Wait, It's A Cult?

[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.

[Drake]

ZNP "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."

ZNP,

I'm glad you put it like that. I will clarify.

I did not actually say that I care greatly for those who come to this forum. I said I care about those who come here dazed, confused, and hurting. Just to be clear, the dozen or so first string players here are anything but dazed, confused, and hurting. Whatever hurting they went through decades ago, they are long over the hurting now. The hurting turned into something negative and destructive. Nevertheless, if I hear or detect that anyone is hurting and going through something I will reach out because I really do care about every person here.

Yet caring does not equal sitting silent while members slander other believers. Caring does not mean their mocking and derision go unchecked. Caring is challenging mischaracterizations, lack of due diligence, and scripturally unsubstantiated conclusions and misguided teachings. It is a strange irony that the forum is largely represented by members who have become the very thing they wanted to expose and warn others about.

My care for them is to call that out when I see it.

In context, you are responding to my posts to leastofthese so I will clarify that. He is not hurting. His brief experience in the local churches is not coming from the place of hurt. He, in just a mere one month, went from seeking clarification to resident crusader for justice. Good for him. He is a ready soldier who volunteered to fight the good fight.... so I challenged him to do it and not fall into the pattern of personal destruction, irrelevant arguments, and put a reasoned compelling argument together such as you will find from Evangelical. Perhaps he could have brought some fresh light but so far nothing but the same old song. Its a dark song. That is my care for him though it is doubtful he, you, or others interpret it that way.

Hope that helps.

Drake

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by Drake

He is a ready soldier who volunteered to fight the good fight.... so I challenged him to do it and not fall into the pattern of personal destruction, irrelevant arguments, and put a reasoned compelling argument together such as you will find fron Evangelical. Perhaps he could have brought some fresh light but so far nothing but the same old song. Its a dark song. That is my care for him though it is doubtful he, you, or others interpret that way.Drake

Those following these posts realize that Drake "volunteered me to fight" and drafted me as a "ready soldier". Maybe this is a prophetic word from our brother?

Readers also know that Drake has no idea, none what so ever, of what I have done, I am currently doing, or will do to share with brothers and sisters in Christ warnings of this group . Why would one wonder why it's the same old song coming from LSM detractors? In my time in the LSM, which Drake somehow minimizes without context, I dealt with the same things that other members on the forum dealt with over 20 years ago.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

Those following these posts realize that Drake "volunteered me to fight" and drafted me as a "ready soldier". Maybe this is a prophetic word from our brother?

Readers also know that Drake has no idea, none what so ever, of what I have done, I am currently doing, or will do to share with brothers and sisters in Christ warnings of this group . Why would one wonder why it's the same old song coming from LSM detractors? In my time in the LSM, which Drake somehow minimizes without context, I dealt with the same things that other members on the forum dealt with over 20 years ago.

Can we dial it down? Drake felt that some of the accusations that the LRC is a cult were insulting. It is certainly reasonable to say that. If you want to call the LRC a cult you are lumping them together with Charles Manson and mass suicide by kool aid. When someone hears cult they think of moonies selling flowers at the airport. You begin with a term that has the ugliest connotation possible, and then give a useless definition that could apply to any group of Christians.

All of this could be avoided if you use a biblical term like "false teacher" and "fruit of the false teacher", and then use the appropriate verses to define that.

Why don't these Christian publishers do that? Because they are convicted by these verses. Using the word cult is obfuscation.

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

Can we dial it down? Drake felt that some of the accusations that the LRC is a cult were insulting. It is certainly reasonable to say that. If you want to call the LRC a cult you are lumping them together with Charles Manson and mass suicide by kool aid. When someone hears cult they think of moonies selling flowers at the airport. You begin with a term that has the ugliest connotation possible, and then give a useless definition that could apply to any group of Christians.

All of this could be avoided if you use a biblical term like "false teacher" and "fruit of the false teacher", and then use the appropriate verses to define that.

Why don't these Christian publishers do that? Because they are convicted by these verses. Using the word cult is obfuscation.

ZNP,

I assume you're not directing this specifically at me, but it was a jump from my quote. I agree, we can dial it down, my "pee" comment was off color. Although a reader of each of my comments on this thread can see that I never called the LSM a cult - instead, I started a thread based on a discussion that I had with a member of the LSM and a google search. I thought it would be an interesting discussion, relevant based on the audience and the reach of a google search in today's society. Also, I've simply shared my experiences. Certain members have turned me into a zombie/vampire slayer and made incorrect assumptions and accusations about me along the way. I actually appreciate the comments, hence the laughs along the way. It reminds each of those familiar with the LSM the mentality, attitude, and backwards logic of those within the LSM.

But enough of that, to things more important:

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

[Evangelical]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

I started a thread based on a discussion that I had with a member of the LSM and a google search.

Actually, a discussion and a Google search qualifies you to write a book about your experience and be recognized as a Christian author, there's a high chance that a number of forum members here will buy it.

[Evangelical]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

Those following these posts realize that Drake "volunteered me to fight" and drafted me as a "ready soldier". Maybe this is a prophetic word from our brother?

Readers also know that Drake has no idea, none what so ever, of what I have done, I am currently doing, or will do to share with brothers and sisters in Christ warnings of this group . Why would one wonder why it's the same old song coming from LSM detractors? In my time in the LSM, which Drake somehow minimizes without context, I dealt with the same things that other members on the forum dealt with over 20 years ago.

I think it unlikely that you encountered the same things that others dealt with in only a year (wasn't it you spent only a year with us?) with the Recovery. In my first year I don't think I was even invited to a potluck dinner.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by leastofthese

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.

Leastofthese,

I really don't care who you are, where you live, how long you were there, or what you call yourself. I don't want to know.

If you want to expose "the sham" offer compelling arguments. I have pushed back on the inconsistencies and blatant hypocrisies of your arguments. If you want to present a case then i suggest you respond to Evangelical who will force you to structure your arguments. Yet, maybe you just want to kick back, have some fun, unload, and delight the audience. This place is ready made for that too. Whatever, you choose matters not to me as I will be here to benefit you either way.

Drake

Oh BTW, I did not find your "laugh for the day" funny at all. Suggest avoiding that kind of crude jesting in a forum of Christians. It is offensive for several reasons. Thanks.