For those not for the UPCI, what org and why?

[Chateau d'If]

Although I spent most of my life in the United Pentecostal Church International I am not affiliated with any denomination. At this point in my life joining another organization is almost unthinkable. In fact, my experiences within the UPCI seared my heart to the point where I no longer have a desire to self-identify as Apostolic or Pentecostal.

I find the line of questioning in this thread interesting. Why do you want to know our affiliation?

Increasingly, Americans refuse to identify with any denomination. I empathize with their unwillingness.

The UPCI is a cult. Many posters will balk at that statement but it's true. The posters who object to that label will tout their freedoms and the manner in which their pastor differs from the stated positions of the organization. Unfortunately they do not realize that if their pastor does disagree with the bylaws of the organization he makes himself a liar by signing oaths to the contrary.

There are two choices, disagree and live a lie or come into full compliance. Either way the end result is that the movement is monolithic. Spiritual abuse is a rampant hallmark of its past and present.

I am thankful for the circumstances which led me to leave the movement. Life is much more peaceful, joyful and meaningful.

[houston]

Originally Posted by Chateau d'If

Although I spent most of my life in the United Pentecostal Church International I am not affiliated with any denomination. At this point in my life joining another organization is almost unthinkable. In fact, my experiences within the UPCI seared my heart to the point where I no longer have a desire to self-identify as Apostolic or Pentecostal.

I find the line of questioning in this thread interesting. Why do you want to know our affiliation?

Increasingly, Americans refuse to identify with any denomination. I empathize with their unwillingness.

The UPCI is a cult. Many posters will balk at that statement but it's true. The posters who object to that label will tout their freedoms and the manner in which their pastor differs from the stated positions of the organization. Unfortunately they do not realize that if their pastor does disagree with the bylaws of the organization he makes himself a liar by signing oaths to the contrary.

There are two choices, disagree and live a lie or come into full compliance. Either way the end result is that the movement is monolithic. Spiritual abuse is a rampant hallmark of its past and present.

I am thankful for the circumstances which led me to leave the movement. Life is much more peaceful, joyful and meaningful.

Well stated. Bless you...

[Ferd]

Buncha blather

[Titus2woman]

What I am hearing you say is that the UPCI is controlling and you desire and appreciate that as it fills a need in your life and helps you to accomplish things that you believe you are failing at on your own. I think that is reasonable and that perhaps many of us at one time or another may have used the standards of the UPCI for that whether consciously or not.

We have made every attempt to become more God-reliant and less self reliant or church reliant. That is now what is working for us but we've come through many things on our way here.

Stay prayerful and press on where God leads you. Never sear your conscience to stay with ANY group or org. and you should be fine.

For us personally, home-church seem to be working really well right now but we are always open to God's leading.

[houston]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

What I am hearing you say is that the UPCI is controlling and you desire and appreciate that as it fills a need in your life and helps you to accomplish things that you believe you are failing at on your own. I think that is reasonable and that perhaps many of us at one time or another may have used the standards of the UPCI for that whether consciously or not.

We have made every attempt to become more God-reliant and less self reliant or church reliant. That is now what is working for us but we've come through many things on our way here.

Stay prayerful and press on where God leads you. Never sear your conscience to stay with ANY group or org. and you should be fine.

For us personally, home-church seem to be working really well right now but we are always open to God's leading.

Well stated. Bless you...

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by Ferd

Buncha blather

Dear Ferd anything that does not conform to your ideas is a buncha blather, only your words are full of wisdom, allow me to bow down in humility before you. I am overpowered by your great and magnificent wise counsel rather than the buncha blather from everyone else.

[NewbieMisfits]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

What I am hearing you say is that the UPCI is controlling and you desire and appreciate that as it fills a need in your life and helps you to accomplish things that you believe you are failing at on your own. I think that is reasonable and that perhaps many of us at one time or another may have used the standards of the UPCI for that whether consciously or not.

We have made every attempt to become more God-reliant and less self reliant or church reliant. That is now what is working for us but we've come through many things on our way here.

Stay prayerful and press on where God leads you. Never sear your conscience to stay with ANY group or org. and you should be fine.

For us personally, home-church seem to be working really well right now but we are always open to God's leading.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Chateau d'If

The UPCI is a cult. Many posters will balk at that statement but it's true.

Good grief.

[Chateau d'If]

Originally Posted by Ferd

Buncha blather

Originally Posted by n david

Good grief.

Thank you for your detailed responses.

[NewbieMisfits]

Originally Posted by n david

Good grief.

I can see a single Church being a cult, but not that large of an org as the UPC.


but again I ask.... what is so wrong with a given cult? Yes... sometimes it can be a bad thing, and we've all been subject to only negative propaganda in the media, no list needed...

but again, what's so wrong a a cult in of itself being a cult...

take a single Church that would agreeably be a cult. Yes, they might have rules & standards that seem crazy, they might require certain things from you.... but... if they are preaching the true gospel, and it works for some that otherwise would not have found such truth... does the smaller details make it a bad thing simply because it's a bad thing for you? Lets not forget that for it to work, these bad things to you must be good things to others.

In the end, who are we to judge?

* I am speaking in general, yes we can all label & list known cults and their downfalls, but I'm simply stating that always saying any cult must be a bad thing is about the same as racism.... only in religion


When taking the definition of a cult...
The word cult in current popular usage is a pejorative term for a new religious movement[1] or other group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre by the larger society.[2]
^^^ Ok, sure the UPC would be a cult...

But then this definition also taken....
In the 1930s cults became the object of sociological study in the context of the study of religious behavior.[5] They have been criticized by mainstream Christians for their unorthodox beliefs.
^^^ SO they are a bad thing based on "mainstream Christians" HA, the way I see it, mainstream Christians are "the bad thing"! I'll take my cult