Re: "Jesus Christians," "Australian cult," Dave McKay
Date: May 27, 2008 11:34PM
Dear Egypt-Eira,
As I am the one that "wished" Cherry to Hell, (although you will also have noted that Barbiedoll her, described far more favourably than I....I am only ONE of the opinions that are voiced on these pages).....perhaps I should begin with some "positives" about the JesusChristians....(even if they are can't be about Cherry!!)
You will be able to observe, if you look far back enough, in these pages that I've also sworn several times, in relation to David McKay.....as you are not familiar with the history of my personal experience with the JesusChristians, I really don't think you are in a position to judge whether or not, my behaviour is reasonable.
I admit to being "hypocritical" enough in my faith, to compare my occasional issues with "language" rather favourably to those who I consider engage in deceit (misrepresentation, undue influence, welfare fraud, possession of goods through false pretences), cruelty (battery with a weapon, psychological duress, food and sleep deprivation,) and oppression (extortion through slander, emotion blackmail, denial of fundamental human rights).
Of the existing members within the JesusChristians, I am now only familiar with David, Cherry, Christine, Robin, Ross and Roland. Along with Rolands' wife Sue (who I have never spoken to although I have seen her once "litnessing" with Roland in the streets of Melbourne), although they together probably comprise the "core" of the JesusChristians.
I won't comment then about people in the JesusChristians that I've never met, although obviously others in these pages are sufficiently experienced and entitled to do so.
Many of my "favourite" friends from the time I spent in the JesusChristians (Kevin McKay, the sisters Elsabeth and Rachel) have not LEFT the JesusChristians. I presume, Egypt-Eira, that if I speak positively about someone who has now LEFT the Jesuschristians, you will persuade yourself that I am "biased" (...because David will send you a "nice" letter alleging to you that both I and any other ex-member I speak kindly of are "embittered and twisted" ).....hence I won't say anything positive of the numbers of ex-members, although they clearly outnumber the few remaining current members I now know (and NOT including them, is thus actually UNREPRESENTATIVE of the totality of my experiences)....Apostate has ALREADY made some comments addressing your inquiry in previous pages.
As you will already have noted I have very little that's positive (there is SOME) to say about Cherry...hence I'll leave that to others.
(There are "pages" of positive comments and wonderful experiences that have been mutually shared that I could write about here...thus in very crude summary!)
Roland was determined to be successful within the Jesuschristians and diligently applied himself to the memorization of scriptures. He had a strong work ethic.
Robin, as you may see in the recent clipping, (who REALLY looks his father these days!), I remember for the kindness and compassion he showed to those with who he shared any time. His ready humour and the interest he displayed in the fellowship he sought to have with whoever he met, spoke worlds, about the gentle and warm soul within.
Ross was an intelligent and thoughtful man, whose company I really enjoyed. His musical ability was the expression of the "artist" within him, and it was a pleasure to speak with him, and learn of the insights he had made on his own spiritual journey. He frequently offered support to me, in whatever fashion it may have been required.
David McKay actually "nurtures" some spiritual development in those he encounters. My encounter with him, challenged me to reinterpret my faith, and look again at scriptures that I had previously carelessly glossed over. He has been highly influential in how I now perceive God (even where his "influence" on me, may not obviously have been what he wanted) and there was once a very humane and caring side to him.
As you are now familiar Egypt-Eira, with some of the "context" that I'd place these "positive comments" within (for example Barbiedoll's recent comments about her "daily routine" and the regard that the JesusChristians themselves have for those they have "marked for division").....I'll say no further there....
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/27/2008 11:41PM by Malcolm Wesley WREST.