Post by irvinegrey on Sept 25, 2008 20:05:22 GMT -5
The time has arrived for some serious research work for my Master of Philosophy and my topic is the history, sociology and theology of a group of Christians who claim to have no name but are variously known by outsiders as the 2x2s, Cooneyites and when I was growing up in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland very simply called ‘the meeting people’. It is not my intention to give them a name but for the purpose of this work and for brevity I will use the term 2x2s. In applying this name it is not my intention to be either arbitrary or offensive. I am aware that today there are only a small number who would have any association with Edward Cooney and what we today call the 2x2s are a follow on from those who excommunicated Cooney in 1928.
Historically I do know that the 2x2s have followed on in the footsteps of a work started in 1897 by William Irvine, a Faith Mission pilgrim from Scotland holding missions in Ireland. It is generally accepted that in those early days Irvine and Edward Cooney emerged as co leaders.
Initially there are several aspects of this work that I need all of the information possible so as to build an accurate picture. For Irvine and Cooney the framework of Matthew 10 was the model that must be applied in sending forth workers. I understand that this also applies today.
How do the 2x2s manage without formal organziation?
What criterion is used to decide who is in fellowship and who is not?
How do they decide which workers need support?
What sorts of behavioural barriers do they erect to help maintain a sense of common identity?
How readily do they excommunicate those who cross such lines?
Are there any procedures that could be used as an alternative to excommunication for less serious breaches?
Is there a way back to the meetings after excommunication?
I want your views on all of these questions. I am interested to hear of your family’s history with the movement. I want to know what you find attractive and conversely what you find unattractive about the 2x2s. I want to hear about any negative experiences you have had within the 2x2s or later if you decided to leave.
I would value your views on what you have perceived to be failures to discipline or adequately control either members or workers who you think acted in a manner contrary to their Christian testimony. Please stick to the facts, I cannot countenance rumour or hearsay.
You may have old letters, photographs, press cuttings or other material of historical interest. Any of this material will be copied and returned to you.
You can email me on irvinegrey@yahoo.co.uk, you can call me on 00447831804000 or if you live in Ireland or the UK and would like to meet personally with me to provide details I will arrange that. But wherever you are in the world, if you have a story to tell I want to hear it! I must emphasise that anything you tell me will be used only as part of my academic research and for no other purpose. Should you wish to check my bona fides as research student at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland my student number is 17889049.
Historically I do know that the 2x2s have followed on in the footsteps of a work started in 1897 by William Irvine, a Faith Mission pilgrim from Scotland holding missions in Ireland. It is generally accepted that in those early days Irvine and Edward Cooney emerged as co leaders.
Initially there are several aspects of this work that I need all of the information possible so as to build an accurate picture. For Irvine and Cooney the framework of Matthew 10 was the model that must be applied in sending forth workers. I understand that this also applies today.
How do the 2x2s manage without formal organziation?
What criterion is used to decide who is in fellowship and who is not?
How do they decide which workers need support?
What sorts of behavioural barriers do they erect to help maintain a sense of common identity?
How readily do they excommunicate those who cross such lines?
Are there any procedures that could be used as an alternative to excommunication for less serious breaches?
Is there a way back to the meetings after excommunication?
I want your views on all of these questions. I am interested to hear of your family’s history with the movement. I want to know what you find attractive and conversely what you find unattractive about the 2x2s. I want to hear about any negative experiences you have had within the 2x2s or later if you decided to leave.
I would value your views on what you have perceived to be failures to discipline or adequately control either members or workers who you think acted in a manner contrary to their Christian testimony. Please stick to the facts, I cannot countenance rumour or hearsay.
You may have old letters, photographs, press cuttings or other material of historical interest. Any of this material will be copied and returned to you.
You can email me on irvinegrey@yahoo.co.uk, you can call me on 00447831804000 or if you live in Ireland or the UK and would like to meet personally with me to provide details I will arrange that. But wherever you are in the world, if you have a story to tell I want to hear it! I must emphasise that anything you tell me will be used only as part of my academic research and for no other purpose. Should you wish to check my bona fides as research student at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland my student number is 17889049.