-22-2011 at 09:56 AM. Reason: grammar |
06-22-2011, 11:02 AM | #71 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Didn't Thankful witness a sister, whom she loved, crying in the back of the meeting hall, knowing that she could not embrace Thankful, who was being "disciplined?" That's not the kind of situation you want to continue. "Houston, we have a problem!" I'm sure more than a few brothers were happy to see that family move to OK, OK.
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06-22-2011, 12:57 PM | #72 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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06-22-2011, 01:19 PM | #73 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Ironically after all that's been said about marriages and dealing with marital conflict, verbally the brothers point to going to the meetings. How about these same brothers? When their marriages are in conflict or even experienced divorce, will they heed the same mantra of going to the meetings and the meetings will take care of their marriage? They know just as you've pointed out, the ministry doesn't touch the marriage. Which is why brothers with troubled marriages may need to reach out to other publications or even consider professional marriage counseling. |
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06-22-2011, 06:37 PM | #74 | ||
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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MARRIED LIFE, FAMILY LIFE, AND THE CHURCH LIFE "First we need to build up the proper married life and family life, and then we shall be able to build up the church life. If a brother does not know how to build up a pleasant married life at home and an excellent family life with his children, it will be very difficult for him to share in building up the church. When he comes together with others for the church service, he may exercise politeness. However, he may not be polite to his wife or children. We may be polite to the brothers and sisters in the church, but be very impolite to our husband or wife or to our children." "Our home life is where we are exposed the most. Do not think that simply because a certain brother is nice, kind, and polite with the saints in the church he is necessarily that way at home. If you want to know him, you need to see how he lives with his wife and children. Oh, how much we need forbearance in our married life and family life that we may build up the proper church life!" Witness Lee - Life-study of Philippians, Chapter 59, Section 3, LSM But Terry, sorry to say, few men had an ear to hear that, neither was it easy to find good examples of how to be married according to the teaching of the Bible - and especially so, as you pointed out, among the LC's leadership ranks. To show by contrast how muddied the waters became under the Blended's Administration, here is Chuck Debelak's crystal clear teaching on proper family priorities in the church life - there are four audio links there: The Truth about Parenting 02 03 04 P.S.
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06-23-2011, 02:45 PM | #75 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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If a brother goes to the bi-annual training an leaves his wife and children at home, his wife will think and maybe say to her husband he loves the ministry more than the family. If a brother chooses to stay home and take care of his family instead of attending bi-annual trainings, the brother may be viewed as not absolute for the ministry and maybe his own standing in the local assembly being examined. This is how I perceived John from reading the Thread of Gold and through his posts on this thread. Here's a brother who could have been brought into fellowship as a responsible brother, but family was John's priority. |
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06-24-2011, 08:35 AM | #76 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
I listened to parts of these four audio tapes PriestlyScribe posted on his post # 74 and note these statements (in blue):
Your children are to have a unique, personal relationship with God. A voice they have to recognize. Help them know the voice of the Lord at the Lord's time. When it comes to the Lord's perfecting in my life, there are little things but that is the focus of the entire Christian life, God perfecting us by the Holy Spirit inside of us. When we live that way we are very broad to let other people live that way. This is not according to some high peak, but Christ living inside of us. You can live a passive church life but you cannot live a passive Christian life because every day the Lord is speaking inside of you. We need to raise our children this way. Someone asked him (Chuck D.) for direction as to what to do, and he pointed that person to the Lord, to seek the Lord. Go back to the Lord again and again. He said that when you shepherd your children do the same. Give them the same latitude. If the Lord is leading you not to go to the meeting, ask Him again. The same God who led you to know life and to hear His voice is the same God who can lead them. Now you can be gentle and shepherd your children. You have to be gentle and kind and patient. This is a big job and the Lord has to train us for such. We should allow ourselves to be perfected. Pray that your children would be drawn to the Lord powerfully. Whether they are in the church or not in the church, I really don't care, but they must give their whole life to you. You are the meaning of life. Without you our life means nothing. We are not here to be in the church, for some cause; if we are here we are here because the living God told us to be here. I am not here to be in the church; I am here because the living God told me to be here. We want them to have a deep conviction to follow the Lord. I wonder when it was Chuck D. spoke these words and whether he would be heard if he were to appeal to the Local Church leadership in this way regarding their shepherding the sheep… What gentleness and kindness and patience was shown to the weeping elder who was touched (p. 162 of The Thread of Gold) and showed a moment of need and weakness? What gentleness and kindness and patience was shown to Jane and other sisters as they were seeking the Lord and desiring to hear His voice? |
06-24-2011, 11:52 PM | #77 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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06-25-2011, 05:43 PM | #78 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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Not only is this a good speaking...but this brother actually lived it!
