Hi Tom!
It is a good thing to discuss this and attempt to gain some clarity, but such a discussion becomes combative because of the strong individual prejudices involved (I will admit I have a strong emotional bias). Trying to evaluate what made the Assembly tick by ones individual experiences alone, and without the benefit of making certain generalizations, have made this topic somewhat difficult. To some "the abusive marriage" analogy will be perfect (Judy, etc.), to yourself the "small town" concept is a better one and to me "the dysfunctional family" analogy fits best.
The Assembly was more than the sum of many different individual experiences; it had a way of operating that established certain social dynamics that trumped any of the individual good will of a particular member---- good people were trapped in the same system with those who were not so good. The Assembly rewarded those loyal to it and punished those who challenged it.
Of course, there were many who were truly saved and who "did what they did as unto the Lord", but when it came to successfully challenging the system none of these sincere motives were effective in changing anything. Those (like the Big Potato
) who were firmly in charge made sure that the members were effectively cowed into submission.
It is that single fact, that bad people controlled the group, and this shows that the true operative nature of the Assembly was a cultic one. The most important goal of the group was the preservation of GG's power and the maintenance of the support system that served that selfish goal. So, though many individual members may have been serving "as unto the Lord", they did so in a group that was controlled by those who not only could care less about the members, but really could care less about the Lord.
Here's an illustration from my own experiences: Shortly after being forced out of the group in the Valley for attempting to question the system I received a phone message from a certain "Sister" who wanted to talk to me. When I called another "Sister" (she lived in a house with other "Saints") answered the phone and told me that I could not talk with the person who left me the message. I asked, "why?" She proceeded to tell me that I "was of the Devil, a liar, deceiver, etc." Now, I had formerely known this girl as a sweet and devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She had come forward after ministry and told me often how my ministry had blessed her, and my wife had spent much time with her on an individual basis as well.
I can relate many more such stories as the one above where loyalty to the group was the primary controlling operating force. This turned a sweet and sincere sister of Christ into a fierce hate filled attack dog that actually caused her attitudes and behavior to operate in opposition to God's intention. I understand that she was acting out of her state of deception, and therefore I feel only pity for her (and those like her), but the fact still remains that her sincere desire to serve Christ had become so manipulated by GG and company she thought that in doing what she did she was "doing service to God."
So, though "everyone" did not
as individuals reflect the hard hearted and stiff necked attitudes, if you wished to remain there, you had to submit to the absolute domination of GG's claim as being God's rep. and that what he dictated was the law of God!
There were only three choices: 1.) Support the system above all else by demonstrating your absolute devotion and loyalty to those in power. 2.) Keep any objections to yourself by passively accepting whatever happens without comment. However, you will never gain the loving support of those in power.
3.) Leave. And when you leave, face the fact that all the "beloved saints" will have nothing to do with you and consider you as "being of the devil."
Yes, God knew many of us were well intentioned while in the group, but good intentions by themselves don't always translate into just and loving behavior. These are the most important lessons to learn from our past in the group, and our recollections must be accompanied with the honest fact that we supported this cult---- either actively, or by our silent submission to it.
Yes, (and thanks) we made it through the fire okay. My Mom lives with us now, and she stayed with us and the dogs crowded in a motel room for the week. She just turned 85 and is as spry as ever!
God Bless, Mark C.
