I used to go to an independent church that, eventually I learned, basically believed that divorce was the greatest sin. The woman was supposed to always be submissive and never, never, no matter what, ever leave her husband. Just tolerate the man, fit in with his plans. I kind of got sucked into that way of thinking for a time, before I realized that husbands and wives were meant to be partners and could make decisions together. I started to think of it as "the church of husband worship" and even though I had friends there (some of whom were divorced and felt so guilty), I had to leave. I regret the time I wasted there and some decisions that my husband made during that time that I should not have let stand. I wasn't going to say anything, but since you did I say wholeheartedly agree! I think medical science can be from the hand of God just as easily as raising Lazarus or healing Peter's mother in law. Professional counselors have their place as do prescribed meds. These are biological issues being treated....sometimes an anti-depressent or anti-anxiety med helps to level out the chemicals and get one over the hump. In fact, sometimes it is better to have a professional counselor as (usually) there is no hidden agenda and they provide a safe space to step back, explore, and formulate a way ahead. I have never heard of nouthetic counseling, but it seems to be part and parcel why i am afraid of it. Thanks for the share. Whit Here is what I believe: if you are saved you are already a permanent sealed member of the only church that counts for eternity. A local church cannot tell you this or that in their rules determines your eternal destiny. Their "excommunication" cannot separate you from your eternal destiny. To anyone who is told to just put up with abuse in a church, just leave. Sometimes I wanna divorce myself! Wonder if that would be allowed??? Or divorce myself from small minded church people! TR
