Thursday, January 31, 2019
A Dystopian Novel That Hit Too Close to Home
In this book, women are silenced by Christian Theocrats who took over the government. They put wristbands on their wrists which use electrical shocks to limit them to 100 words a day. It's a good book that brings up a lot of issues, however reading it scared me, because this country is at a make or break time, descend into a dystopian totalitarian hellhole via the religionists or go with science and freedom and go the path of progress? Sometimes I find myself openly talking to my husband about leaving here if we cannot survive. Remember Republicans directly go after my life, when they speak about canceling health care, or cutting Social Security. Insulin alone costs as much as my rent.
When I was a Christian, one thing I wrote about and explored on many Christian websites and more was the take over of the Dominionists. I was against it. I did deconvert seeing Christianity in total as oppressive, though I know there are liberal Christians who do look to the positive teachings of Christ and who renounce these things. Some time ago, thousands of evangelical pastors signed a statement against social justice. That should tell you everything you need to know.
When I was studying groups, like Council for National Policy and The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, I remember warning these groups were evil, but I was a lone voice in the wilderness and so it was time to leave. There are immense connections of our top politicians to very extreme fundamentalist religious groups. So if you saw Trump this week going on about bible classes in public schools, there's a whole agenda behind this all. Trump and Pence are more dangerous on a level, that many do not understand. Other nations have had their fundamentalists take over and destroy their society and civil rights. Just read Persepolis, the Christian Taliban isn't much different in it's desires.
Dear Peeps, read some reviews, i can't wait to get over to the store and get an Amazon card, and buy the book. Might even get the hard copy version - though kindle is cheaper AND faster. Oh, but there's nothing like a REAL book - especially hardcover, if available, and shareable. i am so chomping at the bit right now.
ReplyDeleteBTW, dominionists are just Gospel gamers - and all they do, is run folks off.
Dominionism forms the core of the evangelical and conservative Christian world, in fact I had major cognitive dissonance when I was in the religion. I kept writing all these things about freedom, and even once wrote about how young people were being oppressed--I have to say the core point of hell, in the Christian religion is the ultimate punishment and "threat", where there is almost this parental paradigm behind Christianity that is about domination and "do what you are told or else". Now there are Christians who stick to the moral and positive aspects of Jesus's message, we share those even in the UU, but sadly for most of history, religion and government had joined together, the Christian Taliban, operate in the same matter as other fundamentalists. Hitchens and others who warn of the damaging aspects of religons are right. History tells us of the various Inquisitions. We have people in this country now who would not hesitate to enact rules like this book has with technology on their side. Google "patriarchy movement" and "complementarianism". I visited a LOT of churches, even many of the mainliners are teaching in various aspects that women should obey men.
ReplyDelete[it's in that anti-social justice statement too]
Christian complementarianism:
https://www.gotquestions.org/complementarianism.html
At the risk of sounding like i live in the boonies, i haven't been to a wally-world for atleast 10 years. Going there tomorrow (gift card). Maybe they'll have a copy in stock. Hope so.
ReplyDeleteHey Perps, the used library copy of Vox came in the mail last night. And i don't want to put it down, but i sure want to reach into the story and slap the crap out of Steven ... freaking brat.
ReplyDeletei am enjoying the book because it's a cautionary tale of what can happen under pharisee rule. Uh, many, MANY of those busy-body control-FREAK churchian types, on the Last Day, won't be overjoyed at seeing crowds of poor, messed-up folks - still-struggling to get off the drugs/booze - get in, while the self-righteous, who never even got a parking ticket, are headed for ... ouch.
Glad you are finding the book engrossing Sue. Steven was the kid right? Yeah he was a regular ole wannabe Hitler Youth who drank the Kool-Aid. Hate to say it but the Pharisees are bringing Theocratic rule now via the Dominionists, why do you think all the power and money is flowing one way with Trump. Religion is a vehicle the powers that be make massive use of! Right now there is a major money class divide in churches. The young are leaving because they don't want to hear the David Ramsey crap that assumes they have endless expendable income. You remember articles I wrote while I was still in about how the churches treated poor people. I don't believe in heaven or hell anymore. LOL according to the Bible no one seems to get in. I think hell is a teaching that has destroyed human empathy but that's a subject for another post. One thing we have Pharisees right now who imagine the Vox world TODAY. They do want women oppressed and as slaves, useful as sex slaves a la Trump and maids and cooks a la most Republican pastors and patriarchial men, only useful for having children. look at the Duggars.
DeleteDear Peeps, so glad i read that disturbing story. Those Bible-thumping WOLVES, going around quoting the Lord's Word ... and letting everyone know, they know it all - barf! They collectively must have forgotten the verse about, when seeing one's enemy shivering in the cold, uhm, we're supposed to give that "enemy" (of the state) a warm blanket - and work-gloves too. (Not to mention, food, clean clothing, medicine, books, and last but not least, a voice.) If i'm not mistaken, the people who advocated the humane treatment of convicts were ... yep, for-real Bible-believing Christians.
