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Post by faune on May 20, 2015 22:39:30 GMT -5
You're entitled to your opinion Ross, and I doubt anything I say would change your mind. However I would like you to understand that your religion is based on man's interpretation of scripture. When you refer to "what God says" or "God's instruction" it's simply what you think the scripture means. You think I'm in a 2x2 cult, while I think you're in a Trinitarian cult. You and Mary say I've used too much space discussing the Trinity so I'll make this do. That's okay. I've never said you are in a cult - they are your words not mine. I'd prefer to use sect as you know. The Scripture is perfectly clear that God alone is to be worshipped - there is no wriggle room on that one and it's not open to interpretation. In all the posts you have made about "Trinitarian dogma" you have never commented on the 2x2 inconsistency but I'm assuming you don't want to go there. I feel there is a real fear instilled in most of the friends relating to leaving the 2x2's and perhaps the longer they remain inside, the harder it is to detach themselves from the workers' system of belief? For example, here's a quote from one of the leaders of the Cooneyites or 2x2's in the past in relation to those who leave the fellowship. Honestly, this is not something you would be told if you left one Christian church and went to another one in the real world today! But, this is a sampling of life in the "bubble of exclusivity" and how these members are conditioned by fear and intimidation. “Those who leave The Way are accounted as "apostates," for whom there is absolutely no hope! They cannot be renewed to repentance, and can only await "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" Cooneyites |
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2015 22:46:01 GMT -5
That's okay. I've never said you are in a cult - they are your words not mine. I'd prefer to use sect as you know. The Scripture is perfectly clear that God alone is to be worshipped - there is no wriggle room on that one and it's not open to interpretation. In all the posts you have made about "Trinitarian dogma" you have never commented on the 2x2 inconsistency but I'm assuming you don't want to go there. I feel there is a real fear instilled in most of the friends relating to leaving the 2x2's and perhaps the longer they remain inside, the harder it is to detach themselves from the workers' system of belief? For example, here's a quote from one of the leaders of the Cooneyites or 2x2's in the past in relation to those who leave the fellowship. Honestly, this is not something you would be told if you left one Christian church and went to another one in the real world today! But, this is a sampling of life in the "bubble of exclusivity" and how these members are conditioned by fear and intimidation. “Those who leave The Way are accounted as "apostates," for whom there is absolutely no hope! They cannot be renewed to repentance, and can only await "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" Cooneyitessounds if he is speaking of these verses...
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
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Post by What Hat on May 21, 2015 0:03:44 GMT -5
I find the concept of 'a better way to heaven' puzzling. As well as the 'harder way to heaven.' Interesting ideas relating to the one who said "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Given the idea promoted that there is just one way to heaven the idea of a better way or a harder way flies in the face of logic. Sort of like saying something is "more unique". Although Paul did say that he would shew unto us "a more excellent way". |
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Post by fixit on May 21, 2015 0:49:19 GMT -5
But, this is a sampling of life in the "bubble of exclusivity" and how these members are conditioned by fear and intimidation. “Those who leave The Way are accounted as "apostates," for whom there is absolutely no hope! They cannot be renewed to repentance, and can only await "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" CooneyitesCan you provide a reference to this statement? BTW, that is certainly not my experience over 50 plus years. I've seen people come and go and come back. |
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Post by Roselyn T on May 21, 2015 1:12:10 GMT -5
Those who leave the way and say this isn't the Only Way can't be renewed again.
[Glen Valley BC Canada Conv 1988] REF #142
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Post by fixit on May 21, 2015 1:29:23 GMT -5
What does REF #142 refer to Ros?
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Post by Roselyn T on May 21, 2015 2:10:56 GMT -5
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Post by magpie on May 21, 2015 2:14:34 GMT -5
FAUNE we love you lots,thanks. But if people like Fixit feel they can discribe a cult better than you? Then let her do it (one of many victims of CSA by worker"S".)
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2015 4:09:10 GMT -5
Felicity asked me previously, "What have I said in my posts that make you wonder how long I've been professing?"
