[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Socialite

AWB (and MB) and people like that young man is frequently used as fear trophies to keep other's "on the inside" from thinking, to not consider life outside of the bubble they are stuck in. "If you do, you'll end up like them."

Perhaps they are, but this was my personal observation of a friend; it wasn't presented in a sermon. I'm not using him as a "fear trophy"; I'm exploring the reasons for such events, and I find it incredibly sad that he couldn't survive outside of the environment he was used to.

Many do stumble. Some because their heart was never right. Others because they are showing their spiritual immaturity. Some eventually find their feet, others never make it back home. That should never be used to justify legalism. If anything, it should make one view legalism with more contempt. Late-term abortion type contempt.

Paul "justified legalism" in some cases and instructed those who felt more liberty to be careful of those who had weaknesses.

I Corinthians 8:7-13 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. ...But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. ...But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. ...And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? ...But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.