Re: Has Anyone Ever Heard of Radiant Life Church in Sacramento
Date: September 12, 2008 04:22PM
Hi, everyone.
Wanted to address some of the more recent posts...
I can't speak from first-hand experience as I haven't spoken to Tom or Brandon, but could it be possible that they were in the same place as the rest of us "pilgrims," just carrying way more influence? (Conversely, just as we are responsible for our own actions and are accountable for those we led/lead, they are also, and that much more.) Let me explain: How many of you questioned and questioned and threw your OWN God-given thoughts aside because you were trying to attain a higher level of holiness or righteousness? Trying to "no longer conform to the patterns of this world" so you took what you thought was the best example set before you and, as we were taught, attempted to imitate the faith of that person? You see, we were all duped. And really, it's the people closest to the source of all of this BS that were probably hurt the worst. Think about it! Who changed their lives the most and walked the tightrope the best? Whose leashes were held closest ALL THE TIME? The main component that I have read and heard over and over in people who have had that lightbulb moment where they realize that something just isn't right, is that they are AFRAID. They fear rejection, losing covering, losing proximity to God because they are walking away from their "calling," the great, big VISION. So if these thoughts were stirring in you for say, a year, before you made your exodus, couldn't the same thing be happening to everyone? And if my de-programming is going on 2 years, and I still have more to go, just imagine all the de-programming they have to do!
The greatest reason why I mention any of this is that we really don't know what is going through the minds of Tom, Brandon and the elders. Some people are more privy to that information, but I am not one of them. I am not excusing the hurt and devastation that comes in the aftermath. Should wrongs be made right? Oh yeah! So often, saying you're sorry to someone goes a lot further than we realize. I wouldn't keep adding my two-cents on this forum if I didn't honestly believe that God could use it in some capacity as a place for people to come and know that they aren't alone, and hopefully be free. I just think that the more time we spend bashing people, the less opportunity we will have for people to come on here and share and actually be heard! Who, in their right mind, would continue to read, by choice, how much people hate you? I know this has been an avenue for people to express their thoughts to the leadership because they found out they read it. How credible will any of our testimonies and, for the sake of making a point here, "arguments" be if our expressions are filled with speculation and finger-pointing? I believe sharing our personal experiences has probably been the greatest source of both healing and eye-opening for others.
Again, these are just my thoughts, not necessarily an absolute truth. I just hate to see all the positive that has come from this, get washed away with all the negative.
Andrea