With some of the more bizarre doctrines of the church, you have to laugh a little or you’d cry. Please don’t misunderstand this post to be about poking fun or mocking in any way. I assure you that I’m doing no such thing, and everything written here is written in love, and with the intent to enlighten and edify.
Can someone hold some wacky opinions and still fit into the paradigm of love under the New Covenant? Yes, no doubt. But elevating men and women to the status of being more revered and spiritual than anyone else just makes wacky opinions more likely. The thinking cap tends to get hung up on the rack gathering dust.
Let me just admit here that there are a number of doctrines I once held myself that I now consider to be a little wacky. I am not laughing at those who hold seemingly odd doctrines, because I am not immune to believing odd things from time to time myself. I am pretty sure some of you think my beliefs right now to be fairly odd. 🙂
So with what is hopefully a tasteful balance between the seriousness of the subject and the oddness of it all, it’s my hope that taking a step back and looking at some of the more unconventional doctrines that have been taught over the years will help to solidify in someone’s mind that the church has embraced teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
“Dinosaurs never existed”
Let’s dive right into the subject of dinosaurs, and stipulate what we can agree on:
- The earth is not millions of years old
- Neither man nor animal evolved from one species to another
- We don’t know what the soft tissure of most dinosaurs looked like
- Some authors and illustrators have taken liberties with the appearance of dinosaurs
Now let’s establish clearly what I believe is a little bizarre: the church, from Merie’s earliest teachings, claims that dinosaurs never existed. That’s right. All the skeletons and fossils we’ve seen and touched are part of one big conspiracy.
My son volunteers for a fledgling Christian museum that actually owns numerous complete dinosaur skeletons and bones of various sizes, including a tibia that is about four feet long. I’ve seen it and touched it myself. It is foolishness to deny the existence of dinosaurs, which I believe God created on the same day as all the other animals.
Denying the existence of dinosaurs merely because the “millions of years” timeline asserted by paleontologists is wildly incorrect makes no sense whatsoever. It’s akin to the Catholic church arguing with Galileo about the world being spherical based on a few out-of-context verses. As Christians, we cannot accept everything the scientific establishment tries to shove down our throats, because modern science is full of political and ideological bias nowadays, but that doesn’t mean we should bury our heads in the sand and ignore solid science about the world we live in. We have to think critically…both about science and our own assumptions about what the Bible teaches.
There are entire Christian organizations of published scientists who believe as we do that the earth was created by God a relatively short 6 to 10,000 years ago, not millions of years ago. They still acknowledge the undeniable existence of dinosaurs as should all thinking people. There are great resources for children and adults to learn more about dinosaurs from a Biblical perspective.
So where did the dinosaurs go? I think humans hunted them and killed them to protect their families and villages, and whatever they didn’t kill off, the flood took care of. In fact, most of the fossil record is likely from the great flood. Soft tissue animals like the jellyfish in Wisconsin could not have been buried over thousands or millions of years, because they would have rotted before becoming fossilized. No, they were buried instantly in a catastrophic mudslide; i.e. Noah’s flood.
“Mankind never landed on the moon”
Let me make an educated guess on something. I think Merie probably predicted in the 60’s that man would never land on the moon. When it happened in 1969, she had to cast doubt on it. Her bizarre belief that man would never reach the moon was apparently based on a faulty exegesis of this passage from Paul’s speech on Mars Hill:
Acts 17:26 – And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.
This is a clear example illustrating why we can’t take someone’s words and read into them meanings that they never intended.
I could be wrong about Merie making a prediction of a failed moon landing, but I know she was actively teaching in the 50’s and 60’s. I would find it strange if she hadn’t predicted a moon landing failure, if that’s what she believed the verse meant. Either way, several sources have confirmed that Merie did indeed teach in the 70’s that man “probably” never landed on the moon, and that the whole thing was likely one big hoax.
The odd part of this is that I remember clearly my parents being glued to the TV on a rebroadcast of the moon landing. (I thought at the time it was a live broadcast, but in retrospect, since I was only one when the moon landing occurred, I’m assuming it was an anniversary special.) I don’t even recall any negative comments about it being suspicious.
So what does that passage in Acts really mean? That requires us to look more at the context, and I think it will also help to shed the King’s grammar for a moment:
Acts 17:24-28 – “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.'”
Basically, Paul is addressing a group of pagans who had an altar to the “Unknown God” (in case they had forgotten one in their pantheon of deities). He is making the point that the true God, the Creator, made the world and everything in it. He created the nations from one man, Adam, and oversaw the whole of human history, including when certain nations would rise to power, and what nations they would conquer. He was clearly not giving us a science lesson on whether man will ever land on the moon or not. Can we agree on that?
