Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

Yeah, but then again they have to actually deliver (or try and deliver) from time to time. The Aaronic priesthood was a "family business." There are many trades and examples where father-to-son (parent-to-child) lineage is traced. John McCain was the 3rd member of his family in a row to go to the Naval Academy (just an example).

If they can deliver something of substance and make some "proof" of their calling (scripture kind of out of context, but I hope you know what I mean) then I'm willing to accept a father-son thing.

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

so much bitterness in this thread... sad...

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

Yes sir!:nod

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

Why is it when people express their frustration or disagreement with some aspect of the UPC it is automatically branded as "bitterness"? Do you not think these things really happen?

Are all pastors authoritarian in nature? Do all pastors abuse? Certainly not!

But unfortunately there are some that infact do! And the fall out that results from it is devastating! It can have LIFE LONG affects on people who might have otherwise been HEALTHY.

No - all problems cannot be blamed on pastors BUT some problems can be blamed on some pastors.

BTW - It's very disheartening and hurtful to someone who has been abused under the guise of "pastoral authority" for someone to label it as bitterness.

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

You are not allowed to agree. You have not traveled this path. :)

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

I've got that T-shirt. And life moves on.

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

I am sorry you have that t-shirt, I am sure it wasn't an easy journey. And I am glad that you have been able to move on, it shows that there is hope and a better way.

BUT unfortunately not all are in situations where they are able to simply "move on". There may be many more variables at work here.

I am not an overly empathetic person (unfortunately) and I really find it difficult to tolerate when someone is bathed in self pity. However, some situations require much more than just "getting over it."

just my two cents...

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

I got the t-shirt as well, and every time I feel like I can move on, I feel there is still stuff 'deeper' that needs to be let go.

One thing that made having an overbearing pastor so hard to forget (the forgive part happened a long time ago -honestly, I could easily go out and have an enjoyable dinner with the guy now), was the insecurity of being raised by a pastor who set the 'house rules' over my own parents, who acted more like his pawns.
The feelings of insecurity (and a bit of horror) are not unlike a sci-fi movie where a young kid knows his parents have been taken over by the pods, so they are no longer his parents but acting on behalf of another intelligence.

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

I am insecure at times... Shaving my face is an interesting part of my morning. I can elaborate...

Re: Pastoral Authority....where did it come from?
 

I don't know where the bitterness is here. I thought this was very informative. Is this an issue that you have problems with?