I do not endorse the Exclusive Brethren because of the way that they "shun" people that leave their fellowships. I am aware that they do not eat with non brethren people and I have found and interesting piece as to why on their website. Thoughts?
- The Exclusive Brethren and Seperation.
- These words: "withdraw," "separate" and "with those" are key to the fellowship. They believe that common social activities involve fellowship. These include:
- eating and drinking: (1 Corinthians 5:11)
- memberships: directorships, associations, clubs, life assurance, shares or stock in public companies, health plans, etc: (2 Corinthians 6:14)
- entertainment: (2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:17).
Consequently, as a matter of conscience, their social activities and links described as the fellowship and are reserved exclusively for those with whom they eat the Lords Supper.
This sacred remembrance of the Lord Jesus and His death at the Lord's Supper is the core of their Christian fellowship, and the inspiration to live a life apart from worldly pleasures and pursuits; a precious heritage passed down the generations.
As true to this position of separation, they are promised and experience the blessings of being in the divine family:
"Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers, for what participation is there between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness?... Wherefore come out from the midst of them, and be separated, saith the Lord, and touch not what is unclean, and I will receive you; and I will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be to me for sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
http://www.theexclusivebrethren.com/index-2.asp
- The Exclusive Brethren and Seperation.
- These words: "withdraw," "separate" and "with those" are key to the fellowship. They believe that common social activities involve fellowship. These include:
- eating and drinking: (1 Corinthians 5:11)
- memberships: directorships, associations, clubs, life assurance, shares or stock in public companies, health plans, etc: (2 Corinthians 6:14)
- entertainment: (2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:17).
Consequently, as a matter of conscience, their social activities and links described as the fellowship and are reserved exclusively for those with whom they eat the Lords Supper.
This sacred remembrance of the Lord Jesus and His death at the Lord's Supper is the core of their Christian fellowship, and the inspiration to live a life apart from worldly pleasures and pursuits; a precious heritage passed down the generations.
As true to this position of separation, they are promised and experience the blessings of being in the divine family:
"Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers, for what participation is there between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness?... Wherefore come out from the midst of them, and be separated, saith the Lord, and touch not what is unclean, and I will receive you; and I will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be to me for sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
http://www.theexclusivebrethren.com/index-2.asp