Posted on 06/11/2005 8:32:12 AM PDT by amosmoses
By Matthew Porter Issue #186, March/April 2003
It happened the other day. I had "The Talk" with my son.
He was heading out the door for a Bible study with some new friends.
"Hey, pal. Can we talk?"
"Dad, I gotta meet the guys."
"I know, I know. It'll just be a minute."
We sat down at the breakfast table. I looked at him tapping his feet impatiently and saw myself at fifteen.
Oh boy, wish I had jotted down an outline.
"You see son, religious groups are made differently. You have two different kinds."
"Dad," he interrupted, "are you going to talk to me about sects?"
The boy had caught his old man off guard.
"Well … yes."
"Mom already talked to me about this."
"She did."
"Yeah."
That Carol. Always on top of things.
I meant to have "The Talk" years ago, but it was never the right time. To be perfectly honest, I was waiting for him to broach the subject with the typical, child-like question "Where do heresies come from?"
"Did she talk to you about certain groups, like the International Church of Christ? Because those people only have one thing on their minds. They'll make you feel special, but they just want to get you in the water."
"Daaad."
"Do you have protection?"
His cheeks reddened and he nodded.
"What kind."
He held out his Student Bible.
"N.I.V."
"Do you know how to use it?"
"Yeah."
I put my hand on his shoulder.
"Son, unsafe sects can ruin a man. I know it's all very new and exciting, but it's better to wait for the real thing. One day you'll find the right group of folks to worship with, believe me."
"Dad, I know this stuff already. If someone asks me about sects, I'll just say 'I'm not that kind of a believer.'"
"But what if some really nice folks pull out a few verses that makes it seem like you have to have some special knowledge for salvation?"
"I'll just say 'know means no.'"
I felt a load lifted off my heart and shoulders.
"Good boy. I'm proud of you, son. Just remember, if you ever have any questions, just ask me. Okay?"
"Okay. Can I go now?"
"Sure."
He was halfway out the door when he turned back around.
"There was one thing. These new guys are really into evangelism. After I graduate, I'm thinking about taking a missionary position."
Oh boy.
"Carol? Carol!"
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Sorry, I don't have a lot of time to post here at break, but no this is not funny. Maybe if you could post it to include Southern Baptist, Catholic, Mormon or Islam or even "insert favorite sect here" it would be funny. Or maybe you just like bashing International Church of Christ or Mainline Church of Christ members.
"Rant" over.
Hillarious! Do I have your permission to send it to others?
sure
I dont think the article has anything to do with any church but the ICC/Boston movement. My understanding is that mainline Church of Christ church dont embrace their teachings.
Yes I am. Will I defend my own personal studies and beliefs. Yes. Will I defend the Movement. I'm not sure if it's my place, but I will try on my part. A lot of good has been done and a lot of not so good has been done from this ministry and a whole lot of other ministries of other denominations out there. My experience has been both. That's life.
***Yes I am. Will I defend my own personal studies and beliefs. Yes. Will I defend the Movement. ***
You may defend your personal studies and belief but the movement as a whole is cultic, controlling and has hurt many people.
Even the ex leader and current leadership has admitted as much.
heh, not bad. Pretty good.
Sure, in definition, it is cultic according to Merriam-Webster. Controlling, yes, it has been and in some individual cases may still be. I've seen the good and the bad of it. No denomination can claim blamelessness or perfection, yet there are many denominations or ministries that are commonly accepted today as non-cult that have done just as much damage in other areas.
The leadership today has admitted as much and is taking great steps to follow the Bible and heal wounds that have been caused. After 13 years in the movement I've never been asked to drink any Kool-Aid.
I have been with Free Republic for a long time now. I don't post as often as I should or as often as I would like. I stay away from a lot of the "religious" threads because many times it's a lot of finger pointing and name calling. I am not into that and do not want to be involved with it, but in the past couple weeks I've noticed a couple different threads regarding this and it's a bit upsetting. I'm a big boy and can take it, but I just wanted to give my thoughts.
Thanks
Oh boy:-)
This is a movement that has been around for 30 plus years, not to mention the time it was a part of the Mainline Church. There are going to be bumps in any movement and we have had our share, however there have been many great accomplishments. Check out Hope Worldwide here in the states and internationally for a great example. The blessings from this ministry are not the result of unhappy people.
The problem with many churches or movements around the world is many times man is glorified before God and tradition comes before the Word. This obviously causes problems.
There are many churches out there today that do not challenge sin on any level. Whether it's gay marriage, child predators or simply buying the newest Cadillac. If challenging sin as the Bible defines is hardline, then the ICOC is guilty. Many members past and present don't take kindly to spiritual leadership or direction and that has helped to put a bad mark on the church. This could also be said of any church out there.
I'll try not to be a stranger and I do appreciate your response to my last comment.
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