Felicity, it just seemed to me from your posts that you were still in the "honeymoon stage" with the 2x2's and have not been exposed very much to the inner workings of the group or its CSA scandals and the anti-Trinitarian rhetoric of workers. Although folks can think what they want, very few will speak out against injustices for fear of being shunned or silenced in meetings by workers through having their privileges removed. However, I feel if you would check out my 2nd post in this thread, you would see a number of areas that pertain to life within the fold, if reviewed with an open mind? But, if you are fairly new, perhaps you have yet to experience some of these negative aspects associated with professing? It's been a long honeymoon then Faune! I've been professing for more than 30 years. I checked out your second post a few days ago, my full response to this is on the bottom of page 2 on this thread. |
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Post by Mary on May 21, 2015 4:26:23 GMT -5
Maryhig, What about Mark 16:15? "Then Jesus said to them, "So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good ... And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the ... to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
DMG there's no way I would join a congregation in worshipping God when they have statues of Mary and worship her over God and following Jesus, and who have a leader who they make into a God on earth! I would mix with the people, and I would talk about God with them. But I wouldn't worship God with them in their churches no! Just reading over some posts. I am wondering when you went into a church as you are only describing the Catholic Church and not the majority of churches. Why pick out the Catholic church. There's many out there besides the Catholic Church. |
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Post by maryhig on May 21, 2015 4:32:06 GMT -5
DMG there's no way I would join a congregation in worshipping God when they have statues of Mary and worship her over God and following Jesus, and who have a leader who they make into a God on earth! I would mix with the people, and I would talk about God with them. But I wouldn't worship God with them in their churches no! Just reading over some posts. I am wondering when you went into a church as you are only describing the Catholic Church and not the majority of churches. Why pick out the Catholic church. There's many out there besides the Catholic Church. I don't believe in any church where ministers are paid for doing God work. I don't believe we need to emphasise on the building, I believe we can worship anywhere as long as its in spirit and in truth. With the love for God strong within our hearts. The people are the church, not the building. So there's no better place than to gather but within our own homes. Just like we get together with God in his home which is our hearts! |
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Post by Mary on May 21, 2015 4:51:33 GMT -5
God is found anywhere where his people are. Not in the home, not in any building. He dwells within our heart so why is it important what kind of building we worship in. It's not important to God. In fact Jesus emphasizes the opposite. He doesn't dwell in temples/buildings/ homes made of human hands.
The workers get paid with food, bed, car etc. It all costs money.
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Post by Roselyn T on May 21, 2015 5:15:44 GMT -5
Felicity asked me previously, "What have I said in my posts that make you wonder how long I've been professing?"
Felicity, it just seemed to me from your posts that you were still in the "honeymoon stage" with the 2x2's and have not been exposed very much to the inner workings of the group or its CSA scandals and the anti-Trinitarian rhetoric of workers. Although folks can think what they want, very few will speak out against injustices for fear of being shunned or silenced in meetings by workers through having their privileges removed. However, I feel if you would check out my 2nd post in this thread, you would see a number of areas that pertain to life within the fold, if reviewed with an open mind? But, if you are fairly new, perhaps you have yet to experience some of these negative aspects associated with professing? It's been a long honeymoon then Faune! I've been professing for more than 30 years. I checked out your second post a few days ago, my full response to this is on the bottom of page 2 on this thread. Felicity, I'm curious about how old your children are (Just in reference to what you said about them not listening to music) |
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Post by fixit on May 21, 2015 5:16:18 GMT -5
Ross ~ Words fitly spoken! Perhaps that's one of the reasons that the "one true church" claim gets "labeled" a cult about every where it springs up, as can be seen in this listing? All these groups surely have a lot in common!  www.theholdemans.com/Compare.htm Comparison of One True Churches
Yes, Faune the quotes have a familiar ring to them. It would be interesting to get all the leaders in the room at the one time arguing about why their church is the most perfect... I guess as they say in business when you are #1 there is only place to go  Ross, you're adamant about what "God says in the Bible" and I get the impression you're pretty exclusive about how the words of the Bible are interpreted. How many religious groups have a belief system exactly the same as yours? |
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Post by rational on May 21, 2015 7:17:56 GMT -5
Given the idea promoted that there is just one way to heaven the idea of a better way or a harder way flies in the face of logic. Sort of like saying something is "more unique". Although Paul did say that he would shew unto us "a more excellent way". Ahhh Paul! I would not be surprised if he also claimed to he a member of the most unique religion in the world! But point taken. I will put the writings of Paul right next to Strunk & White's The Elements of Style! BTW - free PDF of the original The Elements of Style. |
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Post by What Hat on May 21, 2015 10:11:44 GMT -5
