Gloriavale Looking more like a Cult than a Christian Community

[Angelina]

http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/campbelllive/gloriavale-ex-member-speaks-to-police-2015042819#axzz3Yr1ztdKo

Campbell live has taken up this story which has sparked controversy over stories of physical, psychological and spiritual abuse of ex members at the hands of specific leaders in this community. John Campbell has also uncovered a myriad of companies owned by the this community. Original leader Neville Cooper an Australian born evangelist was convicted and served almost a year in jail for sexual abuse and indecent assault on women and girls in 1995

http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/campbelllive/gloriavale-more-claims-emerge-of-abuse-bullying-and-starvation-2015043019#axzz3Yr1ztdKo

The question I would like to pose is ~ Is there a place for a Christian Community [similar to this one] in today's society? :huh:

 

[pom2014]

Yes they are called the Amish.

Generally they conduct themselves reasonably, but there are always chances for abuse.

 

[Born_Again]

I don't see any reason why a Christian community couldn't thrive. If there were to be any dissension it would be because of misconduct in leadership. And depending on how charismatic the leadership is, and weak minded the community, others would be convinced to follow the bad example of the leadership. Perhaps a better question is, "At what point does it become a cult?"

 

[Angelina]

Indeed! some good thoughts guys...

 

[DogLady19]

http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/campbelllive/gloriavale-ex-member-speaks-to-police-2015042819#axzz3Yr1ztdKo

Campbell live has taken up this story which has sparked controversy over stories of physical, psychological and spiritual abuse of ex members at the hands of specific leaders in this community. John Campbell has also uncovered a myriad of companies owned by the this community. Original leader Neville Cooper an Australian born evangelist was convicted and served almost a year in jail for sexual abuse and indecent assault on women and girls in 1995

http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/campbelllive/gloriavale-more-claims-emerge-of-abuse-bullying-and-starvation-2015043019#axzz3Yr1ztdKo

The question I would like to pose is ~ Is there a place for a Christian Community [similar to this one] in today's society? :huh:

I think there's plenty of place for a Christian community in today's society. But why?

I think there will always be some sect of separatists, but God expects us to be part of mainstream society, not cut off. People who usually are drawn to communal life are trying to get away from the world... Maybe for a time of strengthening and prayer, it's a good idea... But then, it is time to back into the world.

And history shows that longer a group stays separated, the more likely they are to become legalistic and forget that grace saved them, not obedience to the law.

If we receive salvation, then shut ourselves off from the lost world, we might as well be taken immediately up to Heaven since we would be of no use on earth any more.

Perhaps a better question is, "At what point does it become a cult?"

Good question! Cults have a few things that are essential to their existence and define them as a cult, and not just a separatist community.

The leader is considered above criticism and correction. The members do not feel qualified to question the authority of the leader. There are consequences to leaving. They have developed their own vernacular (cult speak). Those who can't conform to the leader's dictates in a defined period of time are considered inferior and weak.

 

[JimParker]

There are plenty of Christian communities. They are commonly called monasteries and convents.

Such communities date back at least to the Essenes who, in the century before Jesus' advent, left the corruption of Hellenized Judea and Jerusalem and formed communities of dedicated believers in the wilderness.

But the Church, other than monks and nuns whose primary work is to offer constant prayer, has been given the task of being the salt and light of the world. The Church is (supposed to be) the eschatological kingdom of God present in the world today against which the gates of hell cannot prevail. (sigh)

Well, gotta go now and watch Rev. Peter Popoff! (Ugh! Just kidding!)