waysider

Hello, George Welcome to GSC. You and I undoubtedly have differing opinions on many topics. That's OK, though. Healthy discussion of differences leads to deeper understanding of the issues and the individuals discussing them. As you pointed out, bickering is counterproductive and to be avoided. It looks like you've put a good deal of thought into your online endeavor. I commend you for your effort and enthusiasm. Things here can seem contentious from time to time. It's all part of the process. We're glad you've decided to get on board. Feel free to ask questions and disagree whenever you feed the need. All we really ask is for the conversation to remain civil and productive. I hope you will find your time here productive.

Those questions might best be answered by someone with expertise in the behavioral sciences.

"Fear is the sand in the machinery of life."...E.Stanley Jones Even this quote, for which Wierwille is famously remembered, originated with a source other than himself

The tree analogy is really flawed in a very basic way. Unlike an actual tree, the reciprocal relationship between the root and the leaves was off balance and skewed in one direction.

Hint: Big announcement involves their schedule . HERE

"Beware of splinters."

Hey, kids! Be the first on your block to slap this gnarly declaration of independence on the back of your vintage Honda. Act now and we'll also throw in an 8 track copy of THIS rad tune. (Call now; operators are standing by.)

There are still people out there who will go to their graves (some have already gone.) insisting we were part of some noble cause.

He confessed that, on at least one occasion, he faked it by reciting something in Greek he had memorized. From the account of this occasion, he seemed to be proud of himself for being able to pull off the deception.

The exact same thing happened in FellowLaborers of Ohio (mid 1970's). That suggests to me that the whole scenario was pre-planned and staged.

I'm not sure, but I think it was a Pressed Down song. ("I am a leaf on a mighty tree, etc.......") You might ask Joe Fair. He's on facebook. Oh, and welcome to GSC.

They are a vital component of the narrative because they create the need for a hero.

Some might enjoy THIS series with Joseph Campbell. It explores the power and necessity of myths and heroes.

Well, I knew there had to be a catch.

It might have said "Drop the chalupa!" but I fear we may never know.

As Sgt. Joe Friday used to say, "All we know are the facts, ma'am".

He was grooming us to extend our bounderies of acceptance.

I can't cite a specific place where he taught this, but he taught that when the Bible talks about adultery, it's talking about spiritual adultery (worshipping other gods) and not about physical intercourse. He went on to imply that if someone still thinks it's about intercourse, it's an indication that person is not spiritually mature enough to understand the deep meanings involved in scripture...whatever the hell that's supposed to mean.

Worth repeating.

I think I still have a big box of SNS tapes in my cellar. (not 100% sure) I'm just saving them in case I need a boat anchor some day.

That was my thought, as well. He said he asked God to give him a sign. (In the same class he said you can't ask God to give you a sign.) Then again, maybe it was in the Advanced Class he said you can't ask for signs. SSDC

This right here.

I think it depends on where and when you were involved. In the 1970's, it was OK to celebrate or choose to not celebrate. The only consistency I really saw was that we were expected to declare that Christ was born in September, not on Christmas Day.