Apathy/Learned Helplessness is dis-associative, so I thought I'd post here; I thought I might continue my old thread, but decided to start anew.

Well, per Karla McLaren, I've decided to do some conscious complaining, to a a church bishop, who hasn't replied to something I've written, in half a year, basically:

Dave, I have waited for nearly half a year to reply my paper, criticizing, dis[puting, whatever, but nothing has happened; if you agree, it is the vote of confidence, I sought; if it logic is disputed, then let's get the debate on it begun!

I have asked for two things: First, I have asked for either your direct involvement, or else, someone else, like a theologian, to at least pass judgment on my logic/theology, and you have supplied me with neither.

At its core, the issue with my family is largely about traffic protocols; we seem to think we both have the right of way, and who actually does needs to be straightened out, specifically the theological aspect.

The reluctance of my local elders to treat my accusations against my family as indictments, AKA formal charges of serious crimes, has been the major sticking point, alright? Maybe the charge ain't grounded, but all the same, I want the feelings, and seriousness of the claim blame well respected, and they haven't done that.

Also, here is another annoyance: When I lay out the annoyance, the elders have replied, that I should "forgive," but here's a problem: When you've got a dispute with someone in the church, you bring in another, but what does it mean to "forgive"?

Is merely an attitude issue? To me, it is merely that, and by no means, a deal-breaker; if some kids vandalize your lawn, and you decide to sic the police on them, the police don't usually lecture you on "forgiving" vandals--instead, they merely ask if you wish to press charges or no.

My view of elders, essentially, are policemen: they are there because they listened to neither the Bible, nor me. Am I angry? Of course I am--but I am following the Scripture, and they are not; my prerogative to press charges is a given, but my decision to do so hinges on whether they wish to reconcile.

I just want a reaffirmation of my prerogatives, and integrity by the elders, and little more, framework to resolve disputes.

On the other hand, any demand by the elder that I "forgive" I take umbrage to.

My decision to call the in the elders, i.e. the cops--is not for the elders to judge. Maybe I am doing it for the wrong reasons, and maybe I deserve some warnings beforehand, but then again, any indicted party by me can counter-indict, okay? In short, it cancels itself out, so the elder need not get too involved with my motives.

Punishment can be done for petty or benevolent reasons--I think my reasons good, but I daresay I still have the option to press charges, i.e. get affirmation that I have reason to be outraged over my family's hypocrisy, and prooftexting. Do I expect them to listen? No--but it validates me, and adds stature to any actions I might take on my own to rebuke them in the future.

Maybe we differ on the role of the elders, Dave, and neither you nor they may see themselves as law enforcement, but me, I see no reason not for the elder to tell my mother why I'm angry, how it is a good reason on principle I am, and proceed to mediate there, allowing I may be a liar, completely delusional, or simply dispensing with half-truths.

I can live with such a hedge real easy, I assure.

I wish we'd started this much sooner, Dave; this could have been dealt with last year. I wish not to embarrass any within the church leadership, but I do want, and expect my my prerogative duly honored. Like I said, I want--and expect this taken care of--one way or another.

If you want to distance yourself from having aided me, I'll understand, but I do expect assistance, and I expect it in a timely manner--let's say, two months.
There--a conscious pomplaint, but with a proposal to resolve it, though with an indirect hint of repercussions--i.e. to the powers that be.

Think I should send? Tighten its reasoning? What I want, more than anything, is to confront my family, and this is a key first step, a controlled one.

Thoughts?