Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Date: May 12, 2014 01:53AM
T0: jhorning
FM: FCSLC
RE: My Reply
The Christian friends I am referring to are Mormon. I admire their tenacity and ability to defend themselves against personal attack. They were taught the doctrine of “Free Agency” from the time they were babies. They cherish their “Free Agency.” They do not allow anyone to mess with it. It’s in their very nature to fight for what is right.
The “Walk” I experienced in Salt Lake City, especially post John, was one of un-empowerment and personal devaluation. I was told personally by the SLC leadership, “You have no spiritual rights whatsoever except to submit.”
The Mormons, much to their credit, equip their sheep with “A Sword of Free Agency in the Spirit” and “Personal Value” in the heart.
My Mormon friends have told me that “Free Agency” is a delineating issue:
No Free Agency = Satan.
Free Agency = God.
In the light of what paleface said, “Feeling hindered in confrontational situations,” I believe for some of us who grew up in the “Walk” (myself especially), there indeed was a stunting of the normal adult interaction skills. (Standing up for yourself to be specific). Instead of calling it mind control, let’s call it, “A general atmosphere leading to the lack of an independent, healthy mind.”
I am glad that you and your spouse had the backbone and mental fortitude to pick and choose which “church ordinances/practices” you were going to submit to. I could have learned a thing or two from you.
You quoted and stated: [[[ Jesus said. "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Speak up as much as you can, but I would not emulate Christian friends "...who don’t take ‘sh-----t’ from anyone." ]]]
OK ---- There are always the best ways to react for differing situations, but I wish I would have been better equipped (stronger in myself through better empowering doctrines) for any situation; especially the post John era. It is my fault, I spent too much time reading “This Weeks” and listening to tapes and not enough time doing independent Bible reading.
If it’s satanic spirits trying to take away your free agency, why not tell those adversaries to “ kiss off ” just like Jesus did???? (Matthew 4:10)
I am recovering from an overdose of submission and a lack of killer self-preservation. I am going to continue to learn from my Mormon friends, especially through observation, it’s what I need. Also, input from friends on this forum is always appreciated and valued.