The Best Book I have Read - Walk Away from Fundamentalism

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Walk Away from Fundamentalism

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Walk Away from Fundamentalism
└─Discussion Related to Walking Away from Fundamentalism
└─Open Books for Open Minds
└─The Best Book I have Read

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Title: The Best Book I have Read

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Shadowself	\| Move to Bottom 31#
Status: From: Registered: 01/16/2004 Time spent: 1773 hours	(Date Posted:03/02/2007 22:35:23) I would suggest that the mods move this thread to The Lion's Den. To Amisk and Goofy1: Christians who are ex-fundamentalists are welcome to participate, but as you two seem to hold onto the belief of the Bible being divine, and are pressing us to accept it as such, I suspect you are still fundamentalists even if you don't call yourselves that. Proselytizing is not allowed on these boards. It's especially troubling to read Bill Booth's revelation that you've plotted to come here. If we showed up en mass at your forum, how quickly would we be banned? When I became a Christian at the age of 25, I considered myself evangelical (I attended a holiness church, so I was probably in similar circumstances to you Salvation Army types) but NOT a fundamentalist, as I viewed fundies as having strict external rules and controls (dress codes, hair codes, etc.). Only after I reawakened my mind and reevaluated the reasons I converted in the first place, and started questioning what I was taught and why I believed, did I realize that I WAS a fundamentalist. I was horrified at what I had become. So, no thank you, for your useless prayers and weak attempts to pull us back to what you think is The Truth. I won't make the same mistake again. Having said all of that, I will admit that there is nothing wrong with proper Bible study, as long as you look at it for what it truly is; a book written by multiple authors, over many years, chosen and put together by the vote of a committee which had political reasons for the types of writing they included. To study the Bible seriously (not superstitiously) you have to take into account the time every book (or even sections of books) were written, what was going on historically/politically/socially at the time to influence it, who wrote the book or sections thereof, and what was their standing in relation to the history/politics/social conditions of the time they were writing, what power structures were in place that influenced the writing...much more to take into consideration that the fundamentalist "God said it, I believe it, that settles it!" standpoint. I've seriously thought of picking up a copy of Asimov's Guide to the Bible as a good study guide. Also have considered buying a copy of The Talmud with study notes, as I feel studying the Old Testement from a Jewish viewpoint could throw a different light on those books other than how modern evangelicalism has interpreted them. Bill Booth: You can edit your post to remove Goofy1's real name. Just find the post in question, and click on the pencil symbol in the lineup at the right top corner of the post to pull up the post copy, then delete the name. -------------------------------------------------------------- A big revelation in my professional training was that humans can learn skills for living and relating. We don"t have to be desperate for a miracle of God to make us decent.--Marlene Winell

goofy1	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 32#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:7 From: Registered: 03/02/2007 Time spent: 0 hours	(Date Posted:03/02/2007 23:13:46) Reply to : Shadowself I would suggest that the mods move this thread to The Lion's Den.To Amisk and Goofy1: Christians who are ex-fundamentalists are welcome to participate, but as you two seem to hold onto the belief of the Bible being divine, and are pressing us to accept it as such, I suspect you are still fundamentalists even if you don't call yourselves that. Proselytizing is not allowed on these boards. It's especially troubling to read Bill Booth's revelation that you've plotted to come here. If we showed up en mass at your forum, how quickly would we be banned?When I became a Christian at the age of 25, I considered myself evangelical (I attended a holiness church, so I was probably in similar circumstances to you Salvation Army types) but NOT a fundamentalist, as I viewed fundies as having strict external rules and controls (dre Thank you Shadowself, fficeffice" / onload='javascript:showImageWidth(this,600,600)' class='AutoImageWidthTopic' style='cursor:poionter'> I appreciate the attempt you have made at bringing some kind of rational comment to my venturing here at the request of a "brother" (Christian term). I did not come here with malice in my heart nor to cause a disturbance but instead to try and share what I have come to know and learn over my life time. I would also thank you for your sharing your experience in the world of Christianity, I am sorry you did not find what you were seeking. If you do not wish for me to participate here in the future, I understand, but before I go, if that is your desire, I would like to share the following as a departing word: I was born in ffice:smarttags" / onload='javascript:showImageWidth(this,600,600)' class='AutoImageWidthTopic' style='cursor:poionter'>Hollywood California, raised to be a child star, taught to be all a Miss America should be and enjoyed the life at first as a member of the Screen Actors Guild and all the perks. At the same time I was raised in a Baptist and Foursquare church and felt the conflict between the two lives I was raised in. I accepted the Lord into my heart at a very early age and was blessed to read the Bible over and over again while growing up. To shorten this lengthy story, I met my husband in church while auditioning for a Gospel group known as Chara. My husband was diagnosed with Brittle diabetes at the age of 16 and I knew this when I married him, it is the worse form of diabetes there is. Anyway, we were told that he would never be able to have children, that he would never see the age of 30 and that his body was failing already at the age of 21. I have witnessed my husband die on too many occasions to share and I have also witnessed God bring him back from the dead, fully intact, fully functional and fully alive. We were blessed with producing 6 wonderful children, now young adults and my husband is a healthy 55 year old man today with grandbabies 8&9 on the way. I would love to share more of this story which I have been told I should write a book because of all the twists and turns in our lives, which involves the US government agencies my husband has worked for and the many countries we have been involved with, the good and notorious people we have encountered along the way and the many times our lives have been threatened. It has only been by the Grace of God that we have survived to this date and continue to survive. God is really and truly out there, He is really and truly more than a mythological figure in a book and He is more than any imagination could fabricate. I would love to share it all, but I guess this is neither the time or place, I leave that for you to decide. My apologies for interrupting your solace here and I am sorry that man-made "Christianity" has left such a bad taste in your mouths as well as wounded your hearts. -------------------------------------------------------------- No Doubt, No Fear, Just Deposit and Return....I Am Alive.... Goofy is Alive....

