I was exiled from my bible study fellowship of 2 years for owning porn using 1 Cor 5 – Christian cult tactics?
Question by TednGilbertAZ: I was exiled from my bible study fellowship of 2 years for owning porn using 1 Cor 5 – Christian cult tactics?
Christians only, please: So, here’s the deal, been born again for three decades and ministered for many years in my early walk. I’ve been part of this small group who are like family (If not closer) to me. They were my sole support outside of worship at my old church. I openly, honestly admitted I own porn and others in our group struggle with viewing it online.
One leader-type member is a bonafide sex addict times ten who lives God and hates sin, making a huge production of his struggles and victories. He sanctimoniously diagnosed ME as an addict for not destroying my porn. I was put through over two intense hours of intervention because I casually view porn as a divorced man – at one point, I believe it did control me, however never to the point of this self-righteous man. He went to Meadows and was treated at highest level for sex addiction a few years back following his divorce due to his behemoth lust/addiction behavior. He sees me as being admittedly bisexual and born again (yes, several of us do exist) as a wicked, evil sinner for owning porn and not repenting from it.
I was sorry that my porn was shared without my permission from two guest female members/friends who unlocked my closet and viewed it. Our group leader, a married man confronted me alongside this hypocritical sanctimonious man whobgave me an ultimatum to leave or destroy my porn and seek fairly expensive treatment in a six month course that he attends or be exiled – I chose the course even though I explained I’m not an addict. Then I said I’d destroy the porn, but could not guarantee I may not view some elsewhere or simply rent down the street. I’m honest, sorry. They wanted me to show contrition and say porn is evil – and well, I simply do not believe that – for some people, yes – just like alcohol, but I casually view it, around 90 minutes in past 4 months. So, he says I’m a “casual addict” – lol – oxymoron. I was banished and told to have no contact with anyone in the group, including my two best friends, one who is ex-GF and my BFF possible future wife. Several members hide secret sins (people talk) and I was open and honest about all mine, yet because I physically OWN factory porn I am now personna non gratta.
Is this right?? I’ve been told bi all my Christian friends outside fellowship they overstepped their bounds. So, last night, they had an enormously long intense session on sin leading up to validating my expulsion. However, 1 Cor 5 is referring to a specific sexually immoral PUBLIC sin that hurt the early church. Mine was never public, just pubic – bad joke – need a little levity, sorry. This addict/co-leader told us he’s never felt the Holy Spirit and my gift of discerment confirms that, but judging those inside the faith should require and come purely via the Holy Spirit, I thought, otherwise it is judgment through the flesh – and we all know who is in charge there.
So, am I truly the evil, wicked, unrepentant brother Paul speaks of? Was I in a cult? It sure feels that way. This UN-spirit-filled man even declared me to have a false salvation and that I am living in hell as I speak. I believe he perceived me as a threat to discovering his hypocrisy and duality, thus his successful attempt to convince the leader/host of our group to have me removed. I’ve since removed my false ‘shame’ and been cleansed, filled with joy in the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:38) at seeing truth. Am I wrong? Opinions? Thanks and blessings 🙂
Best answer:
Answer by Highway
Sounds like you with a bunch of judgmental hypocrites who don’t sound very Christian to me.
You need no building to call a Church. The Church is everywhere and you are free to follow Christ. I highly suggest finding others that you can find fellowship that are more tolerant and open to the Word of God.
I wish you the best. Your fellow man can often be your worst enemy.
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