The idea that truth doesn’t need to be afraid of a lie was a staple teaching growing up in this group. However, it was only applied in challenging other people from other churches, denominations, or religions. It was never applied to yourself. After all, it was just assumed that you had the truth and others did not.
The church’s fear of having its doctrines and practices exposed for all the world to see manifests itself in several ways. When faced with a desire for open dialogue, they retreat to silence, secrecy, and scare tactics rather than face facts head on. There is clearly an attempt to control the flow of information that is accessible to the flock and their family members.
- Facebook accounts are not allowed.
- Congregations and individuals cannot create websites advertising church functions, meeting times, etc.
- Church discipline (against members and sometimes ex-members, affecting dramatically their family dynamics) is used as a threat to stop information from being posted online. As a result, if you search the Internet for information about this church, which has been around for over 40 years, there is a black hole of information (until now). Message control through intimidation has been amazingly effective.
- Why aren’t old Merie Weiss tapes distributed freely to whoever wants to listen to them? Better yet, why aren’t they boldly published online in MP3 format?
- Why aren’t May Meeting deliberations posted on YouTube for all to see? They are supposedly patterned after the “church council” in Acts 15, and that’s recorded for posterity.
- Why do church leaders feel the need to silence, rather than respond (sincerely) to public criticism? They are certainly free to create a blog and respond to the information posted here, or contact me to provide another side of the story and I’ll publish it here.
- If it’s so important that criticism of church doctrine needs to be handled privately, isn’t it hypocritical that church members and their children are routinely rebuked and humiliated out in the open without that same courtesy?
Please follow and like us:
Thanks again for all of this Kevin. We can only hope that they won't turn a blind eye.
How do you feel about the Amish?
I don't understand the relevance of your question. I believe the Amish also have heaped up traditions of men on top of the Bible.
Kevin,Your point about Acts 15 is off. After the "deliberations" the letters were sent to all the brethren! As it still is today. What are you saying? That they need to be posted online and that will be akin to writing the Bible?Further, I agree with the decision to not to respond. Christ said shake the dust off your feet. I have no doubt that there was a period where you were reasoned with. Am I right? 2 tim 3 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses,… Read more »
1) Are you saying rebuking is the persecution Paul's writing to Timothy about? I believe persecution should not be coming from other believers, but from unbelievers, and I believe we here in America know next to nothing about real persecution. 2) Are you coming right out and accusing me of being a "man of corrupt mind?" That's pretty presumptuous of someone who doesn't know me. You're assuming that I'm "resisting the truth" just because I'm resisting what you've been taught is the truth. That is "comparing ourselves by ourselves" in my book. 3) You said you have no doubt there… Read more »
I wouldn't dare compare this to being beaten and stoned. But it is funny how your shining of light is airing grievances and disagreements and no doubt make the Church look bad to your followers. Webster defines it as: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches, to cause distressThis is what you are doing. You are dragging members through the mud. Although, you deny it. So whatever "real persecution" is in your book, this is a form of it. If your true intention was to save your dear ones, it would seem more logical to call them up and talk… Read more »
No I am not saying rebuking is the persecution Paul is warning about. NOT saying that at all. I am using that scripture to show the godly will suffer it. And so it is no marvel that this is going on.
Thank you for your clarifications on rebuke and persecution. 1) I have not sought out any followers on this blog. I honestly don't want that and would be much more comfortable remaining anonymous. I have, on the other hand, encouraged people to think for themselves and examine the scriptures to arrive at their own conclusions. 2) I fail to see how asking an organization (that claims to be the sole place where salvation can be found) to back up its teaching by Scripture is persecution. If you asked tough questions of JW's, are you persecuting them or asking them to… Read more »
You ask why I don't just walk away quietly and leave you alone? The truth is, I did just that about 20 years ago. Since then, I raised my family out of the reach of the unbiblical doctrines of the church, and have been so blessed beyond words. My conscience won't let me sit here with the peace in Christ and the love for God and my brothers that I have come to know and not shout it from the rooftops. At times that's meant that I have had to offer my opinions on why I think Stanton is misguided,… Read more »