Why are Pearl supporters so hostile?

sweetpeasmommy · 02-23-2010, 08:35 PM

I have only participated in a few FB conversations about the Schatz case, but wow, people get so defensive and even offensive about it.

Let's see, I have been called hateful, told I need to to read my Bible more, accused of slander, etc, etc. You would think I spoke ill of God himself or something.

I'm just curious because if you criticize one of my favorite authors, I would probably disagree wholeheartedly, but I wouldn't attack you personally.

Have others found this to be their experience as well?

Dana Joy · 02-23-2010, 08:39 PM

Isn't that one of the sociological signs of a cult, that followers rabidly defend their leader?

relizabeth · 02-23-2010, 08:40 PM

I think the stakes are just so much higher for them. If they admit Pearl is wrong, they may not be able to face the consequences. They might realize they've been hitting their children in vain.

Patrysha · 02-23-2010, 10:02 PM

They've been essentially brainwashed into believing their way (his way) is the right way and only way and that they must protect themselves from the world and defend the attacks of the Godless heretics...

Hermana Linda · 02-23-2010, 11:00 PM

SortaCrunchy · 02-24-2010, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by relizabeth

I think the stakes are just so much higher for them. If they admit Pearl is wrong, they may not be able to face the consequences. They might realize they've been hitting their children in vain.

This.

Totally. If I had bought into the teachings to the point of "switching" my four month old, I would be FULLY invested in the teachings. I could not go to a place in my mind that allowed me to think that I was wrong in doing so, or that I had believed incorrect teachings about it. Just couldn't go there.

I can't imagine how painful it must be to walk away from such teaching and the actions that teaching inspires/requires. It would be too devastating.

(Clarifying - I haven't switched one of my babies! I am saying *if* I had. Trying to view the discussion from their point of view. Just wanted to make sure I was clear on that.)

NewLeaf · 02-24-2010, 08:05 AM

I think they believe they ARE defending God.

It's not unlike some family friends I know, some who will flip out if you don't hate homosexuals and Muslims and anyone who doesn't follow the Word as they see it.

TenderLovingWillow · 02-24-2010, 08:23 AM

Were all those conversations on my facebook page?

My mom is the one who made the slander comment, and the hateful one too, and she was not adressing you..

But I totally understand what you are saying.. Those threads have caused a several day.. (Maybe a week now) diologe with my mom.. I have been explaining his theology to her, and asking why people defend him sooo passionatly.. Other teachers that are heretical are not defended so fiercly.. And I am not sure why. The funny thing, is that when I read her portions of his book, and the website, she sees all of the bad theology.. But, she says she just spits out the bones.

Aparently when we were growing up, MP is the one who encouraged her to act without anger, and she sees that as very valuable advice.. (Which it is) So she thinks that he has good insights, even if he goes a little off the deep end on some things.

I guess I dont understand that reasoning. Yes, there are random statements of MP's that I agree with. But I do not agree with why he is saying it.. So, I really don't agree at all. He says you should have well diciplined and loving children.. I agree.. BUT his reason is a control issue.. Or to somehow make them more saveable.. Mine is because I simply want the best for my kids.. So while I might agree with a statement on paper, I do not agree with the philosophy behind the statement..

Wow.. Does that even make sense?

Just for the record, my mom felt that some of the comments atacked him as a person, and not just his teachings.. Which is where the slander thing came from..

relizabeth · 02-24-2010, 08:41 AM

I thought of this in terms of the parable of the prodigal son today.

His older brother gets angry because his father welcomes his wayward brother home with open arms and a huge party. Since I have been, and still am like, the older brother in so many ways--always striving through my efforts to do the right thing and please God--I know how grace freely given seems to insult to my striving.

I think the Pearls' teachings make parents responsible for their children's righteousness (and their own), which necessitates striving and legalism. It is threatening and insulting to hear that other Christians don't agree that all that effort is needed either for living out our faith or raising our children.

sweetpeasmommy · 02-24-2010, 09:05 AM

(((Jennie)))

I should have chosen some different examples. I didn't feel like your mom's statements were directed at me. That kind of reaction just seems typical of his supporters. On another FB discussion, speaking against MP was called an "attack against godliness".

Elora · 02-24-2010, 09:31 AM

i think it stands to reason that hostile ppl would be attracted to and more likely to implement pearl

WanderingJuniper · 02-24-2010, 09:41 AM

Hear me as gently and cautiously as I mean this.

Could the hostility, anger, aggressiveness, defensiveness and offensiveness be the result of the hold the Evil One has in this "ministry"?

Two Little Birds · 02-24-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulySheMustFly

Hear me as gently and cautiously as I mean this.

Could the hostility, anger, aggressiveness, defensiveness and offensiveness be the result of the hold the Evil One has in this "ministry"?

sweetpeasmommy · 02-24-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elora

i think it stands to reason that hostile ppl would be attracted to and more likely to implement pearl

Some of those who defend him don't even implement his practices, but like Jennie said are content to take what few good things he says and ignore that bad. This blog review of CTBHHM states it well.

Quote:

Is it enough to say, "I got what "good" I needed and move on" -- leaving others to figure out the "bad" in potentially dangerous situations?

Maggirayne · 02-24-2010, 09:57 AM

Yeah, I wonder why people fight so hard for the riht to hit their children. Um seriously.

And wow, Mrs.Chris, that was the MILDEST discussion I have seen on FB about spanking, etc. No one was being hateful.

