tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post5624652204826510999..comments2024-03-18T02:48:52.321-07:00Comments on Northwest Anglican: Apostolic Lutheranism: Theology and PracticeMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06529046356895711706noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-23211442038632019162023-11-12T20:53:26.547-08:002023-11-12T20:53:26.547-08:00OALC member here...
I've always heard "T...OALC member here...<br /><br />I've always heard "The truth either draws or it repels, there is no in-between"<br /><br />True, living Christianity is divisive. <br /><br />You can see in this thread, there are those in this thread who see what Jesus says " you will know my congregation by the love you see amongst them" <br /><br />...and also those here who are repulsed by what they see or hear.<br /><br />To those, we extend a welcome! I urge you to come and get to know us, ask questions, invite yourself over!<br /><br />There are those who see striving sinners, on the narrow road, striving against sin, with large families and warm peaceful homes...<br /><br />And those who see hypocritical lawless awkward citizens who are naive and hard to understand.<br /><br />We can't change the publics opinion, what has been done in the past is done. And yes, some actions done by young boys unsupervised is flat out disgusting. It gives me a belly ache to hear about it.<br /><br />But to set the record straight, we have been encouraged by our elders to try to avoid doing things that will give the Christianity the head of a dog.<br /><br />With huge numbers of youth, you will undoubtedly see a subset of the population that misbehave. Thats human nature. We DO NOT condone the acts of peer pressured youth when left unsupervised with wild imaginations.<br /><br />All that said, true Christians will always be reviled by those who don't agree with Christs simple doctrine. We will always be viewed as the outsiders. We will always be viewed as the problem. <br /><br />Jesus himself was viewed as a heretic.<br />Jesus himself was viewed as criminal.<br />Jesus was hung on the cross for his claim to be the Son of God. <br /><br />Hundreds followed him as he walked the face of the earth. But only a handful actually believed and followed his doctrine. <br /><br />Jesus says blessed are those who are persecuted.<br />Many call themselves Christians, but dont live it because they don't want the persecution that comes from living what they believe. So they split away from the truth and create a version of the truth that they can be comfortable with. Unfortunately, we have to warn that Jesus himself says. Something to the effect "in the end many will say, Lord, Lord. And I will say I know ye not." <br /><br />We at the OALC would all say we are only OALC or Leastaudians by name only, but instead more accurately "Christians".<br />The apostles, Luther, Leastaudius would roll over in their graves if they knew we called ourselves Apostalics, or Lutherans or Leastaudians. We are CHRISTIANS. We just had to pick a name at some point for legal reasons. <br /><br />Many of the members have spoken truthfully regarding our beliefs.<br /><br />As far as the abuse or things being swept under the rug...we are encouraged to keep things small because gossip and rumor can spiral stories into much bigger issues than they really are. <br /><br />Legally we as Christians need to follow the laws, and if we commit a heinous act. We may ask forgiveness with true sorrow, but if natural punishments come for our actions. We must pay that price. <br /><br />We all would love to see more unfamiliar faces walk through the door on any given Sunday. <br /><br />We have a hard time making friends outside of the church because our lifestyles are so vastly different compared to the world at large. Maybe because we have so many family members and close relatives and friends, we truely don't have much time to be out looking for more relationships. Its a weird reality. We've been encouraged my whole life to make friends with our neighbors, make friends with our coworkers, mingle and visit and play together. But we cannot partake in sin together. <br /><br />With the increasing number of churches, we have implemented a sunday school curriculum that reinforces many times over the importance of being kind to our friends and schoolmates, and harassment and bullying must not occur. <br /><br />Nobody including myself can explain anything we believe clearly enough for someone to just "get it" so I can only encourage those who have any interest or curiosity to "come and see!"<br /><br />If anyone feels like this little blurb has been a help, thank God. He deserves all the thanks honor and praise. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-57900754218063568042023-03-06T12:19:28.294-08:002023-03-06T12:19:28.294-08:00We are all very aware of our "sami" heri...We are all very aware of our "sami" heritage. We just choose not to yell about "colonization" or other boiler plate victim cards. Lastadias and our Elders in Swedish lapland have always kept the laplander heritage alive in sermons and writings. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-33528423026355733452023-02-16T07:03:59.447-08:002023-02-16T07:03:59.447-08:00We only need to believe our sins are forgiven, the...We only need to believe our sins are forgiven, there is no merit to belief there is not a lifestyle that makes you a Christian. But once you recieve the grace to believe you will realize the true word of god is in the oalc and I need the other Christians to fight the enemy. <br /><br />But you do not need to go to church to be a Christian. But when god gives you the strength you will realize the crumbs from church are needed to encourage us.<br />But not one person is a Christian because of their life.<br />But there is willful sin and it is important for a Christian to pray for the strength to fight that, and to ask forgiveness because that sin only hurts the conscious so much until it blackens. We have to wash it before it blackens.<br /><br />Gods peace <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-72858801718411730262021-04-07T21:35:28.786-07:002021-04-07T21:35:28.786-07:00He said to them, "Go into all the world and p...He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Why is it that we have many splits of churches and the same book? fallenwithzerohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04008845412324031703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-31577436675591061472021-03-28T16:27:27.637-07:002021-03-28T16:27:27.637-07:00It saddens me to read of the hatred spewed from th...It saddens me to read of the hatred spewed from the mouths and minds of former members. The devil has blinded you and I believe, you believe your own lies. May God have mercy on the liars and haters. I find much comfort in these words: When men shall persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my names sake., rejoice and be exceeding glad. For great is your reward in heaven!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-35573309545399325802020-10-14T13:21:13.007-07:002020-10-14T13:21:13.007-07:00The so-called Old Apostolic Lutheran Church is not...The so-called Old Apostolic Lutheran Church is not Apostolic, Lutheran or a Church so the name is a lie. The sect is a Luciferian Dominion, a well organized caste system where prominent families and individuals wield control over other members. Their theology is intentionally confusing and confounding; this way only the sect leaders can interpret scripture for others and further their control. There is no evangelism as I see it, their principle means of increasing their membership is 1) breeding 2) selective recruitment. Many are drawn into recruitment for their revenue generating ability. Despite the OALC primer coat of spirituality, they are in fact quite secular. Yes, they are well groomed, drive late model vehicles and they can be quite amiable when they want something. They operate more as a corporation than anything else, and are well acquainted with getting around laws when it means capitalizing financially or when it just suits their purpose. Generally unbelievers are tolerated as long as they don't question or challenge the sect or its motives. Once someone does oppose the so-called OALC, the sect can galvanize very quickly against a perceived threat. Those blessed and brave enough to leave the sect will not only be subject to shunning but open persecution. I see nothing of Christ in this sect and nothing of the love of God. I see fear, pride, vindictiveness, lies, greed and lawlessness. Many in my community frown on how they treat women. I agree, but the greatest offence is how they treat the Lord Jesus Christ. There are few things that satisfy Satan more than a people who write "Church" on their front door but have no knowledge of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God or the King from whom the Gospel comes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-77772112313091954262020-09-23T09:28:41.266-07:002020-09-23T09:28:41.266-07:00The so-called Old Apostolic Lutheran Church is nei...The so-called Old Apostolic Lutheran Church is neither Apostolic, Lutheran or a Church, so the very name is a lie. It is a Luciferian dominion by which members are controlled within a caste system. It is true that they believe that they alone can forgive sins and anyone outside their "church" is bound for hell. They have no idea the danger they, themselves are in. They are what Jesus called white washed tombs, all clean and fair without but inside full of dead men's bones and all corruption. What's more is that they shut the Kingdom of Heaven against men, they themselves do not enter nor will they let those in who are trying to. They have two preferred ways of growing their numbers 1) breeding 2) selective recruitment and to a much lesser extent waiting for people to show up at the door. The theology of this sect is intended to be convoluted and confusing, this way the leaders can direct all decisions to ensure control. The Bible is a