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No, Jesus didn’t come to divide households. Not even close.
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No, Jesus didn’t come to divide households. Not even close.

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19 June

No, Jesus didn’t come to divide households. Not even close.

By Kevin|2019-04-11T06:16:05-06:00June 19th, 2017|Uncategorized|21 Comments

One of the most powerful rhetorical devices to rally the troops around the church's flag has been its language of martyrdom. Everyone is out to get them, and they love to talk up how much they're hated and persecuted by "the world" and their non-SCOC family members. But at least they know to expect and prepare for this kind of unfair treatment; Jesus predicted it, didn't he? Matthew 10:34-36 - Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own [...]

Striking at the root of the tree: The hypocrisy of Merie’s withdrawal
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Striking at the root of the tree: The hypocrisy of Merie’s withdrawal

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28 September

Striking at the root of the tree: The hypocrisy of Merie’s withdrawal

By Kevin|2019-04-11T06:40:30-06:00September 28th, 2016|Uncategorized|42 Comments

If I were to ask one question of Stanton members, it would be this: Did Merie ever make herself right from her withdrawal for sowing seeds of discord and causing division? Here is her letter of withdrawal from 1958. (Mainline churches actually leave a paper trail for their disciplinary actions, unlike Stanton COC, which prefers to keep its business under the cover of secrecy.) To me, this is the question that strikes at the root of the tree of the Stanton sect. According to Merie's own teaching, the mainline churches didn't "lose the candlestick" until sometime in the mid-70's. This means her withdrawal was put into place by a church that even she recognized. Now remember that by Stanton COC teachings, even unjust withdrawals need to [...]

26 August

Speaking the same thing

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:08:44-06:00August 26th, 2013|Uncategorized|11 Comments

I have never seen a group misapply 1 Corinthians 1 about "speaking the same thing" so radically as this church does, and with such devastating results to freedom of conscience and congregational autonomy. "Older ones" get sent as delegates to what amounts to the Church of Christ Convention (not unlike the Baptist Convention). We typically call this May Week, or May Meeting, or sometimes March Week. Stanton discusses and debates petty matters of conscience, and returns with "new understandings" for the congregations to adopt. In a national game of follow the leader, the congregations do so, posthaste, as good followers do. This charade of unity-keeping is performed under the guise of living up to Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 1:10 to "speak the same thing." But [...]

10 July

What is a sect?

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:07:55-06:00July 10th, 2013|Uncategorized|18 Comments

Members of the Stanton Churches of Christ will not like my use of the term "sect," and I assure you, it's not meant to be hurtful or derogatory. Here is the definition: a dissenting or schismatic religious body; especially : one regarded as extreme or hereticala religious denomination a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader party faction I think any fair-minded person would have to agree that all of these definitions apply. They were founded based on Merie Weiss's dissenting views from the mainstream Churches of Christ in the late 60's and early 70's. As such they became a schism when she broke away and formed her own distinctive church body or "fellowship." They adhere to a distinctive set of doctrines [...]

"This needed to be said Kevin, thank you. I believe you are getting to heart of the problem in the church. Instead of a Christian being allowed to exercise their own conscience, the conscience of a few people living in South Carolina and California is forced upon the entire brotherhood." ~Anonymous

"Great blog, Kevin. I'm originally from Stanton (I remember you being a young boy there). I Spent almost twenty years in the church seeing many of the things you speak about but keeping them in the back of my mind, and doubting my own feelings that something wasn't right.

"This constant gossiping was so confusing because it was OK for teachers to talk about people, but no one else to even question actions of a teacher. Being outside of that influence and away from the constant intimidation, it is so much more clear. There was no love or understanding. I'm sure most, except for the leaders, know something is wrong if they would just be honest with themselves. I regret so much putting my children through this more than I regret putting myself through it.

"I'm just glad I left. No need for being bitter toward anyone because it was my choice to be there and stay there. Keep up the good work." ~Loraine Forshee

I have read every word of this blog… I spent many hours/days reading… Feeling so sick inside… I felt so grateful to find this blog." ~Anonymous

"I left the group because I realized that what the group taught and what God teaches were often-not always-vastly different. I had to make a choice; stay out of fear, obligation, because of relationships, or leave so I could continue to follow Christ. I left. You know, one thing I heard A LOT while in the group is that “fallen away ones” are always longing to come back into the group.” At the time I believed it, but I just haven’t found it to be true! If it were, there would be plenty of people flocking back, and it isn’t happening. I have been in contact with quite a few who have left, and not one of us has thoughts about going back. Ever." ~Debby Stevens

"What’s ironic is that we point these things out to them only for them to ignore, dismiss and scoff at the blog both publicly in talks or sermons, and among themselves in secret. For you leaders and members of the SCOC who still read this blog, it’s one thing to dismiss the dissenters, but when you have people in your own ranks parroting the SAME EXACT PROBLEMS we talk about here (some of whom don’t even read the blog yet they see the same things we do), it may be time to consider your ways instead of having “unity” (conformity) meetings trying to ignore it." ~Advocate for Peace

"I too am a current member in 'good standing' in the church. I read the blog and I know of two other current members who also read it. I am sure you're wondering why in the world I would still be attending after reading all of this. Honestly, I am weak and just don't have the courage to leave because of family members who are still involved. Because of the threat of withdrawal for murmuring it's impossible to ask others what they think of the blog posts and videos. I am sure I will leave someday, I'm just not quite ready." ~Anonymous

