The Children of Tyranny (Chapter 4):
Second Letter to John Morey - An Appeal for Reason
As I stated at the close of Chapter 3 (see last month's installment, Letters to John Morey, A Blind Leader), John's reply to my initial appeal was hard, unforgiving, and crafted to fill me with an unreasonable and unjustifiable guilt in order to annihilate me, knock me totally out so that I would lose my will to contest the injustice perpetrated on me and my family by a "leadership" whose only desire is to advance its control over a congregation of people, whether "believers" or not.
John's letter opened my eyes about a man I had come to respect over the years as someone who was solid and could be trusted for help when called upon. It became clear through his response to my letter, however, that he had, somewhere along the way, abandoned reason and had taken on the attributes of the man who had conquered him and brought him fully under the control of his tyranny.
It appeared that John, in a sense, had become a mere robot, a biological mechanical device without compassion, driven by an unseen force which had taken possession of his soul and which was now living vicariously through him. The sole purpose of this force seemed to be that of using John's person and charisma to capture and conquer men, to own their service, and direct their lives according to its own pleasure, its own glory.
That unseen force I knew to be Robert Grove and I knew that Robert considered me a threat to his control of the group for one reason only--I think, I ask questions, and I act on what I believe to be true.
Tyranny is intolerant to such behavior in a person, as we have seen in totalitarian administrations throughout history, the most recent being Iraq. In order for it to succeed, tyranny must destroy those who think, for it is in thinking that freedom abounds and tyranny is constrained and destroyed. For men filled with self-importance, leadership is an ego game and the thinking individual is a threat to its existence and, therefore, the thinking man must be destroyed if he cannot be conquered and conformed to a servant for the pleasure of the tyrant. And, John, I perceived in his letter, had become a tool in the hands of a tyrant intent on reducing me emotionally to the point where he could step in and take full control of my life like he did John's and has done to so many other dear Christian friends in the "group" I have grown to know and love over the years.
John's letter helped me to see clearly the extent of Robert Grove's control. I almost could not believe it, especially in one who had been so strong and resolute in his love and service to Christ as I considered John to be. But, here it was in black-and-white--John was speaking with the voice of another man, not his own. John had obviously become a slave. He had become a man who had lost the ability to reason, to think for himself; and he was being used to subdue or destroy others for the sake of "the man" that had taken control of him. Robert Grove, a man who hates in others the ability and courage to think freely, had subdued John and was using him vicariously to subdue me, in this case with guilt, at other times through fear.
What an effective tool he had made in John Morey! A tool for the oppressing of many, for the conquering of a whole congregation of unsuspecting souls, for the enslavement of an entire "group" of professed "believers" in Christ. But, as I have come to learn, John was not Robert's only conquest, as you will come to realize as we proceed through this exercise of enlightenment about the nature and execution of tyranny among a group of people.
Robert has conquered doctors, corporate officers, bankers, computer wizards, financial advisors, independent business men, powerful sales personalities, even some law enforcement officers, and has turned them into the tools of his trade--that of conquering others and of whipping them back under his control should and when they, god forbid, just might exercise their God-given right to think as free men. For, you see, in a tyranny, the freedom of thought is not allowed. It is policed against. Men and their families are destroyed to prevent it. For there are no other thoughts more exalted than the thoughts of a tyrant. Just ask the tyrant. His response, his actions, will convince you soon enough!
Once I had gotten a handle on this, I knew that I must at least attempt another letter to John and appeal to his sense of spiritual reason. John, obviously, opposed himself. He needed help and, before God, as a man whose eyes were opened to this dreadful problem, I knew I had to try an appeal to John's sense of reason, if, indeed, he still had the ability to reason with the mind of Christ.
So, I prayerfully wrote the following letter. My hope being that somehow the words in it would strike a spark of sense within John's mind and bring him out of the darkness into which he had descended. I had to do this, for you see, John is my brother in Christ. I love him for that reason and I covet his freedom to serve the One who died for him on the Cross of Calvary.
John did respond to this letter. It will follow my letter, which you are about to read. I may or may not make comments on it in this installment; however, comments are in order, if we are to see clearly how tyranny springs up to grow within a congregation of unsuspecting Christians. If I don't comment in this installment, I will address these thoughts in the next chapter of this endeavor.
It is necessary, if we are to protect the freedom once given to us by almighty God through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ, who was crucified some two thousand years ago at the hands of the religious hordes who so despised and hated everything for which He stood. Just remember, if you stand for what He stands for, you, too, shall suffer at the hands of those today indwelled by the same adversarial spirit that worked in the hearts and minds of those religious "leaders" several thousand years ago who sought to erase Christ and all that He represented.
Please continue to pray for John Morey.
Here's the second letter I sent to him: (There may be some typos and misspelled words, but I am presenting it just as I presented it to John.)