Is it OK to accuse folks of heresy, cult, and un-Christian on the grounds of non-acceptance of Trinitarianism? So what I'm to do is to not provide any feedback on false teaching or doctrine or criticism thereof. Ask no questions, seek no answers. Just fit in and everything will be okay. I feel the Trinity concept has become a fixation within the 2x2's along with the condemnation of "worldly Christian churches" outside their fold? However, when "one and only true church groups are compared next to one another, they seem to have a lot in common? Have you ever wondered why this is true? www.theholdemans.com/Compare.htm If you consider Protestant churches as a single entity, as opposed to multiple denominations, then your list is true of most conservative churches. For example, the Brethren or more conservative Reformed or Mennonite denominations all fit the bill. They still have one true theology although sometimes in league with others. They DO have rules, a single and unique interpretation of Scripture, and so on. None are considered 'cults' because the theology is compatible with that of the people making these lists. That is, Faune, ALL of the sources you post from are Protestant hard line authors. NONE are aligned with independent academic institutions. |
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Post by What Hat on May 21, 2015 10:14:08 GMT -5
Although Paul did say that he would shew unto us "a more excellent way". Ahhh Paul! I would not be surprised if he also claimed to he a member of the most unique religion in the world! But point taken. I will put the writings of Paul right next to Strunk & White's The Elements of Style! BTW - free PDF of the original The Elements of Style.If there can be more and less excellent ways, according to Paul, then, there must be multiple ways, in some sense... according to Paul, that is. |
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Post by faune on May 21, 2015 14:36:27 GMT -5
Felicity asked me previously, "What have I said in my posts that make you wonder how long I've been professing?"
Felicity, it just seemed to me from your posts that you were still in the "honeymoon stage" with the 2x2's and have not been exposed very much to the inner workings of the group or its CSA scandals and the anti-Trinitarian rhetoric of workers. Although folks can think what they want, very few will speak out against injustices for fear of being shunned or silenced in meetings by workers through having their privileges removed. However, I feel if you would check out my 2nd post in this thread, you would see a number of areas that pertain to life within the fold, if reviewed with an open mind? But, if you are fairly new, perhaps you have yet to experience some of these negative aspects associated with professing? It's been a long honeymoon then Faune! I've been professing for more than 30 years. I checked out your second post a few days ago, my full response to this is on the bottom of page 2 on this thread. Felicity ~ Well your response took me by surprise, I must admit.  I figured you were a newbie to the "fold" to be so filled with praise for the workers and oblivious to what has transpired over decades within the 2x2's? I also professed for 30 years (from 1965 to 1995) and saw enough of negative behavior over those years to do me for a lifetime. I left out of total burn-out before I even heard about the covered-up of their founder (William Irvine) or the CSA scandals and abuses. During my professing days there was a lot of things swept under the rug and kept secret from the rest to protect the image of the Perfect Way. However, what I saw among the leadership was a dictatorial style with micro-managing of the lives of the friends. This was something you accepted as part of conforming to the workers' lordship over your lives.
However, Jesus never meant for his apostles to be exercise lordship, but rather to demonstrate a servant's heart among the people as He gave the example (Matthew 20:25). To verify that I'm not the only one who noted this trend among the leadership and friends, here's a honest comment from a person who has been a member longer than both of us on another site on Facebook and still is professing. You will find my comment followed by the statement made by this friend. I guess my question to you is why you consider it "acceptable behavior" of leadership to exert such power over members private lives? I would like to point out that dictatorial leadership is also one of the telltale signs of a cult or aberrant group, whether you want to admit it to yourself or not. In fact, it's a MAJOR ONE along with the "one true church" designation and abuses that go along with such claims shared in my previous posting.
biblehub.com/matthew/20-25.htm Matthew 20:25
www.theholdemans.com/Compare.htm Comparing the One True Churches
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Post by faune on May 21, 2015 14:50:17 GMT -5
FAUNE we love you lots,thanks. But if people like Fixit feel they can discribe a cult better than you? Then let her do it (one of many victims of CSA by worker"S".) Thanks, Magpie. I hear you! However, I can't see how some folks can read the testimonials of so many ex-members and even relate to them, as found on Cherie's TLC public information site, and still choose to blind themselves to the obvious within the 2x2 fellowship? You will find story there, too, under the group before 2000. In fact, here's one of those letters that I received two years after I left from an old friend back in Connecticut who left in 1997, two years after I did. This letter was sent out to a number of friends in the USA and Canada, so perhaps some have seen it in the past. However, the person who contributed to this group letter was a personal friend of mine who was an elder's wife. They were very zealous within the 2x2's and she and her family went back to the 4th generation of friends and Ireland itself. I can't tell you how shocked and relieved at the same time to read her accounting and to finally discover the history of the founder along with all the covered up scandals over the years in addition to what constituted Christian beliefs. Unfortunately, what the workers taught as their own gospel message was not related to what scripture teaches, often referred to as the Roman's Road of Salvation.
