[Matt Anderson]

I disagree with djohnson's approach to those from an LC background, but I don't discount the substance of what he brings forward.

I think there is a very important question that lies at the base of many of the things related to the LC.

Did many enter into idolatry? Did the sacrifices made to these idols compromise families and allow the Enemy of God to be a destructive force on the lives of the children in those families? Was it widespread?

- The answer to all of these is YES.

The next most important question is whether or not this idolatry has been acknowledged and repented of at a proper level?

- The answer in many cases is NO.

I have a strong reaction to those who would defend any aspect of a christian system that does not hold families and the boundaries that God has set in place for families fully intact.

For example, how many times did elders in local congregations discipline other people's children? It happened all of the time. It happened without informing, involving and working with the people who are commanded to love and nurture these children (the parents).

There are many other examples of the types of lesser but very serious violations of God's ways in families.

This is very fundamental and I believe it is an area that is overlooked for the sake of some 'higher vision' of "The Church".

We are not talking about gross physical abuse, but neglect and the utter failure of many, many parents who prostrated themselves before the LC system as an idol in disobedience to God's ways.

Neglect is very serious in the face of the fact that God gives such strong instruction regarding the responsibilities and duties within families for all parties (fathers, mothers and children).

Neglect is abuse.

I'd like to hear about the families that did uphold proper Biblical standards when it came to raising children.

Name ONE? Then let's discuss them as an example and compare them to the normal situation in the LC.

Matt