[Vision2020] Does size matter?

[Joan Opyr]

>That is just it, Joan.  I am sure that the Dougster does speak for his
>850 "people".  They dare not step out of line and speak independently.  
>That
>goes against the very teachings of Christ Church.
>
>Dontcha think?
>

Maybe, but then again, maybe not.  As I said, a good number (perhaps even 
the majority) of those 850 are minor children.  When I was a kid, my dad 
spoke for me, whether I liked it or not.  When we went out for pizza, he 
ordered green peppers and onions.  I hate green peppers and onions.  When I 
got to be old enough to hold a job and buy my own pizza, I ordered black 
olives and mushrooms.  My father and I disagree on a whole host of issues -- 
political, religious, social, and familial.  He doesn't speak for me, and I 
very much doubt that Doug speaks for 850 anyones, man, woman, or child.  
That might be the great man's dream, but I have some experience of 
charismatic churches, and I've never known it to describe reality.  (And 
before anyone brings up Jim Jones and Kool-aid, I'd like to remind you that 
even in that worst case scenario, a sizable number did not drink willingly.  
They were murdered.)

I also want to say something here that I haven't said very clearly before, 
and that's that I extend the hand of friendship to any and all Kirkers who 
attend Christ Church but do not agree with their pastor's views on slavery, 
or women's rights, or church governance, or what it really means to be a 
disciple of Christ.  Despite Doug's best efforts to convince those of us on 
the outside, and, more importantly, those on the inside, that Christ Church 
is dissent-free and monolithic, I don't believe that.  There has been too 
much evidence posted on this list and elsewhere to support such a view, and 
believing it plays into Doug's vision of himself as an all-powerful mover 
and shaker.

Threats.  Intimidation.  Fear of loss of community and financial 
retribution.  These are not the hallmarks of a church in full communion.  
These are the hallmarks of a total institution, and of a man who desperately 
wants to keep people apart who could and should come together.

I like my friends to be many and varied.  And you know what, they are.

Joan Opyr/Auntie Establishment

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