tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post2801846675616488584..comments2023-04-15T01:34:35.989-07:00Comments on BGBC Survivors: I Would Love Some FeedbackJulie Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-24352143155419621252012-06-20T21:02:37.857-07:002012-06-20T21:02:37.857-07:00I'm not sure what the general doctrinal school...I'm not sure what the general doctrinal school is here at this blog. What I wrote though is ideal and perhaps not very practical. Everybody is in different stages of development and learning. Not everyone has time, or a lot of time, in their day to pursue even the most important of subject matter. We're not all Grail knights with all the time in the world to search for the Holy Grail, in other words. <br /><br />I think there is something though in seeing a church as part of the Kingdom of God, with God as King. You're not going to get that dictator mentality in the pulpit if all the congregants know Jesus is their King and is present. <br /><br />Order is needed, a good degree of order, but of course certain types run with that fact and justify the authoritarianism this blog exists to discuss. <br /><br />I still think overall our defense is understanding and the armor of God in general. Knowing the Bible and biblical doctrine gives us confidence to deal with error or authoritarianism. What a practical way to learn the Bible than to use it in the act of fending off a wolf in sheep's clothing. Of course you will probably be *asked* to leave at that point. (And I know spiritual abuse scenarios are more complicated than that, involving family and friends and so on. Many things.) <br /><br />Honestly I've never really written on this subject because my main focus as a Christian has been to get understanding of the Bible through complete readings and to get terminal understanding of doctrine from the great theologians available in books. I've always had a practice of the faith from my past in an esoteric Christian teaching or school. Esoteric meaning, in this case, practical level doing. <br /><br />I've always been a learn from everything, join nothing type. Call me a hermit, but I think I'm surrounded by angels (ha ha)...c.t.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02287685119108815245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-76817164857518231682012-06-20T20:25:19.449-07:002012-06-20T20:25:19.449-07:00ok, c.t., i'll buy that. i don't see in an...ok, c.t., i'll buy that. i don't see in any holes in what you wrote. you're re-framing things for me. giving me some language i believe i have lost.David Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-33299208307247465712012-06-20T17:43:31.169-07:002012-06-20T17:43:31.169-07:00On first impression it seems to me if you transiti...On first impression it seems to me if you transition the blog to something more general you'll have to, by default, get into territory that is more doctrinal (I'm thinking)? I mean, what is the solution type of subject matter. <br /><br />I personally think that *ideally* a church gathering is a gathering of *kings*. Individuals who are prophets, priests, and kings all in one. That includes males and females. And to really make an extended analogy, where in history do we see gatherings of kings? On battlefields. So if everybody can hold their own, biblically and doctrinally, then anyone who tries to lord it over anyone else in some off-the-mark way is in for quite a test of strength. <br /><br />I see Christianity as being a high bar in terms of getting understanding of the Bible itself and doctrine and practice, but the Holy Spirit enables us to meet and exceed that bar. <br /><br />Then once we get that real understanding, then 'authoritative preacher guy' and 'shallow pastor guy' and 'false teacher guy' and 'pure vicious wolf guy' can all be dealt with because we understand them. Of course, they're going to know they don't want you in their dominion, except for maybe 'shallow pastor guy', who I have more sympathy for, especially if he's shy and trying really hard and means well. <br /><br />This subject gets into ecclesiology and what a church, or gathering of Christians, is all about, or is supposed to be about. People have legitimate differences of seeing it. The most famous Calvinist in England - John Owen - differed with Calvin on church issues. (Owen was a Congregationalist.) In fact, most Calvinists in history and today differ with Calvin on ecclesiolgy and sacramentology.<br /><br />John Bunyan, another famous Calvinist, when in court and asked by an Anglican judge why he didn't belong to a local church said he didn't see it in Scripture. I wish I still had the quote because Bunyan put it more pointedly. Didn't mean you'd never see Bunyan in a church. But it's about fear of God vs. fear of man. <br /><br />For me, a church should be like a sanctuary where you can go to learn and meditate, read, listen, experience a quiet interlude from the world. Churches in the Old World are more conducive to that, perhaps. But that's just me, my type. <br /><br />For instance, we can't get away from the basic fact that Christianity is a religion of the Book. God revealed Himself in language that we can read. And a church should be a place where that Book is read and we can read it and really get understanding of it. Parts in relation to the whole understanding of it. Not rely on one person only to know it. God wants us *all* to be prophets (knowing His word, able to speak in prayer to Him), priests (able to sacrifice our old nature in emulation of our High Priest Jesus Christ), and kings (able to command our inner domain and cultivate our new nature), while, of course, recognizing the *authority* of the Prophet, Priest, and King *above us* Jesus Christ Himself. There is one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. <br /><br />The Kingdom of God is a 'Kingdom.' And when God is the King that system of government works out well and is the best.c.t.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02287685119108815245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-32528466913653560472012-06-20T11:44:41.532-07:002012-06-20T11:44:41.532-07:00Hi Brian: Thanks for commenting. I don't par...Hi Brian: Thanks for commenting. I don't particularly like the name, either, especially now that the blog is to a wider audience.<br /><br />I respectfully disagree with you on the second paragraph. I disagree that I am allowing them any power over me. If that were true, this blog wouldn't be in existence. The name was just used for identification purposes. They are not defining me. I am exposing spiritual abuse, not only what I experienced at BGBC, but now share with others as they tell their stories here and in my e-mail. <br /><br />It's kind of like my maiden name. My maiden name represented my father's last name, the man who abused me, but I did not feel that having that name represented abuse, but was merely for identification. It is the fruit that comes out of me (and this blog) that counts. I see a whole lot of beauty going on here on this blog. <br /><br />I agree with you that the blog name shouldn't be changed at all until the court case is settled. So, it's good I still have some time to think on that. <br /><br />I appreciate your comments, Brian.Julie Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-55974933860658294632012-06-20T10:50:47.960-07:002012-06-20T10:50:47.960-07:00To: Anonymous June 18, 2012 11:01 AM
We, those of ...To: Anonymous June 18, 2012 11:01 AM<br />We, those of us who have been spiritually abused, HAD a life before the spiritual abuse happened. After the spiritual abuse happened, we look to others for support and companionship with 'like minded people'. Julie Anne has been a light in the darkness I have been in for over two years. Only those who have experienced it, understands it. <br /><br />The wounds that I (we) have suffered will forever be a painful scar that I did not want, nor did I do anything to deserve. Just because the scar is not visible, doesn't mean that it isn't the most painful thing I have ever experienced. <br /><br />Maybe you should be the one to 'get a life' and some compassion for those who have suffered.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-5422970619874351482012-06-20T09:16:06.820-07:002012-06-20T09:16:06.820-07:00Julie Anne
I must tell you I like the idea of a n...Julie Anne<br /><br />I must tell you I like the idea of a name change. In fact my only problem with your blog is the name. I found you through the media links and I find what you are now going through totally ridiculous. I know there are ways you could have this come up in a search without it being the churches name. I think it would be best if the name reflected you and others who are trying to get on with life after a horrible incident. Make it something positive. But to me the name seems vindictive and negative. And a big part of the Christian life is Forgiveness and Love to your enemies. I realize that is not easy. And it is not something that will happen overnight. I would advise you to look into the legal aspect and not do something right now that would hurt your case. <br /><br />Also not entirely unrelated as you keep this name you are allowing them to have power over you. You are defining yourself through that church and its beliefs. Move on from them and do not let them define you, define yourself. There is a lot of power in a name and in titles. <br /><br />I could probably right on this for a while, but I am hoping I made my points clear if not just ask.Brian L Whitakernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-65823803986985676492012-06-20T09:01:25.931-07:002012-06-20T09:01:25.931-07:00I agree. I have been wondering and praying for th...I agree. I have been wondering and praying for the outcome of the lawsuit.Debbie Piercenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-56562966832933491632012-06-19T22:43:42.154-07:002012-06-19T22:43:42.154-07:00I suppose I wouldn't need to change the name i...I suppose I wouldn't need to change the name if BGBC changes their name. It would be obsolete, wouldn't it? That would be the easiest way of all. If I were at BGBC, I'd want a name change after all of this fiasco.Julie Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-80073433229101237652012-06-19T22:42:05.749-07:002012-06-19T22:42:05.749-07:00RB - That's not a bad idea! Thank you for men...RB - That's not a bad idea! Thank you for mentioning it.Julie Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-7656134971860074562012-06-19T22:41:28.098-07:002012-06-19T22:41:28.098-07:00I'm glad you were able to get the comment prob...I'm glad you were able to get the comment problem with Firefox worked out and thanks for letting me know. I'll try to remember to mention that on a future blog post because maybe others have had the same problem.