Vince Larson Apology - Blessing & Cursing

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Cindy

Yep, and reminds me of a few people.
It's a mentality of, I am going to post my opinion and if it hurts or offends someone, it's their problem not mine. Or I am not responsible how others view and use MY words.

I guess we have all lacked wisdom at one time or another and have been in the same spot as VL. But he sure can pen an apt defense and apology!

It appears there are folks, Emergers, who are challenging every thing that they have ever been taught sort of like the "rebellion" of the Reformers of the past against the RCC. If just a little false doctrine is taught as truth, the subsequent generations will search it out and feel betrayed when they realize a tradition they have been taught and held sacred is not found in the Bible. And then some of these will push the evelope and attack everything they once believed.

My difficulty with this is I'm a first generation Oneness Pentecostal. I don't feel the drag of tradition. I don't agree with things I hear and see but I don't strive to knock down others traditions with the vengeance that some folks on here do. I believe there is "a more excellent way" to go about these things....with love and prayer.

[Innocuous]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

RR, I read his post again because of your response. There is an apology in there for hurting those close to him. But you're right, there is a martyr's defence in there as well and a condemnation toward others. It's an interesting post because it's a mix of many things.

And? So what? As someone else mentioned when people stand up for what they believe it's bound to offend somebody. I read the original post as well as his 'apology' and I didn't perceive any sort of malice in ieither of them. He was speaking prophetically and from the heart. If his folks can't handle it then so what? His deddy spoke pretty forcefully from the pulpit when he was my pastor, so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Why shouldn't Vince do the same about what God has put in his heart? I don't think any apology is necessary and I'm sorry he did apologize. If he's under fire from people in the org then it's an indictment on the org, not on him. Their reactions reveal their dysfunction. My prayer for years is that a UPC blue blood kid would stand up and speak the truth in the UPC and become the lightning rod and catalyst for change in the UPC. I hope he sticks it out and weathers the storm and sticks to his guns. I suspect that there are legions of young guys out there willing to stand behind him if they'll just grow a couple of brass ones and be men of God and stand by their convictions. Fresh movements of God are always preceeded by young men 'rebelling' against their entrenched elders. It's not rebellion, it's visionary and prophetic leadership driven by a passion for the work of God. I say "Keep it up Vinnie! You're doing a good job!".

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Innocuous

And? So what? As someone else mentioned when people stand up for what they believe it's bound to offend somebody. I read the original post as well as his 'apology' and I didn't perceive any sort of malice in ieither of them. He was speaking prophetically and from the heart. If his folks can't handle it then so what? His deddy spoke pretty forcefully from the pulpit when he was my pastor, so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Why shouldn't Vince do the same about what God has put in his heart? I don't think any apology is necessary and I'm sorry he did apologize. If he's under fire from people in the org then it's an indictment on the org, not on him. Their reactions reveal their dysfunction. My prayer for years is that a UPC blue blood kid would stand up and speak the truth in the UPC and become the lightning rod and catalyst for change in the UPC. I hope he sticks it out and weathers the storm and sticks to his guns. I suspect that there are legions of young guys out there willing to stand behind him if they'll just grow a couple of brass ones and be men of God and stand by their convictions. Fresh movements of God are always preceeded by young men 'rebelling' against their entrenched elders. It's not rebellion, it's visionary and prophetic leadership driven by a passion for the work of God. I say "Keep it up Vinnie! You're doing a good job!".

I didn't attribute malice to anyone.

VL didn't apologize for what he believed. He apologized to those who may have been hurt by what he posted on his blog. He also explained that not everything on his blog reflects what he truly believes but he was testing the waters so to speak.

Anyways that's the way I understood him. He also likened himself to Christ and defended himself (played the martyr) against us... those who might discuss his words that he posted on a public blog.

But when these kind of words are carried from their safe place of rest and marched into the town square for a public hearing, it's no wonder why they can cause drama, riot & frenzy. "The person is rational, people are not." The mob can create an energy that builds a tower or destroys a city. The mob tears and pulls and yells 'crucify him!' The mob can be very destructive.

Just as my words on issues were a blessing to some & a cursing to others, so I have now been blessed & cursed. But my words were spoken towards issues (I never mentioned names in my writings of frustration - it is not in me to defame people or destroy ministries, whether or not I agree with them). My goal was debating topics, approaches to scripture, and getting feedback.

I got plenty of feedback.

What is sad to me is the fact that people can say all manner of things against others, without addressing their words or even responding directly to their blogs. They can sneak in through the window & kidnap your words out of their bed. They can attack others in their gardens of solitude and march them into the court for an illegal trial at night. The nature of the Pharisee has not changed much, just the masks they wear. They can be ruthless, tactless, and gutless as ever. They will never learn - it's in their nature.

Now were all the posts in response to VL's blog about VL? or were they more about LS and HMH?

[MissBrattified]

Personally, I am not a fan of those who arrange for the punishment of others, either in secret or in the open. I just don't see it as necessary, to put it mildly.

However, I was one who was not a fan of the blog [entry]. (One of the ones that was shared here.) I didn't misinterpret it, nor did I go into a "frenzy." My first thought was that the usage of words was unnecessary to make the point, and my second thought was, "I hope he doesn't [inadvertently] embarrass his parents or cause them pain."

Even as an adult, I am still very conscious of where my parents stood, where my mother still stands, and what offends her, or would cause her embarrassment on my behalf.

Sure, in this day of free thought, free expression, blogs, facebook, forums, etc., you would think our "self-expression" would be something we alone would answer for, and no one else. Unfortunately it still isn't the case. Our words matter, they affect people, and people we love are often held accountable for what they didn't say themselves.

So I do empathize with the fact that you were just "expressing" and perhaps didn't think it through any further than that, but from one PK to another--you should think things through better than that.

Just my 2 cents, no frenzy, no misinterpretation

[Blsdbeyondmsure]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Personally, I am not a fan of those who arrange for the punishment of others, either in secret or in the open. I just don't see it as necessary, to put it mildly.

However, I was one who was not a fan of the blog [entry]. (One of the ones that was shared here.) I didn't misinterpret it, nor did I go into a "frenzy." My first thought was that the usage of words was unnecessary to make the point, and my second thought was, "I hope he doesn't [inadvertently] embarrass his parents or cause them pain."

Even as an adult, I am still very conscious of where my parents stood, where my mother still stands, and what offends her, or would cause her embarrassment on my behalf.

Sure, in this day of free thought, free expression, blogs, facebook, forums, etc., you would think our "self-expression" would be something we alone would answer for, and no one else. Unfortunately it still isn't the case. Our words matter, they affect people, and people we love are often held accountable for what they didn't say themselves.

So I do empathize with the fact that you were just "expressing" and perhaps didn't think it through any further than that, but from one PK to another--you should think things through better than that.

Just my 2 cents, no frenzy, no misinterpretation

Good post, Miss Bratt! I didn't read the blog in question so I can't comment regarding misinterpretation, a frenzy or whatever. However, I'm a PK as well and what you've stated resonates with me. Even as an adult, I respect my parents too much to post my views that may contradict their opinions and convictions. I have no idea who lurks here. I wouldn't want to be responsible for stirring up confusion, strife, or trouble because I choose to exercise my right to free expression.

That doesn't mean I am not following God's direction in my life. There's a respectful, private way to accomplish the same thing.

[deltaguitar]

Well, . . . you can't serve two masters. In the end does following after God and convictions matter more than heritage and family. When you decide to make that clean break with those who only have their interest in mind there will be a great peace.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by deltaguitar

Well, . . . you can't serve two masters. In the end does following after God and convictions matter more than heritage and family. When you decide to make that clean break with those who only have their interest in mind there will be a great peace.

It's unreasonable to assume that heritage and family are always at odds with following after God and convictions. Especially when you have a godly heritage and family.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

It's unreasonable to assume that heritage and family are always at odds with following after God and convictions. Especially when you have a godly heritage and family.

Not always, I agree ... I think DG would agree. But it makes it very complicated. Many layers. DG is very well acquainted with this dilemma based on his own personal experiences.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Not always, I agree ... I think DG would agree. But it makes it very complicated. Many layers. DG is very well acquainted with this dilemma based on his own personal experiences.

I understand the dilemma of being authentic and being your own "version" of Christianity sans parental apron strings. I understand trying to "break free." I understand trying to be provocative without being shocking. I get it.

But unfortunately human nature has to be taken into account, and either provided for, or its onslaught prepared and ready for.

[EA]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

It's unreasonable to assume that heritage and family are always at odds with following after God and convictions. Especially when you have a godly heritage and family.

Side note:

Why did God want Abram to separate himself from Terah (Abram's father)? Why did He want him to leave Ur?

Surely God could have done a great work through Abram in Ur?