I was notified by my (our) attorney that the motion has been filed with the court and is public. I guess anyone can get a copy. I'm not sure how one goes about that. It's a 54-page honkin' document. Whoa. I just got my copy. Check out how thick it is.
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| 54-page motion |
Normally, I'm fairly private on the internet. I know Chuck O'Neal is used to having his name in the public arena on sermons, websites, reviews, Sermon Audio, iTunes, KPDQ radio station, etc. Me, a stay-at-home mom, not so much. Well, since he decided to sue me in civil court, what could have been dealt with in private is now a public matter. I stand by my Google reviews, postings, and opinions. I will not cover up the truth. Too many precious lives are at stake.
Here is the front page of the court paper in case someone would like to look it up. I am certainly not the first blogger who has been sued for defamation and won't be the last. If my case helps someone else, that would be great. I am glad we live in a country where we have the right to free speech. It's too bad there are people who try to interfere with that amazing privilege.
I'm going to get my loungewear on, put my feet up, and eat bon bons while I read it.
Afterward, I hope to grab Marbles for a little snuggle time. Isn't she cute?
Beaverton Grace Bible Church Motto:
ReplyDeleteOur Motto
is the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible! (Isa. 55:11 & Heb. 4:12) The Word of God will bless your life, your family, and your eternity.
Let's see if this is true.
The Bible says:
1 Corinthians 6:7
Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?
Chuck O'Neal says (per Google review):
The context of 1 Cor. 6:7-8 is primarily that of business, property, and financial matters. We are not wrangling over some monetary loss that we have been defrauded. We are not losing financially due to some dispute of business with a fellow Christian. There is no property in question. There is nothing petty at stake. The local church, the ministry of the Gospel, and our families are under attack.
The Bible says:
Matthew 5:43-45a
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven...
Chuck O'Neal says (per Google review):
After three and a half years of suffering a great many injuries tamely, without stirring for our own relief, we are now using lawful means to right the ministry of the Gospel at BGBC and to protect our families.
The Bible says:
Matthew 15:7-9
Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of Men'.
Now...let's take a look at Chuck O'Neal's excuse for why 1 Corinthians 6 does NOT apply to him. In his Google review he quotes from Matthew Henry's commentary:
ReplyDeleteThis part is NOT in bold, so apparently does NOT apply:
“Here is at least an intimation that they went to law for trivial matters, things of little value; for the apostle blames them that they did not suffer wrong rather than go to law (v. 7), which must be understood of matters not very important.
This part is in BOLD and, of course, applies:
IN MATTERS OF GREAT DAMAGE TO OURSELVES OR FAMILIES, WE MAY USE LAWFUL MEANS TO RIGHT OURSELVES. WE ARE NOT BOUND TO SIT DOWN AND SUFFER THE INJURY TAMELY, WITHOUT STIRRING FOR OUR OWN RELIEF;
This last part, of course, does NOT apply:
but, in matters of small consequence, it is better to put up with the wrong. Christians should be of a forgiving temper. And it is more for their ease and honour to suffer small injuries and inconveniences than seem to be contentious.
1 Corinthinians 6:8
No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren!
Those of us with eyes to see can see so clearly!
Interestingly, three and a half years ago, our then pastor invited Chuck to sit with those who had newly left and been asked to leave...at the time about 5-7 families, to discuss and come to peace on our differences~to which Chuck REFUSED! Why?
ReplyDeleteBut to God be the glory, great things He has done. Looking forward to the promises God will deliver to those who seek peace through Him.
Amen
That kind of response reminds me of the expression: It's my way or the highway.
DeleteThis is another red flag. What kind of pastor prevents mediated meetings with former congregants for the purpose of restoration?
I have been pondering how to say this so it comes out right. I remember how Chuck emphasized knowing you were saved by your level of persecution, how he looked forward to being persecuted for the Gospel, etc., etc., etc. When I first heard of the lawsuit an idea started percolating in my head and won't go away. This lawsuit is a win-win for him. If he wins the suit, he and the church both receive a substantial amount of money. If he loses or the suit is dismissed he and the church are being "persecuted" by our court system and he will have a new soapbox.
ReplyDeleteI would be embarrassed to be going to a church that sued mothers and their adult children. Period. For that reason alone, I would have left. And if they won (the big if), I can't imagine feeling comfortable being a part of a church using that $$ that changed the financial lives of a handful of families - blood money. Ick.
