While I obviously have not personally polled each WPF member, I can tell you without reservation that not one of the many with who I have spoken are "1 steppers," no not one!!!
I've heard several say things over the years that left me with the impression that they allow "exceptions." I remember one social gathering where a one man (not WPF but known as a leader among the "Ultra-cons" in the UPC) said the following:
"I believe that God will make and exception for Louis L'Amour, Rush Limbaugh and Paul Harvey..."
He was obviously speaking in fun and he was met with loud approval from everyone in the room - which included men who are now WPF leaders.
This was obviously not a theological statement and was intended for a light hearted moment, but I think it also proves the the thought processes among almost all "Three Steppers." In a private discussion, heart to heart I had never met a "real" Three Stepper until about 1998, or so. And these types tended to be illiterate and ... shall we say, had difficulties finding fellowship anywhere.
Most folks are reasonable. That is why the "real" Three Steppers are rare and unsociable.
The "Three Stepper" way is really more of a spirit and attitude than a doctrine. It has tried to formulate itself into a sustainable creed ever since the bitterness of 1916 and the split with the AoG. It has been a way to show those brethren in the AoG that we mean business and that we're right and they were wrong to treat us like that.
Is that "driving nuts" as in being driven to nuts, or are you actually driving a nut? Would that be a half shell of a nut, or could even its half shell be considered a "nut." If we don't even consider "nuts." Then is this more about men being seated on a platform looking like knights? In what way do they look like knights? In a Monty Python holy grail way, or an Excalibur way?
You left out the possibility of SAE (society of automotive engineers) type nuts and whether they be metric or standard.
Dumb Thread...What difference does it make that they have nices offices???
Would a dump have had the same response??? I think so...
They weren't supposed to have "offices" at all, remember Randy? They were just a "fellowship" of like minded men who would never think to cause a split in the UPC!
And you were a "liar" if you even suggested that the whole thing was headed to being a full blown organization.
They should have been more upfront and honest about their intentions while they were mining the UPC ministers directory.
You left out the possibility of SAE (society of automotive engineers) type nuts and whether they be metric or standard.
Then it would be, he was "driver turning nuts?"
__________________ "all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
~Declaration of Independence
They weren't supposed to have "offices" at all, remember Randy? They were just a "fellowship" of like minded men who would never think to cause a split in the UPC!
And you were a "liar" if you even suggested that the whole thing was headed to being a full blown organization.
They should have been more upfront and honest about their intentions while they were mining the UPC ministers directory.
Bring out the tar and feathers already. In 100 years no one is going to care, and the ones who do, will remember it wrong.
__________________ "all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
~Declaration of Independence
I've heard several say things over the years that left me with the impression that they allow "exceptions." I remember one social gathering where a one man (not WPF but known as a leader among the "Ultra-cons" in the UPC) said the following:
"I believe that God will make and exception for Louis L'Amour, Rush Limbaugh and Paul Harvey..."
He was obviously speaking in fun and he was met with loud approval from everyone in the room - which included men who are now WPF leaders.
This was obviously not a theological statement and was intended for a light hearted moment, but I think it also proves the the thought processes among almost all "Three Steppers." In a private discussion, heart to heart I had never met a "real" Three Stepper until about 1998, or so. And these types tended to be illiterate and ... shall we say, had difficulties finding fellowship anywhere.
Most folks are reasonable. That is why the "real" Three Steppers are rare and unsociable.
The "Three Stepper" way is really more of a spirit and attitude than a doctrine. It has tried to formulate itself into a sustainable creed ever since the bitterness of 1916 and the split with the AoG. It has been a way to show those brethren in the AoG that we mean business and that we're right and they were wrong to treat us like that.
My former pastor (passed away now) made that statement in various fellowships and states at different times. I don't know if he is the one you heard make that joke, but if so, it was a joke, and he was definitely a three stepper. Not illiterate. Whether or not he had difficulty finding fellowship would be a matter of opinion. But he was very kind to me during the year he was my pastor, and not unsociable at all. I miss him.
I've heard several say things over the years that left me with the impression that they allow "exceptions." I remember one social gathering where a one man (not WPF but known as a leader among the "Ultra-cons" in the UPC) said the following:
"I believe that God will make and exception for Louis L'Amour, Rush Limbaugh and Paul Harvey..."
He was obviously speaking in fun and he was met with loud approval from everyone in the room - which included men who are now WPF leaders.
This was obviously not a theological statement and was intended for a light hearted moment, but I think it also proves the the thought processes among almost all "Three Steppers." In a private discussion, heart to heart I had never met a "real" Three Stepper until about 1998, or so. And these types tended to be illiterate and ... shall we say, had difficulties finding fellowship anywhere.
Most folks are reasonable. That is why the "real" Three Steppers are rare and unsociable.
The "Three Stepper" way is really more of a spirit and attitude than a doctrine. It has tried to formulate itself into a sustainable creed ever since the bitterness of 1916 and the split with the AoG. It has been a way to show those brethren in the AoG that we mean business and that we're right and they were wrong to treat us like that.
I'm going to step out on a limb here and assume that this "loud approval" came in the form of laughter as opposed to genuine "Amen"s.
I have experience with many social and literate 3-steppers. I don't think your assesment of them is a general truth.
__________________
There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Houston.
Either the United States will destroy ignorance, or ignorance will destroy the United States. – W.E.B. DuBois
I've heard several say things over the years that left me with the impression that they allow "exceptions." I remember one social gathering where a one man (not WPF but known as a leader among the "Ultra-cons" in the UPC) said the following:
"I believe that God will make and exception for Louis L'Amour, Rush Limbaugh and Paul Harvey..."
He was obviously speaking in fun and he was met with loud approval from everyone in the room - which included men who are now WPF leaders.
This was obviously not a theological statement and was intended for a light hearted moment, but I think it also proves the the thought processes among almost all "Three Steppers." In a private discussion, heart to heart I had never met a "real" Three Stepper until about 1998, or so. And these types tended to be illiterate and ... shall we say, had difficulties finding fellowship anywhere.
Most folks are reasonable. That is why the "real" Three Steppers are rare and unsociable.
The "Three Stepper" way is really more of a spirit and attitude than a doctrine. It has tried to formulate itself into a sustainable creed ever since the bitterness of 1916 and the split with the AoG. It has been a way to show those brethren in the AoG that we mean business and that we're right and they were wrong to treat us like that.
The founder of this 'fellowship' was at one time my pastor, and someone I yet respect.
But having said that, what they did, and the way they did it is just wrong.
Those of us who have held these men in high regard DO care...
When you spoke (or wrote the letter) to your ex-pastor about this subject, I guess the response wasn't what you expected? We are talking about grown men who decided that what they were once in wasn't really working for them, and therefore decided to make a change. We can either allow time to prove all things, or we can shout crucify them. Since the latter doesn't involve forgiveness and moving on, it wouldn't be the correct choice.
Like I said, in 100 years no one is going to care, and the ones who do, will remember it wrong. History, turns into legend and legend turns into myth, make your peace and move on. You will forget about the offence, and you won't have to shoot your ex-Pastor the stink eye next time you cross each other's path.
__________________ "all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
~Declaration of Independence
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