Taxidev

Thank you. Yes, I did find where to edit the phrase, which I did. But I couldn't figure out what those dots were about.

I would add a third: 3. An illumination of all things that were hidden from those out in the ether, the regular attendees of their local fellowship. Like me. You all have floored me with your firsthand sharings of the evils of TWI.

My limited understanding of the meaning of that phrase is this: 2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. It doesn't say anything about inviting people to a bible fellowship, only to be reconciled to God. I'm sure that would often include some biblical teaching, but that can happen anywhere - my living room, his living room, the park bench, over lunch at a diner, etc, etc... And I have enjoyed a good number of biblical discussions with people that resulted in nothing more than a thank you for sharing my understanding of the Word. It was only when I heard the term "outreach" that it was clear to me that they wanted to get people in the fellowship meeting. But, typically, I didn't feel comfortable inviting people to see what I was seeing in those fellowships. As that feeling grew over the past few years, I knew there was no way I would ever invite anyone to our fellowship, and that was the beginning of the end of TWI for me.

If you end up taking OldSkool's advice, maybe you could take out the words "biblical research" from the line "biblical research, teaching and fellowship [[Christian ministry]]". There is no more biblical research going on.

There is blatantly missing the representation FROM the people. "The directors answer their questions and help them to keep going and growing", apparently only in one direction, the direction TWI wants. Period. Very interesting and revealing letter.

I've never heard of him. But, that aside, it just sounds better as a last name, and even as a middle name. But the last name version, to me, sounds the best. As a first name, it just strikes me as really odd. I understand it is of German or Dutch origin.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! WTF?!?! Sorry. I've heard some strange first names, but that one got me good.

I remember sitting in Craig's class during the original sin segment, thinking, "That's a real stretch - I just don't see that in scripture." While it was in the law as punishable by death, so were many other things. So, how was that one chosen as the "original sin"? BTW, why do you folks here refer to Craig as Loy?

That's ridiculous.

Please, for those of us who weren't around then, elaborate on VPW's version. I only learned Craig's fantasy.

I didn't even know they had that.

This doesn't irritate me. But the R&R folks aren't involved in the Oikeos "business". I would call it a ministry if I believed it to be. So, I stand on all that I have originally described about the R&R group. But, as I noted here in response to your other comment, if they have things going on under the covers, I don't know about that.

Where do they define their origin? I can't find that anywhere.

When R&R formed, Rico was already doing his own thing in Florida. He did give them some of his teachings for their web site, and I think he has a few posted on their facebook page also, but he already had in mind that he was to be in charge, so he was putting together his new Oikeos structure. As far as I know, no one from R&R base group is involved in Oikeos. But because the R&R base has a relationship with Rico, they join forces for these annual events. And, the first event in Florida took place prior to Rico having his established Oikeos business, so he was just a participant teacher like the others. Now, it's very possible that under the covers they have something in the works. But until they lift those covers I won't know. I am not privy to their plannings.

If they are, they haven't made it public. I do see, however, that this Labor Day class is not posted on the R&R web site. I can't even guess why not.

When I stopped going to TWI fellowship early this year, he was still active, but I can't remember in what capacity.

Yes, major ego is what I see also. And, get ready, he described this in a teaching that is posted on the R&R web site! I couldn't believe it. The real kicker is that, in the bible, I see no direction AT ALL of God wanting an individual to be in charge of the body. That job belongs to Jesus Christ. The rest of us are just part of the body, no more, no less.

That is some list of names! I had seen the points of contention, but not the signature list. Yes, I did catch wind of this - you are correct.

Yup. I didn't quote the R&R participants because I don't know the full list.

I don't know that Rico was actually "part of" the R&R group. I get the impression that, while he did participate with them, he was always running on his own track since being ousted from TWI. He made it very clear early on that he was supposed to be in charge.

I don't need to strain my imagination to see this happening.

Oikeos isn't R&R, it's all Rico. He participates with R&R sometimes, but this site is definitely all him. He wants to be in charge, so now he is. From all the discussion from R&R I gather they don't want a central headquarters, and that would be a good thing. We'll see.

I agree. He definitely wants to be in charge. I believe that's why he's moved away from R&R and started his own thing.

Not really. Rico participates in things with R&R, but Oikeos is his own ballgame. This is fairly new also, from what I understand. He had done a few teachings with R&R, but I haven't heard from him in at least 6 months. So, Rico might be following TWI structure, but he's doing that on his own.

Well, maybe you haven't dug deep enough. Is that because you don't care enough to look deeper? Surely that must mean something...