carm.org/christianity/evangelism/four-spiritual-laws Four Spiritual Laws and the Roman's Road to Salvation
www.thelibertyconnection.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=113:why-we-left&Itemid=26 Why We Left?
www.thelibertyconnection.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=178:gerber-faune-fuller&catid=5:recent-exit-stories&Itemid=6 Faune (Fuller) Gerber's Story & Exit Letter
www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=190&Itemid=8 A LETTER TO THE FRIENDS ~
SUMMER 1997
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2015 15:32:58 GMT -5
Felicity ~ Well your response took me by surprise, I must admit. I figured you were a newbie to the "fold" to be so filled with praise for the workers and oblivious to what has transpired over decades within the 2x2's. I also professed for 30 years (from 1965 to 1995) and saw enough of negative behavior over those years to do me for a lifetime. I left out of total burn-out before I even heard about the covered-up of their founder (William Irvine) or the CSA scandals and abuses. During my professing days there was a lot of things swept under the rug and kept secret from the rest to protect the image of the Perfect Way. However, what I saw among the leadership was a dictatorial style with micro-managing of the lives of the friends. This was something you accepted as part of conforming to the workers' lordship over your lives. However, Jesus never meant for his apostles to be exercise lordship, but rather to demonstrate a servant's heart among the people as He gave the example. To verify that I'm not the only one who noted this trend among the leadership and friends, here's a honest comment from a person who has been a member longer than both of us on another site on Facebook and still is professing. You will find my comment followed by the statement made by this friend. I guess my question to you is why you consider it "acceptable behavior" of leadership to exert such power over members private lives? I would like to point out that dictatorial leadership is also one of the telltale signs of a cult or aberrant group, whether you want to admit it to yourself or not. In fact, it's a MAJOR ONE along with the "one true church" designation and abuses that go along with such claims shared in my previous posting. See, life is full of surprises The workers don't have lordship over my life. I have a deep respect for their example, guidance and advice, but Jesus has the lordship over my life. The workers are responsible to warn us of things that could endanger our souls, it's up to us whether to heed them or not. We do not have a dictatorial leadership here. I think you find it hard to admit that there are workers who have a servant's heart, and there are people enjoying the fellowship and not at all burdened by leadership To answer your question, I find it perfectly acceptable, and desirable, that my Creator and my Redeemer have power over my life. I'm sure you're right in saying that dictatorial leadership is one of the tell-tale signs of a cult, but I'm not in a cult, and never have been. |
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Post by faune on May 21, 2015 16:04:14 GMT -5
Felicity ~ Well your response took me by surprise, I must admit. I figured you were a newbie to the "fold" to be so filled with praise for the workers and oblivious to what has transpired over decades within the 2x2's. I also professed for 30 years (from 1965 to 1995) and saw enough of negative behavior over those years to do me for a lifetime. I left out of total burn-out before I even heard about the covered-up of their founder (William Irvine) or the CSA scandals and abuses. During my professing days there was a lot of things swept under the rug and kept secret from the rest to protect the image of the Perfect Way. However, what I saw among the leadership was a dictatorial style with micro-managing of the lives of the friends. This was something you accepted as part of conforming to the workers' lordship over your lives. However, Jesus never meant for his apostles to be exercise lordship, but rather to demonstrate a servant's heart among the people as He gave the example. To verify that I'm not the only one who noted this trend among the leadership and friends, here's a honest comment from a person who has been a member longer than both of us on another site on Facebook and still is professing. You will find my comment followed by the statement made by this friend. I guess my question to you is why you consider it "acceptable behavior" of leadership to exert such power over members private lives? I would like to point out that dictatorial leadership is also one of the telltale signs of a cult or aberrant group, whether you want to admit it to yourself or not. In fact, it's a MAJOR ONE along with the "one true church" designation and abuses that go along with such claims shared in my previous posting. See, life is full of surprises The workers don't have lordship over my life. I have a deep respect for their example, guidance and advice, but Jesus has the lordship over my life. The workers are responsible to warn us of things that could endanger our souls, it's up to us whether to heed them or not. We do not have a dictatorial leadership here. I think you find it hard to admit that there are workers who have a servant's heart, and there are people