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07-01-2011, 08:12 AM | #79 | ||
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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I am back from my trip and have re-read all of your last posts to me and decided I should try to wrap up our recent communication difficulty. I think I will make a go at this by responding to one or maybe two of your posts and then moving to others if we make headway with those. If I see that we are getting more entangled, I plan to stop. Before I do so, let me be clear that I have no controversy with you concerning many of the things you wrote about the unrighteousness in the LC leadership and about the unbiblical hyper control exercised by the elders and submitted to by the members. I find that we are pretty much in agreement on these matters. Thankful Jane |
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07-01-2011, 08:16 AM | #80 | |
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Re: Apology, my bad
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07-01-2011, 10:20 AM | #81 | |
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Re: Trying to straighten out a mess
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The way you write often sounds like you are responding things that have not been said or established, as if they had been (assumptions). Here are some examples, some of which I think I have already written about, but since you asked me to give a lot of examples, they follow: 1. ZNP in post #25: “…you are trying to figure this out thinking with the mindset of a “dove” (a born again Christian), as a result you are mangling NT verses to attempt to justify this behavior. My point was if that does not work, try something new…” Here you assumed I was trying to figure something out. You assumed I had what you called the “mindset of a ‘dove.’” You assumed that I was trying to justify this behavior (behavior you had assumed that I had). 2. ZNP (#25): “My point was you are trying to understand, explain, justify, etc. these false teachings. Take a step back, look where they originated from and you can dismiss them altogether out of hand.” Here you assumed that I was trying to understand, explain, justify, etc. these false teachings, when I had not done this. 3. ZNP (#25): Wow you really missed my point! You assumed I had missed your point and proceeded to write as if I had. The fact was that I had told you, “At this point, I think the simplest thing for me to do is just respond to what you wrote about sisters (at least what I think I understood you to be saying ).” I further explained this to you in the next post I wrote when I said, “You write as if I am trying to figure out the behavior of elders and Lee in my post. I did nothing of the kind. You were the one that talked about them, and I did not respond to that part of your post. My response was restricted to one thing-sisters being in communication with the elders--as I explained.” 4. ZNP (#25): So, before you tell me how you were a submissive sister, explain to me why you were? You assumed that I was going to tell you (or that I had already told you?) how I was a submissive sister. Based on your assumption you asked me to explain why I was. I had not said anything about my being a submissive sister. I told you some facts of what happened in Anaheim and Houston, but I did not make any claim about what kind of a sister I was. You assumed I would claim that I was rightly submissive based on the facts I described, but you don’t know what I would claim about this. The order of submission is to your husband under the condition that he in turn is submitting to the Lord Jesus. How did the “elders” short circuit that? This reminds me of the Book of Galatians where Paul marvels that the Galatians are so willing to submit themselves to the judaizers. Your question about how the elders short circuited my submission to my husband contains an assumption that I did not submit to my husband. 5. ZNP (#25) : I was asking you to stop thinking like a dove (a born again Christian) and think like a serpent (to “be wise as a serpent"). You assumed I was “thinking like a dove” and told me to stop. You don’t know how I was thinking. 6. ZNP (#25): The only reasonable explanation for what happened to you and Max’s wife is that WL was going into damage control to protect his kingdom from being exposed in the light. WL had the mindset of a serpent. You assume this is the only reasonable explanation. This may be a reasonable explanation, but it is not the only one. 7. ZNP (#25): Max’s wife was flabbergasted because she was thinking of the mindset of a dove and considered WL to also be a dove. You assume that Sandee was flabbergasted because she was thinking with “the mindset of a dove.” What is your source of information for knowing how she was thinking (other than what I told you, which by the way, was very limited). 8. ZNP (#25): This accusation is preemptive. Once this goes around, then when Max is excommunicated his wife can’t say anything because it looks like she is merely talking behind the backs of the elders or trying to retaliate. 9. ZNP (#29) I was saying that for BP and others to accuse the sisters of "talking behind the back" or "outside of the headship" was a preemptive accusation. They figured that when Max was excommunicated people would talk. Therefore they wanted to take a shot at this preemptively, before Max was excommunicated, kind of like putting down poison. Your statement that the brothers made a "preemptive accusation" against me is based on an assumption that the brothers knew Max was going to be “excommunicated” a year into the future. You have presented no evidence that the Houston brothers knew over a year ahead of time what was going to happen with Max and Sandee. (The accusation about me was made in '77. Sandee and Max left in late 1978.) 