<br /><br />I will definitely wait until after the court date if/when I change the name. Thanks for your suggestion and support!Julie Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-73590385643914577482012-06-19T10:48:14.016-07:002012-06-19T10:48:14.016-07:00I totally agree that this should stay up forever, ...I totally agree that this should stay up forever, but that you can also start another blog, which links this one, so as to give context, or preface. Many find this blog based on many avenues, as shown by your statistics, so linking a new blog with this blog would be great...but keep this one going for as long as you can, even after all of the legal mumbo jumbo is over.chapmaned24https://www.blogger.com/profile/04000004953519445234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-3446311886876314712012-06-19T08:18:37.930-07:002012-06-19T08:18:37.930-07:00I've been following this blog for several week...I've been following this blog for several weeks now. I'm strongly rooting for you to win this case. I think I found out about this blog through ExPentecostalforums.yuku.com<br /><br />It is a great discussion forum for Pentecostals who have suffered spiritual abuse and feel the need to exit Pentecostalism.<br />But we aware, you will run into all kinds of people. As they say in therapy, "Take what works and leave the rest on the table". <br /><br />I agree with the first posters. Keep the name the same for awhile. If you do decide to change it wait until after your court date, July 13. Just my two cents worth.<br /><br /><br />Does anyone read these blogs once a new one is posted? <br /><br />I'm a little late with this, but found that I could not comment on a blog via Firefox 13.0.1<br />Wondering if anyone else has had problems with Firefox when trying to comment on this blog?Churchian_notnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-28644511459666328692012-06-19T05:40:25.377-07:002012-06-19T05:40:25.377-07:00Julie: Your blog has been very informative and he...Julie: Your blog has been very informative and helpful. I suggest you retain the current name.<br /><br />One suggestion: you might selectively follow up with a handful of the reporters who contacted you about the lawsuit, and let them know that the legal dogfight is continuing. The lawsuit is crucial to the freedom of individuals to express their beliefs and opinions in the public sphere. -RBAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-21930228835393404492012-06-18T22:59:06.948-07:002012-06-18T22:59:06.948-07:00I would leave this blog up forever ! Put it in a T...I would leave this blog up forever ! Put it in a Trust under the supervision of your future great grand children. If you want to start another blog targeting a wider area of concern, great. Just don't change anything here but rather link the two. Anything someone goggles the church name or the pastor's name, boom a big WARNING POPS UP. I wish someone would have had a warning site up about the church we went to as kids. If only the internet was available to the masses back then in 1979. That is really the whole point of this. The internet has changed the easy in which weirdo "pastors" from psycho-churches can get away with abusing people. There is now a very big stick that disgruntled members/attenders can swing back at the abuser with. Google reviews have been very successful at changing the public perception of the Sovergn Grace franchise like "church". Chucky's life will never be the same regardless of the outcome of this case. There will be thousands of angry people taking Julie's place at exposing this bizarre little church and the little napoleon that runs it, should she lose the case. I don't think that will happen and I predict that eventually Chuck will be out of the ministry all together.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-67061080654068222522012-06-18T22:53:14.810-07:002012-06-18T22:53:14.810-07:00Change the name when BGBC changes their church nam...Change the name when BGBC changes their church name~LOLKittynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-89001677335476924082012-06-18T21:31:59.699-07:002012-06-18T21:31:59.699-07:00to Not a Rebel without a Clue
