A cult or not a cult? -- RSQUBF discussion forum

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Date Posted: 10:40:06 10/03/04 Sun
Author: Mike K.
Subject: A cult or not a cult?
In reply to: jim 's message, "UBF a cult if you let it..." on 00:31:43 10/03/04 Sun

Hello,
First of all, let me tell you this: much of what you write was discussed already as "the sins of the leaders and the sins of the sheep". It's not bad that you make your own thoughts, much rather, it's a good sign.
Yes, there's a problem in people who go without knowing the "why" and "for what".
But don't think this is only a problem of the "lower rank" members. No, the upper echolon of leaders encourages such behaviour, even they seem to *want* people to be ignorant regarding the true, untainted, full message of the Gospel (please compare Paul's writings: "I do not want you to be ignorant regarding the hope which is within you") and much rather spend their time with endless and meaningless sogams, messages, meetings etc. than reflect on the Bible itself.
It's subtle, but you have to realize that in UBF you spend hardly any time *without* any "study aides" in the Word: you have a questionnaire to guide your thoughts in 1:1, you have the message in SWS, when you write your sogam you use that message also etc., and in Daily Bread, it's mostly about the passage provided by the Chicago guys - Just taking the Bible ALONE without UBF materials is a rare sight.
And this is why I'd say that those who take the lead have quite their fair share in the miserable situation of the UBF "rank and file".

People who accuse UBF as a cult? What are you doing for Jesus Christ who has died for you? Paul tells us to die with Christ and become a brother of Christ.

Well, "to die with Christ" surely does NOT mean to close both eyes towards unrighteousness and abuse - you forget to say "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" - we also have a life, and this life is Christ, and in case you didn't realize, Christ wasn't "taking the Cross" when the Pharisees were leading the flock of God astray for their own profit: Christ, while walking on this earth as a man, had harsh words to say towards the religious leaders who were more interested in getting material gain and recognition of man rather than making themselves a living sacrifice to serve others.
I can not speak for other chapters, but in UBF Bonn, the top leader was receiving praise upon praise in each and every sogam, if a sogam did not praise Chang, it was considered "ungracious" and had to get re-written. Isn't this typical pharisaic behaviour? Should we "just die" or should we, having received the Lord's life as our own, do what the Lord Jesus did and say what the Lord said?

Oh, and please don't ask "what have you done?"
I don't want to belittle UBF, but let me say that since I left UBF, my life has become much more joyous and fruitful than it was while I was there.
The fear of man was replaced with gratitude towards the Lord. If I'd tell you detals, it might just sound like I'm shaming UBF even further, but let me tell you I could get out of the fantasy world in which UBF places people.
Being a real shepherd to the people has nothing to do with what UBF thinks - it's not about a number of 1:1's, and it's also not about dragging people to an uncomfortable place for 3-4 hours every Sunday.

God is the judge, and on the last day, he will know who truly loved him.

"By their fruit shall you know them, a good tree brings forth no bad fruit".
Ever heard of that? Where's the good fruit of UBF? And what do you say about the bad fruit?

Yes, I won't deny that people come to receive the Lord through UBF - but please be aware that this is neither a requirement to accept UBF as good nor is it a proof that UBF is okay: the Lord can use EVERY environment to bring people to Himself, many found Jesus through the tribulations of prison, war and famine - which also doesn't make these things okay.

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