The Recent Accusation of Racism Against the UPCI
I was once very active here under a variety of usernames. My participation level decreased dramatically after I left the UPC, then Oneness Pentecostalism, a few years ago. I have written extensively against some of the doctrines of the UPCI-especially those related to standards and soteriology. Many of those articles remain online.
With that preface out of the way I'll get to the point of my post.
I watched the video alleging racism and read many of the comments which followed. I then read Superintendent Bernard's response which was posted as a release on the organization's website.
I have no doubt racism exists. I have no doubt ignorance exists. I also have no doubt that social media is often more of a curse than a blessing. Many people choose sides after only one side of an issue is posted. They dig in on an issue before hearing the WHOLE matter. This is true of accusations of sexual harassment, spiritual abuse, and even conversations that may or may not have taken place.
Though I am very happy with my life, and my choice to leave the movement, in hindsight I now regret using social media to air some of my grievances. Reason being people with axes to grind hijacked my story, using it for their own unrelated purposes.
We live in an age where people rate churches online as they would a restaurant, which is revolting. Others treat those ratings as truth. How sad.
I feel for the aggrieved couple, and pray they find belonging and healing.
And though I never thought I'd empathize with the UPCI again, I do. I pray that God can work this for their good.
Finally, I hate social media. Truly. Deeply. Madly.
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I'm (sic) not cynical, I just haven't been around long enough to be Jedi mind-tricked by politics as usual. Alas, maybe in a few years I'll be beaten back into the herd. tstew
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