kicked out!

Cal · 07-29-2013, 08:48 AM

I think what OBW is getting at is that every local group has the right to manage its membership as it sees fit, within the parameters of the Word. James' LRC group had the right, in the broad sense, to decide to part ways with him.

I would add that every individual also has the right to leave a local group and shake the dust off his feet, again within the parameters of the Word. James also had the right to part ways with the LRC group he was in.

(The LRC basically denied the second right existed. This is one of their major errors. Of course, they would never physically restrict a member from leaving. But they would most definitely tell members that to leave the LRC is to go against God, which may be worse.)

But in both cases what is "within the parameters of the Word" is up for debate. It is not entirely clear where the edges of the right of free association cross over into the edges of obligated association. Just where these edges meet is something we've discussed many times. And it is clear will never all agree on it--which tells me the general principles of seeking peace and wishing Godspeed should prevail above all.

Which one "did right" is a matter of interpretation and conscience. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to meet if somebody doesn't like you, and plenty of fish in the sea if you are looking for members to put up with your group's rarified requirements.

07-29-2013, 08:48 AM	#14
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	Re: kicked out! I think what OBW is getting at is that every local group has the right to manage its membership as it sees fit, within the parameters of the Word. James' LRC group had the right, in the broad sense, to decide to part ways with him. I would add that every individual also has the right to leave a local group and shake the dust off his feet, again within the parameters of the Word. James also had the right to part ways with the LRC group he was in. (The LRC basically denied the second right existed. This is one of their major errors. Of course, they would never physically restrict a member from leaving. But they would most definitely tell members that to leave the LRC is to go against God, which may be worse.) But in both cases what is "within the parameters of the Word" is up for debate. It is not entirely clear where the edges of the right of free association cross over into the edges of obligated association. Just where these edges meet is something we've discussed many times. And it is clear will never all agree on it--which tells me the general principles of seeking peace and wishing Godspeed should prevail above all. Which one "did right" is a matter of interpretation and conscience. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to meet if somebody doesn't like you, and plenty of fish in the sea if you are looking for members to put up with your group's rarified requirements.