ReplyDeleteSadly the 19th century is over, and now the majority of [evangelical] Christians advocate for slavery [racism], economic and other oppression. Remember Dominionism floats the boat of the right wing. I did wonder why slavery is supported in the NT and it bothered me greatly, more evidence that the Bible was man written. At least there are some Christians who look to the good stuff in helping the poor and rest, but given we have the entire religious right wing voting oppressors in who have destroyed unions, workers rights step by step and hate on the poor as much as possible, things have definitely changed. That book was warning about today's religious right, and many of them would have no problem with SILENCING WOMEN literally.
DeleteFrom the evangelical document that thousands of pastors in this country signed..
https://statementonsocialjustice.com/
"XI
Complementarianism
We affirm that God created mankind both male and female with inherent biological and personal distinctions between them and that these created differences are good, proper, and beautiful. Though there is no difference between men and women before God’s law or as recipients of his saving grace, we affirm that God has designed men and women with distinct traits and to fulfill distinct roles. These differences are most clearly defined in marriage and the church, but are not irrelevant in other spheres of life. In marriage the husband is to lead, love, and safeguard his wife and the wife is to respect and be submissive to her husband in all things lawful. In the church, qualified men alone are to lead as pastors/elders/bishops and preach to and teach the whole congregation. We further affirm that the image of God is expressed most fully and beautifully in human society when men and women walk in obedience to their God-ordained roles and serve according to their God-given gifts.
We deny that the God-ordained differences in men’s and women’s roles disparage the inherent spiritual worth or value of one over the other, nor do those differences in any way inhibit either men or women from flourishing for the glory of God.
Scripture: Genesis 1:26–28, 2:15-25, 3:1-24; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Corinthians 11:7-9; 1 Timothy 2:12-14; Titus 2
It is the most religious and "Christian" states that are the worse to prisoners and continue the death penalty. I was watching just now that show on the death penalty on A&E and realized that guy was sunk for getting life in prison instead of the needle when one juror asked them all for prayer. Guess her God didn't warn her that the death penalty turns the state into a murderer too.
There's good and kind Christians out there, helping others, feeding the poor, etc, but that in my opinion is inspite of what is most in the Bible. At least few listen to some good red letter teachings from Jesus and ignore the bad stuff.
But the Bible as a whole is a document of power, that talks about who "should" be in charge and it's already been used by many in power. This book basically was some witch hunts being rerun in a modern fictional dysoptian style but don't think the minions of Trump wouldn't be eager to bring it back again. Just look at the Duggars and rest who push men being put in charge and women made into second class citizens.
I just found your blog site and have been reading about those who have been scapegoated in their families. That was the story of my life and at 62 have gone no contact. My peace is returning.
ReplyDeleteOn another matter concerning the topic of Christianity in this blog, with all due respect, you have completely taken everything out of context and that is very, very sad. I couldn't believe what I was reading in your commentary and between you and Sue. You state that you were a Christian and I got that in some of your earlier writings, but to state the following: "I did deconvert seeing Christianity in total as oppressive," THAT tells me that you were never saved in the first place. Your 'deconverting' means absolutely nothing. Your understanding of Christianity is ignorant, a complete lie and you my friend have been drinking the kool-aid of the 'enemy.' You have been deceived and do not understand Truth. I feel much saddness for you because you will, more than likely, never seek after Truth again. You have shut the door on the ONLY ONE who can save you. There is only ONE Truth! And if you buy into this nonsense that COEXIST is the answer. You will fall for the coming one world religion that will send you to Hell whether you choose to believe that or not. That is part of the coming 'beast system.' (aka, NWO).
Also, you have thrown all Christians under the bus of Dominionism. I know exactly what that movement is and that is NOT true Christianity!!!!! You have no idea what you are talking about, that couldn't be further from the truth. Many are aware of the serious dangers concerning this movement. It is evil! I don't know who you have been reading or listening to, but again, you have been deceived. Whether or not you want to acknowledge this fact...you NEED Jesus Christ...He does not need you. And let me tell you something else, this world has been set up by design (THE MATRIX THAT WE LIVE IN), by Satan, to keep everyone separated from our Heavenly Father. And the ONLY way to Him is through His Son, Christ Jesus.
I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY ME. John 14:6
I pray you take to heart what I have shared and would reconsider what you have posted in this blog.
I am happy to hear you are having peace return via no contact.
DeleteWhat do you think I took out of context. Yes I was a born again Christian, namely attending IFB, and Calvary Chapel, I grew up Catholic with the family but left that at 17. Do read my other deconversion articles, they were a process that was kind of drawn out.
I do sincerely believe I was "saved", and I believed in it all at one point, but hey I was there too being taught by pastors that anyone who leaves never really was saved and I said it to people too.
