It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Originally posted by network dude
reply to post by EarthCitizen23
I would suggest not giving up. Family is too important to loose.
As long as someone it trying, the fight is not lost.
Good luck.
Originally posted by KSigMason
reply to post by EnochWasRight
You realize that this thread is about the fundamentalist Christians not Christianity as a whole right? Don't be so defensive.
The issue has never been about God or about the truth he reveals. The problem has always been with man. We are out of context with God.
Originally posted by emsed1
reply to post by Klassified
As out there as it sounds I agree with you.
Having studied NLP and other systems it's clear that many fundamentalist preachers use (often crude) tactics to sway listeners.
Start with a group of people that are seeking answers and have maybe unconsciously opened their minds to suggestion.
Put them in a group of others of the same mindset.
Play soft rhythmic music in the background.
Preach to them in a repetitive iambic tone, saying certain words with more emphasis. IE instead of Jeezus, say JEEEAH--zuhuhs..... and instead of God, say GOh-AWd.
It's classic. Not extremely effective but classic. Take a look at Hitler's speeches... rhythmic, da da da DA da. da da da DA da! Pounding the fist in tempo...
Ultimately a person can only be influenced if they ALLOW themselves to be influenced. But if they are going in desperate and looking for an answer it's pretty easy to influence them.
Originally posted by KSigMason
reply to post by EnochWasRight
I didn't attack you so don't try to be some martyr. You're throwing out red herrings to detract from the OP. Can you not debate the actual topic?
Do disagree that fundamentalists and extremists are cult-like? Our is it because the OP mentioned Christianity and now you are all defensive?
reply to post by EnochWasRight
So no criticism at all against radical Christianity? I see this thread struck a nerve. We're only criticizing the actions of the extremist not the doctrines of Christianity. I'm Christian and fundamentalists annoy the Hell out of me.
Again, Christ said the path is narrow and between.
Originally posted by autowrench
reply to post by EnochWasRight
Again, Christ said the path is narrow and between.
And narrow the path is. I plainly discovered this by the study of the Occult Teachings. There is Goodness and Evil in this world, not a being, nor a personage, but a Force. The Narrow Path is walking between these Forces, taking from each, while not falling into either. One cannot be a Good person, unless he/she knows the ways of an Evil person. One cannot even know what Good is, unless one know that which defines it.
Originally posted by autowrench
reply to post by EnochWasRight
Again, Christ said the path is narrow and between.
And narrow the path is. I plainly discovered this by the study of the Occult Teachings. There is Goodness and Evil in this world, not a being, nor a personage, but a Force. The Narrow Path is walking between these Forces, taking from each, while not falling into either. One cannot be a Good person, unless he/she knows the ways of an Evil person. One cannot even know what Good is, unless one know that which defines it.
Originally posted by KSigMason
I do enjoy your hypocritical (double standard) stance though Enoch. You've shown that any criticism of Christianity even just towards it's members actions is wrong but criticism against Freemasonry is good. Like I've said many times, too many have taken the Christ out of Christianity.
Zealotry unchecked leads to fundamentalism, to extremism/radicalism, which at the heart of is hatred and fear not love and compassion. History is bloodied by the tyranny of radical and fundamental despots.
Originally posted by EnochWasRight
Freemasonry is a cult practicing Theurgy and magic. How much more counterfeit to the Christian message can we get?
Originally posted by FaceLikeTheSun
reply to post by network dude
There is certainly a difference between living the Christian life and being a "social Christian"
The church certainly breeds a certain way of thinking. I work as a Tech in a pretty big church, and it's really frustrating because people are completely closed off to the world. I call them "stuck in the bubble"
Growing up in an atheistic home and going through most of my teen and college years as an agnostic, the Gospel message really did radically change my perspective on things. However, it's strange to think that I see huge problems in the institution of Church after only being a believer for about 6 years.
Originally posted by network dude
Originally posted by FaceLikeTheSun
reply to post by network dude
There is certainly a difference between living the Christian life and being a "social Christian"
The church certainly breeds a certain way of thinking. I work as a Tech in a pretty big church, and it's really frustrating because people are completely closed off to the world. I call them "stuck in the bubble"
Growing up in an atheistic home and going through most of my teen and college years as an agnostic, the Gospel message really did radically change my perspective on things. However, it's strange to think that I see huge problems in the institution of Church after only being a believer for about 6 years.
I think the way you came to your faith is most important. On your own. You have a deep spiritual bond with God that is not something out of neccesity, but out of love and respect. I have my problems with organized religion as it tends to focus on money, building bigger and better churches, and sort of forgets about why it exists in the first place. For the soul.
Originally posted by SrWingCommander
For example. Baptists (along with most of the other of the more fundamentalist denominations) prohibit drinking. Baptists do this because John the Baptist did not drink, and they originally stylized their interpretations of being Christian in part off of him. Fine, that's what Baptists beleive. That being said 1) many Baptists I know do moderately drink, and 2) there is nothing in the bible that strictly forbids it (other then specific groups or persons like John the Baptist and Levites). However; since most new (and some older Christians) don't know this, they hear "don't drink" from some sermon or other Christian, and then go blanket apply it out of context to their family members at the next 4th of July picnic. I applaud their desire to share Christ, but not nessecarily their way in doing it. It's really no different then new conspiracy theorist who have "seen the light" trying to get everyone to buy into their viewpoint, especialy if they don't have all the information to relay said view point. OR new Ron Paul supporters .....
I got a little longer then I planned, and actually have more to say, but I'll leave it at this for now.