July 31, 2003
Dear John, my dear brother in Christ,
Thank you for being so kind as to respond to my letter. I was both surprised and humbled that you would reply, especially considering that in me you really have no vested interest, only a liability for responding to one as base and despicable as me--a castaway by my brethren and ritually dishonored by my own children. I hope I have not jeopardized your good standing with the men whom you provided with copies of the letter you sent me. I would not wish upon even my worst enemy the punition I presently suffer at the hands of those who are my accusers.
I apologize profusely for taking so long to reply. However, a letter as forthright as the one you presented me deserves consideration, which, indeed I gave, now, for more than 30 days! I am not so sure, even now, that I am able to reply clearly as there is so much in my mind that is haunting me, much of which is still transitional between the abstract and the absolute. And, it is the absolute materialized with irrefutable proof that you want. And, you deserve if you are to consider my complaint.
I do have two concerns I wish to get on the table for consideration before I proceed. And, please, my dear brother, I am emptying myself so that you may have some clearer understanding into my personality, my thought processes, and how I'm driven. Whereas it may appear that I am taking exception to your arguments, I am not. It is a dialog with you I am after that, perhaps, may help you in the way you view me and respond to the thoughts I am about to deliver to you.
Someone's been talking besides me!
First, it seems you know so much more about my situation than I have presented to you in my letter. This leads me to believe that you have spoken to or have been spoken to by somebody other than myself and that you have received their perspective on the issue of my "marking". If this is the case, would you say that I am receiving a fair hearing, considering that I have yet to present my testimony with proof and witnesses? Furthermore, would you want to be judged by a jury who was allowed to hear only the testimony of the prosecution?
It is for this reason that I have asked for a hearing. I am reluctant to present my testimony as the disclosures may come into the hearing prematurely of those prosecuting me, thus allowing them to prepare responses while I am yet unprepared to make a defense against their strategies. Say what you will, but if we believe God's Word, which says that "man's heart is desperately wicked", this would apply to those prosecuting me as well as myself. Therefore, a fair hearing for both parties before a body of unbiased jurors would provide balance and a sound basis for resolution. Do you not agree?
It's OK to Appeal In Man's Court, But Not in the Church?
Secondly, I am not seeking to correct God's ministers. I am seeking justice through an appeal just like Jack Hobson is attempting to do with his son-in-law, Modesto. In Modesto's case, the process for doing this is clear and the men who will make a decision on the appeal will not be the same jurists that found Modesto guilty and, subsequently, set his punishment. This provides balance in a judicial system that can make a mistake and I thank God for it for Modesto's sake, for it allows him a chance to correct what may be a wrong perpetrated by an errant court.
The fact that a just process like this does not exist among us suggests that our ministers are not fallible, but perfect in their judgments. It does not take into account that the "heart of man is desperately wicked". Unless, of course, you believe that a minister does not possess a human heart, only those of us who are judged by them. And, therefore, such men can't err in their judgments and punishments and need not be bothered with appeals, which may suggest fallibility--the proclivity of human nature--God forbid!
I know Robert Grove doesn't believe that or else he would not have gone to such great pains some years ago at a Robber's Cave camp to acknowledge that leadership made an error in judgment regarding the "marking" of Paul and Rose Rehder. As I recall he took great pains to clarify their situation and to see that appropriate apologies were made. However, the erring leadership was not "marked". They received no public rebuke. They suffered not at all for the wrongful suffering they inflicted on Paul and Rose, who received nothing beyond an apology from Robert for their unjust pain and suffering those many years before the marking was lifted. I think, in fact, some of these men may still be "marking and avoiding" to this very day. Is it because they have divine immunity to error? I am not being funny here! It is that, in this example, justice somehow is so obviously skewed and somehow unbecoming of the merciful and unbiased nature of Christ, whom we purport to serve.
If God Can Use Stones, He Can Use You or Me!
There is a second part to this second concern where you state emphatically, "Richard... you would be the last one that God would call fourth to correct His ministers." Have you thought that, perhaps, I may be the last to speak up? Men of renown generally don't speak up because they are too busy being politically correct or conferring respectabilities upon each other. It is the down-and-outers, the oppressed, the little man, the sinners that sometimes speak up when they can no longer take it. And often when they do those in powerful places say something like what the Pharisees said to the blind man Christ healed in John 9, "You were born entirely in sins, and you are teaching us? So they put him out." (vs. 34) This, of course, is a powerful form of invalidation, once said, shuts mouths, sacrifices the poor, and adorns the rich with justification. Believe it or not, John, there are men among us who are very adept at doing just this very thing.
And there are men with failures who have been made to believe this very thing about themselves. I have heard Jack Langford say it, David Langford say it, James Cox say it, Calvin Riley say it, you say it and others, including myself. But you know what I've come to believe? If God can raise up stones to yell out the truth concerning Him, He can just as easily do it with a bunch of derelict sinners like you and me, despite what the Pharisees have to say!
