Things I Think…
Those lawsuits are attacking the doctrine of “autonomy”, the idea that affiliated churches are all independent and independent of an overarching governing body. The late Chuck Smith (or, more accurately, his lawyers) saw this coming ten years ago when he disbanded the disciplinary arm of Calvary Chapel (then called CCOF, “Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship”) because it incurred liability and he was “tired of paying for other fellows mistakes”. If the plaintiffs win, this will open the door to suits against both the Calvary Global Network and the Calvary Chapel Association as well as the SBC governing entities…
2. Ironically, with some Calvary Chapel churches now “dual affiliated” with the SBC, both groups could be named in lawsuits by plaintiffs from one church…Â
3. The reaction by some Calvary Chapel pastors to still support Potters Field Ministries makes one wonder what exactly “leaders” have to do to be considered disqualified by their peers. I promise you this, CC pastor…if you book the Rozells, I will you “feature” you prominently on this site…daily…
4. The sad reality is that Western church tradition is more concerned with the god of pragmatism than the God of the Bible…if you can draw a crowd then your “anointing” is more important than the fact that you may be an abusive cur. There is no recourse inside many of these churches for victims so the shame of the public court is all that’s left…
5. On a different note…as I go through the deconstruction and reconstruction of my faith I decided to review where I’ve already been. So, I decided to engage with Dr. J.I. Packers work on Scripture as I hadn’t read it in years. Although I’m not completely persuaded by his arguments, the clarity and force of them cannot be denied. The reason I note this is because although Packer is a devoted Anglican, he writes from a completely “evangelical” perspective on Scripture. The current notion that evangelicalism is nothing more than Trump supporters and hillbillies is dead wrong. There are some of both there…but there is a massive scholarship base as well that has and will continue to bless the church…
6. I’m also reminded to remind us that if you’re going to debate a topic, debate with the best the other side has to offer…anything else is a dishonest caricature…
7. In many of his works, Packer is addressing an unseen, (but very present) debating partner. He goes out of his way to present the opposing argument fairly and clearly and with great respect. Go and do likewise…
8. I have found that if you wrestle with Scripture… it will wrestle back…
9. The cultural trend that most disturbs me is the insertion of avocados where they do not belong. Keep those slimy things confined…
10. I have no intention of seeing “The Joker” movie. Isn’t life already disturbing enough?
There is no recourse inside many of these churches for victims so the shame of the public court is all thatâs leftâŠ
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I agree there is NO recourse and the shame part may convince some to change but my opinion is changing on this subject. I’m not sure it’s possible for some CC pastor’s that have manifested abuse to be shamed and more importantly repent after being shamed. I’ve given up on the leaders of this cult. Only God can convict these men of their evil especially when they have themselves convinced they have the mantle of Chuck who had the mantle of Moses.
“I promise you this, CC pastorâŠif you book the Rozells, I will you âfeatureâ you prominently on this siteâŠdaily⊔
Yes ! Name and shame them!
Michael, Iâm with you on all but #9. Avocados are delicious, versatile and healthy. Donât hate me.
CK,
No hate….Iâm a food ecumenist as long as I donât have to share in the food…avocados disgust me!
I have a hard time believing that any pastor would allows the Rozells within a mile of his church. Donât even come near my people, you cultish scum!
CK,
I have reports that many CC guys think the PFM scandal was no big deal and the creation of one rabid blogger…all I can say is that I wonât let go until justice is done…
#4 – i recall a high priest declaring that it was better that one should die than the whole nation… Is it better to kill the Faith of some than to cause the church to lose butts in the pews?
Is the bottom line (no pun intended) the contents of the collection plate?
Food for thought when Michael thinks…. again. ?
Nothing worse than a bad avocado but when they are good, they are the best. Avocados are my favorite food but it’s hard to find a consistent supplier that are of good quality. Many times I’ve had to throw out ones I just bought.
Can’t make a really good taco without mashed avocado – that said, i have two daughters who’d agree with Michael completely. It is a genetic abnormality… ?
Steve,
Try Aldi. The private German-owned grocery store chain consistently sells quality avocados at very good prices. In fact they are very competitive in several food categories.
Hi Jean,. I’ll give it a try. I have a Lidl that’s similar to Aldi that close as well. So far I’ve had decent luck at BJ’s. Believe it or not Trader Joe’s has been the worst. Wal-Mart is decent The avocados imported from Mexico seem to be good.
Steve would probably go to Acme to get his avocados so that he can then talk to his butcher with the MDiv. đ
Old inside joke for those who have no idea what I’m talking about. đ
But speaking of avocados, I must agree with Michael on this one. Especially when they are used to make snot….. I mean guacamole.
I love avocado toast.
We always shop at the local Grocery Outlet where they sell really good avocados for 3 for a dollar.
I had a friend who was proud of her ability to speak Spanish. She had gone to the local Mexican grocery store and couldn’t understand why the clerk didn’t understand her when she requested a case of avocados (“aguacates”). That’s because she told him she wanted a case of lawyers (“abogados”).
A prominent Australian thinker wrote that the young people at the next table in the cafe were eating “smashed avocado” (never heard of that before) and complaining that they could afford to buy a house. Since then, In Australian discourse, avocados stand for young people wasting their money. Though I have seen the same in foreign sources too, so unsure if it originated here. When I read #9, I was unsure if you were complaining about linguistic usage or the actual food.
Kevin,. Ever since the ACME went Purpose Driven and missional I don’t go as much. However, I did hear that Aldi and Lidl do have some of the better German Lutheran theologians on staff.?
The SBC Lawsuit is certainly one to watch since a ruling in the plaintiffs favor could have a ripple effect in many states especially in California.
This SBC lawsuit combined with California’s new Statute of limitations for sexual assault law could create some major liability for many churches who claim autonomy but have affiliation with a larger organization.
https://angelusnews.com/local/california/california-expands-statute-of-limitations-for-childhood-sex-abuse/
Perhaps its time to reevaluate whether affiliation to a certain brand makes sense.
Avocados are a super-food, akin to creamy advil.
Heartily agree re Packer and the Joker.
CCSanJose, led by Mike Maclure, removed PFM from their website. I hope not to see them return. Nothing was communicated to the laity, no surprise. That’s sad, as it could be a good witness. A few sermons and transparency about that whole debacle would be great, and edifying. As a parent, whom do I trust with my lambs? I’m not sure.
TNV,
I only allowed T to be where those in charge understood their legal obligation to protect him.
Thus, he has only gone to church with me…
Scripture will also pull your joints out of socket, so to speak.
Trying to avoid the hype, but I am keenly interested in the joker movie. After that Iâm going to watch Young Einstein. Theyâre only electrons, Mary.
Perhaps, like the Curse of refined of sugar in American diets, the American church has become so used to having saccharine dumped in our ears – or at least having our cultural tribalism played to – we can no longer really adjudicate the fruit of any so-called trees.
spinning off of #5 a bit…
heard a wonderful sermon Sunday from a black pastor in Houston… entitlement vs. grace… wonderful because i hadn’t realized that some of the things i regret were actually me feeling “entitled.” had a little talk with God apologizing – willfully blind? likely
p.s. after age 65 or so, if you are a Believer a wonderful way to fall asleep is to start at the beginning of your life and go year by year thanking God for blessings… it is surprising what you will remember – things that at the time you just took for granted… especially some dear, patient Believers that God brought into your life, perhaps…… đ