Voyager
10-25-2004, 09:15 AM
Here is my reply to a recent email from my cousin, who also suffered spiritual abuse in the church that I used to attend:
I think most of them severed ties with us out of fear, not out of love. They were taught at [church name omitted] to live in terror and fear. Fear of "high holidays", satanic brown and green snake dreams (that the pastor had regularly about certain members), infidel friends and family members, "the world", - basically everything except for [church name omitted]. So, I guess it was to be expected that once we were out of [church name omitted] all of this would happen. But no one can prepare you for it.
I know that the Word says to not fellowship with darkness, but what is darkness? Is it a man who has been loyal to his wife, spends more time with his kids than most church people, makes a living, pays his taxes, and lives nicely? Or is it the guy sitting in the pew who goes out on his wife (or sleeps with the young adults, or is out drinking, or living with another woman, or etc., etc.)? The fact is, no one knows your heart - except those whom you have known very closely, like you and I have known each other. That's why I believe blood is thicker than religion. [name omitted] is now finding that out. He talks with his kids regularly now.
I really don't think Jesus really meant to take a sword to loving relationships. However, so many of His people have done so in such a reckless, hostile, and vicious way that the streets are lined with their casualties. They have become the judge and jury, and sealed their doom without even a trial.
Well, enough ranting for now. Thanks for caring.
I thought it was profound enough to share with you all.
:cool:
I think most of them severed ties with us out of fear, not out of love. They were taught at [church name omitted] to live in terror and fear. Fear of "high holidays", satanic brown and green snake dreams (that the pastor had regularly about certain members), infidel friends and family members, "the world", - basically everything except for [church name omitted]. So, I guess it was to be expected that once we were out of [church name omitted] all of this would happen. But no one can prepare you for it.
I know that the Word says to not fellowship with darkness, but what is darkness? Is it a man who has been loyal to his wife, spends more time with his kids than most church people, makes a living, pays his taxes, and lives nicely? Or is it the guy sitting in the pew who goes out on his wife (or sleeps with the young adults, or is out drinking, or living with another woman, or etc., etc.)? The fact is, no one knows your heart - except those whom you have known very closely, like you and I have known each other. That's why I believe blood is thicker than religion. [name omitted] is now finding that out. He talks with his kids regularly now.
I really don't think Jesus really meant to take a sword to loving relationships. However, so many of His people have done so in such a reckless, hostile, and vicious way that the streets are lined with their casualties. They have become the judge and jury, and sealed their doom without even a trial.
Well, enough ranting for now. Thanks for caring.
I thought it was profound enough to share with you all.
:cool: