Is that one word or two?
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 by catalyst into the Uncategorized categoryLT’s back. He has some good thoughts. And at one point, I found myself thinking, “Oh no he just didn’t.”
It has been some time since I visited the site, but a few friends urged me to read what was being said about PBC lately, so I took the bait. As some of you may know, I have been gone from PBC since the middle of May. There is no need to rehearse the events that led to me being laid off or to try and interpret all the reasons behind the decision. I am very happy attending Gresham Free Methodist Church today while making my living working for a couple of universities.
There are many things I could say about the twelve years I served at PBC but, at fifty-six years of age and having perpetrated my share of damage to people during my years of ministry, I have neither time nor energy to entertain a new round of hard feelings. One thing I have learned: I’m dumb enough to overlook my own hypocrisy when criticizing others at times, but I’m smart enough to know that bullshit is one word. This brings me to the first point: some of you have legitimate complaints but about others I am not so certain. Perhaps you should search deep in your own hearts to discern which category you belong to before logging on.
My wife and I have experienced pain at the hands of religious zealots too. But I prefer to focus on the many happy memories I gained from sharing a small portion of my life with intelligent and precocious youth and with whom I believe are positive contributors to this world. I also have good friends at PBC, including Dr. Asplund and Lanny Hubbard and others. I happen to know that their hearts are always turned toward the students.
My second point addresses the rest of you who have raised legitimate concerns over hurts you received while at PBC. I can only say that I am truly sorry. Please accept my apology as a former representative of the teachers and administrators who hurt you. I also ask any person to forgive me if I intentionally or unintentionally hurt you during your time at PBC. I can only hope that you are able to deal with your anger and use whatever experiences you have had in life to reconstruct something worthwhile for yourself. I wish you all the best for the future.
LT
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November 22nd, 2005 at 5:42 am
“One thing I have learned: I’m dumb enough to overlook my own hypocrisy when criticizing others at times, but I’m smart enough to know that bullshit is one word.”
LT, you sly dog. There may be a blogger in you yet.
November 22nd, 2005 at 6:02 am
I always liked LT! If it hadden’t been for him I would have never gone into Philosophy as a major in University!!
I always felt I got answeres from him.
He was always willing to go the extra mile and I borrowed several books from him dealing with philosophy which feed my hunger for learning truth while at PBC.
Thanks LT
November 22nd, 2005 at 7:53 am
Spurgeon said it best
AVOID FOOLISH CONTROVERSIES.
Titus 3:9
Our days are few and are far better spent in doing good than in disputing over matters that are, at best, of minor importance. The old scholars did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our churches suffer too often from petty wars over obscure points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion promotes neither knowledge nor love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions about issues on which Scripture is silent, on mysteries that belong to God alone, on prophecies of doubtful interpretation, and on mere modes of observing human ceremonials are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we will find ourselves occupied with so much profitable business that we will have no time to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.
There are, however, some questions that are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid but fairly and honestly meet, such as these: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my behavior adorn the doctrine of God my Savior? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord and watching as a servant should who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such inquiries as these demand our urgent attention; and if we have been given at all to frivolous arguments, let us now turn our critical abilities to a much more profitable service. Let us be peacemakers and endeavor to lead others both by our precept and example to “avoid foolish controversies.”
your favorite friend anonymous
November 22nd, 2005 at 10:49 am
This is off the subject, but has anyone noticed CBC’s new logo & Kinko’s new logo look very similar?
check it out: www.citybiblechurch.org & www.kinkos.com
November 22nd, 2005 at 11:25 am
What works for one business will work for another.
November 22nd, 2005 at 11:38 am
Old scholars I believe paved a new path by means of questioning what they were told were absolute truths. I do believe that some questions are rhetorical and by any means of argument may never be compleately solved. I prefer to question and not just go along with what someone tells me is right. There is more then one way to interpret scripture, and of course there will always be more than one church who believes they are the key to heaven.
By the way Im not really sure of the connection between Spergeon and the first blog?
November 22nd, 2005 at 1:47 pm
Anonymous buddy, you only covered some of the recommendations mentioned in Titus. You really should check out Titus 2 because it reminds church leaders to teach sound (or healthy) doctrine and Titus 1:7-8 written out below.
1:7-8 For an overseer (church leader), as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain , 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined
I figure if a church leader(s) isn’t living up to Biblical recommendations, then the issue is not “foolish controversy”. I would say it’s a serious problem…
November 22nd, 2005 at 2:37 pm
That part is bold in Bible too.
November 22nd, 2005 at 4:37 pm
I always enjoyed Larry's classes. In fact, I think he was one of the more honest and "real" teachers there. It was an unusual trait, and more then likely a result of Larry's own history… Kind of like how history has a tendancy to repeat itself, part of my worldview and desire to be "honest, real, and open" and question *everything* for a reason why I believe it, was encouraged by the few classes I had with him. LT is a thinker, and he tried to create thinkers.. even in an environment that did not promote thinking (differently, that is).
November 22nd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Yeah it looks like the Kinkos logo.. it also looks like the NBC logo.
November 23rd, 2005 at 6:11 am
I think we all know that guys like Larry were not part of the problem up there. LT and Ken Ross were like a breath of fresh air of “down to earthness” and “free thinking” (aka: there might be other ideas that are contrary to Keving Conner and Bill Shiedler.) Another great guy, Lanny Hubbard. That guy is such a humble, geniune, nice “christlike” person. But this post is about LT. LT, you’re a really nice guy. You’re one of the good guys, not part of the “system”, which is part of the reason you’re not there anymore. And rest assured you had a tremendously positive impact on the lives that you encountered up on the hill.
November 23rd, 2005 at 6:52 am
Bill Schiedler..oh I have spent years trying to forget that name..He is the one who didn’t like my poop illustration, how dare he. *Romans* sucked by the way!!! I think we butted heads in a big way. I think he traided his soul in for those massive trucks he is always driving….
But of course thats not an answere to any questions…I really need to keep Titus 3:9 in mind…
Im bitter…Gosh darnit…
PS..as a tid bit of info a peacock was a symbol of the ancient church but also Hera’s bird side kick…go figure…