GARBC thinks everyone is a reprobate. Absolutely everyone. I find that fairly common among an awful lot of denominations though. I think one of the best things a person can do is not stay in one denomination all their life. You have a better feel for what is party/denominational line rhetoric vs what is scriptural.
Also increadibly rigid and conformist demands of the local leadership. Almost cult like in how they monitored and watched people live their lives. Yet...(true story below)
The choir director was an adulterer and pervert, yet was allowed to lead (to this day) because, well, he's leadership in this NJ based GARBC church. He cheated constantly on his wife. Even dropped her off for Sunday school, caught at his lover's house during that time, and was back to lead the 11:00 am hour. Also groped the future spouse, when she was 15-16 years old. But obviously overlooked because of his leadership role. Amazing how Biblical principals demanded of others are ignored. Not accusing them of hypocracy; a cult simply beleives they are 'right' in handling these matters.
That's why I say GARBC is cult like. Can't hang the pervert choir director problems necc. on the Association. But the church leadership knew of this guy and his lifestyle, and left him in a position of leadership. It is cult like behaviour to live apart from reality, for ex. allowing this (above) to occur, yet demanding a pure lifestyle and obedience of all other members. And at the same time, label all others, such as SBC's, as reprobates.
GARBC is a close to a cult as can be, if such a thing is possible in evangelical christianity.
Also increadibly rigid and conformist demands of the local leadership. Almost cult like in how they monitored and watched people live their lives. Yet...(true story below)
The choir director was an adulterer and pervert, yet was allowed to lead (to this day) because, well, he's leadership in this NJ based GARBC church. He cheated constantly on his wife. Even dropped her off for Sunday school, caught at his lover's house during that time, and was back to lead the 11:00 am hour. Also groped the future spouse, when she was 15-16 years old. But obviously overlooked because of his leadership role. Amazing how Biblical principals demanded of others are ignored. Not accusing them of hypocracy; a cult simply beleives they are 'right' in handling these matters.
That's why I say GARBC is cult like. Can't hang the pervert choir director problems necc. on the Association. But the church leadership knew of this guy and his lifestyle, and left him in a position of leadership. It is cult like behaviour to live apart from reality, for ex. allowing this (above) to occur, yet demanding a pure lifestyle and obedience of all other members. And at the same time, label all others, such as SBC's, as reprobates.
GARBC is a close to a cult as can be, if such a thing is possible in evangelical christianity.