secondary authority to the OALC leaders - their word is absolute. Like most cults, those who leave are not only shunned, but persecuted. They are truly modern day Pharisees: hypocritical, seeking only to advance themselves and not the Kingdom of God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-64427542285293324182019-12-20T02:41:12.199-08:002019-12-20T02:41:12.199-08:00Actually speaking from experience the sexual abuse...Actually speaking from experience the sexual abuse part is true be careful where your kids or grandchildren go. It’s hopefully changing but it’s true Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-31403558963690957102019-12-20T02:37:51.199-08:002019-12-20T02:37:51.199-08:00I am part of the oalc and I will say there is some...I am part of the oalc and I will say there is some things I your blog that are untrue, but it’s completely understandable to me I have heard things about Catholics and Mormons and I’m not going to pretend I know every little thing about their faith or how they believe. So there are some things I do want to say. I wasn’t sure I was going to because I don’t want to come off the wrong way. But in regards to kids not hanging out with people from outside of the church it is true that some parents tell their kids not to.. i was told not to. But the preachers didn’t tell them to tell their kids that. The preachers only ever say to be careful when hanging out with other kids outside of your faith. Like don’t go watch movies, listen to music etc. basically set a good example to others. Which unfortunately has turned into kids being horrible to people outside of church as well as inside the church if they think they aren’t good enough. I will never tell my children not to be friends with someone because of their faith. I really think from people telling their kids things like that makes their kids go out into the world with a wall up expecting people not from church to automatically hate them so they be mean first so they can’t get their feelings hurt. I do believe in the teaching from our preachers. But one thing is and they say this themselves that they are just men they are not perfect. As far as when people leave the church, not all family’s disown that person sadly it probably does happen but that probably happens with other family’s too. I think that I get what you are trying to say in this blog but I think people need to remember not to group everyone together because there are bad apples in every tree but that doesn’t mean they are all bad. That’s like seeing one Swedish person (random) steal something then just deciding all Swedish people are horrible and rob everyone. It just doesn’t make sense to do that. Also the only reason I am even commenting is I guess I’m trying to say that don’t judge the entire oalc faith on things that a few people have said. Words are very powerful even if it doesn’t feel like that. And I know a few people from oalc have commented on here very protective and really if you think about it they have reason to be. I think there are other ways to say things more nicely but they aren’t commenting without reason. I admit at first I was mad but I know it’s hard to understand something unless you are part of it. And for the people that have stopped coming to church I am sorry if people are being horrible to you. It’s not right at all. I actually had an abusive parent growing up so it’s not like that doesn’t happen but it also happens in other church’s and outside of church’s and everywhere in the whole world. It’s not the church saying oh it’s ok to beat your kids that’s fine, of course it’s not. If anyone thinks anyone would stand for that it’s crazy. But on the other hand I know there are children being told not to talk about it because “it’s forgiven” which is really sad but also , not by the church. By the person who is abusing them. That’s half of abuse is mind control. But hopefully that helps you understand a few things. I don’t know I’m not very good at expressing what I mean sometimes. In no way am I writing this trying to be rude or nasty to anyoneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-49289194225632725152016-12-05T14:22:01.867-08:002016-12-05T14:22:01.867-08:00Oh my word! I am a lifelong member of OALC and I c...Oh my word! I am a lifelong member of OALC and I cannot believe the trash and untruths written in this blog about our church. To the former members, I feel sorry for you to have spoken so bitterly against the doctrine and teachings you learned while coming. The hatefulness, nonsense and untruths you have posted are so much tripe! The ugliest and most untrue statement is about our preachers and sexual abuse!!! That is really low of anyone who would say and/or believe anything so vile! Shame on all who even hinted at such a thing! If you would come with an open mind and heart perhaps God would give you the grace to believe. How can anyone even make up the story that we shouldn't read the bible when alone? Or pray only in church? Or condone anyone misbehaving in the troubling things that