Wait, It's A Cult?

[Drake]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

Your perceptions don't match my reality, on many, many levels. So I guess I don't feel the need to speak above such a simple statement. Leastofthese ultimately doesn't change hearts and minds, it's our Lord and savior Jesus that has taken this role. I don't write on this forum for you, but for others. They can make their own conclusions.

May The Spirit guide your heart and bless you in all you do.

You like straight talk, right?

A month ago you were newbie looking for clarification and now you are a crusader for truth with all the answers. A ready soldier to warn and defend against the shams.

So now, step up.

Not all, but many posters here have succumbed to a simple set of catch phrases and scripts, and though they may have started out with the best intentions, over time they gave way to the notion that scripts and catch phrases are compelling arguments. They are not, but the group think here reinforces the notion that they are. You conformed sooner than most did putting up no apparent internal struggle which I find odd.

Drake

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Drake

You like straight talk, right?

A month ago you were newbie looking for clarification and now you are a crusader for truth with all the answers. A ready soldier to warn and defend against the shams.

So now, step up.

Not all, but many posters here have succumbed to a simple set of catch phrases and scripts, and though they may have started out with the best intentions, over time they gave way to the notion that scripts and catch phrases are compelling arguments. They are not, but the group think here reinforces the notion that they are. You conformed sooner than most did putting up no apparent internal struggle which I find odd.

Drake

I personally appreciate that there are those like Evangelical, Zeek and you (and even Harold who has been kicked to the curb) that challenge the group think.

That said you would be more credible if, like Ohio said, you actually did show a concern for those who have been stumbled.

Also, it has helped me to understand the different perspectives of ones like OBW, UntoHim and Igzy to know a little about their background, where they are from. It shows the perspective they have.

UntoHim was in Orange County, Igzy was in Austin, Ohio -- self explanatory, like myself Hope was in Texas, Indiana, Terry, Countmeworthy, Kisstheson etc. They all have shared a little of their testimony and where they are from which helps understand why we have different perspectives.

However, I must have missed it but I don't know your background or Evangelical's. That does not help us to be tolerant. Why the mystery?

[Drake]

Ok ZNP, but who in this forum is actually hurting?

Rather, I see the once hurt have morphed into those who do the hurting.... Gleefully too. Often viciously.

And you did recognize UntoHim's recent shot over your bow for non-conformance to the group think message, didn't you?

Drake

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Drake

Ok ZNP, but who in this forum is actually hurting?

Rather, I see the once hurt have morphed into those who do the hurting.... Gleefully too. Often viciously.

And you did recognize UntoHim's recent shot over your bow for non-conformance to the group think message, didn't you?

Drake

I agree with your point about not nursing past hurts and also about the same old song being played over and over again. However, there are those who are knew to the forum, there are those who show up confused, one foot out the door, not knowing what to do, and there are those concerned about a loved one's recent visit to the LRC. In those cases it is not hard to see who is hurting and it is not fair to characterize this as "same old song" as they are sharing their testimony for the first time.

Although it is true that there are probably about 12 regulars, the number of members on the forum is far greater, and they have shared at least once, but they don't choose to post regularly. Very often you will read a posting from someone who says they have been reading this for months and this is now the first time they felt to post.

I am familiar with UntoHim's viewpoint and he had something to say about my post on this thread, but I don't think it is fair to go so far as say that group think is any more prevalent here as it is anywhere else. It is natural on these forums for "birds of a feather to flock together". It is very tough for anyone to paddle upstream so they leave. We had one guy from England who specialized in research on WN, his posts were great but in the end he had to leave.

So condemnation of "group think" is always a hindsight matter. Just ask Galileo.

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

UntoHim was in Orange County, Igzy was in Austin, Ohio -- self explanatory, like myself Hope was in Texas, Indiana, Terry, Countmeworthy, Kisstheson etc. They all have shared a little of their testimony and where they are from which helps understand why we have different perspectives.

However, I must have missed it but I don't know your background or Evangelical's. That does not help us to be tolerant. Why the mystery?

ZNP,

It is a rather interesting point, from my perspective at least. Obviously I don't know motive, but I do know when I asked the locality in which they attend I whole heartedly believed I would not receive a response. I don't blame or condemn their actions, just sympathize... or maybe pity their situation.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

ZNP,

It is a rather interesting point, from my perspective at least. Obviously I don't know motive, but I do know when I asked the locality in which they attend I whole heartedly believed I would not receive a response. I don't blame or condemn their actions, just sympathize... or maybe pity their situation.

It is quite surprising that the ones still INSIDE the LC are so secretive, yet those who have left, those negative opinionated opposers, seem to have nothing to hide. More proof that current members are actually not held by a vision but by fear, and after leaving, we learn that perfect love casts out fear.