"I'm currently a member in "good standing" in the church. I read the blog, even though its frowned upon. I can't begin to tell you how closely the comments and personal testimonies align and match what's happening in the church. You read something here, and it opens your eyes to that behavior now. so that when you see it happening, you instantly think about who it happened to here on this blog, and you know the damage it causing." ~Anonymous

"I’m not giving up on God like they believe I’m lost now. I’m so glad I found this blog. It helped open my eyes to what I was a part of for TOO long." ~Not going back

“The members of the church have a right to question and ask for Bible answers from those who are doing the preaching. But this is considered almost tantamount to heresy by the preachers of today; and if a member persists in such he is usually slandered and called a trouble-maker… We should know our Bible and we should be ready and willing to take a stand for the truth. We are commanded to ‘contend for the truth.’ But this can hardly be done seeing that the church is ignorant and the preachers are content to have it so. Individually and collectively we should take scriptural stands upon all subjects…” Merie Weiss (Brethren Letter, 1967) More Merie Quotes

“I blush for my fellows who hold up the Bible as the bond of union, yet make their opinions of it a test of fellowship; who plead for union of all Christians, yet refuse to fellowship with such as dissent from their notions. Vain men! Their zeal is not according to knowledge, nor is their spirit that of Christ. Such antisectarian-sectarians are doing more mischief to the cause and advancement of truth, the unity of Christians, and the salvation of the world, than all the skeptics in the world. In fact, they create skeptics.” Barton Stone

“If you can’t counter it in your heart, you will be affected. A lot of people say, ‘Gary you’re just trying to censor people from their God-given right to look at whatever it is that they’re going to look at.’ Go ahead and look at it. But I can only say to you, be admonished, and be well-versed. If you’re not having the ability to counter whatever it is that comes your way. Or all of a sudden someone comes and says something, and it hooks you in, you’re lured in with hook, line, and sinker, you have no one to thank but yourself. Our admonition is not to forbid anyone from doing anything, unless it’s a sin.” Gary Preman

Brother hams on Why I care about politics and cultureNon class churches of christ arethe best espically when they pay their preachers
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureHundreds of comments ago you were pushing the standard “Blacks are victimized” narrative, that the media and schools has been lying about for over a century. Not going back to pull it up. You’ve alrea…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureThe Bible never specifies how many children Solomon had. What persuaded you he had 14? Highly unlikely Solomon didn’t touch many of his wives. Pretty sure he didn’t have them for decoration, they were…
anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureAs far as Solomon, he had only fourteen children and with no birth control at that time it could be assumed that he never touched many of his wives, they were simply "trophy wives" and as such they wo…
anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureStill not understanding your racial hatred accusation, I never critiqued anyone on white privilege, nor black incarceration, you're out in left field on that one, never criticized anyone on physical f…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureConstructive criticism is fine. However, over a decade on here, you have demonstrated a pattern of non-stop criticism, likely what you endured in Stanton. And, the vast majority of your criticism is n…
anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureThank you for the attention. You post publicly your criticisms of your love interest not realizing that opens the door for everyone else to also criticize her publicly, what a great foundation to a re…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureJust received this book, can’t wait to read it. I heard the word “feminism” in a class by a woman sharing, about three times in my whole life in Stanton, once very recently. Unless this insidious evil…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and culture170,000,000!!!!!! And that was in 1995, 30 years after the civil rights act of 1965!! It's gotten much worse! Patrick Sheehan,?**! writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia, in 1995, wrote what…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureHow incredibly evil!! All of us who opposed masks and vaccines are vindicated, congratulations!! CDC Admits It Faked 99% of COVID Deaths To Scare Public Into Taking Vaccine Newly released data from th…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureI was pretty certain, if there was any criticism of my actions, you’d happily search hard to find it. Envy and jealousy simply can never rejoice in another’s good fortune. “Abusive husband” That’s a t…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureGetting angry over petty things at the outset is a red flag of a future abusive husband. In the initial stage the narcissist is supposed to love bomb their targeted by finding the targets deepest inse…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureMost marriages today are a world of hurt, admittedly. However, I control only three areas, my thoughts, my words, and my actions. Other than that, I have no control over anyone else, not even my fianc…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureYour in for a world of hurt. Women desire to be loved, men desire to be respected. You felt disrespected no doubt and reacted with anger instead of understanding. Your going to be tested and tried in…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureVery good, thank you for asking. What God has joined together, no man can break asunder. To find a woman willing to obey God and her husband, who is reasonably attractive, who is willing to homeschool…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureHow is your courtship going?
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureHow can a woman learn the role God designed for her in the church and marriage in a church started by Merie, who rebelled against God’s order that women stay silent in the churches? Short answer. They…
Non institutional One cupper on Why I care about politics and cultureAnd he is still apart of the church of Christ but the one he started right?
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureHe is living in Texas and is worshipping in a home with other believers. My advice would be to contact him through his instagram page if you would like more information.
Non institutional One cupper on Why I care about politics and cultureWhere is Joe worshiping