Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Date: May 07, 2018 02:18AM
NickelandDimed,
I hope I can navigate what I see as a misunderstanding here without taking away from what you just said because it's a very good point and really struck a chord with me.
I completely recognize that people usurped their roles as shepherds or ministries to do things behind closed doors that nobody-including G&M-had direct knowledge of. That is just sickening, and people should absolutely bring it up. I don't think offenders deserve anonymity and I do not advocate protecting any abusers--be it emotional, physical, or sexual. In fact, I hope they get theirs in this life or the next.
Again, I can only speak for my own posts, and in so much as where I devote my focus. I still see G&M as responsible, especially where cover-ups are involved.
They created a system that perpetuates abuse through emphasis on complete submission. Their actions and their sermons act as enablers for abusers. Take JRS' word on how Elishas will be blessed by God for submitting to an abusive master, even if that master is acting in sin. JRS effectively told that victim to continue to get beaten and that god would bless him or her for it. That is enabling abuse.
This may not be true for your case, but certainly in others church leadership actively covered up abuse, just as the catholic church did, by moving leaders around or silencing victims to protect their own reputation. In attempting to save sweep abuse under the rug, they are complicit in perpetuating it.
Now, I sincerely hope that my posts do not detract from your posts and that we can both find closure on this forum. I am not trying to protect any abusers, including this Jimmy Stewart guy. Again, I very much value your insight and your opinion here. Press on, by all accounts, and godspeed, fellow pathfinder.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/07/2018 02:19AM by GSchaeff.