An amazing story

Some of you may have read this before:Oops! We ran into some problems. | Internet Infidels Discussion BoardBut, I figured I would post a link for those who haven't. I read it last night and I have to say it was one of the most moving things I have ever read (and I am NOT easily moved).....I would hope that parents read this and see what indoctrination can do to children.EDIT (I will include a brief summary here): it is the story of a woman raised in a very fundamentalist church and how they are members of her family treated her when she de-converted. It also explains the effect on her marriage and health. It is very honestly written and I think it has a lot to offer both sides.She very accurately describes the mindset of both sides and why they don't understand each other. It was very eye-opening.This message has been edited by Mini_Ditka, 01-03-2006 04:07 PM

Sorry, Faith is correct and I should have provided a summary:Basically it is the story of a woman raised in a very fundamentalist church and how they are members of her family treated her when she de-converted. It is very honestly written and I think it has a lot to offer both sides.She very accurately describes the mindset of both sides and why they don't understand each other. It was very eye-opening.

Hey all,to get back on topic. I'm sure not all fundamentalist churches are like the one she describes in her story... I did not find this interesting because I want to bash christianity...What I found interesting is that reading this really helps me to understand why there is such a disconnect between atheists and fundamentalists. The woman really explains her thoughts well. It really helps one get inside the fundmamentalist and skeptic mindset.What I wish people could take away from this story is that we don't have to all agree to get along.The most important part of the story was how the woman was able to keep her wonderful relationship with her grandparents even after her deconversion. I think that is the key message here. There are things more important than dogman, namely love and family

Faith and randman. I really appreciate your input here... I hope you don't think this is an attempt to bash fundamentalism or anything like that.It would be interesting to hear perspectives on why you think the woman was able to keep her relationship with her grandparents... but unable to keep it with her husband.Again, let's all try to keep from bashing each other's beliefs!

Faith,I know it's long. It took me a long time to read it last night.It is all written by one person on a message board (she was an admin and was the only one who could post to the thread). She did edit some small errors which is the editing you see.It's just one person's life story. Doesn't mean her choices would work for everyone.It is real, and not some contrived attack on anything.

Actually Faith I was thinking more of the opposite. Since the article doesn't paint fundamentalism/evangelicalism in a very good light I was more concerned with people bashing x-tianity.But since it's the coffee house let's have at it.... don't hold back

Looking back at it.... It is rather long. I become engrossed in it when I couldn't sleep one night so it didn't seem so long to me...However, looking back now I understand your complaints!

Actually her religion was assaulting her. I felt terrible for that poor woman.... Although to be clear, it was mainly because that church she was in was a very unhealthy (possibly even evil) cult. I think that was most of her problem (as opposed to the chrisitian religion in general)

Their behavior was evil... PERIOD. Shnning is evil and wrong. Also, they are misogynist and bigoted towards women.Her husband was also a bad person. He refused to even try to work out their marriage. His refusal to go to a marriage counselour struck as close-minded and really quite immature. If you can't handle exposure to other ideas, you're faith is worthless. He was in his mid to late twenties. He obviously didn't really love his wife. If beliefs can't atand up to honest questioning what good are they?This message has been edited by Mini_Ditka, 01-06-2006 12:51 AM

Personally I would contend that some people can handle reality and some can't....But Faith, I agree that it's cool to get a glimpse into the mind of someone totally differrent.From my perspective, she seemed SO brainwashed by her church that she broke down because of the conflict with reality. She really believed all that stuff and when she learned to truth it crushed her world. I'm sure you see it the other way around.Very interesting for all.

True, true... Just my opinion, but it was not necessary to throw out that jab....

By observation and interpretation of observation.....In my opinion most people who believe in myths are people who have trouble dealing with reality otherwise. Like I said, just my opinion...I see it everyday here in America.,,. I mean, give me a break. There are tons of people who don't believe in basic science like evolution, geology, etc... yet have no problems using antibiotics or eating pest-resistant crops. Honestly, IMO a lot of them are crazy.

Um, Faith.... Honestly, you might want to just stop now.... Hmmm.... so what is science? Oh, I know, let's check Dictionary.com. WOW, can you believe it???? Science IS the explanation of phenomena. I tell you, I'm dumbfounded.Science Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.comI love it when people make my point for me.GO ILLINI!

Yes, you are right, looking in the dictionary to find out the definition of a word is definitely a terrible idea. Next time I want to know the definition of a word I'll ask my imaginary friend instead of consulting a refernce book.Look, if you don't want to believe in evolution; fine. Fortunately for you, drugs tested on chimps will still work, antibiotics will still work, gene therapy will still work, geneticly engineered crops will still feed you. Because it all works faith; whether YOU believe in it or not! That's the GREAT thing about science. It just works without regard to what anyone belives.To get back on-topic (although, I guess it doesn't matter in the coffee house), I felt bad for the woman in the story because she was so brainwashed that she had a breakdown when she finally experienced reality. And then her church had the audacity to make her choose between dogma and reality. They DEMANDED they she accept INSANE thoughts like the world being 6000 years old. It's no wonder she had such a rough time of it.Cheers and of course GO ILLINI

Yet, you have the energy to come on this board and deny basic science without having any understanding of it.Geez, I only took basic biology in college (being an engineer my focus was much more on physics), and even I can easily see that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming.I mean, what other explanation is there? Is god a liar and a trickster that planted fossils to test our belief? Again, this is why I enjoyed this woman's story so much. I mean there is only so much ludicrous non-explanation one can listen too.I just envision a kid in the corner with his hands over his ears yelling "NA NA NA NA NA NA NA... I can't hear you. I can't hear you"