enjoying the fellowship and not at all burdened by leadership To answer your question, I find it perfectly acceptable, and desirable, that my Creator and my Redeemer have power over my life. I'm sure you're right in saying that dictatorial leadership is one of the tell-tale signs of a cult, but I'm not in a cult, and never have been. The person I quoted earlier in my post is a present friend who has professed over 40 years and he tends to disagree with you, although still within the fellowship. He also resides in an area where friends tend to have more freedom than found in other locations in the States and overseas. Yet, he does admit to seeing the abuse of power and controlling behavior of workers over decades and only speaks of things changing within perhaps the last 10 years for the better. That's one reason why I asked you how long you had professed and wondered in what area you lived. By the way, you didn't reveal your country or regional location in your response, but I assume it's in a more liberal locality? Perhaps Colorado where the laws are not as restrictive as elsewhere within the 2x2's ~ at least in the area of divorce and remarriage? |
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2015 16:23:29 GMT -5
Felicity ~ The person I quoted earlier in my post is a present friend who has professed over 40 years and he tends to disagree with you, although still within the fellowship. He also resides in an area where friends tend to have more freedom than found in other locations in the States and overseas. Yet, he does admit to seeing the abuse of power and controlling behavior of workers over decades and only speaks of it changing within perhaps the last 10 years for the better. That's one reason why I asked you how long you had professed and wondered in what area you lived. By the way, you didn't reveal your country or regional location in your response, but I assume it's in a more liberal locality? Perhaps Colorado where the laws are not as restrictive as elsewhere within the 2x2's ~ at least in the area of divorce and remarriage? I'm sorry the friend you mentioned doesn't agree with me, but that doesn't change my experiences. Maybe having more freedom in his area isn't working out very well? No, I'm not in Colorado |
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Post by faune on May 21, 2015 17:00:12 GMT -5
Honestly, 2x2's on this Board are fixated on the Trinity and in real life it tends to be referred to by them as "that Catholic doctrine". I've never found a Christian who worries about it at all. Most Christians that I fellowship with are focused on spreading the gospel and becoming more like Jesus - not easy but a good priority. They want to be in a church where they can do this (before someone jumps on me - I'm not saying you can't do it in the 2x2's) Excuse me, we're not all fixated on the trinity. I've never heard it discussed by any friends or workers outside of this forum, nor have I ever heard anyone refer to it as Catholic doctrine. It is definitely part of the Anglican doctrine here, because I heard an Anglican minister in school using a shamrock to explain it to the class. I personally do not feel the need to use any trinity terminology in order to serve God.
Ross, I would really appreciate if you would stop implying that we are not Christians. Most Christians that I have fellowship with are also focused on becoming more like Jesus. ~ Honestly, I don't feel many churches, my Baptist Church included, speak much about the Trinity doctrine. However, it's part of the Apostles Creed or Statement of Beliefs, which was later expounded upon in the Nicene Creed was assembled back in 325 A.D. under the Early Church Fathers to refuse the Arian Heresy. It's a foundational belief among most Christian churches today. However, when I was first attending meetings and at conventions I have heard senior workers speak against the Trinity and call it a false doctrine. Perhaps they are not doing it that much anymore, but it was pretty common back in the 1960's and 1970's during my younger days within the 2x2's. By the way, I was an outsider who professed as a teenager and not B&R within the group, so I missed out on that phase of it. By the way, I can remember George Walker when I was young referring to the Godhead as being like the shamrock. Perhaps he learned that over in Ireland? From your reference to the Anglican Church in your area, I would guess you are from the British Isles or perhaps Australia or New Zealand, where it is more prominent? However, I do know you are not from Colorado from you last post.  carm.org/nicene-creed |
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Post by fixit on May 21, 2015 17:27:06 GMT -5
FAUNE we love you lots,thanks. But if people like Fixit feel they can discribe a cult better than you? Then let her do it (one of many victims of CSA by worker"S".) I'm as keen as anyone to expose CSA or any other kind of abuse. It's good that cult-like tendencies are discussed, but let's keep scriptural interpretation out of it. One religious group calling another religious group a cult on the grounds of doctrine alone is just silly. |
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Post by faune on May 21, 2015 17:30:19 GMT -5