DeleteYour other side - being persecuted by our court system and the new soapbox - that sounds very feasible. Could Beaverton Grace Bible Church be a new Westboro Baptist? That's a real possibility.
So, I'm curious. Why is he not suing you and your husband? I am assuming it must be because the review was in your name only? Either that or he's afraid to fight grown men?
DeleteWell, my words were posted publicly and had my name attached, so I suppose that is the reason. It is interesting that he is only going after one man - a young single adult with very limited resources.
DeleteJezebel !
ReplyDeleteWell Julie Anne, your in good company, they called Jesus Beelzebub. Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
DeleteThank you for that reminder, Don. That truth sets me free!
DeleteI find it interesting that the only thing the "opposing" side can come up with to post on this blog is name-calling, correction of spelling errors and question the actual number of people in someone else's front yard with piano (since they questioned the number, makes you think that person was there and probably knows the actual number...hmmm...). Where are the rebuttals? The clarifications? Why are they not decrying statements made by those who have been shunned or given the boot? Why? Well, I think we all know the answer to that!
ReplyDeleteYes, we do know.
DeleteI have to remind myself of what it felt like when we saw people leaving and we were told the reasons they left. It made us sad and angry that they left - that they were not one of us anymore. It made us angry that they didn't say good-bye or talk to us. We only believed what was told us and it painted a negative image of those people who had gone. I need to remind myself that THAT is very likely what we are dealing with - people who have only heard one side and haven't been given the freedom to find out the other side. The "Jezebel" comment is communication. Actually this is a bold attempt when you consider the no-talk rule. Keep talking, Anonymous!
You are, of course, all mad.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right! I'm mad about getting the truth exposed. I'm mad about the emotional and spiritual intrusion that has occurred to scores of families. I'm mad that my life has been disrupted by this lawsuit. Thanks for the support!
DeleteHey, think of it this way. Now you get to say it in public and prove your points in front of a JURY.
ReplyDeleteIf I were you, I would file a countersuit against him, the church, the leadership, and all associated with this action!
I have had my own battles with spineless spiritual abusers and Pharisees and all they will do is run and hide behind each others lies.
I'll second that last poster. File a countersuit against him and the corrupt leadership and they will all fold like a cheap camera.
DeleteKeep on exposing these spiritual monsters for who and what they really are.
"That which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15
I agree completely! Then even more people will learn of his deceit, illegal recording, and bullying tactics.
Delete"Hey, think of it this way. Now you get to say it in public and prove your points in front of a JURY."
DeleteI'm fine with that! Bring it on!
This seems to be one of those cases where:
ReplyDeleteThe Devil comes into church disguised as the Pastor!
As an Atheist, I sarcastically wonder why does he need a lawsuit, when his God could punish the transgressors? *snicker*
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteMatthew 5:40
ReplyDelete"And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."
Good luck with that.
I know some well established churches, such as the
ReplyDeletechurch of Scientology, have dealt with perceived slights by filing lawsuits.
Nevertheless, it still seems like creepy and controlling behavior.
Yes, it does.
DeleteDearest Julie Anne,
ReplyDeleteI am an anonymous survivor of life-long religious abuse, and I have been following your case. I give you all the props in the world! I am so proud of you for having the courage to go through with this and stand strong!
Using the pseudonym, Willow, I have written my story - CROOKED CROSS: A JOURNEY OUT OF RELIGIOUS ABUSE. If you would like to stay in touch, please feel free to contact me on Facebook.
Have a great day!
And remember that you are not alone!
-Willow-
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/crookedcrossbook
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Crooked-Cross-Journey-Religious-Abuse/dp/146998699X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337642377&sr=8-2
I too have come from a long journey out of church emotional abuse. I have lived in several states and have experienced the abuse in every state I lived in. One of which when we left the pastor spun it around to me, telling congregants that I was acussing him of a sexual relationship. Which did not happen and I never said it did. But I did tell a few people of his abuse. His controling and preying tactics...like most other peoples experience, most every person that left the church were rebellious. The last church I left, we were told that if a person did not attend a church they were in a dangerous place...without a covering. Come on! So many of us have been deeply wounded by "the church". You don't think that a god could have more grace and compassion than that?! I now consider myself agnostic, but attend a very gracious church occassionally.
ReplyDelete