its not that hard t...to Not a Rebel without a Clue<br /><br />its not that hard to figure out <br /><br />you mispell Julie Anne's nameAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-79834657339567918182012-06-18T21:12:38.020-07:002012-06-18T21:12:38.020-07:00You know you wanted to, Geek. Come on, with a nam...You know you wanted to, Geek. Come on, with a name like Geek? Who are you trying to kid. :)<br /><br />I think I'm going to challenge one of my kids to check your math, though. That's what homeschool moms do. I'll be sure to post back it they find something different. ;)Julie Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-7691659478183021622012-06-18T21:09:27.725-07:002012-06-18T21:09:27.725-07:00For everyone else's reference, here is the ful...For everyone else's reference, here is the full content of Julie Anne's post that anonymous @ 5:16 asked me to review:<br /><br />"Julie Anne June 16, 2012 11:27 PM<br /><br />Anonymous, I lost you after the misspelling of my name.<br /><br />signed,<br /><br />Julie Anne (Ann-with-an-E)<br /><br />Think: Queen Anne, Anne of Green Gables :)"<br /><br />Anonymous,<br /><br />If you are trying to "hint" that there is something in Julie Anne's heart being revealed here, why don't you just come out and say so?<br /><br />I don't see anything like that in this comment. <br /><br />But I'm wondering what bothers you about it?Not a Rebelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-61674412912461956762012-06-18T21:09:01.891-07:002012-06-18T21:09:01.891-07:00I do not want to disturb the glam queens. Oh my, ...I do not want to disturb the glam queens. Oh my, no! Ack - I forgot about those who have me linked on their blogrolls.Julie Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-65854100286007603442012-06-18T20:48:17.762-07:002012-06-18T20:48:17.762-07:00I suggest you leave it as is until all the legal f...I suggest you leave it as is until all the legal fooferaw is over. Then you might consider a name change. Just don't change the link name. People like the glamorous blog queens at The Wartburg Watch would have to change their links to the site and those who frequent it (as I do) would have to change their favorites.<br /><br />Just my $0.02.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-20184743453095788342012-06-18T19:18:43.033-07:002012-06-18T19:18:43.033-07:00I get 99.87% of comments that you've published...I get 99.87% of comments that you've published. I don't know if I really wanted to do the math, but I couldn't help myself.Geeknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-64964182900703362152012-06-18T17:16:12.706-07:002012-06-18T17:16:12.706-07:00Not a Rebel, you wrote: "I am glad that Julie...Not a Rebel, you wrote: "I am glad that Julie Ann posted..."<br /><br />Consider reviewing <a href="http://bgbcsurvivors.blogspot.com/2012/06/and-winner-is.html?showComment=1339914437284#c4777062860971805384" rel="nofollow">Julie Anne @ June 16, 2012 11:27 PM</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-6019917243983618672012-06-18T17:04:02.198-07:002012-06-18T17:04:02.198-07:00Very good. As you lay it out for me like that, and...Very good. As you lay it out for me like that, and given the context of what this blog is all about—I understand.David Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-4954494464666904422012-06-18T16:10:47.577-07:002012-06-18T16:10:47.577-07:00I agree with you, Not a Rebel. I will publish 99%...I agree with you, Not a Rebel. I will publish 99% of comments, even when they are negative towards me (including someone calling me Jezebel a couple of times). It may cause momentary blood pressure issues, attitude adjustments, very loud audible reactions from the Pacific Northwest that may be heard for quite a distance, however, they will most likely be published.<br /><br />There are instances in which I will not publish comments:<br /><br /><br />- If comments drift off topic (debating doctrinal issues), deal with my family personally, or are disruptive (the BJU case went a little crazy). I always give a warning or two, though.<br /><br />- If the comment creates a hostile environment directed to those who have been spiritually abused. In this case, I will deal with the person publicly first (this is a powerful - it also llows others to speak up to someone who is potentially abusive, too). If they persist after reasonable warnings, I will delete. <br /><br />I've only deleted 3 comments since the inception of the blog. They all met the above criteria. By the way, there have been 2,286 comments published as of this comment. Who wants to do the math to figure out what percentage of comments are posted?Julie Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03125322661578802590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861198333046479177.post-75280908313942000532012-06-18T15:28:29.271-07:002012-06-18T15:28:29.271-07:00David,
I am glad that Julie Ann posted the anonym...David,<br /><br />I am glad that Julie Ann posted the anonymous comment - for two reasons.<br /><br />#1 - It shows that she supports free speech <br />#2 - It reveals what is in the heart of others <br /><br />This needs to be out in the open - censorship would remind me of the "NO TALK" rule. And that is not a happy memory.Not a Rebelnoreply@blogger.com