A word about Merie’s “special insight”
Merie believed she was more spiritual than her followers, and as such, had “special insight” that the rest did not have. She did believe her followers would “advance” beyond her eventually. Let me stipulate here that I haven’t heard any evidence that she claimed direct inspiration or a vision of any sort. But she didn’t have to. She built up the trust of her followers that she had information or spiritual insight they didn’t. That was enough.
Several who were around at the time have reported that her words in response to questions about why she believed something so strongly were something to the effect of “you wouldn’t believe it if I told you,” or “you couldn’t handle it.” Even stopping short of claiming visions from God after the manner of Ellen G. White or Mary Baker Eddie, we can see in hindsight that this claimed “special insight” was destructive to the movement she started. It created a dependency among her followers, and an undying trust in a fallible person that is hard to sever, even to this day. No doubt, her claim of deep spiritual wisdom is one of the reasons the above strange doctrines were accepted so easily by her followers.
Merie also taught that test tube babies were in no way possible.
The moon landing conspiracy theory always cracks me up because I have two relatives who worked on the Apollo(s). There were literally hundreds and hundreds of scientists and aeronautical engineers who worked on the project from different agencies/companies for years. Go check out NASA's website, they have tons of documents about it and there are still people alive today who took a part in its production. So there is written documentation, visual documentation as well as hundreds of witnesses to its successes and failures (both alive and passed on).
I know. It's silly. My father-in-law's entire career was working on the Apollo space program as an electrical engineer. I would like to know how recently this opinion has been taught. Did it die with Merie, or did anyone take up the banner?
To my knowledge Merie did not deny the moon landing. She only suggested it could have been staged. The conspiracy was floated because it didn't square with her understanding of key scriptures Kevin already cited (above). What is important here is not the veracity of a moon landing. The most important issue is a specific method: a person in control who impresses her own opinions and theories upon followers, without evidence or proof. This is a common problem with charismatic teachers: they latch on to unsuspecting, typically young, vulnerable acolytes who will be swayed from a rational, cognitive process to… Read more »
Precisely Anonymous 4:46, well said.
Anonymous 4:46 – Totally true about this sect and also very sad.
I wonder. Do you think the churches that followed Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 5:20-them that sin rebuke before all that others also may fear….or also Paul's exhortation to withdraw fellowship from those who fornicate, who are covetous,or extortioners, or idolaters, railer, drunkard or extortioner, do you think they also would come under your condemnation? Those who sow discord among the brethren are those who will not become united in belief. If you don't agree with the stanton churches simply don't sit with them trying to let your contrary voice be heard. And again, to restate, the test tube babies,… Read more »
I was once in your church and people were being rebuked by Michael Leman for being "too bundled up in blankets", "wrapped up as if they were in sleeping bags", and "what would visitors think?".
Where is the sin in wrapping in a blanket? The "church" building has a giant garage door and inadequate heat source for winter in Alaska.
Do you think that is what Paul was talking about? Is that the kind of rebuke you are trying to protect?? Yes, let's be fair here.
Anon 12:48 – You've pulled that verse out of context: 1 Ti 5:19-20 – Against ***an elder*** receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. Leaders in the church who sin are definitely to be called out publicly. But 99% of the things that people get rebuked for in your church are not sin. And I don't know what makes you think I disagree with booting unrepentant immoral people out of the congregation, exactly as Paul instructs. I believe that wholeheartedly. Again, 99% of the things Stanton… Read more »
I totally agree with rebuking for "sin." The whole problem that permeates this sect lies in rebuking for a multitude of things continuously that ARE NOT SIN before God and cannot be found anywhere in the bible! Also, the methods used to rebuke which are rooted in evil surmising in order to publicly rebuke and shame congregants and attack people "just in case" they sinned or as is usually the case, to attack someone who didn't measure up to some standard or rule that you can't even find in the bible! It's abusive and how can anyone call themselves righteous… Read more »
Growing up in the church I remember not being able to participate in anything with or about dinosaurs in school. We were taught it was all made up. I remember my mother saying that they never landed on the moon as well. She believed they taped it out in a desert somewhere. She wasn't as against the moon landing though as we were still able to learn about it and participate in 'moon activities' I am now in my twenties.
That is fascinating!
I had never heard any objections to the moon landing. Since you're in your twenties, that teaching obviously continued on after Merie's death. I just never caught wind of it for some reason. Do you mind sharing what part of the country you were in? If not, I'll understand, I just wonder if different teachers made a bigger deal about it than others.
My mom was older and a big Marie follower. We were raised by much of Marie's 'doctrine' despite what current teachers taught.
