Anything More Important Than the HMH Debate?
 

As far as false doctrine and imminent threats to the church goes... Do you think "Magic Hair" is an Achilles Heel of sorts?

For me, concerns about HMH "holy magic hair" is not at the top of the list.

I am far more concerned about radical sectarianism in the UPC.

We have evolved into something of a group that has difficulty seeing the work of Christ outside the Oneness Pentecostal movements.

Among the Oneness Pentecostals we even ostracize those who share the views of many of our founders on salvation.

The language and interpretation of the AOF also reflect this.

We reject those "Charismatics" yet many of our teachers still embrace teachings that we should have outgrown by now. How many are teaching

"God does not want you to be sick"?

or

"God wants to bless you with wealth"?

or

"You can have whatever you want tonight!"?

How many teach that they absolutely know the will of God in these things, and the missing component is simply the individuals faith?

Where is the sovereignty of God in all this?

Re: More Important Than the HMH Debate
 

hmmm I think you will be picking a fight with many denoms on this not just the UPCI... doctrine divides most of the time as it is the nature of it.

Re: More Important Than the HMH Debate
 

No doubt. I am only mentioning the denomination because that is my primary exposure.

Re: More Important Than the HMH Debate
 

gotcha... :thumbsup

Re: Anything More Important Than the HMH Debate?
 

I agree with you Hoovie.

For some, however, I think the whole woman's hair thing has become one of the key points in defining the radical sectarianism. People have been aggressively pushing this sectarian agenda ever since the merger and the sectarian extremists have had the upper hand.

Re: Anything More Important Than the HMH Debate?
 

Hoovie,

It is clear you have "gone charismatic". I was reared UPC and we were always right and everybody else was always wrong.

My favorite boegyman was how we would proclaim that trinitarians were just stuck in their traditions, living their parents and grandparents religion, when in fact no group of people has ever been more bound to traditions than UPC folks.

Re: Anything More Important Than the HMH Debate?
 

I see the HMH issue as a means actually of an "us vs them" mindset.

It says "Our women are speshul, yours are not. Ladies you are speshul, stay in the boat or you'll lose the glory of God". Not only does it contribute to sectarianism but it's being used as coercion to reinforce the uncut hair doctrine and create a momma's boy church

Re: Anything More Important Than the HMH Debate?
 

My mind goes to one of my daughters - ten yr old... yesterday she shared with us that she is being considered for a church "club" and was going to give a speech to try and "get in". She asked if she could practice on us and we agreed. She first listed all the qualities, service and talents she brought with her... then ended it by saying... "Just in case this has not convinced you... may I remind you Jesus instructs you to love everyone. Not letting me in your club would not be showing me love would it?" :ursofunny

They let her in!

Re: Anything More Important Than the HMH Debate?
 

This has been my experience as well. It's certainly nothing new.

Re: Anything More Important Than the HMH Debate?
 

That it's been that way for many in recent decades, does not make it any less harmful or without the need for reform.