I just wanted to state here, for the record, and quite unfortunately in violation of the newly appointed forum rules, that this statement from earth5 brands him as somewhat as a jerk, imo.  

Reply to Episkopeo

As RCIers we were systematically and effectively commanded to be in absolute obedience to their leader/s, to unskilled teachers and preaching.  Unskilled men intruding into peoples' lives and very soul.  Little wonder depression is rife, families divided, marriages broken down, those deemed needing discipline ostracised along with those who are considered backslidden.  Leave RCI and you leave the Lord, fear tactics.

As you have probably noticed on this forum, I'm not great at taking on the ideas of others just because they give me a good story. As much trouble as my constant questioning and refusal to believe bullshit caused me in revival, I am glad now I am such an intractable brat. I never believed they were the only christians. I pretty well never saw the oversight even live like decent human beings, much less the pillars of christianity they seemed to think they were. I constantly called them on their apalling behaviour, their social control and their complete lack of love or compassion for the people in the assembly. You want me to believe you are a christian now, live it. Walk the walk, not just talk the talk. I am SO tired of people who come to me in the name of christ who cannot even manage to treat those around them with basic respect, much less the deep love for each other that god places within us when our heart is open to him.

Chapter 1 of the widely read treatise of Pope Gregory 1st Cura Pastoralis (Pastoral Care) written around 590 has interesting things to say about unskilled shepherds:-

[That the unskilful venture not to approach an office of authority.  No one presumes to teach an art till he has first, with intent meditation, learnt it.  What rashness is it, then, for the unskilful to assume pastoral authority, since the government of souls is the art of arts........And yet how often do men who have no knowledge whatever of spiritual precepts fearlessly profess themselves physicians of the heart, though those who are ignorant of the effect of drugs blush to appear as physicians of the flesh] 

Yep. And I see it over and over again in just about every christian organisation I am involved with. It seems that the need for power, even in those who say they love god is rife. I just don't get it. Honestly, after the damage I have seen those in church authority do tothe lives of others I would never want to be in authority over anyone. The possible damage to people is just too great, and I certainly would not want to be judged by god for making another person lose their faith.

He uses a quote from the Prophet Isaiah  that the shepherds themselves have not known understanding.

[Yet this unskilfulness of the shepherds doubtless suits often the deserts of those who are subject the them because though it is their own fault that they have not the light of knowledge, yet it is in the dealing of strict judgement that through their ignorance those also who follow them should stumble.  Hence it is that, in the Gospel  the Truth in Person says, "If the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch."  Matt XV : 14]

No understanding, no love. I know I keep labouring the point, but it doesn't matter what we do for god, if there isn't genuine love in it, it's a waste of time.

But Alpha males are SO tasty.  They account for a good deal of this middle age spread, and my cats like the bones.

Reply to motmot               We have all been aware of how quiet the Forum has been lately and no doubt to the delight of Noddy Noel, Daddy Addy and others too, and it has been mostly due to some who pontificate their professional prowess with their biblical knowledge and theology and personal ego which has prevented many from posting.               Now while these people are not ex-GRCr's , it also must be said that to some, they have helped some and they do get something benificial out of it. I must admit that I didn't because like most people on here, we are not into thoelogy and that is because we were once 'brain-washed ' with that type of verbology before and now, we are not the least bit interested to hear or read anymore of it.               Although it has been quiet here with very few posts, please take note that it has not really been that way ! Just because not many have posted, they still have been surfing the  "GRC Forum" with a watchful eye, just look at how many ' hits ' (viewers) there have been but now that some time has elapsed, I feel it's time to invite all ex-GRC members to start posting again without and reprisal or interferance from "other Revival churches ".              I have had so many people contact me complaining about non- GRCr's posting here  - not all non GRCr's , but some in particular.  I am not advocating that non-GRCr's can't post but rather, I do invite them, but please remember to keep to the topic (so to speak) and you would be most welcome.              There is some sentiment amongst the Forum for us to move to another site especially set aside for us. I see no need to do this for one simple reason  .....  Read what it says at the top of this page !  ......      Category :        " Geelong  Revival  Centre  (GRC) "             Like   ....  aluuurrrr  !  This site is our site - it is designated for us, so why change to suit others, or why should we run away from our place and position here. So lets stake our place and stand firm and if .........

I agree with all you have said Tom.