Merie wasn't the only conspiracy theorist. Again, her intent was to protect the Bible, but instead of the Bible protecting itself, she suggested a theory to protect her opinions. As many are now aware, Merie's opinions were influenced by a bygone era, when all Americans played baseball, ate apple pie and women wore proper zippers on the side of their pants. In 1977 a movie came out about a faked mission to Mars. The NASA Mars mission won't work, and its funding is endangered, so they decide to fake it just this once. But then they have to keep the… Read more »
I'm aware of modern moon-landing conspiracy theorists, as ridiculous as they are, but I hadn't been aware that even in Merie's time they were being floated about.
Merie's followers did not publicly continue teaching a moon landing conspiracy, but some may have continued believing this as a private opinion.
I met Buzz Aldrin last year and I have no reason to believe the old guy is lying. he seemed like the kind of guy that likes to be left alone for the most part and lights up when people ask him about the moon. and likes to reminisce about the good old days of no guts, no glory. an 80+ year old guy wouldnt be so excited to talk about it if he had been lying for the last 50 years…
This was never offered as 'teaching' in the stanton churches but rather as discussion. The dinosaur thing, the moon thing, or any other thing of like thought was not doctrine. If it was in some places it wasn't in most. Believe me.
Anonymous 9:28 I disagree with you on teaching about an alleged dinosaur conspiracy. I was in the church for nearly 20 years – dinosaurs were believed to be fake the whole time I was there. Dinosaur toys were prohibited for children. A staged moon landing was suggested publicly by Merie on tape, and you are correct, it was not circulated as doctrine, nor did anyone in this blog claim it to be.
I think we have different definitions of "doctrine" being used, in keeping with the tendency to play word games and argue in circles. Some in the church like to use "doctrine" to mean a formal teaching that the church has agreed upon at a May Meeting. That's not an accurate definition. "Doctrine" simply means "teaching." It was clearly taught that dinosaurs never existed, that is from my own personal experience. I can't personally vouch for the moon landing conspiracy, but others have said they heard it on tape being taught, and I take their word for it.
My understanding of doctrine vs teaching vs judgment is as follows. Doctrine are things like baptism for the remission of sins, Lord's supper every Sunday, the understanding of the Godhead, function of the Holy Spirit, no musical instruments, collection money for the needy saints and edification of the saints, Jesus is the son of God, Mary was a virgin, full immersion in water for baptism, women keep silent during worship, fruit of the vine and not wine for communion. Women have the right to teach in public assembly except for worship service. In other words the basic tenants of the… Read more »
Well, it looks like we finally have the Stanton Statement of Faith.
Truth Seeker – Thanks for your detailed analysis. I can't tell whether you're endorsing these definitions or just passing on how the church believes them, but let me just address it as simply as possible. The above definitions are no different than the loopholes created by the Pharisees to make void the Law with their own traditions. Whatever is taught is a doctrine, period, because that's what doctrine means. As layer upon layer of judgments/opinions/teachings etc. have been shellacked on top of the pure and simple gospel, we have the problem we're seeing now…the entire body falls into line unanimously… Read more »
To Anonymous August 29, 2013 at 9:28 AMI am assuming you know of a Christian somewhere that was taught or did teach that dinosaurs may have existed. I personally was taught that dinosaurs didn't exist. Period. Our children were not allowed to play with dinosaurs, wear clothing depicting dinosaurs, read books about dinosaurs, etc. I agree that the teaching about men walking on the moon was known to be Merie's PERSONAL opinion….Ahhhh…what a beautiful but rather foreign concept to the church today… PERSONAL opinion… Rather than teach something as irrefutable fact one might rather say, "This is my opinion for… Read more »
Anon 1:23, Thank you for your input. I'm reading this blog daily. I find it to be very interesting to see answers to the reasoning of my upbringing. One of the hardest things for me to admit is when I'm wrong. It's embarrassing to be wrong, to have misled someone. I've learned that if you humbly admit your mistake, not only do I feel better but the person I interacted with appreciated that…therefore we had a BETTER and closer relationship going forward. One of the problems I have is how this CoC doesn't see that. They arrogantly preach they have… Read more »
McKenzie,
I am amazed at how well your generation articulates its position with grace, understanding and courage. I have not read such a well-written, thoughtful and succinct summary of the grave concerns shared by so many of us. I assume you're Billy and Barbara's daughter…if so, tell them they did a great job raising you.
Anon 12:24, amen to that. Nice job Mackenzie. Constantly displaying a heart of love and humility is what will change hearts and minds in time. All the well-reasoned arguments in the world are not half as effective as showing that we care and value the relationship in spite of the differences of opinion.
