Hello. I'm a non-Christian but I'm not here to start a fight. Last week I had an odd experience. I helped convince an Evangelical Fundamentalist to finally read the Harry Potter books. She's in her second semester of college and I guess all the new ideas being thrown around got the cogs rolling and curiousity got the best of a lifetimes worth of programming and fear. We were discussing how children become attracted to reading in a development class and I brought up JK Rowling because she pulled off a veritable miracle in getting so many kids to turn off the boob tube and read. I guess something clicked and she thought, "What's wrong with that?" Well, The pastor said Harry Potter practices witchcraft and is evil. If you read the books, Satan will have your soul in hell when you die. She admitted that she would have to hide the books from her family and friends because if they are found in her possession they'll be burned, she will be restricted to the house until she graduates, and she'll have to repent in front of the church. She's just one of many down here who believe all these things. I'm not originally from this town, didn't grow up here so I seem to attract curiosity and my guess is it's safe to talk to me because I'm not connected to the network. This has put me in a strange position as someone not extremely familiar with the religion. I didn't ask for this but she's not the first fundie to come up and start talking to me on the downlow. I have no intention of trying to lure people from God or anything like that. I firmly believe that people need to come to their own conclusions. But, there's some things like this or that all foreigners are out to kill Christianity and usher Satan into power, etc... and when somebody asks me what I think, I reply in earnest. So, I guess I'm asking if there is anything I should really be aware of when these little conversations happen. I plan on now really reading the bible, although I don't have any aspirations at being truly knowledgeable, but it would help. Outside of that though, I feel as if I have suddenly been thrust into the position of de-programmer. As Christians is there a way to go about this when it happens that might be beneficial in not trying to tamper with ones belief in God, but also trying to help dispell some very dangerous untruths? Are there any specific passages I should be studying? That kind of stuff to be a little better prepared if the fecal hits the rotary wind device.
Don't try to go to the Bible in this kind of situation, unless you are trying to convert people from one brand of Chrisitanity to another. Any reference to the bible will steer fundies back towards fundyism. Probably the best thing to do in such is a situation is to just listen to folks. Be kind and accepting and non-judgemental. Fundies are often convinced that all non-fundies are murderous drug-addled satan worshipping canibals who would like nothing better than to torture, persecute, and eat fundies and fundie babies every chance they get. If by your actions and personality you can demonstrate that you, a non-fundie, are loving, generous, caring, and not a canibal you will do much to break the "spell" as it were.
Element7- The only thing to be on a lookout for is a change of heart. Whatever it is within you that wants to read the Bible and re-think what you've been programmed to think may very well be the holy spirit moving in your heart. Some people take their beliefs too far, especially a lot of mainstream Christian sects. Harry Potter books are some of my favorite! It's only a story, and to make these books anything more or less than this is reading too much into it. Everybody knows that the "magic" that happens in Harry Potter's books can't happen in reality... If one recognizes this, there's no reason not to read them. A lot of responses are pre-programmed within us. Sometimes it takes some time to "deprogram" ourselves... Always use your critical thinking skills, and take time out to reflect on what you're hearing and reading. Keep an open mind especially when you read scripture. As many different people as there are, there are just as many different interpretations of scripture. Pray before you read for guidance. If you're looking for scriptural help, there's a couple of bible chapters that may help you out, although I'm not sure what you're looking to know: John - Shows the love and compassion of Jesus Christ Hebrews - Shows why Jesus is the promised messiah of the Hebrew Bible Psalms - Helps us deal with our emotions in relation to life Proverbs - Offers simple wisdoms in order to help us deal with the situations life brings us. Acts - Tells the story of the Apostles after Christ, and explains the basics of how a Christian is supposed to act. Feel free to PM me if you need some friendly help without closed-minded criticism. I'm always available to chat!
Actually, I wasn't the one I was referring to when I mentioned de-programming. I'm sorry but from what some of the fundies have described to me, it sounds like they are in a cult. (i.e. programmed to believe that any knowledge outside of the cult is forbidden and they will suffer dire consequences for breaking the rules, etc.. .). Thanks for the pointers on various subjects though. I really want to read up and get a little more knowledge just because that's how I am. My curiosity has been aroused as to where these interpretations come from. Plus, to boot, can't ever have enough knowledge. Prof Jumbo, that's been the case I think and why I've attracted these kinds of conversations. Your description of the fear is dead on and yeah, too true, it's probably best that I don't bring the Bible into it. Maybe more for a personal investigation.
I personally don't see the big hype about the Harry Potter books, if people can watch old time shows such as "Bewitched" "I dream of Jeanie" or even movies such as " Lord of the Rings" then there shouldn't be such a big deal over the HP books (my opinion though). When you say COGs, do you mean Church of God by chance? btw just do I don't confuse anyone, I am not a christian either.
erm no, cogs like interlocking gear mechanisms. Sort of like got the wheels turning.... and those I've spoken with can't watch any of the above either.
Ooo, I see. I think you should try to talk some sense into them... It's not healthy to live your life detached from reality. Information is never a burden, only a blessing, provided that the information is accurate. The fundies should remember not to be "so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good." How useful is someone who lives in a bubble? By the way, I love all of the shows listed, and I am obsessed with LOTR... It's even been alleged that Tolkien himself was a Christian. http://www.dianedew.com/tolkien.htm
Well, I suggest you checking out these books (just for the fun of it): Isiah! He's a prophet! And almost all of his prophecies are true! Or Revelation!! Our future, and the anti-christ is in there! And we all know now that the Anti-christ, or the beast specifically, is already alive. We're close to the end.
i think that is silly! its jsut a book! the bible has alot of stories about the evil that batltes with good! the good and the bad at war,harry potter is just like that! she shiuldnt ahveto feel guilty about reading it,ubless she feels herself that she is reading something which threatens her spritually! and no she certainly wont go to hell,becasue iff she is a christian and has made jesus her lord and saviour nothing she could do could seperate her fom gods love.
Well there are various buildings that they call 'churches', they've got a reverand or pastor that preaches at the front, and they have congregations. Mind that not all the Christians down here are like what I've described, but there are many that are. It's an accepted part of society, rather than some secret. Also, an update: she's begun reading those dastardly books and still believes in God. I've spoken with some local Christians who aren't like that and they've agreed to be a bounce board if she starts asking me about the religion itself. "I don't know enough, but I know someone who does" kind of thing.
That really sucks. This is the problem with most "Christians." They recognize the building they worship in or the denomination they ascribe to as "The Church," but in reality, anyone who believes that Christ is their savior is a member of the "Church." The church is supposed to be made up of people, not factions or bricks. The reason I mention this is because this is how people get brainwashed. They only recognize their denomination or their way of believing as the "Church." They allow a person standing at the front of the building to tell them what to think, and don't check things out for themselves. That's no way to live. Any denomination that suggests that you should just follow as they tell you to without having to read the Word for yourself should NOT be trusted. On a brighter note, that's awesome that you've found a support group that's willing to be your "bounce board." Perhaps you'll be a blessing in this lady's life, and help her unleash herself from the burdensome guilt that has been placed upon her by her spiritual leaders for something as simple as reading a book.
