Is it just me or...

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

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[jehu]

...do some of our conversations seem a little thick with theology? Personally, I am less likely to jump in unless the repartee is matter-of-fact. If I'm the only one, then I guess that's tough luck for me, and I'll suck it up. If however you're not averse to brief profanity and want to hear about my latest case of deja vu, then read on, intrepid blogger.

My last encounter with the ol' gang was when a current member had a baby out of wedlock with a former member and I was asked along to meet the blessed addition to the collective, er family. Things I noticed: she gave him one of those names from the Prophets that the father couldn't pronounce, and there were times when he'd ask questions or attempt to make plans and she'd look at her discipler to wait for an answer. Don't you love those nice comfortable silences? Way to show off your independent thought for the disaffiliate!

Fortunately, episodes of the Twilight Zone are seldom longer than an hour, and I was once again thankful that I had gotten the f*** out.

[lone gone]

Yes, theology comes into play in most of this..... it got us in, and it got some of us out.

But I am not offended by brief profanity and I am still interested in someone who doesn't share my interests so I read on as you suggested.

Q?  A lady in a GC church had a baby out of wedlock and the dad AND the discipler were on hand for a public viewing?  There is more to this than meets the casual observer's eye but not enough info to ever conclude anything.

It reminds me of the Office episode where Dwight shuns Jim and then Un-shuns him periodically for various reasons. I believe it is also known as "Situational ethics."

[Immortal_Raven]

I'll agree with Lone here.  There's more to this than meets the eye, but not enough to draw conclusions from.

About the profanity, it comes up as **** to me.  I guess I could change that in Settings or something, but I don't feel the need.  Actually, I'm not offended by profanity.  I used to use it an awful lot.  It got so bad that my wife and I have a swear jar.  25 cents for each swear word.

As for theology, of course that has a lot to do with this.  Theology is the fundamental reason why one church disagrees with another and why we aren't just one big superchurch.  My beef with GCC came more from semantics and methods than actual theology, but that's just me.

I would like to hear more on this particular situation Jehu.  From what I can see, this woman had sex, had an unplanned child.  Now the church is coming down hard on her, and she's trying to let everyone else deal with it instead of taking charge.  I could be wrong and actually hope I am.

-Immortal_Raven

[Linda]

Things I noticed: she gave him one of those names from the Prophets that the father couldn't pronounce, and there were times when he'd ask questions or attempt to make plans and she'd look at her discipler to wait for an answer.

Just to make sure I understand. The "discipler" (that word sends shivers down my spine) has more authority over this newborn than its father has? Also, just curious, is the "discipler" of a male persuasion?

[Angry]

Posters,
Should we exercise a little discretion before we begin to analyze a current situation describing a young Mother and her new born child?  The nature of this web-site lends itself to a variety of people coming forward to indicate their moral and ethic barometers upon others.

Current member or not, I feel a young Mother, her child, and immediate situation are off limits to be talked about.

Please everyone, take a moment and think before we post any personal information here.

Angry
so Jehu - I guess I'm okay with profanity, but protective of Moms and babies.

[Linda]

Angry,
I agree that we should not discuss the particulars of individual's situations.
However, as a parent, what stood out to me was the idea that a GC "discipler" was involved.
What came to mind for me was first, wouldn't an unwed mother be under her parent's authority and wouldn't the newborn be under his father's authority? Having a "discipler" in the mix was what I was questioning.

Mostly, I am questioning the term "discipler".

[MidnightRider]

...do some of our conversations seem a little thick with theology?

Jehu,

IMHO no. Theology is unavoidable. All practice is the practice of some theory. The only question is whether the theology will be well thought or poorly thought out, explicit or implicit, Biblical or un-Biblical, etc.

It is hard to escape (I mean mentally, not physically) GCx if one continues to buy into its theology. I highly recommend to everyone that they think through the theological basis for GCx's practices, both good and bad.