God's grace has poured out on so many of us. It is only His grace that has allowed us to see through the teachings and doctrines and commands of men (in Jesus' name no less) to the devastation and destruction and manipulation caused by this false teaching. As I read and learn more about this group, I can't fathom how they can continue in it. The only thing I can think of that allows them to keep on believing in it is that most of this stuff was covered up for so long. Its so sad. People I love believe… Read more »
Proof is in the pudding. They taught over and over again, God provides evidence. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. There is so much evidence in the Bible, so much accurate, precise prophecy, it has to be true. When people come along and declare, "DINOSAURS NEVER EXISTED, IT'S ALL STAGED," they need proof to make this kind of claim. They need to examine the evidence. When people do not require evidence, but simply say, "It is because WE SAY it is," unintended consequences will result. People will do the research and make… Read more »
Anon 5:04, wow, that is an incredible admission. No man should ever allow himself to be set up on a pedestal like that.
Unfortunately the main teacher saying, "…tell them that black is white and they will believe you." doesn't surprise me. I have it on CD one of the main preachers actually laughing about what they used to do to people they thought were unclean. It convinced me that the leaders could really care less about the heresy or hurt they've done to their congregants. This man found it all quite funny. They have very superior attitudes and enormous egos. It was very revealing and part of what propelled me to quit.
Anonymous 6:53 Could you send a copy of the CD to Kevin? If everyone with CDs or tapes could send them to Kevin he would have solid proof of the teachings, May meeting questions, etc.
Anon 9:51, that would be great, but please make it in the form of MP3 files if at all possible. If you can't, email me and I'll give you an address to mail a physical CD to.
Interesting portion of an article about female cult leaders; "…Since this article is anticipatory in its aim, and before I begin an analysis of the conditions wherein a female cult leader would rise to power, I will first discuss five general characteristics of cult leadership, which are (1) all cults are hierarchical in structure with the cult leader at the apex, (2) cult leaders are often thought to have supernatural abilities, (3) cult leaders are very personable and they have charismatic personalities, (4) the cult leader is a godhead and is revered by members of the cult and (5) the… Read more »
Merie was often called Our Mother Merie. I remember distinctly when a man prayed for Mother Merie.
I've also heard older ones refer to her as their "mother." I see #5 "…delusions of grandeur" may fit given Merie's "special understandings" based on what she said about it and what others said about her. I see other sections that fit as well.
1 Timothy 5:2-The older women as MOTHERS the younger women as SISTERS. We practiced this obedience in my time on the earth as well.
1 Timothy 5:1-2 – Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. This is a relationship thing, not instruction about calling someone by a title or term of affection. He's telling Timothy to give due respect to older men AS IF they were his father, and older women AS IF they were his mother. He was to TREAT younger women as sisters, and younger men as brothers. Further, I have never heard anyone refer… Read more »
The term brother Kevin or sister Ann or Mother Sally or as we say instead of Father elder David has been the practice of Godly men through the ages. I believe this to be a trite problem, if indeed it is a problem. What could be wrong with children of God calling an elderly sister in Christ MOTHER?
As I remember the true definition of the word 'cult' is 'any religious body of people without Jesus Christ as its nucleus'. I don't think this applies to the body of people you are disassembling.
Matthew 23:9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. The sect points out that the Catholics use the title of "Father" for priests and it is wrong to do so. (and I agree) Job 32:21Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. Interesting. The Catholics refer to Jesus's mother as "Mother Mary" and Mary truly was humble and she is blessed among women (and will forever remain so). It seems to me that this sect looked down on the reverence… Read more »
Cult Definitions 1.a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies. 2.an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult. 3.the object of such devotion. 4.a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc. 5.Sociology . a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols. Ven•er•a•tion noun 1.the act of venerating. 2.the state of being venerated. 3.the feeling of a person who venerates; a feeling of awe, respect,… Read more »
To "EWS" – You say "What could be wrong with children of God calling an elderly sister in Christ MOTHER?"
I say if it was universally practiced toward all the elderly sisters, then great. No harm no foul. But we're talking here about a sect that has set someone up on a pedestal, despite all the denials to the contrary. That's hugely different.
No it's not.
Mr. Scott, since we're touching on the old days, can you elaborate on sect members tying children down to their beds at night? It was about 30 years ago. Who was behind this judgment? Was this a practice in your time? Why was it done? I know it's hard to talk about. There are dozens of witnesses to this. The children remember. We're interested in exposing the truth, the way the Bible does, even when it's ugly. Can you tell us the truth? Were you there?
I can answer that one. Hazel Capel. When Merie heard about it she stopped it completely. She was 76 by this time and tried to let the younger people lead.
Anonymous 6:36, can you say about how long the practice continued before it was stopped? And why was it not reported to the authorities? Was there a cover-up?
One on this blog said Merie herself was giving instructions to the child at the time father to tie his wrists tighter to the bedpost.
Another claim of Merie by a member in Portland who knew Merie was she said if there was ever a black president in our country that a race war would breakout. Wrong again Merie. Open your eyes cult members and understand whom and what you are following.
She sounds ignorant to me as well as mentally disturbed and certainly dysfunctional.