10. ZNP (#28): She argued that she and other sisters were submissive to the elders in the context of this "in the loop". You assume that I was arguing that the sisters were submissive to the elders. If you read carefully again, you will see that my argument was not that they were submissive, but that sisters were communicating with the elders (in a communication loop). I stated at the end of my post that Sandee and the sisters would have done whatever Lee told them to do, but I added this in order to emphasize how horrible Lee's action against them was, not to support some kind of argument that the sisters were "submissive" to the elders. I will cut you slack on this one, because I can see how you could deduce from what I wrote that the sisters were submissive; however, in your statement, "she argued that she and the other sisters were submissive to the elders ..." you misrepresented what I wrote and used that misrepresentation in your argument in post #28. Please know that I am not trying to make a new issue over all the above things; rather, I am responding to your request for me to give you a lot of examples of your assumptions. Of course, we all make assumptions, and often do so without realizing it. In our quest to learn to communicate well, my husband and I have been tackling each others' assumptions for 44 years. That's how we've become such good friends . So, please take my calling out the fact that you were making a lot of assumptions as something necessary in order to effect good communication. Thankful Jane |
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07-04-2011, 07:39 PM | #82 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
PriestlyScribe, these links have proven to be useful. In our home meeting on Saturday night, the topic of what the Bible has to say about families was brought up. The "man of death" brought up these messages by Chuck Debelak. May these messages provide help to the inquiring sister and her family in our home meeting.
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12-04-2011, 08:08 PM | #83 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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I agree with Ohio, it does seem like payback. Something more I think it is far easier for brothers to humiliate sisters as they did that weekend. Sisters by nature are submissive. Brother's by nature aren't going to take the abuse you were subjected to. |
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12-05-2011, 07:58 PM | #84 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Sorry for being slow to answer, Terry. Here are some facts I need to give you before I can answer your question: 1. Witness Lee never called out the “holy sisters.” In fact, Sandee R. and Ann Malir (another one of the three sisters) told me independently of each other that Lee never called them “holy sisters,” not even once. Sandee said that the person who always referred to them mockingly as “the three holy sisters” was Phillip Lee. So, when you hear this term, understand that it’s source was Phillip Lee, not Witness Lee. 2. I first heard this term in Houston in 1978 when either Benson Phillips or Ray Graver told us about Max and Sandee leaving the church. We were told that Witness Lee called out the “three holy sisters” in a meeting and had stopped the “sisters’ rebellion.” In retrospect, it is easy to determine the source of their information by the fact that they used the term “three holy sisters.” I suspect that Phillip was happy that his father had said something to these sisters in a meeting and passed this information on to the Texas brothers by saying something like Witness Lee had called out the three holy sisters in a meeting. From then to now that is how the Texas brothers have repeated this account. 3. Benson used this term and repeated the same story in December 2005, after my book came out, and if I remember correctly, he said Lee had called out the three holy sisters asking them to stand up in a meeting. 4. Here is what Lee actually did on Saturday night, Memorial Day weekend, 1977. Max was in Chicago, I believe. Lee gave a message in Anaheim and at some point during the message, he spoke to the three sisters (with whom he been meeting and giving them direction for several years) and said they should not sit together in the meetings but should sit with other sisters. That was the extent of it, according to Sandee and Ann. There was no strong rebuke, nor asking them to stand up, just this correction. Sandee and the other two sisters could not understand at the time why Lee had done this, when he could have easily told them in one of their private meetings with him that they should stop sitting together in the meetings. In time it became apparent that this action by him was his opening move to begin discrediting Max. 5. In 2006, when I asked Sandee about “the three holy sisters” event, she was surprised. She had no idea what I was talking about. All she could come up with was what I described in point 4. She found it interesting to learn that this "holy sister" story had been circulated and had come up again in a meeting as late as 2005. Thankful Jane |
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12-05-2011, 08:56 PM | #85 |
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I can confirm that.