Voltaire	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 33#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:1490 From: Registered: 07/08/2001 Time spent: 0 hours	(Date Posted:03/02/2007 23:28:31) Reply to : Bill Booth ... but it is where we are called to be and to at least attempt to deliver the "good news" of "salvation". Amisk has already done an excellent job and I am sure they will put two and two together that we came in twos... You've got to be kidding. You're here to deliver the good news of salvation to Walk Away members? Get real dude! -------------------------------------------------------------- Zombies, Unicorns, Devils, Sea Monsters, Satyrs, Dragons, Six Winged Angels, Gods, Demons, Witches, Astrologers, A walking & talking snake, Magical fruit, Talking donkeys, human headed six-winged beasts, Ghosts. All that stuff is in the Bible and yet they tell me it"s not mythology?

Bill Booth	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 34#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:16 From: Registered: 03/02/2007 Time spent: 0 hours	(Date Posted:03/03/2007 02:38:20) Reply to : Voltaire You've got to be kidding. You're here to deliver the good news of salvation to Walk Away members? Get real dude! Let us get this clear. The qoute you mentioned was on from those fundamentalist who are visiting after being invited on another forum. It most certainly is NOT my intention I came here as an escape from 'their' fprum. Bill -------------------------------------------------------------- Walk Away? - Let"s run

Voltaire	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 35#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:1490 From: Registered: 07/08/2001 Time spent: 0 hours	(Date Posted:03/03/2007 05:49:30) Reply to : Bill Booth The qoute you mentioned was on from those fundamentalist who are visiting after being invited on another forum. It most certainly is NOT my intention I came here as an escape from 'their' fprum.Bill Sorry about that. I didn't notice that it was you quoting someone else and thought it was you that's doing the preaching. -------------------------------------------------------------- Zombies, Unicorns, Devils, Sea Monsters, Satyrs, Dragons, Six Winged Angels, Gods, Demons, Witches, Astrologers, A walking & talking snake, Magical fruit, Talking donkeys, human headed six-winged beasts, Ghosts. All that stuff is in the Bible and yet they tell me it"s not mythology?

Bill Booth	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 36#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:16 From: Registered: 03/02/2007 Time spent: 0 hours	(Date Posted:03/03/2007 11:00:00) It has been suggested that this conversation would be better held on Lion's Den so i am answering there, Bill -------------------------------------------------------------- Walk Away? - Let"s run