some of you mentioned. Do you think any of us think that is ok? Of course there are things that happen that shouldn't but we don't claim to be perfect. If we were Jesus wouldn't have had to die on the cross for my and your sins. So before any of you tell anymore lies about us and call us a cult etc. come and see for yourselves the peace we experience. It makes me so sad to think of the stories out there in print to float around the world and we have no defence for ourselves. What is written in the previous comment is completely trueanonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06293456169928664615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-2983480338142150702016-09-27T19:28:06.276-07:002016-09-27T19:28:06.276-07:00I am a member of the OALC of Spearfish, SD. The op...I am a member of the OALC of Spearfish, SD. The opinions of some commentors as well as the author that we don't use or read from the bible are false. We believe faith comes from hearing the true spoken word of God and the teachings and redemptive word of our lord Jesus Christ. Laestadius' sermons are preached along side a text out the the bible, usually from the new testament, and our preachers continue that tradition. There are many falsehoods found in this blog. As the author is not a member himself and is quoting from ex members who are undoubtedly biased towards our church, this blog does not reflect the true expierences of our faith. I would also caution that providing false doctrine, whether intentional or not, is a serious matter and one that should lay heavy on your heart. Lastly I would like to say that as far as salvation goes, Jesus had to come to this sin cursed earth to save me from the depths of hell. He had to suffer so much, in the garden of Gethsemane, that he sweat drops of blood. And then was finally crucified on the hill of Golgotha. He had to do this all to redeem my soul because of my sins. Once God awakens you to your sins and you can believe upon our lord Jesus Christ, all that God requires is a penitent and contrite heart. Its not enough to only feel this, one must make an outward repentance. That is why we confess to our preachers or older ones, that the congregation has confidence in, so that they can give counsel on how to try to make right the wrongs we have done. This is the true and only way to Heaven.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16081202693114086051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-12280871260002450662016-09-19T18:46:45.394-07:002016-09-19T18:46:45.394-07:00Matt,
It seems there are some misconceptions abo...Matt, <br /><br />It seems there are some misconceptions about OALC. I am good friends with a girl who is a member. She has told me that the church is a "hospital" for sinners. It seems they all feel themselves to be sinful. I have attended some services, and the preachers and attendees have been very warm and welcoming. They ask for forgiveness from one another, because Jesus lives within them, and God, through the death of Lord Jesus, has forgiven them already but sometimes feel their sinfulness and need to be reminded that Jesus died for their sins.They say the Lord's Prayer before bed and throughout the day, often times silently. I don't know much, but they are wonderful people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-59390437527150893152015-08-28T17:16:11.650-07:002015-08-28T17:16:11.650-07:00That is just terrible! I noticed the cruelty to an...That is just terrible! I noticed the cruelty to animals also- mostly from the boys. I am a member but am a civilized one. Most parents don't teach their kids manners, social skills, or the value of animals. NOTHING makes me more angry than the cruelty to animals and children though. There are definitely some things that parents need to start working on. And yes, there are a few molesters in the church but everyone thinks it will ruin the perpetrator's Christianity if it is made known and do not want to be labeled as a gossip so then there are more victims as a result because parents don't know that they are sending their kids to a pervert's house to play, etc. This is just starting to change and people are becoming aware that it happens and sometimes by those you wouldn't suspect. Most of the members are not molesters but most of us are very naive. Also, charges have been pressed and the preachers encourage it. There was some confusion for a few years due to a molester brainwashing his kids that it would be a sin to bring it up now that it has been forgiven and made them tell the police this. This is a big lie on his part for his own protection and I have heard others say this too And it is a misconception. Charges will be pressed and you can ask forgiveness all you want but you will still have to legally face the consequences. Names those who have done this are getting around. People will know who has these issues and this needs to stop!