A reader responds to a post Another Restored Church of God "minister" Has His "Eyes Anointed" But By What?
I am one of Mr Gene Zhorne's several former daughters-in-law. The poor man suffered a difficult, unfair and abusive childhood. He was not compassionate or very loving with his sons, in my experience of him, probably because he didn't know how to be. While I repudiate all things WCG, I have to suggest that even the Jesus of whom you speak did not disrespectfully vilify other people. I don't love Mr Zhorne, and I am not writing this to defend him. I haven't spoken to the man in many years. But I would like to suggest that your accusatory website makes you as bad as you accuse him and Pack and that whole ilk to be. "Let him who be innocent cast the first stone." If you truly were a loving person, you'd presumably devote your energy to a more noble cause than this hate-mongering website. Get over it - the "church" damaged all of us who were "second generation" and probably our parents too. It will be to your great credit if you allow this post to be published. Wendy
13 comments:
I'm not sure what she's responding to exactly, but I always liked Ms. Keller. I would even venture to say she's earned some capital in the "getting over it" department. She was profiled here on Banned! last year.
The only potential problem with "loving your enemies," and the rest of Matt 5:44 which Wendy learned to do admirably well during her time served in Armstrongism, and is practicing here, is that it attempts to excuse and clear additional space for those committed to "despitefully using" others to go right on doing it in the future with impunity, as they have done in the past, and are doing at present within the beast we call "Armstrongism."
Edumnd Burke is credited with having said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." I am not sure who qualifies as being "good," so how about let's say, for even for the merely ordinary to do nothing. Wendy here makes herself the unwitting proponent for the triumph of evil.
I would just have to point out that there is a difference between "disrespectful villification," and "hate-mongering" essentially "libel," and publishing true statements. To establish the truth of a claim constitutes a full and adequate defense against the charge of "libel."
Is there something inherently "bad" with making an accusation, especially if true, as Wendy proposes? Hunter S. Thompson is credited with having penned, "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." I cite this description of the music business because it could easily be conscripted to describe Armstrongism. If accusations were inherently wrong, then would not the whole world be as bad as Thompson makes the music industry out to be? The thieves and pimps would have no opposition whatsoever. Not my idea of a step in the right direction.
A more rational thing to do is to give "thieves and pimps" no quarter, including the "thieves and pimps" of Armstrongism, so that those who have committed their lives to being the enemy of the vulnerable might not find prey. And what is Armstrongism if not "despiteful use" by "thieves and pimps" reduced to a system? If these "thieves and pimps" were "loving people" they would devote their energy to a more noble cause than perpetuating an abusive cult for their own financial gain, and there would simply be no one to accuse. Problem solved! If only "noble causes" instead of nefarious ones, were the order of the day.
Banned HWA and those who come to this site for whatever personal reasons and needs they have are neither hate mongering nor accusatory. This site observes the behaviors, words, approaches, ideas, teachings, delusional thinking, theological ramblings and self promoting ways of a few authoritarian ministers who have been spun out by the WCG over the years.
These men are not really ministers of any Good News. Most are New Wine in Old Wineskins and the perfect example of mixing up along with hunting and pecking their way through the entire Bible for a very scewed view of whatever the NT Jesus was getting at.
While I realize there is a butt for every seat offered in the world of COGdom of God, it's painful to watch and probably perpetuates or stirs a bit the pain and regrets many have for not speaking up along the way in small or big ways no matter.
The public demands and the private ones that come to public view probably punch the last button of many who experienced much of the same.
I think most here are concerned and compassionate towards those that still can't see beyond the scriptures being read in the order selected by the guru and what the fruit produced in the minds of followers really is.
I don't know Mr. Zhorne but we do know here what Dave Pack required of the poor man to get to come into Dave's presense and be "restored", i.e. reprogrammed. That's the sad part to most of us here. If he was not very loving or grew up without it, he will fit right in with the Restored Church of God.
There is a church for every human personality that is so inclined on earth. COGdom these days, seems to attract those who simply cannot or will not think for themselves and see through the one man show the major players have become. And when they are gone, their show will be over and others will get stuck with the bills.
Psh. Tell Zhorne to get over it.
When I saw this, it didn't register on my radar screen, so I clicked on the original article and noticed that apparently that hadn't registered either, because apparently I had had no comment. I don't know these people.
However, it does make one wonder how this has belatedly become an issue. The original blog post was dated February 2012. Somebody obviously felt it necessary to rise to the defense of someone close to them whom they felt was maligned, nearly two years after the fact. Now, those of us who missed this guy's name the first time around know him to be one of Pack's lackeys.
This may be one of those times when silence and letting something lay dormant would have better served someone's interests. I can't for the life of me fathom the logic of regurgitating it at this late date, especially in the light of Dave's recent self- disgrace, which provided a whole new reason for guilt by association.
BB
Wendy says she is not here to defend Mr. Zhorne, but then proceeds to do so. In attempting to explain him for our benefit, she also exposes his weakness, and if he is typical of RCG elders, provides a confirming profile of them as a group.
Though vilification could be in the mind of the beholder, I don't know that the man was vilified here so much as having been challenged as Jesus did the Pharisees.
BB
It is interesting that Gary published her message. That alone reveals a major difference between this site and those of the COGs. Gary allows...publishes...even celebrates differences of opinion.
Going back and reading the original post which prompted her objections, I remember reading it and thinking at the time that the primary indictment was of Pack. Certainly Zhorne was deemed guilty by association, but the article didn't actually vilify him personally as much as it questioned his decision and the words he chose to write.
We all have our story. We all have our reasons for having been involved in Armstrongism. One isn't better or worse than the other. The fact is, we were there, Wendy included.
Zhorne, Pack, Flurry and countless others are still trying to draw people into that. Gary is trying to steer them away.
Wendy's motive is no doubt noble, but claiming that Gary should stop is presumptous. Sarcasm and criticism do not necessarily equal hate. In fact, one could argue that it's the ones who persuade with smooth words present the greater danger.
These people always say they are not cog anymore.
They disavow armstrongism, throwing the old coots bones under the bus.
We shall continue to warn and defend the public by condemning the still dangerous and evil COGs.
Wendy, if you can't see the danger you are blind.
If you see but don't care, you are sick.
Get off your callous high horse and get over yourself.
Act 20:29
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Act 20:31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Mat 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Judgement is 294/judge 286 times in the bible. A teacher of the word is to have a good report even from the people outside.
What you are doing here is correct in God's eyes protecting those thinking of entering the sects. "Get over it" and putting things under the rug is from the devil.
Therefore, watch and remember!
It is the duty of all former COG members to help undo the damage they financed through their tithes and offerings.
Wendy, if you were a loving person you would donate a few thousand bucks to sites like this to defray their costs. The workman is worthy of his hire. You supported the salaries of the lying ministers for years or decades and you probably never gave a dime to one of those dedicated volunteers who work for hours for free to save people from the fangs of the wolves in sheep's clothing. Shame on you.
Its very funny to see someone who takes up quite a bit of space on their own website whining about the things that were done to them in WCG show up and say "Get over it!"
Do something about that plank in your eye first, Wendy. What's good for the goose is good for the gander...
Wendy has suffered way too much in the cold grips of Armstrongism and is entitled to her feelings - no matter how shocking they may seem.
While hoping her feelings may evolve over time, and recognizing where the current thoughts are rooted, I support any opportunity she has to express her self in the manner that jives for her.
So where is Wendy in this conversation? She had to open her big mouth and stick her foot in it so why isn't she here defending her accusations? Typical Armstrongite, all fluffy bluster and no bite.
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