It's very frustrating. I went to a Church of Christ when I was young, a literalist sect. They believed that instrumental music in the church, and dancing anywhere was sinful. Even the name, Church of Christ, must be exact because Jesus said make the church in my name. Of course they also held the more harmful beliefs.
I was forced to go from the ages of 9-13. By the time I was 11 I was pretty sure it was bullshit, and I'm thankful I didn't go younger or I may have been indoctrinated. 11-12 years old I read the King James Bible (they explain away translation etc as being guided by god) just about cover to cover and I was convinced it was bullshit. But there was one moment in particular that sealed the deal.
I asked in bible class before church one Sunday if people who had never heard the word would go to hell. I was told that god makes sure that everyone on earth learns about Jesus and the resurrection at some point, and if they chose not to believe they were damned. I followed up- what about people in an uncontacted tribe in the Amazon? I was told that if they were truly good people, god would have sent someone to teach them, so since that didn't happen, they deserved hell.
Absolutely, I'm 42. I've cut way back on friends over the years and I'm not ashamed to be emotional or talk about my emotions with my four close male friends. Couldn't do that when I was young.
So I was talking to my psychiatrist and I mentioned that I thought a third of adults display traits of oppositional defiance. She told me that it was only diagnosed in children. That's pretty silly in my opinion.
I booked a hotel in New Orleans with points, when I got there they charged me $20 per night. Pretty sure it was bullshit because I've never had that anywhere else when paying with points.
I know a guy who's a Mason. I got him to talk when he was drunk. Sounds to me like it's a way for rich white people to make business connections and enrich themselves further, with a dose of silly mysticism on top. They're all Christians.
It's very frustrating. I went to a Church of Christ when I was young, a literalist sect. They believed that instrumental music in the church, and dancing anywhere was sinful. Even the name, Church of Christ, must be exact because Jesus said make the church in my name. Of course they also held the more harmful beliefs.
I was forced to go from the ages of 9-13. By the time I was 11 I was pretty sure it was bullshit, and I'm thankful I didn't go younger or I may have been indoctrinated. 11-12 years old I read the King James Bible (they explain away translation etc as being guided by god) just about cover to cover and I was convinced it was bullshit. But there was one moment in particular that sealed the deal.
I asked in bible class before church one Sunday if people who had never heard the word would go to hell. I was told that god makes sure that everyone on earth learns about Jesus and the resurrection at some point, and if they chose not to believe they were damned. I followed up- what about people in an uncontacted tribe in the Amazon? I was told that if they were truly good people, god would have sent someone to teach them, so since that didn't happen, they deserved hell.
It's some sick fucking stuff.