Those who leave the way and say this isn't the Only Way can't be renewed again.[Glen Valley BC Canada Conv 1988] REF #142 Here's the reference to the workers quotes from the site below: www.thelyingtruth.info/?f=quotes&id=display&topic=Only%20True/Right%20Way Workers Quotes about Only True/Right Way
(This quote was also found under the list of "one and only true churches" which I posted earlier under Item #7 as one of the quotes under the Cooneyites or 2x2's. "One True" Churches Claim Anyone Leaving Their Group is Lost (Item #7)
www.theholdemans.com/Compare.htm |
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Post by faune on May 21, 2015 17:48:30 GMT -5
FAUNE we love you lots,thanks. But if people like Fixit feel they can discribe a cult better than you? Then let her do it (one of many victims of CSA by worker"S".) I'm as keen as anyone to expose CSA or any other kind of abuse. It's good that cult-like tendencies are discussed, but let's keep scriptural interpretation out of it. One religious group calling another religious group a cult on the grounds of doctrine alone is just silly. ~ I'm sure you realize that not all Christian churches claim to be the "one true church" and all others are false, as do the 2x2's, JW's, Mormons, and a number of others found under Bible Cults or Isms (Item #8), found in my opening article from this cult awareness site. This " one and only true church "claim is one of their prominent traits along with other characteristics that demonstrate controlling, manipulative, and intimidating behaviors. Scriptural interpretation is another area relating to these Bible groups, which also differs in distinct ways from mainline Christianity regarding their presentation of the gospel message. Honestly, regarding these Christian cults, it would be hard to keep "interpretation of scripture" out of the discussion, because each one of these groups have their own qualifiers added to their version of the gospel message which differ from outside churches. Perhaps you might call them the "unwritten rules" which are part of their traditional beliefs? www.theholdemans.com/Compare.htm Comparing the One True Churches
www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 (Home page)
www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=3&Itemid=8 Bible Cults & Isms ~ Item #8
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Post by fixit on May 21, 2015 18:43:41 GMT -5
Faune, I have no confidence in the CARM website.
It's simply one belief system condemning other belief systems.
I feel sure that the owner of that site would be quick to condemn anyone who doesn't accept his belief system.
The following statement is a bad idea:
We must of necessity include bible-based or doctrinal discussions when dealing with the bible-based cults because their interpretation of the bible is part of the controlling factor.
I've recently used the word "cult" in relation to belief systems in an attempt to make a point but it's a bad idea.
Doctrine and belief systems should be a separate discussion.
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Post by faune on May 21, 2015 19:04:47 GMT -5
Ross ~ Words fitly spoken! Perhaps that's one of the reasons that the "one true church" claim gets "labeled" a cult about every where it springs up, as can be seen in this listing? All these groups surely have a lot in common! www.theholdemans.com/Compare.htm Comparison of One True Churches
Yes, Faune the quotes have a familiar ring to them. It would be interesting to get all the leaders in the room at the one time arguing about why their church is the most perfect... I guess as they say in business when you are #1 there is only place to go ~ I'm sure that would be really interesting to have one representative from each "one true church" in one room expounding upon why their Way is #1 and all the others church groups are false teaching even among those who make the same claim? I remember a gal from another board who had a Dad who was a member of the 2x2's and a mother who was Jehovah Witness. She claimed it was a constant battle between them as to who possessed the "real Truth." LOL Unfortunately, these particular groups tend to lull people into a feeling of "specialness" because of belonging and making such claims, which might be a hard thing to give up when one leaves? After all, that would be a real ego boost for some, I reckon? I remember one lady from meeting days down South who often spoke in testimony about the specialness of being "set apart" and being among the "only ones with a revelation of truth." I guess "specialness" was a lot like being among the "survival of the fittest" in her estimation? A powerful euphemism , for sure! |
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I figured you were a newbie to the "fold" to be so filled with praise for the workers and oblivious to what has transpired over decades within the 2x2's? I also professed for 30 years (from 1965 to 1995) and saw enough of negative behavior over those years to do me for a lifetime. I left out of total burn-out before I even heard about the covered-up of their founder (William Irvine) or the CSA scandals and abuses. During my professing days there was a lot of things swept under the rug and kept secret from the rest to protect the image of the Perfect Way. However, what I saw among the leadership was a dictatorial style with micro-managing of the lives of the friends. This was something you accepted as part of conforming to the workers' lordship over your lives. 