snakechic	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 37#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:3507 From: Registered: 11/02/2004 Time spent: 6158 hours	(Date Posted:03/04/2007 02:40:55) Reply to : goofy1 & gods gangsta's you've plotted to come here. .................. God is really and truly out there, He is really and truly more than a mythological figure in a book and He is more than any imagination could fabricate................ I can't hurt you and it certainly wouldn't hurt anyone for me to pray to God for them, especially if you do not believe there is a god any way. So....is your style of 'evengelising' called 'plotting' for god? Your last post was yet another example of a lame testimony.."raised from the dead'.....Evangelising! & I don't buy your 'sorry's' one bit Sgt Maj. Goofy ....sigh..... 'Well..............what about your prayer's? ...didn't work did they.... I'm not 'saved' ...I am pissed off that you feel the need to target me this way. You can pray for whoever you like ...and for however long you like....its your life baby Here's some of the gossip........... Before I respond to "Chic" ~ Amisk Goofy Barker on 03/03/2007 at 12:37:49 AM GMT Bible Study I will be in prayer now, but I seemed to have gotten her attention. Been a little while since I dealt with someone so full of hatred, but there is still hope for her...... The Lord sent you there for a reason Amisk, WHOA, PRAISE GOD AND THANK YOU JESUS..... BIG TIME PRAYER TIME REQUEST, CALLING ALL SAINTS Goofy Barker on 03/03/2007 at 12:20:19 AM GMT Bible Study Okay, Amisk has entered a real den of trouble, but it is where we are called to be and to at least attempt to deliver the "good news" of "salvation". Amisk has already done an excellent job and I am sure they will put two and two together that we came in twos (teehehehehe a play on words there).... These people are lost and hurting and the internet is a whole new ballgame for those of us who are called (all of us) to evangelize..... Remember the "Great Commission" is calling you.... Okay thats it, please pray for Amisk and me too.... Love you guys.... Goofy PHEWWWEEEE...... DANGER ALERT AMISK Goofy Barker on 03/03/2007 at 12:14:32 AM GMT Bible Study Greetings Bro, Woa, dude, Allen took one read and said "why are you even attempting to enter that place?" I had to remind him that if it is a place where souls are lost and need salvation, then we had better go in..... But oh what a den of anger... Especially from that one little gal, she needs some real prayer! I don't know how well I will be received but I will give it a shot.... Blessings Bro and I will be praying for you and you better be praying for me too..... Love you and you are a real Soldier for Christ.... Goofy as always.... okay... its 'good' for you to target and plot...but not 'good' if someone calls you up on it....comeon sista'....that's a tad hypocritical YEEDOGGIES ~ ATTENTION PLEASE Goofy Barker on 03/03/2007 at 02:31:31 PM GMT Faith Good Morning Brothers, Sisters and Others, I think we have all realized that we have people, who simply read along to see what we are up to, who is tackling what and/or who, but I didn't think anyone who read would have any malice toward us, but I guess they do. When I followed Amisk into the other forum, I made sure I did not use my real name this time as I have had too many problems in the past doing that. I have felt that here in this place was the only place I should actually use my name as I have been fortunate and only been cyber attacked by one person from my time here, but now there is unfortunately someone else I have to be on the look out for and that is a very sad statement. John G. you know who you are and maybe you should come out and tell us why you feel you can attack me and the rest of us here on another site and think that it is okay. If you want to confront me, please do, but don't take it some where else. Well it is time to put on the full armor again and yes, please pray for me, this is so way not cool... In His Majesty's Service, Goofy Eugene ~ the simple reason ~ because I am still stupid Goofy Barker on 03/03/2007 at 04:59:43 PM GMT Faith and gullible. I find it hard to believe that there is no way to communicate to those who say they are so open minded and it is frustrating because my heart aches and breaks knowing that if they do not listen with those open minds, they are missing out on the greatest love and adventure of their lives. These are the people we are to fight for, to face adversity for, to be strong and go into the "lions den" for and try to bring them out. This John fellow has stated that I behave in a "self righteous and superior" way, if I do or if I am perceived this way, then I still have a long way to go toward that total sanctification we talk about. God help me. My first reaction is to run away and stay away from that place but at the same time, the Lord took Amisk there for a reason and then I and John followed, so what is the reason? If we can reach at least one, even if only one, then that is the greatest reward we could ever achieve. Who knows, it may even be this John fellow, if you are reading John, I am praying... Walk John Stephenson on 03/03/2007 at 05:33:01 PM GMT Faith Eugene I share what you say and after my first venture there and monitoring it now for a couple of more days I probably will avoid it since there is more fertile ground to plant seed in. I am just curious now to see what or who else reveals their true colours here. John john Goofy Eugene... Linton Holm on 03/03/2007 at 07:11:30 PM GMT Faith Hi, It is simple remember that the scriptures say we will come under persecution. For those who feel "fundamentalism" is something to walk away from...what are you walking to. The concept that those that oppose a simple and accepting "Faith" in the "Scriptures" the Word of God are dangerous biggotted and worthy of ridicule. You had better be right...because the alternative...is so frightening. My prayers are that any that want to justify walking away should first ask a very deep question...Why??? Another question...Are you sure you are right??? Or another...what is your hope ??? Or another...is it because of someones action toward you...someone who claimed to be a fundamentalist...but was probably a sinner like the rest of us??? Guys...don't waste your time dont expose yourselves and don't fall into the trap of some here who have decided it is their call in life to make mischief...that can only last while they still have breath. remeber there are millions of others out there who could be grateful for the "Good News". That's okay Linton Eugene Gesner on 03/03/2007 at 07:30:51 PM GMT Faith Those of us that know you should have recognized that right off. It may be a case of "casting pearls before swine", except that I have respect for Cheri's discernment, so if she has been drawn to witness to a particular person, I pray that it will be effective. After looking at the intro, I'd say that it probably needs to be more one on one, but that will be up to Cheri how she handles it. Sgt. Major !!!!!! Esteban Henderson on 03/03/2007 at 10:44:01 PM GMT Faith If I ever see or read that Word STUPID come out of thine lips...ooohhh you are going to get it !!! Sis we are all guilty at times for stepping into something we should have advoided...but hey...aint it great to be human ??? Ok Sgt. Major...get them rollar blades & amour on...and let's get ready to rumble...for Jesus... roller blades...Haha..that kills me! Thank you again Colonel Est, Sir and Goofy Barker on 03/03/2007 at 11:19:48 PM GMT Faith Yes my rollerblades are totally shined and my armor is totally like way shiny and cool and ready to rumble..... As California Air Head prepares for battle she notices something very strange hovering in the corner of the Bunker Cafe..... it looks like someone she knows only he is wearing a costume again and a name tag that bears a name that does not truly belong to him..... What is he up to now????? Slowly CAH glides over in his direction, seeking to see his face a little clearer when all of a sudden out of the blue comes a rushing mass of people all wearing party hats and singing "roll out the barrel" and they have super soakers and water balloons and paintball guns and and and Walk Away Site - to Linton Lloyd Michael Fletcher on 03/04/2007 at 03:11:26 PM GMT Faith Hi, Linton, I think Olive made a good suggestion. Not only should you share in this forum, but you could give the "Walk Away" folks some tough arguments. Your tenacity in that forum would give the folks a challenge. God bless you, Linton! Lloyd Michael Fletcher Mike bla bla bla........... what the hell.....I didn't paste this before as I thought Bill's posts were enough to give folks on WA the story.... -------------------------------------------------------------- In exchange for obedience, Christianity promises salvation in an afterlife; but in order to elicit obedience through this promise, Christianity must convince people that they need salvation, that there is something to be saved from. Christianity has nothing to offer a happy person living in a natural, intelligible universe. If Christianity is to gain a motivational foothold, it must declare war on earthly pleasure and happiness, and this, historically, has been its precise course of action. In the eyes of Christianity, woman(man) is sinful and helpless in the face of God, and is potential fuel for the flames of hell. Just as Christianity must destroy reason before it can introduce faith, so it must destroy happiness before it can introduce salvation. -- George H Smith, Atheism: The Case Against God