02-23-2010, 08:35 PM	#1
sweetpeasmommy Rose Garden Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 30,329	Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? I have only participated in a few FB conversations about the Schatz case, but wow, people get so defensive and even offensive about it. Let's see, I have been called hateful, told I need to to read my Bible more, accused of slander, etc, etc. You would think I spoke ill of God himself or something. I'm just curious because if you criticize one of my favorite authors, I would probably disagree wholeheartedly, but I wouldn't attack you personally. Have others found this to be their experience as well? __________________ Amy eNFp Wife to ISTJ DH 1997 Mom to one Sweet Boy 10/2004

02-23-2010, 08:39 PM	#2
Dana Joy Deactivated AKA "Mommy Piadosa" or on FB "PunkHippyMommy" Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 14,478	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? Isn't that one of the sociological signs of a cult, that followers rabidly defend their leader?

02-23-2010, 08:40 PM	#3
relizabeth Deactivated Proverbs are proverbial. Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 5,517	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? I think the stakes are just so much higher for them. If they admit Pearl is wrong, they may not be able to face the consequences. They might realize they've been hitting their children in vain.

02-23-2010, 10:02 PM	#4
Patrysha Rose Trellis Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,226	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? They've been essentially brainwashed into believing their way (his way) is the right way and only way and that they must protect themselves from the world and defend the attacks of the Godless heretics... __________________ Patrysha Far away Mom to Boys (17), (15), (11) My personal blog - Patrysha - odds, ends & recovery Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

02-23-2010, 11:00 PM	#5
Hermana Linda Administrator "air-mannah Leen-dah" it means Sister Linda in Spanish Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 51,845	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? __________________ My pages: Why Not Train A Child? and the FB Page as well as @WhyNotTrain on Twitter Read about how my husband was Pulled From The River By God

02-24-2010, 08:05 AM	#7
NewLeaf Deactivated Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Second star to the right, straight on til morning. Posts: 6,571	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? I think they believe they ARE defending God. It's not unlike some family friends I know, some who will flip out if you don't hate homosexuals and Muslims and anyone who doesn't follow the Word as they see it.

02-24-2010, 08:23 AM	#8
TenderLovingWillow Rose Garden Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8,673	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? Were all those conversations on my facebook page? My mom is the one who made the slander comment, and the hateful one too, and she was not adressing you.. But I totally understand what you are saying.. Those threads have caused a several day.. (Maybe a week now) diologe with my mom.. I have been explaining his theology to her, and asking why people defend him sooo passionatly.. Other teachers that are heretical are not defended so fiercly.. And I am not sure why. The funny thing, is that when I read her portions of his book, and the website, she sees all of the bad theology.. But, she says she just spits out the bones. Aparently when we were growing up, MP is the one who encouraged her to act without anger, and she sees that as very valuable advice.. (Which it is) So she thinks that he has good insights, even if he goes a little off the deep end on some things. I guess I dont understand that reasoning. Yes, there are random statements of MP's that I agree with. But I do not agree with why he is saying it.. So, I really don't agree at all. He says you should have well diciplined and loving children.. I agree.. BUT his reason is a control issue.. Or to somehow make them more saveable.. Mine is because I simply want the best for my kids.. So while I might agree with a statement on paper, I do not agree with the philosophy behind the statement.. Wow.. Does that even make sense? Just for the record, my mom felt that some of the comments atacked him as a person, and not just his teachings.. Which is where the slander thing came from.. __________________ WILLOW Mom to Four Munchkins Birth Doula Childbirth Educator Babywearing Educator *Vegetarian

02-24-2010, 08:41 AM	#9
relizabeth Deactivated Proverbs are proverbial. Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 5,517	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? I thought of this in terms of the parable of the prodigal son today. His older brother gets angry because his father welcomes his wayward brother home with open arms and a huge party. Since I have been, and still am like, the older brother in so many ways--always striving through my efforts to do the right thing and please God--I know how grace freely given seems to insult to my striving. I think the Pearls' teachings make parents responsible for their children's righteousness (and their own), which necessitates striving and legalism. It is threatening and insulting to hear that other Christians don't agree that all that effort is needed either for living out our faith or raising our children.

02-24-2010, 09:05 AM	#10
sweetpeasmommy Rose Garden Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 30,329	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? (((Jennie))) I should have chosen some different examples. I didn't feel like your mom's statements were directed at me. That kind of reaction just seems typical of his supporters. On another FB discussion, speaking against MP was called an "attack against godliness". __________________ Amy eNFp Wife to ISTJ DH 1997 Mom to one Sweet Boy 10/2004

02-24-2010, 09:31 AM	#11
Elora Deactivated Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 16,426	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? i think it stands to reason that hostile ppl would be attracted to and more likely to implement pearl

02-24-2010, 09:41 AM	#12
WanderingJuniper Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 10,819	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? Hear me as gently and cautiously as I mean this. Could the hostility, anger, aggressiveness, defensiveness and offensiveness be the result of the hold the Evil One has in this "ministry"?

02-24-2010, 09:57 AM	#15
Maggirayne Rose Garden Standing for gentleness and honesty Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Looking for Hope Posts: 12,027	Re: Why are Pearl supporters so hostile? Yeah, I wonder why people fight so hard for the riht to hit their children. Um seriously. And wow, Mrs.Chris, that was the MILDEST discussion I have seen on FB about spanking, etc. No one was being hateful. __________________ Maggi, Tw irler of the Umbrella of Silliness Mama to two sweet littles and 3 angels 12/4/11 10/7/13 12/8/13 Grace is not a destination, it's a journey. I first learned to show grace to my child that was not shown to me, then I learned to accept it for myself, and only recently have I been able to have grace for others more. ~Sweetpeasmommy A

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