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12-06-2011, 12:20 AM | #86 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Based on what you have revealed, what Witness Lee said to the sisters does not seem like a big deal nor unreasonable. In any assembly it can be said to any group of sisters or brothers. |
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12-06-2011, 05:50 AM | #87 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Unless the thrust of the meeting was about the tendency of people to flock to their regular subgroup, or clique, in contrast to a message concerning shepherding, or mutual respect, or some such thing. But in that case, you generally wouldn't call out three among many, even in a small way. You would be pointing to the tendency of the people as a whole. Sort of like Paul did in the first 4 chapters of 1 Corinthians. If it were truly individual, then even if it was not something that Lee had against them in a Matt 18 kind of way, he should first speak to them alone. So for such a "man of God" to act in this kind of manner suggests a problem with the claim to be such a "man of God."
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12-06-2011, 05:58 AM | #88 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
Ohio,
This may not be the thread to do it, but over the years there has been some mention of the Chicago conference that weekend. I know Hope talked a little about being there, but not much details, more impressions. You have probably mentioned some too. I have gotten a general sense that something was not right. That it was too chaotic. Maybe sort of overrun by dissing of older brothers (maybe thinking more of the Berkley conference — not sure). Is it something that can be sort of spelled out, or is it somewhat intangible? What actually happened?
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12-06-2011, 07:02 AM | #89 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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This happened all weekend long. Then we were all told to come back the following weekend to receive our instructions. Things were a little different by then. Max never made it the second weekend. Several years ago the forum discussed the events surrounding those weekends. Being so young at the time, I was quite naive to the behind-the-scene dynamics of the leaders. WL used Max to travel around stirring up the pot. Max brought with him a cadre of supporters into Chicago. Max fueled fleshly zeal by using anti-religious sentiments in order to capture the control of young people, undermining their respect to local leaders. Local elders and workers were all blamed for the churches being "stinking religious." The ministry plan was to have all the young people relocate to ministry centers, or to campuses. This had happened in other places around the country. TC really did preserve the condition of LC's in the GLA. Only he was "man enough" to stand up to Max and company. The elders close to TC refused to resign their position in shameful disgrace, as many had done already. In the aftermath, there was some heated dissension in greater Cleveland by some who felt the church was not faithful to "WL's burden." After witnessing how WL thru Max had actively tried to destroy LC's, discredited elders, unleashed fleshly zeal, and damaged the faith of so many precious saints, it's hard for me to understand why GLA leaders, mainly TC, did not cut all ties with WL and LSM back then. Each time things would sour in the Recovery, WL had a way of blaming all his lieutenants for the problems, and he would come out smelling like a rose. WL never took the responsibility for any of the chaos and destruction. The lieutenants closest to him would all depart in shame, while the remaining saints would gather around WL as today's Apostle. Happened every time.