Bill Booth	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 38#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:16 From: Registered: 03/02/2007 Time spent: 0 hours	(Date Posted:03/04/2007 03:10:01) Reply to : snakechic Reply to : goofy1 & gods gangsta'syou've plotted to come here. ..................God is really and truly out there, He is really and truly more than a mythological figure in a book and He is more than any imagination could fabricate................I can't hurt you and it certainly wouldn't hurt anyone for me to pray to God for them, especially if you do not believe there is a god any way.So....is your style of 'evengelising' called 'plotting' for god?Your last post was yet another example of a lame testimony.."raised from the dead'.....Evangelising! & I don't buy your 'sorry's' one bit Sgt Maj. Goofy....sigh..... Snakechic, well do you now feel challenged by these 'evangelists' ?? As you will have seen each one who has come here has gone back and reported on their 'success'. Now you will see why i only visit rarely, usually when i wamnt reminding what fundamentalism is really like. Over the past few months a number of those branded liberals have left the forum??? nuff sed Bill Bill -------------------------------------------------------------- Walk Away? - Let"s run

snakechic	\| Move to Top \| Move to Bottom 39#
Rank:none Status: Score:0 Posts:3507 From: Registered: 11/02/2004 Time spent: 6158 hours	(Date Posted:03/04/2007 03:33:41) Reply to : Bill Booth Snakechic, well do you now feel challenged by these 'evangelists' ?? As you will have seen each one who has come here has gone ba Oh! its hilarous...