Wednesday, April 16, 2008

No One Asked Why

This blog is written primarily by those that left the LHMM in hopes that it will help others that are going through similar experiences possibly due to similar reasons. In the movie Shadowlands, C.S. Lewis says "We read to know we are not alone." Since the LHMM and their doctrines are so specific, it is easy to feel alone in your beliefs. You are not alone. Others have had similar thoughts and feelings.

There were reasons for leaving. It was not an overnight decision. For each of us, study and prayer went into the event. It was based on some of the things discussed on this blog and other reasons. One big reason for the separation was based on doctrine and beliefs. Ultimately, I had many questions that were never answered appropriately. In personal conversations with the executive trustee of the LHMM at the time, he acknowledged some of the errors I pointed out. His response was this: "I agree but I do not believe that the LHMM is strong enough to withstand this knowledge." So nothing was done. Continuing to preach things that are known to be incorrect is wrong. In essense, the response was similar to Col. Jessep in the movie "A Few Good Men" when he said "You can't handle the truth."

So one day it changed for me. Something that I had spent my entire life knowing became harmful and not the wisest course to continue following. I took a step in faith and separated myself from the system of belief put forward by the LHMM. The strange thing I found was that out of all the people that stayed in the LHMM...no one asked WHY? Over the years, I had built many close friendships as well as my closest family members. Yet, you just let me go without a question. No one even asked "Are you OK? Is there anything we can do for you?"

I find this hard to understand. If you believe that the LHMM has the one and only correct truth, and desire to share it with everyone, and then someone leaves that purity and fellowship, then why are you not interested in "why?". Why are you not curious? Here are some possible reasons:
* It makes you uncomfortable.
* You don't want to know the answer because you are fearful it may influence your decision to stay.
* You were taught to disassociate with anyone that might possibly disagree.
* You see the leaving person as dangerous or a possible sifter.
* You don't care.

I don't think the reason is "because you don't care". in general, the people associated with the LHMM are good people with loving and caring hearts. If the reason is one of the others, then how did that come about? Where did you get the idea that talking with someone that has different beliefs would be harmful? Isn't your faith strong enough to handle real questions? Any system of belief that is built on truth should be able to withstand honest questioning. Many of the thoughts put forth on this blog remain undefended. How do you come to terms with your beliefs?