Do Past Sins Make You Guilty Regardless!?
I must admit that my "track record" ain't all that great. But what does my "track record" have to do with the present issue for which I am asking for a hearing? If you went before a judge to dispute a traffic ticket and he assessed you a fine anyway regardless of the facts all because you may have exceeded the speed limit somewhere in your past, does that make the judgment right and fair regarding the ticket in question? No, it does not! You would be miffed to say the least. I have talked with judges who have done this. They confess it is an easy out for them, especially with a difficult case. Regardless of the facts, they hold you guilty circumstantially for past, unobserved violations. Subsequently, they're able to assess a fine. Obviously, for them, it is a profitable exercise. But, for the accused, pure frustration and a feeling of being unjustly victimized by the judiciary!
So, if I am being judged on the basis of my "track record", my past sins, I see your point because, in reality, I deserve nothing but condemnation and death. But, if we believe Christ our Lord is merciful and forgiving and just and wants what is right and fair for us, then I want that, which is why I have asked for a hearing.
I still do not know the specific charges assessed against me for the "markings". Nor have I had an opportunity to address the church regarding these charges in the presence of those pressing them. I believe, because I'm a child of God, I'm entitled to a defense and a hearing before the church. This does not have anything to do with sin and humility. It has to do with what God said we of His household are entitled to--a fair hearing before judgment (Matt. 18: 15-17). And, since we're entitled, I'm asking for it. Is it not the responsibility of God's ministers to see that His justice is forthrightly executed? And, yet, in this instance I have received condemnation and punition without due process.
Prosecution, Prosecution, Prosecution!
Even in your case, John, have you not made an assessment and subsequent judgment of me based on arguments from the prosecution only? What about the defense? Isn't this what we believe has happened to Modesto? And because of it are we not insistent upon a new hearing?
And, as the law allows for an appeal from one condemned, we encourage Modesto to take advantage of it. Is God less just? Is man more just? And Modesto may even be guilty, certainly the judicial system considers him guilty based on the outcome of his first trial. But, still our laws entitle him to an appeals process that may ultimately reverse the first decision and set him free, totally vindicated! And why is this? Because the founders of our constitution and by-laws recognize that where man is involved errors of judgment in assessing guilt exist. And, yet, among us, in our little groups, we assess and carry out judgments on each other as if we can't possibly make mistakes! Prosecutors, all! Judges who do not make mistakes, which expose us to the niggardly appeals of the despicably prosecuted we've condemned and banished!
Whether you can accept this or not, my dear brother, those who minister among us are not infallible, are not above making errors in judgment, are not incapable of advancing personal agendas using the powers of their offices. Which is why God allows for a hearing before a deciding body of jurors before a person is condemned and chastised. Even in Israel, those who brought the charges cast the first stones, then the whole body, but not without sufficient proof from many witnesses, including the accused, not just the accusers.
Accuse Me All You Want, Just Give Me a Fair Trial!
Yes, in my letter I have made accusations. Whether I can produce qualified and willing witnesses is another matter. However, I wish the opportunity to do this.
Regarding your statement that I "...seem to be lashing out against Tom and Jeff..."--please re-read my letter and point out where I am "lashing out." My letter was an appeal for your help in securing a hearing and for help in presenting my defense and I gave you some reasons for advancing this request of you. In effect, I was asking you to be my lawyer, my counsel in advancing a request on my behalf for a trial before the church, not a new trial, because I never had one in the first place. Where I am wrong, I am wrong. And where I am right, I am right. But let the church decide with ample testimony from both the prosecution and the defense. I am not seeking "my way". I am seeking a fair hearing before an unbiased jury. And I am asking you to help me in this because I believe you are a "wise and sensible man" who can help me through this process and because you believe in what is just and fair.
When Peace Makers Appeal, Is it a Damnable Attitude?
John, I agree with you that "peace makers" are blessed to God. The United States is acting as a "peace maker" in Iraq, but not without bloodshed, and only after political negotiations have failed. Because the US has resorted to force to bring "peace" to Iraq, does that make them any less a "peace maker"? And where is my "part as a peace maker?" It is in my appeal to you, John, for here in Fort Worth my appeals have been suppressed in the harshest of ways which has caused my family and my spouse, not knowing what else to do, to become my oppressors at the hands of my accusers, whom they fear and are want to challenge for an extended examination into the egregious suppositions with which I have been bound.
I can bow under the pressures and confess a multitude of wrongs just to get the heat off of me, but would it be right before God and would it be fair to the church at large who just might itself be under siege by destructive doctrines and self-serving ministers. On the other hand, I could be wrong. I could indeed be altogether in sin. But I need this pointed out to me from God's word and with irrefutable proofs specific to the crime for which I have been accused, condemned, and for which I've been punished.
