Meaning that some people thrive on only pointinig out flaws. Some see lemons; others see lemonade. Some see the good in the UPCI; some only see the bad.
thrive:
1 : to grow vigorously : flourish
2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper
3 : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances —often used with on<thrives on conflict>
So your inferring that those who share their experience within any organization do so to flourish or prosper or to realize their goal? You may be right if their goal is to heal. Sometimes we have to have confrontation to heal.
May I suggest a book about religious addiction. Breaking The Chains by Father Leo Booth (and no he isnt Catholic, he is Episcopalian). One might gain insight into others hurts.
This is true. And some see it as it is and choose to follow the admonition of "whatosever things are lovely, honest, of a good report, etc.
It is not that the other things do not exist as they obviously do. But to continue to focus on those serves no good purpose. Especially if one's view is so linear as to consistently only ascribe such failings to one particular organization.
thrive:
1 : to grow vigorously : flourish
2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper
3 : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances —often used with on<thrives on conflict>
So your inferring that those who share their experience within any organization do so to flourish or prosper or to realize their goal? You may be right if their goal is to heal. Sometimes we have to have confrontation to heal.
May I suggest a book about religious addiction. Breaking The Chains by Father Leo Booth (and no he isnt Catholic, he is Episcopalian). One might gain insight into others hurts.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to be lectured about others hurts in this venue. Yes, people have been hurt. But to really heal one has to realize many wounds are also self-inflicted. But you will rarely hear any of these folks admit to the errors they made that aggravated the situation.
And you have to want to be healed in order to be healed. When one continually comes back to pointing out the hurts they suffered and the failing they have seen, then yes, I believe they are thriving on such things. They cannot live without the being able to point to the scars of being wounded. I would rather point to the scars of healing. Just me, I reckon.
How did the first church advance so quickly without "organizations"? In my opinion, I think organizations are a bit worldly. They cost way too much money, take far too much precious time, hinder individual pastors from following the Holy Ghost in local issues facing their local assembly, and seek to perpetuate their existance for the sake of those making a living through the organization. I think it would do the church good to get back to Bible basics. Today's "services" are more like concerts followed by a religious self help seminar. The church in the Bible met in homes, prayed and studied the Scriptures in small groups, and served their neighbors. They spread like wild fire. I think modern "church" is more like a "show". Add in how families suffer from being "over churched" and the situation is toxic. Just my personal opinion.
IMO and IME, all this complaining about complaining kind of begs the question, doesn't it? I mean, sure, every denomination has its problems. But what if (just asking) the UPC, and perhaps other Apostolic fellowships, has a much higher than average number of, say, abusive and overbearing pastors? You have to admit, it does seem to be targeted by ex-members more than a lot of other denominations (far as I know). Maybe there's a reason, and maybe instead of bashing the bashers, the UPC could look into the reason behind it, and fix things. Just sayin'.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
All this complaining about complaining kind of begs the question, doesn't it? I mean, sure, every denomination has its problems. But what if (just asking) the UPC, and perhaps other Apostolic fellowships, has a much higher than average number of, say, abusive and overbearing pastors? You have to admit, it does seem to be targeted by ex-members more than a lot of other denominations (far as I know). Maybe there's a reason, and maybe instead of bashing the bashers, the UPC could look into the reason behind it, and fix things. Just sayin'.
Please add IMO and in my experience, so everyone knows you aren't speaking of all of UPC and it's just your opinion.
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Master of Science in Applied Disgruntled Religious Theorist Wrangling
PhD in Petulant Tantrum Quelling
Dean of the School of Hard Knocks
I have neither the time nor the inclination to be lectured about others hurts in this venue. Yes, people have been hurt. But to really heal one has to realize many wounds are also self-inflicted. But you will rarely hear any of these folks admit to the errors they made that aggravated the situation.
And you have to want to be healed in order to be healed. When one continually comes back to pointing out the hurts they suffered and the failing they have seen, then yes, I believe they are thriving on such things. They cannot live without the being able to point to the scars of being wounded. I would rather point to the scars of healing. Just me, I reckon.
Who is lecturing here?...
I just made an observation and a suggestion.
I am a huge proponent of one owning their own "stuff". I had to do that to obtain and maintain my sobriety. But, I also know that people get wounded by no fault of their own. Sometimes people blame for years, finally
moving them to the point of action and healing. I was just implying that people are just where they are and just stopping a behaviour (complaining) does not bring about healing.
I was "used" by the denomination I grew up in. I " blamed" them for many years until I realized that I needed to take responsibility for my own life. Only then did the healing start to take place. Luckily, I had many good friends who lovingly listened to me complain for years .
We have to remember that denial is not a conscious act. People really believe what they really believe.
Blessings
IMO and IME, all this complaining about complaining kind of begs the question, doesn't it? I mean, sure, every denomination has its problems. But what if (just asking) the UPC, and perhaps other Apostolic fellowships, has a much higher than average number of, say, abusive and overbearing pastors? You have to admit, it does seem to be targeted by ex-members more than a lot of other denominations (far as I know). Maybe there's a reason, and maybe instead of bashing the bashers, the UPC could look into the reason behind it, and fix things. Just sayin'.
LOL - love it!
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Master of Science in Applied Disgruntled Religious Theorist Wrangling
PhD in Petulant Tantrum Quelling
Dean of the School of Hard Knocks
I have neither the time nor the inclination to be lectured about others hurts in this venue. Yes, people have been hurt. But to really heal one has to realize many wounds are also self-inflicted. But you will rarely hear any of these folks admit to the errors they made that aggravated the situation.
And you have to want to be healed in order to be healed. When one continually comes back to pointing out the hurts they suffered and the failing they have seen, then yes, I believe they are thriving on such things. They cannot live without the being able to point to the scars of being wounded. I would rather point to the scars of healing. Just me, I reckon.
Sometimes, the wounds are too deep to simply glance over with a quck cliche.
Although I agree that hurting people often aggravate their own pain, I know personally that it is healthy to find an outlet to express the hurt and pain.
The hurting has to be able to separate their past hurt from their current reality-- resisting the impulse to lash out at others who had nothing to do with the offense.
Those who have hurting people around them should listen to the hurting, looking for the opportunity to help the hurting to heal.
If one is not interested in helping the hurting to heal, then the could be helper's heart is not right.
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"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."