The Shepherd's Chapel and Dr. Arnold Murray

----- Original Message -----

From: Name and Address Withheld

To: reborn@oraclesofgod.org (Paul Stringini)

Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 4:42 PM

Subject: from a fellow believer needing advice

Hello,

            My name is XXXX XXXXX. I am new to the internet so you'll have to bear with me. Anyway, I was reading something of yours on the internet about Arnold Murray and The Shepard's Chapel. I found what you wrote very compelling, as my father and step-mom are avid follower's of Arnold Murray's teaching.
For years I have wondered how they could justify such hatred towards their fellow man as far as race is concerned. It seems that they are becoming more and more hateful and intolerant of other races. This concerns me greatly as I know that God is love and he hopes that we all would come to him for our salvation.

I was wondering if you might be able to give me some insight on how I might be able to convey God's love to them and help them realize that what their buying into is not God's word. I have brought up scripture, in a loving way before, but to no avail. It's almost like they really don't care what God's holy word says, but moreso are trusting in one man's divine revelations. I really would appreciate any input you may have. Thank you so very much!


                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                               XXXXXX XXXXXXX, continual seeker of God's truth

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 1:05 PM

Subject: Re: from a fellow believer needing advice

Sorry about your father and step-mom. As far as I know, there is no "magic bullet" that will help them get their heads straight. I have had extensive experience conversing with Shepherd's Chapel Students online and offline. Many seem absolutely impenetrable, while others can be highly resistant, yet actually will be listening to what you say and checking out the verses while you are not looking. A lot of students take on the attitude and strident nature of the Pastor himself, so appearing less than "bold" in the face of contradiction may see like bad form to some.

They do not see Dr. Murray's imaginative interpretations as the products of his imagination. The believe that he has uncovered secrets within the bible that people just overlook or do not have "eyes to see." I have seen them, but over time I came to realize, on my own, that I could not defend Dr. Murray's teachings and maintain my intellectual integrity with myself.

The thing about the Shepherd's Chapel is that it taps into a sense among many people that there is something not right about modern mainstream Christianity. It is the false doctrine prevalent in the mainstream that makes Dr. Murray compelling. Turning them back to wholesale mainstream Christianity would be one of the least likely possibilities. The best way to start would be to deconstruct some of the racist garbage and self-exalting election doctrine; from there the healing can begin.

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 1:56 PM

Subject: from XXXXXXXXXXXX

Dear Paul,

Thank you so much for the letter and the advice. I, however, myself believe there is something wrong with mainsteam Christianity. I used to go to an Asseblies of God, until I realized that things were not matching up. Now, I am doing studies with Jahovah's Witnesses, I have not joined their church as I have found alot of their beliefs are biblically acurate, but I can't find Biblical backup on other subjects. Do you know of a church that really adheres to God's word? I love to find one!

Sincerely,

XXXXXXX

P.S. What are your thoughts, if any on Jahovah's Witnesses?

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 12:46 PM

Subject: Re: from XXXXXXX

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