My Appeal to You!
My dear brother, will you help me in this? Will you do this for me in the name of Christ? I beg your help, for in this I do wish to be right with God and where I must renounce error in my judgment and in my actions, then, God helping me, I will do this.
However, where I am not at fault and where I have been misjudged, mismanaged, and treacherously manipulated--I want that exposed if it is true, as I believe. If it is not true, if it is only a figment of my imagination, then God help me to accept the rebukes, the corrections so that I can move forward with those whom I consider my brethren in Christ.
Try me in this, dear brother! That's all I ask. For what is there to fear, except that I could be right? But, if I am wrong, it will have been judged so by a multitude of jurors instead of by a few whom, I believe, have reason for executing toward me a prejudicial censure.
Thank you, again, for considering this appeal from one, because of sin, who cannot so much as lift his eyes to the Holy One in heaven except it be because of the mercy and the forgiving nature of His Son who died that we might all be free who believe on Him.
Your brother in Christ,
Richard Hudson
John replied to my second letter on September 22nd. It was very brief and very insincere, fully in keeping with the way the group "leadership" has been trained to treat one who will not conform to their way of thinking. Notice the business nature of the letter's format and the lack of compassion within its content. When John said "Farewell", that's exactly what he meant. In his mind and in the minds of the men whom he carbon copied, he was relegating me to the fog and mist of anonymity. As far as he was concerned, I ceased to exist. I became a living dead man in his mind.
Here's John Morey's final reply:
9/22/03
To: Richard Hudson, My Brother in Christ,
I have received your letter of July 31, 2003.
The following is my answer to it:
I answered your first letter of June 5, 2003, as best I could, and gave you spiritual advice so you could have peace with yourself and with your brethren. Your second letter of July 31, 2003, shows me that the advice I gave you goes unheeded. Therefore, I have nothing more to say to you until there is a great change in your attitude toward the Lord and your brethren.
Read Proverbs 1:29-33, Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
Farewell,
Your brother in Christ,
John Morey
Cc: to Jack Hobson, Dr. Steve Bishop, Tom Collins, Jeff Grove, Jim Maurer, Robert Grove, Weyman Zelder.
At this point, I think I shall stop. I have given you a lot to read in this chapter. I shall publish one last letter in the next installment. It is my response to this letter from John Morey. That response will provide you with a little more information about the people involved and about the issue for which they have chosen to discipline me over.
I would appreciate any response from you, the reader. Any insights, any suggestions, any thoughts on how this correspondence between John Morey and myself affects you.
Thank you for hanging in there with me. There is a lot to read. Unfortunately, the nature, the length of time, and the number of people involved in this problem makes it impossible to tell in just a few words.
Personally, I wish this problem did not exist. But it does. We, as "peacemakers" for Christ, have no choice but to address the problem, if we are to save souls from the traps Satan designs and, subsequently, equips self-important men--men who like to be called "leaders", who like to be "first" among their brethren--for the conquering and subduing of the very people whom God has chosen to spread His Gospel of salvation and freedom to all mankind throughout the entire world. Such men, these tools of Satan, must be resisted vigorously and without fear of what they have the power to do to us for now in this present life. The eternal lives of mankind depend on such vigorous resistance!
Remember! Satan, we are warned in 1 Peter 5:8 & 9, is as a "roaring lion" that "walks about, seeking whom he may devour." We are not told to run from him or to give in to him, or even to remain silent and uninvolved in our own peaceful place of safety. No, we are admonished in the next verse by the very same writer to "resist (Satan) steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
We've all got the same problem, if we're children of God! We've all got the same admonishment to "resist" the "devourer" of our faith. To do anything less is to bring shame upon Jesus Christ, our true leader! To do anything less, is to admit that Satan is preeminently superior to Christ. Will you, as a child of God and friend of Christ, settle for this?
Satan is a spirit that works through corrupt men, just as the Holy Spirit works through redeemed men. Which are you? I know what I am and what I've been saved from. I don't want to go back into that kind of bondage.
I am redeemed and I will "resist steadfast in the faith", even if it means dying for the One I love! Thank God, I know that I am not alone in this. I may not know how many like me there are out there, but there are many. I have that assurance through God's Word and that's all I need to know to persist in a battle so many in the world are oblivious to and would not understand except they be "born again" into God's true family AND who have devoted themselves to understanding His Mind through the study of His Word.
If you don't study His Word, to understand His Mind and His Will for His family into which you've been "born", you will become Satan's next convenient possession. I know that's not what you want. Neither do I! Unfortunately, this is what's happened to my dear friend and our brother in Christ, John Morey, and the men he carbon copied in his letters to me. Pray fervently for their deliverance from the fog and mist of the error that has enslaved them and separated them from the freedom we have in Christ!
