Perhaps the greatest learning opportunities are not found in a school, but rather in the observation of the world around us. I have learned more by keeping my eyes and ears open and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me in whatever circumstance I find myself. Additionally, much can be learned from the experiences of others, in hearing their story.
One of the observations I have made over the past several years has to do with religion and religious mindsets. Unfortunately, religion in general frequently goes hand in hand with control. Just like in Jesus day, religious people today use control techniques to attempt to keep people (and God) within the accepted boundaries.
The stories of numerous people align with my own experience in this. When one chooses to step outside the institutionally accepted parameters to follow Jesus, almost immediately an uproar ensues. If one does not quickly step back into line, they will be demonized by the religious crowd. That demonization will justify all sorts of ungodly behavior by the religious even though the demonization is not even based on fact. If none of this works to bring a person in line, then they are shunned. Religious people will warn others not to associate with the "deceived" person. They will refuse to interact in a healthy way.
I have discovered the church world to be much more savage than the business world. Very good people began to act out of character as their religious paradigms are threatened. Nice, gentle people will spew venom toward the one perceived as a threat; they would be aghast if they really saw how they were acting. In their protection of a religious system, they engage (and feel justified in doing so) in behaviors that are far from godly.
All this grieves my heart. Malachi speaks of the hearts of the fathers being turned toward the children and vice versa. When the fathers (leaders in the church) begin to control and manipulate people, then a curse comes on the land. If you have been wounded by controlling religious leaders attempting to make you conform to their perspective of God, I apologize to you. If you have been shunned by "Christians" because you think outside of the box, I apologize to you. What was done to you was wrong. God forgive us!
.
4 comments:
I was a part of the Grace Covenant family of churches awhile back. I am curious as to whether or not you realize that the description of 'religious people who use control techniques' is an almost spot on description of YOUR leadership techniques at GCC.
Certainly you didn't slavishly require a suit and tie and daily communion, but the things that you 'invented' as doctrine at GCC you clung to with the same ferocity as a 4th generation Methodist clings to their hymnal.
When I showed this to another ex-GCCer, they said this, "I wonder if he knows that what he wrote describes him" And so do I.
I would be interested in knowing what I invented as doctrine. could you please elaborate?
If I ever tried to control you in a way that kept you from being who God has created you to be, then I apologize. If I could go back and do things over, there are some things I would like to change.
I am curious why you chose to post under an anymous posting name though!!!
Invented teaching on 'Hearing from God', where you elevate subjective impressions above the written word of God.
Invented teaching on the role of women in leadership.
Invented teaching which minimizes sin by saying, 'Everyone messes up sometime'; and, along with that, minimizing the need for repentance.
Invented the thoroughly unbiblical '7 steps to freedom', which was a central GCC doctrine with no bible support whatsoever.
(Just to name a few)
OK...I'll bite! I believe that the "logos" (literally the the account or the topic) is our guide for life. However we also need the "rhema" (literally the utterance) of God. Jesus said His sheep would HEAR his voice. He also said that the Holy Spirit would be our teacher. A teacher cannot teach if he does not communicate. Both the logos and the rhema are needed. You must mistake me for someone else if you think I place one above the other!
I am not sure why you would think I invented the role of women in leadership. The logos is clear with examples like Pheobe, a deacon, Junia is listed among the apostles, Prisicilla along with her husband Aquilla taught Apollos. Before the church age, we find Anna, a prophetess, Deborah a judge...I think God invented the role of women not me.
I don't think one can minimize sin. Perhaps we can in our mind but that would be a false reality. Sin brings its own consequences. The logos shows us that we do sin and in fact if we claim that we have no sin, we are deceived. Repentance is the antidote for sin. I am not sure of your thought process that I minimize sin by acknowledging how we fall short. It is in the acknowledgement of our sin and the turning away from it (that would be repentance) that we find healing from our sin. The ongoing issue of falling short (sin) is truth both from the logos and experientially. Jesus came for messed up people (sinners). We need a savior every day not just as a one time event.
I am not sure why you would think I invented "7 Steps to Freedom". That credit would go to Neil Anderson. Did we utilize his teachings? Yes. Is it based on the logos? Yes. Maybe your perspective is otherwise. However I wonder if you have ever interacted with Anderson's teaching or is your assumption based on your perception of reality.
You give me far to much credit for inventing the things you say I invented. I am certainly not that good!
You obviously know me yet continue to post as an anymous poster. If you have issue with me on these things, I would welcome a face to face conversation.
On the other hand if you are simply taking shots because you have not dealt with your own issues, then I will not respond further.
Post a Comment