I suspect that a wide range of types of people attend FA meetings–from those who feel mentally crippled by preachment about the fundy deity to those who are avowed atheists.
Is fundamentalism an addiction?
If so, then it must have felt good to the addict at the beginning.
Yes it Did!!!
So I google avowed and this is what it turns up: www.google.hr/?gws_rd=ssl#q=avowed
Wow
So I guess it’s okay for religious people to publicly state their religious orientation but if you are non religious you are suddenly avowed, strident, offensive and all that. It’s also interesting how it’s almost always the religious people who want to run away from any meaningful discussion about religion and god. No wonder. If I made major claims and had absolutely no evidence to back them up I’d also try to avoid serious discussion and shut up the other side.
Maybe I used the word wrong. I consider myself an avowed theist.
It seemed like the correct usage.
Avowed atheist = somebody who states openly that he is atheist. As opposed to an atheist who says nothing publicly about his beliefs or pretends to have beliefs in God.
Since the higher power of FA is the 'inner self", it is a subjective appraisal of whether or not God has anything to do with it. I’d say FA is pertinent for both atheists and theists.
I think you are either confused or have mis-linked.
Ah - I see.
Sounds like a good idea. Religion is a dangerous addictive drug. People who want to free themselves can use the help.
Er, no. “Fundementalists anonymous” is not the same as FFrf.
I see - then you are on step 11.
No. Obviously I’ve already done step 12. You just have one more to go. We are more similar than you think.
I will die before I give up my belief in God.
What’s your point?
Lev,
My point is here I stand (Luther). I’ve had to fight off my fundamentalist upbringing to arrive at a view of God with which I could live. It was a hard battle. All my folks are conservative Christians. I’m the black sheep of the family. FA speaks to me. I was raised in a tradition in which dancing, movies, make-up, etc. were considered sins.
What would you say is the main appeal of fundamentalism?
A special connection to Jesus/God?
A feeling of security, knowing that … you are guaranteed an afterlife?
Appeal of fundamentalism.–Both of your questions are answers. Both can be considered in progressive religious beliefs. Like politics, religion is divided among liberals and conservatives.
What made you decide that fundamentalism was not for you?
[quote=“phyllo”]
What made you decide that fundamentalism was not for you?[/quote
I could not have a social life. In gradeschool dancing was taught in gymn class. I had to tell this cute little red-haired girl that my religion would not allow me to dance with her. I sat on the bleachers while all other children were learning how to dance. This, more or less, describes my upbringing. I was sixteen before I saw a movie with my parent’s permission. It was “Old Yeller”. It was in college, when I began to read Eastern religions and attend dances that I came to realize how fucked up I was because of religion. In college I met friends whom my religion would have damned to hell and loved them!
Great, then you have only one more step to take.