doctrine Archives » Stanton Blog

23 June

The need for “Pure Doctrine”

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:09:32-06:00June 23rd, 2014|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Many people can attest to the fact that the church has taught for years that doctrine must be "pure" for it to lead one to salvation. If a person believes impure doctrine, even if it's 99% right, Stanton says they will not be saved. "They can be teaching everything 99% correct, but if salvation is not taught correctly then sin is not forgiven and you are not added to the church of Christ." Source: http://whatisthedoctrineofchrist.blogspot.com/2012/05/church-of-christ.html This is not a straw man that I'm trying to set up in order to smack down easily. This Doctrine of Pure Doctrine is a staple of church teaching, as just about anyone who has spent any time in the group can attest, and it is used to deny that the [...]

5 March

The doctrine on doctrine

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:09:23-06:00March 5th, 2014|Uncategorized|14 Comments

March Week 2014 delegates: Reaching what you believe to be wise conclusions on the questions you're considering is great. But don't heap error upon error and proceed to bind your opinions, no matter how wise you think they are, on others. This is no different than the Pharisees "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." doc·trine: a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true teaching, instruction something that is taught Perhaps it's time to consider the Bible's doctrine on doctrine. Before we can teach anything, we should give thought to what can and can't be taught, right? What the Bible teaches about teaching should be what we teach about teaching, should it not? "Doctrine" as used in the Bible [...]

12 September

Don’t speak where the Bible’s silent

By Kevin|2019-04-30T09:59:24-06:00September 12th, 2013|Uncategorized|2 Comments

To speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where it's silent has long been my motto, but I have not always lived up to it. Like many reformation denominations, which with one mouth subscribe to the Nicene Creed, and with another mouth sing a different tune, I too have given lip service to my motto without being true to its ideals. The motto, I believe, is a good one. If the Bible speaks on an issue, I ought to speak where it speaks, always in love, of course. But the truly hard part is remaining silent when the Bible is silent. That goes against every ounce of our human nature. We want to have an opinion on everything, and as humans, we love to [...]

12 August

Rules for marital sex

By Kevin|2019-09-26T10:46:06-06:00August 12th, 2013|Uncategorized|118 Comments

This is a subject I intend to handle with as much tact as possible, but I make no apology for treating the subject boldly as well as 100% scripturally. It is important to speak the truth on this, because the oppressive reach of church teaching extends even into the sacred realm of the marriage bed, which Paul declares to be "undefiled." The church leaves no sacred cows, so unfortunately, neither can we. I believe sex within marriage to be a gift of God, and something to be enjoyed without guilt or shame. The teachings of the church on sex seem to start with the premise that it is dirty and shameful; hence rules such as abstaining on Saturday night. In one instance, a woman was [...]

7 August

When are rules not rules?

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:08:19-06:00August 7th, 2013|Uncategorized|141 Comments

It's hard to avoid talking in circles when discussing doctrines with members of the church, simply because words don't mean what we would expect them to mean. Thus, the conversation goes in circles, because the meaning of words keeps shifting. A case in point was a recent conversation about rules. It was denied emphatically that the church had extra-Biblical rules. I asked if church members were allowed to have Facebook accounts. There was a long pause. "There is no rule against it, but it's taught against." So how exactly does that work? Does the word "rule" mean something different to them than to me? If I, as a person of authority in my household, instruct my kids not to have a Facebook account, that's a [...]

"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

“But men cannot give up their opinions, and therefore, they can never unite, says one. We do not ask them to give up their opinions–we ask them only not to impose them upon others. Let them hold their opinions, but let them hold them as private property. The faith is public property; opinions are, and always have been private property. Men have foolishly attempted to make the deductions of some great minds the common measure of all Christians. Hence the deductions of a Luther, and a Calvin, and a Wesley, have been the rule and measure of all who coalesce under the names of these leaders. It is cruel to excommunicate a man because of the imbecility of his intellect.” Alexander Campbell

“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

Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 5, and final The women have been trained that their opinions, carefully cultivated by propaganda, are to be always respected or that's some kind of "abuse," which is one of the most subjective wo…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 4 Let us always remember what Solomon said about brawling and contentious women in Proverbs 21. He is talking about every woman who raises her hand and shares in a Bible class in Stanton. Thank y…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 3 And when the women are allowed to speak in church, they now weaken and emasculate every man in the church. Because a righteous man CANNOT AND WILL NOT respect a man who is controlled by his wif…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 2 You know the vast majority of the women in Stanton, especially the ones with college degrees, and the ones who revere Merie, and often the single women, who were never properly taught, will rev…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 1 Any time you disagree with the leadership in Stanton, you will hear the furious rebukes about "Humble yourselves and receive instruction." Should a man heed and obey those who God has placed ov…
Craig Cusick on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Hi Lynn, I’m doing great!! Thank you very much. Life has never been better since I stopped attending functions of Merie’s cult. Kicking myself for 20 wasted years being around such a corrupt people fi…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?From Akzed on Gab. Profound comment. “True, it’s not about knowledge though but intelligence. The smarter someone is, the more doubt he experiences, according to Dunning-Kreuger, because of his awaren…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Parts 3 & 4 Stanton is straining at the gnats of sexual sins that EVERY MAN IN STANTON HAS COMMITTED AT SOME POINT IN HIS LIFE, LIKELY ENOUGH, while swallowing the camels of women speaking in the…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 2/4.
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 2 won’t post, so will take pictures. There are four, so four posts will be necessary.
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Did you know Jews were instrumental in the popularity of comic books and are responsible for Batman, Superman, Captain America, MAD magazine, and many more comics? Every…..Single…..Time It’s no cohenc…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?There are far bigger issues that need to be addressed other than women in Stanton rebelling against God’s commands for them for 50 years. However, danger rarely can be confronted when wives refuse to…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 1, as the entire post was apparently too long, and wouldn’t post. Part 2 will come on Friday. Many teachers in Stanton use the tactic of justifying any church discipline they take, ranging from r…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?According to Stanton, Acts 2:38 means you must be baptized for the remission of your sins. [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?A historical tour guide at the original California State Capital of Benicia becomes irate over the fact that Talmudic Jews control the world. A good friend had invited me for lunch in the lovely city…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?What a beautiful post on Gab. For anyone who is on social media, Gab is the best social media out there, though it has infiltrators as well. It’s the only media that doesn’t censor criticism of small…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?I will always be grateful for the women in Stanton who raised me. They did a fabulous job. It seems a paradox. TD, how can you oppose women speaking in the church yet be grateful for the women who rai…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?How can a church obey God when women are in leadership positions and speaking publicly? The sad fact is it can’t. You can’t have women disobeying God’s order to be silent in the church, and spineless…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Can’t post the link, but this was posted by a telegram account, “The Catholic State” It’s true. It’s for the men who see Jewish treachery, but since Merie, paid by a Jew, taught non-violence and women…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Who controls the media that we were all exposed to from our birth? Same people pushing feminism and the idea that women are equal to men in roles. Funny, when you Google “women speaking in church,” we…