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-47683347507286096562014-11-12T03:23:13.548-08:002014-11-12T03:23:13.548-08:00"How dare you" .... you sound like a pri..."How dare you" .... you sound like a prideful Scandinavian American OALC mom forcing her children to make (force themselves on) "real friends" at church. These vain women is the reason why people think "shunning" occurs. The gathering is for the great nourishing discussions but of course the salmon dip on hard tack with smoked weinies is delicious too. Be in good cheer my friend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-64154642716710172202014-11-12T03:16:39.914-08:002014-11-12T03:16:39.914-08:00Agree. . Well more or less. .I think what's le...Agree. . Well more or less. .I think what's left unsaid on the internet is amongst the OALC brethren is much truth but a lot of what the world sees and feels is cultural masks that come with the delivery of Gods word mostly due to the fact ...hello these are human flesh and blood too. There are those that continue in the reader form inside the OALC that will dispell the assumed myth to casual folks about "exclusivity" with "other sheep "I" have which are not of this fold. There is a lot more that if you listen you will hear how ones own mind can make lazy assumptions about why the confession and absolution. Thanks to the Anglican for actually clarifying that. The readers try to set this straight to the unquestioning OALC folks too. There is nowhere explicitly said not to question stuff. This is contrary to the understanding taught there. Thank you all. (I left for selfish reasons that had nothing to do with the church)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-65669876250633017092011-05-25T15:12:52.372-07:002011-05-25T15:12:52.372-07:00Hello Anonymous poster from May 23rd,
Thank you f...Hello Anonymous poster from May 23rd,<br /><br />Thank you for the interesting story and comment. God bless you!Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06529046356895711706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-73211977800574862672011-05-23T02:19:56.694-07:002011-05-23T02:19:56.694-07:00Hi Matt. I think you have captured at lot of probl...Hi Matt. I think you have captured at lot of problems with the Old Apstolic Lutherans very well. And I find that all the comments on the church for "ex-lestadianere" is correct. <br /><br />Myself grew up in this church and was at the age of 21 in a way frocen out. It was because I love the Bible, and protested against unbiblical teachings. I think the main problem whit the Old Apostolic Lutherans teachings is that they have a doctrine that says that what a preacher says in a sermon is above even what the the Bible says/teaches. In a meeting in Malm in 1994 i asked the elders, that was attending from Gellivare, if they confirmed that if a preacher says something contradictionary to the Bible - the word of the precher is above the Bible. To my surprise they confirmed clearly and unanimously to none protest form other than this young girl.<br /><br /><br />The chruch put the elders/preachers so high up, above everything - even the Bible. They have as I see it really made "the elders in Gellivare" their "Gods". This false and unbiblical doctrine is what slowly has turned the Old Apostolic Lutherans from a living church into a sect with a practice around it that also must be considered idolatry?<br /><br />What many see and react to is that the elders of The old Apostolic Lutherans have also made up a lot of addititional sins to the Bible. (ties, jewlery, listening to mucis, alkohol, cut the split ends of your hair, TV, mission and may more). This is in order for the congregatinon to always feel sinnful and have resons for confession and absolution. And as the members says; "it feels so good to be sinful", because then they can have an emotional outburst and be forgiven on sundays. Al of this emotional confession, crying and hugging holds them together and creates reallys strong bonds. Confession is in this context is an emotional culture rather than a true deep sense of sin. They do not really repent for "the real sins in their lives", but they repent for not following the "tradition". <br /><br />I think confessing sins and getting the absolution is an beautiful act and culture. But if what you repent is not following a culture rather then real sins in your life, then this absolution is not all that it seems to be. <br /><br />There is still a lot of "lestadianere" that is deeply christians. Unlike what the old Apostolic Lutherans teaches we do not have to get all the Theology<br />right. Jesus is a matter of the hart. Many are just belivers longing fore beeing close to God and experiense him. To bad they have such a bad leadership whit so much false teaching.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-75223737192321969852011-05-09T20:24:30.324-07:002011-05-09T20:24:30.324-07:00Thank you Anonymous Poster from May 9th for answer...Thank you Anonymous Poster from May 9th for answering with info about the IALC. It is a denomination I don't know much about. God bless you.