Many of us are familiar with Watchman Nee’s books especially his, The Normal Christian Life, Sit, Walk , Stand and The Spiritual Man. What many of us are not aware is that there have been controversies about his theology and also about his understanding of church. In the last years of his life, Watchman Nee has been at odds with many other Chinese Christian leaders of his time.
Dana Roberts, a Watchman Lee scholar has written an earlier book, Understanding Watchman Lee. Now, years later and after more studies of Watchman Lee’s writings, Roberts has written another book in which he is more critical of Watchman Lee’s writing and theology. It must be noted that concern for the spiritual well being of believers are foremost in Lee’s writings and sermons
Some of the points of contention in Watchman Lee’s writings and sermons are:
• Scripture can only be understood by means of ‘intrapsychic’ working of the Holy Spirit in the believer and only if taught by the ‘spiritual’ man.
• The church is made up of ‘spiritual’ and ‘carnal’ Christians.
• The Christian is trichotomous: body, soul, and spirit. By a ‘normal’ Christian life, Lee meant that grace has been working on these three components of the person.
• The New Testament church has an inbuilt structure that inhibited the works of ‘carnal’ Christians while encouraging the works of ‘spiritual’ Christians. One of these influencing structures is ‘locality.’ That is why his emphasis was on the Local church.
• Christian leaders who will be from the ‘spiritual’ Christians group must be obeyed without question.
• At Christ’s return, the ‘spiritual’ Christians with reign with Christ in heaven while the ‘carnal’ Christians will reign on earth.
The Living Stream Ministry has made many translated works of Watchman Lee available free online.
Dana Roberts, a Watchman Lee scholar has written an earlier book, Understanding Watchman Lee. Now, years later and after more studies of Watchman Lee’s writings, Roberts has written another book in which he is more critical of Watchman Lee’s writing and theology. It must be noted that concern for the spiritual well being of believers are foremost in Lee’s writings and sermons
Some of the points of contention in Watchman Lee’s writings and sermons are:
• Scripture can only be understood by means of ‘intrapsychic’ working of the Holy Spirit in the believer and only if taught by the ‘spiritual’ man.
• The church is made up of ‘spiritual’ and ‘carnal’ Christians.
• The Christian is trichotomous: body, soul, and spirit. By a ‘normal’ Christian life, Lee meant that grace has been working on these three components of the person.
• The New Testament church has an inbuilt structure that inhibited the works of ‘carnal’ Christians while encouraging the works of ‘spiritual’ Christians. One of these influencing structures is ‘locality.’ That is why his emphasis was on the Local church.
• Christian leaders who will be from the ‘spiritual’ Christians group must be obeyed without question.
• At Christ’s return, the ‘spiritual’ Christians with reign with Christ in heaven while the ‘carnal’ Christians will reign on earth.
The Living Stream Ministry has made many translated works of Watchman Lee available free online.
Errata:
My post is on Watchman Nee and not on Watchman Lee. The mistake is on my part and I apologises to Watchman Lee, his family, and followers. I wish to thank the brother or sister who pointed this out to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment