How I got here, and what is this place?

[Bradley]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am curious to know if this denomination/fellowship is still active?
And, what works from these men of God and their followers do you recommend?
Is it a cult?
Are you here for it or against it?

Thanks for hearing me out,
Mrsflib

My personal opinion (as I can only speak for myself) is that it is a cult, and it will damage you if you join. Its still very active, I think a lot of people in the group are really passionate about Jesus and I respect that but there's a price to pay - many really - for being in it. You become weird, you lose social skills, you are kept from the opposite sex, you are taught not to think for yourself etc there are lots of reasons why its a really unhealthy thing to be a part of. I've been out for about a year and I'm still recovering.

Many of the members love it and would gladly give their life to it (like I did years earlier), overlooking issues like the ones that motivated me to leave and call it a cult. Thats their decision and I don't feel the need to dissuade them.

One of my good friends recently returned to the group after years of calling it a cult and actively 'buries his head in the sand', refusing to listen to anything I have to say on the matter, only wanting to listen to 'life'. I think its sad, but he thinks it sad that I let the negative things stop me from enjoying the 'ministry'. He thinks I'm poisoned and leprous, I think he's brain-washed and ignorant. We can't get on well unless we promise to avoid discussing it.

Likewise, you'll see a lot of bickering on this forum. Lots of very different opinions, fueled by very strong emotions. Don't let it put you off.

[aron]

Originally Posted by Bradley

My personal opinion (as I can only speak for myself) is that it is a cult, and it will damage you if you join. . . .One of my good friends recently returned to the group after years of calling it a cult and actively 'buries his head in the sand', refusing to listen to anything I have to say on the matter, only wanting to listen to 'life'. I think its sad, but he thinks it sad that I let the negative things stop me from enjoying the 'ministry'. He thinks I'm poisoned and leprous, I think he's brain-washed and ignorant.

The constant stream of negative assessments on "Christianity", from the most blatant ("satanic, devilish, deformed") to the more subtle ("not many Christians know that. . .") has several mutually reinforcing effects.

First, you think, Wow this guy must be really godly yo be able to criticize others like that. I mean, if he goes on long diatribes about religion then he must not be 'religious', right? Stands to reason....

Then your conscience gets damaged because you sit there day after day listening to what is essentially a stream of curses, without protesting or trying to defend the cursed in "Christianity". Your ability to either think independently, to reason, or to hear the Shepherd's voice becomes greatly hindered. You've become reprogrammed to hear only the 'ministry'.

Third, you become convinced "there is nothing out there", so like a person returning to an abusive relationship, you return to get more 'life'.