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06529046356895711706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-90005762799475693392011-05-09T19:39:28.096-07:002011-05-09T19:39:28.096-07:00I am not sure if Matt has any familiarity with the...I am not sure if Matt has any familiarity with the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church (IALC) and since I was a member of this church from birth until just recently, I could probably fill you in. People from the IALC are not nearly as extreme as the OALC, but they do tend to stick together. And yes, they do tend to stick together. However, as far as friendships go, it is possible to have a meaningful life-long friendship with someone from this church. (You may feel close to them, but don't be surprised if they don't invite you to be an attendant in their wedding or something like that). They prefer to reserve their closest friendships with those inside their church. And yes, they are not banned from TV, movies, or wearing contemporary clothing including earrings, make-up or jewelry. They will not try to convert you to their religion but if you ask, they will invite you to services. They won't pressure you to go. Some do believe they are the only chosen ones, but its probably not 100%, but they are reluctant to attend other churches because they're afraid of gettiing mixed in with what they consider false doctrine. Even though I was born and raised in the church, I was never fully accepted there, probably because I had many "worldly" friends and did not accept the doctrine of exclusivity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-16345437122194005942011-05-09T16:05:27.407-07:002011-05-09T16:05:27.407-07:00Hello Matt, Can you or someone please tell me the ...Hello Matt, Can you or someone please tell me the difference between the OALC and the Independent Apostolic Luthern Church? I had a friend who belonged to the OALC... one day he called me up and told me - out of the blue - that he could no longer be my friend because I didn't go to his church. He said that he was getting rid of all the bad influences in his life - movies, music, tv, books... and was only going to be friends with his fellow true christians. This really hurt me for years especially since he was saying that I was a bad person because I didn't go to his church. I never did anything wrong. However, I have another friend that belongs to the Independent Aposotolic Lutheran Church - for the most part it seems that she can still be my friend, but has said that most people from her church tend to be friends with other church members only. She can watch TV, Movies, Read books etc... So i'm wondering what the main differences between these churches are? Does the Independent church also believe that non-members are going to hell and that their church is the only one? My friend doesn't seem to like to talk about her beliefs openly... so i don't ask... thanks! I would love a response!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-52751230510681282502011-05-09T08:13:27.314-07:002011-05-09T08:13:27.314-07:00Hello, I have some experience with the oalc, I mar...Hello, I have some experience with the oalc, I married into it and have a daughter now who has to deal with it. I ended up divorcing when my daughter was still a baby. She is now 5 years old and is being pressured by my ex husband and family. They have told her that tv is a sin, that she can't wear necklaces, or makeup, that music is a sin....and it goes on and on. I had to move out of the area cause I refused to have my daughter deal with peer pressure from them at school as well as on her visits with her father. I have heard parents of the OALC ask there kids after the first day of school if they had any other Christians in their class, and sadly the kids will reply with 'no' or list off a few names of their cousins. They are brainwashed at a very young age. I am deeply saddened and worried for my daughter and the mess she has to deal with because of this. Also, I must say they have an overall feeling of being above the law because they are protected from the church community. They go to the elders first and foremost, not to law enforcement and many serious stuff is swept under the rug. I have heard stories of child abuse, and from what I noticed, the suspected families were kinda outsiders in the church, but also protected. I believe it is out of fear of creating a bad image or because they are in denial...who knows. I do know that it probably creates a sense of empowerment for the ones getting away with it. I must say that before I married into the church I thought most were very nice people, I really believe they mean well and have been brainwashed. We need to show them compassion cause quite frankly they feel empowered by other people disliking them. The best thing you can do for them is show them love...they won't know what to do with it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-35489043287422756542011-02-23T18:34:58.937-08:002011-02-23T18:34:58.937-08:00Hello Matt,
