Thoughts on Philippians 1:15-18

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[Anonymous]

Larry,

What is your response to those who say that we should not be critical of the teaching of GCM because of what Paul says in Philippians 1:15-18.

[Larry Pile]

In regard to Phil. 1:15-17–



If the issue (s) was/were merely that of GC* pastors, teachers and others preaching Christ “out of envy and strife” I wouldn’t mind so much. But I know of no ex-leaders or ex-members who make that charge. I for one have always believed and said that so far as I can tell the founders (including McCotter) and other leaders are all sincere. And I DO rejoice that Christ is being and has been preached — often with great clarity and success.



What I criticize is the damage that has often been inflicted on new converts (and “old” ones too) by authortaritarian leadership/discipleship, of which this blog is prime evidence.



I also object to the past (?) climate in GC* that led leaders and others to play fast and loose with the truth on many occasions.



Notice also that, though Paul didn’t name any names in Phil. 1, he did point out the problem in a negative way.



Larry

[Larry Pile]

Allow me to correct my unfortunate spelling of “authoritarian” in my previous post, and to clarify that I meant this blog is evidence of damage done to members of GC* as many of you have described your own unfortunate experiences. I did not mean that this blog is inflicting damage :-)



Larry