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How Does One Persuade A Shepherd's Chapel Student?

Question/Comment: 

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

From: Name Withheld

To: Paul Stringini

Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 10:08 AM

Subject: How Do I Get Family Members Out of Arnold Cult

Paul,

     My wife and I are very concerned (have been for many years) on how to get her parents away from following Arnold Murray theology.  Just last night they had a heated debate and my wife quoted scripture that refuted everything they said regarding his/their beliefs.  But if Arnold didn't say it, then it is not true according to them.  I have been able to talk Jehovah's Witnesses out of their cult, but I can not seem to get Biblical truth across to my wife's parents.  We have even recorded them saying, but Arnold says this or Arnold says that.  Everything has to do with what Arnold believes.  They don't use terminology such as Jesus says this or Paul says that.  We have tried to make that point clear, too.  

Since you have experience with Arnold, I believe you would have the best knowledge of how to get them away from his teachings.  Do you have any ideas?

Thank you,

Name Withheld
Location Withhold

My First Response:

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

From: Paul Stringini

To: Name Withheld

Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 12:49 PM

Subject: Re: How Do I Get Family Members Out of Arnold Cult

Hi Scott,

 

One of the things Arnold does is convince people that he is a scholar, and not only a scholar, but a scholar who is going to reveal to you things which he suggests other scholars are intentionally concealing.  It seems that this really sinks into some people to the point where they do not trust their own reasoning anymore.  Sure, they can see that the bible SEEMS to say what you say, but Arnold Murray, that notable and unreprovable scholar says people like you are, "just a little bit stupid," and don't get it.   Once someone is able to accept that the account of the garden of Eden from Genesis is actually the story of Satan having sex with Eve and conceiving a son (Cain), reason and clear thinking is going to have a hard time getting a grip. 

 

There is no magic button.  The problem is that is what people usually want.  I'm not talking about you.  I'm talking about them.  I could discredit Murray in a thousand little ways, but people are looking for some single overwhelming "proof" before they will stop listening to him.  (Comment: One would think his 1980 prediction would do the trick) I don't really think that is how it works though.  Remember, people can be stubborn and proud, Murray actually encourages this (not intentionally, it just rubs off)  You may be having an impact under the surface.  They may not come out and say so, but you are probably sowing doubts in their minds.  They are not about to throw up their arms in the midst of a hot debate and give in.  But that night in their beds... they think.

 

My best advice is to become more knowledgeable about Murray's teachings, as unpleasant as that may be, and keep chipping away.  I usually tell people to go after the serpent seed.  That is one of the hallmarks of his teaching, if you beat him there, everything else will be easy.  Also, anything you can do to erode their confidence in him as a scholar.  I have a page called: "Does "Expattio!" Really Mean Sexually Seduced?  Or Is Arnold Murray Deceiving Us?" http://oraclesofgod.org/shepherds_chapel/exapatao.htm  I don't know how individuals will take it but I think it is very damaging. 

Comment: There is now also my extensive analysis of the Seed of the Serpent.

 

There are many ways in which Arnold Murray exposes himself as a poor scholar, precisely at the points in which he is attempting to impress people.  He constantly references "prime roots"  but there is no such thing as a prime root, he didn't bother reading the key at the beginning of the Strong's concordance which indicates that "prim. root"  stands for "primitive root"  He's sloppy, and he depends on us to give him slack to get by.  He doesn't deserve it.

 

Sorry I don't have a magic bullet, I could write all day, but if you have a specific inquiry I would be more than happy to help you in any way I can.  Feel free to write anytime.  I am at your service.

 

Sincerely,

Paul Stringini

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