Wow, interesting read; thank you. I ...Hello Matt,<br /><br />Wow, interesting read; thank you. I found your site while researching the OALC. While you claim to have never met an OAL you did not like, I have not met one I do. My neighbors are OAL and I cannot think of one nice thing to say about them. <br /><br />Their 13 children run wild, with little or no supervision. The are allowed to run around half naked in the Winter. They frequently kill small animals, vandalize our property, and are rude to my family, even though we have been nothing but kind and given them gifts. They are never apologetic for their actions. They have lied on numerous occasions. Our other neighbors do not care for them either. <br /><br />On one occasion I patronized a store owned by an OAL family and they tried to charge me four times more than the going rate. On another occasion, when one of them did something illegal, another church member refused to testify against them. I have found the church’s members to be nothing more than an odd cult, who treat outsiders with disdain and malice. <br /><br />I wish you the best, and thank you for the opportunity to post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-28088092816428320412011-01-09T17:58:40.628-08:002011-01-09T17:58:40.628-08:00I think it's really sad that you get people co...I think it's really sad that you get people commenting on here saying that this article is completely false and that stuff a person might find on the internet about this church is false as well. Everything I have found on the internet about this church has been shown to be 100% true, and the reason why I know that is because one of my best friends is a member of this church. OALC is more of a cult than it is a religion.Briannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-46024740956496929002010-10-02T03:41:13.992-07:002010-10-02T03:41:13.992-07:00I have a young friend who married into ALC. She h...I have a young friend who married into ALC. She has 4 children, the birth of her last nearly killed her. Her husband's family rule their lives and he will not stand up for her. He will not allow birth control though another birth could kill her. She is severely depressed but the ALC condones medication and treatment for depression. She has no family of her own, no job and no money. She wants to leave ALC and her husband but is scared of losing her children. Does anyone know of any lawyers who have helped women in her situation? I worry for her sanity and her life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357491412347234783.post-9630116652284235972010-09-10T21:49:28.560-07:002010-09-10T21:49:28.560-07:00A very good article, about sums it up. I'm onl...A very good article, about sums it up. I'm only 21 and never heard of child abuse, but I've gotten strange feelings from many of the people. I went to "the church" until I was about 19 and I must say that I never really felt it was a big deal, although I was brainwashed into believing it was the "only church" ect. Three other family members of mine have also left "the church", but none of them played any kind of a role in my decision, which most "members" wouldn't believe if I told them. I left because God has been calling me, and salvation within that church is almost impossible. It is more empty than anything, although highly legalistic. Even so, much of what the "preachers" advise would actually be recommendable, in my opinion. The media on TV is filled with lies and unmoral behavior. Sports do tend to make a person prideful, (although I am sure it is not always the case). Modern mainstream music is trance inducing, hypnotic and full of occultic, anti-christian and unmoral themes. Ironically, the cheesiest, most highly hypnotic pop music seems to be the music of choice for apostolic teens (although they are told not to listen to it, of course it makes doing just that more desirable to a teen). Evangilizing to apostolics is almost impossible due to the perpetual fear underwhich they live. They are more afraid of their peers than God (which they will deny for the same reason), although many are waking during these last times, praise God. I have no doubt that there are christians within "the church", but they are ignorant of their own faith. I can definately see how leaving the "church" could bring pain and sorrow for most people, but personally, human pain and sorrow is meaningless compared to the the abundance of God's grace. To those who have left, seek God and He will wipe your tears away. Also, never use your past as an excuse for your problems. There have been ex-satanists who have turned to Christ at the penalty of death. Christ Himself should be more than adequate to fulfill your needs. Rejoice that you have seen through the lies and have found the truth. Mainly, do not waste to much time brooding upon the problems in "the church". I understand many have family members who still attend "the church", but remember what Christ said, "whosoever hears the word of God and obeys it, the same is my mother, brother and sister." There are much bigger things to worry about.Stevenoreply@blogger.com