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12-06-2011, 09:18 AM | #90 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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According to Sandee, over a period of a few years the three sisters (Sandee, Ann, Harriet), under Lee's supervision, had been getting with Anaheim sisters one at a time to talk with them and help them personally with any problems they might be having. (Sandee said the brothers and sisters in Anaheim had come to Anaheim from all over the place and many had problems.) The three sisters were working their way through all the sisters, with the goal of spending time with all of them personally. There was no particular order at play. Midstream in this process, a few other older sisters complained about these three sisters saying they were exclusive or something like that. Sandee said she felt there was some jealousy at play. She said Lee knew about this situation. When Lee made his comment, the simmering sisters became bolder in their complaint. They were joined by some others with whom the three had not met yet. This began an out-in-the-open split among the sisters in the church, one which grew from that time forward. I can't say more than that because it is a general memory. I've done the best I can to capture it. It might not be exactly what Sandee told me, but it is close. As for the timeline and more details about that period, for anyone who is interested, I suggest looking at this thread on the Bereans: http://www.thebereans.net/forum2/showthread.php?p=152101#post152101 As for the actual meeting where Lee made his comment, the following post contains more detailed information about what Sandee told me about that meeting. The information in this post was written shortly after I talked to Sandee. http://www.thebereans.net/forum2/showpost.php?p=152101&postcount=3 Thankful Jane |
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12-06-2011, 12:33 PM | #91 | |
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Re: Be wise as serpents harmless as doves
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Ironically I lived in Anaheim during this time period until mid-79. I am curious whether my mom and the sisters she were close to had any fellowship with Sandee, Ann, or Harriet? |
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12-06-2011, 05:52 PM | #92 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
The real problem in all these incidents isn't what happened on this side, or that side. It always seems to boil down to that because of the way things are handled. The real question is whether or not Witness Lee had the heart of a shepherd, and whether or not he passed on that caring heart attitude to those in leadership under him. Or, did he just have the heart to protect his ministry and the organization that sprang out of it, and is maintained by it.
If WL and company had a real heart of shepherding and caring, most of these things would never have even been heard about. What he termed "rebellions" would have come and gone, without even any need to bring it up to the saints. This would have happened, had he applied the same thing that he always tried to pound into us - endeavor to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace. Rather, because of his paranoia about losing control, he blew everything up into a massive "rebellion," forcing people to take sides. This was his way of weeding out those who couldn't just be his yes men; those he considered to be troublemakers. The Local Church is fast becoming "pure." Very soon there will be no one left willing to ask questions, and think hard about what they are being told to do. They are on the verge of becoming a full blown Laodicea. P.C. |
12-09-2011, 07:38 AM | #93 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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If you set aside the highfalutin spiritual terminology of Lee's work and go beneath the surface to see how it actually operated you will discover how fleshly and base it really was: petty jealousies among workers, territorial disputes, immoral behavior, financial shenanigans, shabby mistreatment, Machiavellian political machinations, etc. |
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12-09-2011, 11:40 AM | #94 | |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
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I saw something in a comment back to or concerning Jane and a name that I did not really know reminded me of that little back and forth a couple of years ago concerning her report about some political squabbling that went on between the TX/OK region and the GLA over some other place sort of in between (IA or MO, maybe??). Anyway, I realized that in that particular case, no matter how strongly the guy Jane had reported from denied everything (once the LSM got hold of him), it appears that BP was basically trying to extend his realm of control at the same time that TC was doing the same thing. So, it may not be as simple as "the underlings are going crazy and I'm not to blame," there is evidence that they were going crazy. And it could be that this was one of those things that Lee was never going to get directly involved in anyway because he seemed to be less likely to say or do anything negative concerning another Chinese person. He left that to the arrogant Americans. But those pesky Americans were always good scapegoats.
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09-22-2016, 06:50 PM | #95 |
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Re: The Thread of Gold - Jane Carole Anderson
There is a condensed version of The Thread of Gold available on Amazon, 39 pages. The name of it is:
Deceived: A Warning to Campus Christians https://www.amazon.com/registry/wish...bmit.promote=1 http://www.thethreadofgold.com Nell |
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