Originally Posted by Ohio

It is quite surprising that the ones still INSIDE the LC are so secretive, yet those who have left, those negative opinionated opposers, seem to have nothing to hide. More proof that current members are actually not held by a vision but by fear, and after leaving, we learn that perfect love casts out fear.

This is so true , I left the lc and found true love with god . Not one of which the Lc drilled "views" on what god is .

[Drake]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

This is so true , I left the lc and found true love with god . Not one of which the Lc drilled "views" on what god is .

Unreg,

By god you mean Jesus and Him only.

Correct?

Drake

[Drake]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

ZNP,

It is a rather interesting point, from my perspective at least. Obviously I don't know motive, but I do know when I asked the locality in which they attend I whole heartedly believed I would not receive a response. I don't blame or condemn their actions, just sympathize... or maybe pity their situation.

... and your real name Is not leasrofthese. I don't know your motive and I don't blame or condemn you for hiding behind it.... which is a rather interesting point from my perspective at least...

[Evangelical]

As far as I remember, Drake and I have never asked anyone where they are from.

leastofthese seems to be treating this as another test question to be added to the set of questions in the OP.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

As far as I remember, Drake and I have never asked anyone where they are from.

leastofthese seems to be treating this as another test question to be added to the set of questions in the OP.

Yep. And i will add these observations about leastofthese's recent line of argument:

First, it's irrelevant to the topic - unable to counter a compelling argument he wants to personalize it. A diversion.

Second, he is on a fishing expedition - he wants to see your tax returns. Must be something there.

Third, it's just plain ol hypocrisy - he is guilty of the same things that he accuses others of. Hiding behind a handle, what's that all about?

Leastofthese, are you rolling on the floor yet? If not I promise to try harder.

Drake

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by Drake

Yep. And i will add these observations about leastofthese's recent line of argument:

First, it's irrelevant to the topic - unable to counter a compelling argument he wants to personalize it. A diversion.

Second, he is on a fishing expedition - he wants to see your tax returns. Must be something there.

Third, it's just plain ol hypocrisy - he is guilty of the same things that he accuses others of. Hiding behind a handle, what's that all about?

Leastofthese, are you rolling on the floor yet? If not I promise to try harder.

Drake

Could certain members on this forum actually be former members of the LC trolling as a current member of the LC?

I'm trying to rationalize the consistently irrational, confrontational, and off the wall comments I've read over the past 5 months.

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by Drake

Third, it's just plain ol hypocrisy - he is guilty of the same things that he accuses others of. Hiding behind a handle, what's that all about?

Drake,

I'll respond to this part because I think its your only semi-legitimate point.

First of all, when I initially began reading this forum, it was clear that each member chose a "handle", the common practice was not to issue your full name (like on Facebook), so I did the same - like everyone else. Second, you are correct - there is a real and personal reason why I would not (as of right now) share my locality or my name. I have business operations with significant financial implications that are tied to the LSM denomination. Like many of you reading this, I have been personally intimidated (whether directly or indirectly) to know that it is not worth it. Once this passes (which is fairly soon) I'll be happy to make you the first to know, maybe get you a ticket to come visit?

In regards to your perception of my lack of thoughtful response or compelling arguments. When I post, which is historically very infrequently, I don't take much time to lay things out, just kind of get down and write (twitter style vs. blog style). I have a lot of good things going on in my life and don't really have enough time to provide you a response that would fulfill your needs. In my opinion, its also not worth taking time to layout a debate with someone who makes such shallow arguments ("He hides behind a handle"! etc). I know its a bit crude, but I just thought of this and hope it brings a laugh for you today - No need in getting into a pissing contest with someone who sits down to pee.

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

ZNP,

It is a rather interesting point, from my perspective at least. Obviously I don't know motive, but I do know when I asked the locality in which they attend I whole heartedly believed I would not receive a response. I don't blame or condemn their actions, just sympathize... or maybe pity their situation.

There have been previous forum members who choose not to disclose their geographic location. Myself, I grew up in Southern California and currently live in Washington state.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Drake

You like straight talk, right?

A month ago you were newbie looking for clarification and now you are a crusader for truth with all the answers. A ready soldier to warn and defend against the shams.

So now, step up.

Not all, but many posters here have succumbed to a simple set of catch phrases and scripts, and though they may have started out with the best intentions, over time they gave way to the notion that scripts and catch phrases are compelling arguments. They are not, but the group think here reinforces the notion that they are. You conformed sooner than most did putting up no apparent internal struggle which I find odd.

Drake

You are so predictable Drake, never stooping to listen to others, but dismissing their comments as "canned responses, scripts, and catchphrases."

You have no idea how much your LC arrogance turns off other LC visitors and lurkers to this site. That's not just my opinion, but feedback from others over the years.

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by Drake

You like straight talk, right?

