one thing that i've thought about recently is the way that people speak about the fam on these boards often seems to be a little blurry as to what exactly one means when discussing "THE FAMILY".
most exmems who visit the boards are generally in agreement that family teachings and practices were, and continue to be wrong, and to varying degrees, recognized as harmful. there does seem to be a variety of opinions as to how to relate to the people still in the family, or even in some cases in the process of withdrawing from the fam.
to me it seems to be helpful to make a clear distinction between the SYSTEM of spiritual deception that has sprung from the false teachings, and the negative social dynamics associated w/ high control groups, and the PEOPLE who are to varying degrees caught in this SYSTEM.
to further complicate things, operating w/in that system, are both victims and predators. this is the case w/ almost any such human collective, but undoubtedly moreso in the case of one w/ the uniquely disturbing aberrations in its belief system that exists in the fam.
what strikes me as unhelpful is lumping the whole thing into one big ball of wax, w/o trying to carefully differentiate between the SYSTEM of the family and the folks still caught up in it. amongst that population i believe are both seriously misled idealists w/ a wide variety of inner convictions and motives, as well as some cynical and abusive manipulators.
as one who at least tries to look for leadership from the example of Jesus in such matters, it seems helpful to see how he relates to individuals thruout the gospels, regardless of their group identity, or status as sinners.
if we try to take our cues from Jesus, who of course could have brought down the romans, herodians, pharisees, and corruption at all levels with a word, rather seemed to focus his attention primarily on the hearts of individuals. he was certainly not afraid of the evil powers, nor blind to the wickedness in their hearts and systems,and at times boldly exposed it, but still focused his compassion on the individuals, often obviously sinful individuals, many of whom were caught up in these systems in one way or another.
to me it seems that whatever position we feel compelled to take towards the SYSTEM of the fam, the Jesus way will always help one to focus w/ compassion on the hearts and lives of the individuals. in one parable he counselled patience even towards the tares sown by "the enemy" until the harvest, so as to not risk pulling up some wheat with the tares. the zealots of his day no doubt accused him of having a "do nothing" attitude, wishing him to go after the tares immediately regardless of the "collateral damage", but his focus still remained on the individuals. at least that is how it seems to me as i read the gospels.
any thoughts?