LARRY B:
As we have witnessed from time immemorial, the leader/follower, guru/disciple dynamic has always been in play with every movement, be it political or religious. JRS’ oft repeated admission that he would “crawl on his hands and knees across the country to find a ‘man of God’” set the tone for every level of relationship within TLW. Extrapolating from there, it should come as no surprise that the pattern would continue, along with our expectation for ‘pie on our plate’.
The further ‘separating out’ from family and friends who chose not to drink the Kool-Aid was doctrinally justified, which points to the distinction previously made between Christianity and the GOSPEL of LOVE. One teaches exclusion and ostracization; the other UNCONDITIONAL INCLUSION.
Its also important to point out that we are NOT the same person we were during our time in the fellowship, functioning under a completely new ‘operating system’. We may wear the same clothes and shop at the same stores, but in every other way, we bear no resemblance to our ‘former self’.
With regards to ‘bad press’ following us around, we are in good company with all of those who have sought TRUTH over doctrine.
If there be any confusion regarding ‘LOVING your enemies’, its always good to remember how Jesus related to those handling his execution. LOVE was the order of the day, regardless of circumstance.
As we have witnessed from time immemorial, the leader/follower, guru/disciple dynamic has always been in play with every movement, be it political or religious. JRS’ oft repeated admission that he would “crawl on his hands and knees across the country to find a ‘man of God’” set the tone for every level of relationship within TLW. Extrapolating from there, it should come as no surprise that the pattern would continue, along with our expectation for ‘pie on our plate’.
The further ‘separating out’ from family and friends who chose not to drink the Kool-Aid was doctrinally justified, which points to the distinction previously made between Christianity and the GOSPEL of LOVE. One teaches exclusion and ostracization; the other UNCONDITIONAL INCLUSION.
Its also important to point out that we are NOT the same person we were during our time in the fellowship, functioning under a completely new ‘operating system’. We may wear the same clothes and shop at the same stores, but in every other way, we bear no resemblance to our ‘former self’.
With regards to ‘bad press’ following us around, we are in good company with all of those who have sought TRUTH over doctrine.
If there be any confusion regarding ‘LOVING your enemies’, its always good to remember how Jesus related to those handling his execution. LOVE was the order of the day, regardless of circumstance.