A month ago you were newbie looking for clarification and now you are a crusader for truth with all the answers. A ready soldier to warn and defend against the shams.

So now, step up.

Not all, but many posters here have succumbed to a simple set of catch phrases and scripts, and though they may have started out with the best intentions, over time they gave way to the notion that scripts and catch phrases are compelling arguments. They are not, but the group think here reinforces the notion that they are. You conformed sooner than most did putting up no apparent internal struggle which I find odd.

Drake

I think you may have lost it Drake. Take a deep breath brother.

You don't know anything about what I've been doing, especially in relation to the LSM - how could you? 1 month? Having all the answers? You think I care about falling inline with Untohim or this forum?

All laughable. Literally, I mean I laughed when I read your post. I know literally doesn't mean the same thing these days, but I literally opened my mouth and laughed out loud at your post.

I'll let you have the last word bro, you need it. Maybe you can tell me more about me

[Drake]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

I think you may have lost it Drake. Take a deep breath brother.

You don't know anything about what I've been doing, especially in relation to the LSM - how could you? 1 month? Having all the answers? You think I care about falling inline with Untohim or this forum?

All laughable. Literally, I mean I laughed when I read your post. I know literally doesn't mean the same thing these days, but I literally opened my mouth and laughed out loud at your post.

I'll let you have the last word bro, you need it. Maybe you can tell me more about me

Last word? Oh my, we are just getting to know each other!

As for knowing you up till now, well, I only go by what you post here in this forum. However you have represented yourself, apart from whatever doubts may creep in about that, is all I need to know.

As for laughing out loud, that is excellent. It's very healthy. More laughs to come, you might even be rolling on the floor before long.

Drake

[Drake]

"I agree with your point about not nursing past hurts and also about the same old song being played over and over again. However, there are those who are knew to the forum, there are those who show up confused, one foot out the door, not knowing what to do, and there are those concerned about a loved one's recent visit to the LRC. In those cases it is not hard to see who is hurting and it is not fair to characterize this as "same old song" as they are sharing their testimony for the first time."

Ok ZNP. But you said I did not show concern for those who came here who had been stumbled. I care greatly for the dazed, confused, the hurting who come to this forum. Who are you thinking of? Be glad to clear it up.

Drake

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Drake

"I agree with your point about not nursing past hurts and also about the same old song being played over and over again. However, there are those who are knew to the forum, there are those who show up confused, one foot out the door, not knowing what to do, and there are those concerned about a loved one's recent visit to the LRC. In those cases it is not hard to see who is hurting and it is not fair to characterize this as "same old song" as they are sharing their testimony for the first time."

Ok ZNP. But you said I did not show concern for those who came here who had been stumbled. I care greatly for the dazed, confused, the hurting who come to this forum. Who are you thinking of? Be glad to clear it up.

Drake

Let's take this quote of yours "Therefore, warning others is deeply embedded in the culture of this forum. In fact, it is its very mission. In practice, it is mostly self affirmation, a support group, between a dozen or so regulars. Therefore, why shouldn't those in the local churches be warned about online forums like this one? They would be remiss not to. The threads have new titles but it is the same old song. Grasping for something new to talk about even ol' Hank gets kicked to the curb. The intolerance is both sad and amusing but no light. "

Yes, the forum can be described as a support group. But this came across as condescending or even insulting. The expression "same old song" is clearly insulting to those who are trying to work through their issues. Then your comment that "the intolerance is both sad and amusing" portrays yourself as the Nelson, sitting in the back, pointing a finger and going "Ha, Ha!"

This may not have been your intent but it is how it comes across. Now you say that you care greatly for those who come to this forum, but when I read posts like this I don't see it. I see mocking, insults and put downs.

"Leastofthese, are you rolling on the floor yet? If not I promise to try harder." The tone on this seems mean. He is not a "regular", he hasn't been posting long enough to be "singing the same old song". The thread obviously indicates confusion. Why do you go on the attack?

[OBW]

Originally Posted by Drake

You like straight talk, right?

A month ago you were newbie looking for clarification and now you are a crusader for truth with all the answers. A ready soldier to warn and defend against the shams.

So now, step up.

Not all, but many posters here have succumbed to a simple set of catch phrases and scripts, and though they may have started out with the best intentions, over time they gave way to the notion that scripts and catch phrases are compelling arguments. They are not, but the group think here reinforces the notion that they are. You conformed sooner than most did putting up no apparent internal struggle which I find odd.

Drake

Reminds me of one of those claims that Lee used to make about how the world imitated us before we even got here. Talk about catchphrases. There is one for every actual scriptural statement against the LRC's positions. Claim that only the spiritual discerning can see it. Say that it doesn't really mean that because of "God's economy." Drag out a story not found in the Bible to prove a point. And so on.