With Coexist, I'd rather humans live in peace. Being IFB and remember when I said I was "gung-ho", I went around warning people of the "one world religion" elsewhere online and that took me down some extreme rabbit holes. Hmm that's almost a story in itself, I had this huge boogey man made of anyone who believed differently the myself and that worries me now. I do question how I arrived at such extreme philosophies. Now I can love and have compassion for people no longer in that trap that most people will be deceived.
I warned against the one world religion. Studied it. My world view was formed along the bible and it took me to extreme places I wrote about some of that HERE:
http://fivehundredpoundpeeps.blogspot.com/2018/01/armageddon-days-goodbye-bible-prophecy.html
This may surprise you too, but I was an extreme fundamentalist who warned of the "beast system" and the "new world order".
I am still recovering now, working my way through the thicket of pseudo science, conspiracies and other things that filled my brain via bible prophecy and Christian websites.
With Dominionism, I also studied that one deep in that I had almost the "hobby" of warning Christians against Dominionism, but here's what I figured out, trad/conservative/fundamentalist Christianity is inherently authoritarian from the roots, 'what God says goes", only a very few elite pass the test" etc etc, and authoritarianism walks hand in hand with Dominionism. This is what I meant when I said Christianity had become oppressive to me. I didn't want to be on the side of oppressors.
Be careful too of looking for PURE Christianity, I did it, I was among the unchurched out there, I was wary of the new world order, etc etc, believing in a true Christianity and I just ended up digging a hole for myself of religious extremism that left me very vulnerable to spiritual abuse. I am still recovering, and wish I could afford a counselor, to deal with some of this stuff, but it goes back a long ways even to spiritual abuse in the Catholic church. I don't want to see anyone suffer the same pain I have in going down that path. My life grew far better even when I left the terrible place of seeing all humans as either "lost or saved". Sometimes I think some religions should come with warning labels for Aspies.
I used to warn against Council for National Policy, Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, etc etc.
If Jesus doesn't need me how is that supposed to make me feel? I figure I am just one of many I guess. Seeing the world by the way as being Satan run messed my mind up.
Check this entry out if you haven't seen it yet.
It put me in fear, led me to magical thinking and a lot of harm. I also realized now after 16 years in fundamentalism what I missed out on even in life. I always had some joys in life, but there was a lot of possible joy and goodness I was walled off from via religious extremism.
http://fivehundredpoundpeeps.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-psychological-harms-of-bible.html
It's probably too late for me, the cows have left the barn. I used to preach the same stuff to people so it does not shock me. I know inside you mean well, and are trying to "save me" and I was in the same place with people.
FHPP, our Heavenly Father can handle how you feel about 'Christianity' and religion. Some of what you have shared I have to agree with concerning organized religion. Which is why I left it as well. I grew up Catholic like you and left the SBC. So...now that you have gotten all of this out of your system via your emails and blog exchanges, perhaps it's time to ask our Heavenly Father to reveal Himself to you in a very real way. Do NOT challenge Him, but come to Him with a humble heart and see what happens. God loves us so much that He would not have anyone perish. That is why He has provided a way for us (those who receive His truth) to have eternal life.
ReplyDeleteThe only other option is death (eternal darkness separated from God the Father for eternity) and that will come to those who reject Christ Jesus. There is no such thing as nihilism beause we are body, soul and spirit. Our soul lives on for eternity. So when we die it's NOT over.
1 Timothy 2:4, "Who (Almighty God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." That is God's desire!!!!!!!
FHPP, I do not go to man to teach me truth...No way! It is the Holy Spirit who will lead me, teach me and will guide me into all truth. That's his job!!! Not man!!!!!!!!! And do you know why?
Because the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9
FHPP, it's not too late for you...it's not over until you take your last breath. So please reconsider. People will always disappoint...we live in a fallen world PERIOD. Those who believe with all their heart, the gospel - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, will be saved. You have a Bible, look it up and read it.
Again, it's NOT too late for you or anyone else who is reading this blog post...not until you take your last breath. Be well.
If your God can handle how I feel about Christianity and organized religion, why do you believe he will send me to hell over it? That's a bit of a tantrum in response is it not? I believe now, that a God who must punish people for honest beliefs, experiences and the way they see things must be a very petty God indeed. I remember when Stephen Hawkings died, and on Christian websites all these people said he was going to hell. Just because he was a scientist who came to other conclusions about our world and universe using his very intelligent brain, the Christian God decided it was just to roast him after his life of suffering in a wheelchair for eternity? I wrote you other posts, but I can't worship such a monster. If I die, and there is a God of GOOD WILL, it would not be someone who seeks to destroy either me or Stephen Hawking in eternal flame.
DeleteI was truly sincerely saved, I wrote Christian things online, where I could take screen shots and even show a person but I kept growing and thinking. I came out of abuse and it CHANGED me, it also changed the sort of God I was willing to worship. A monster sending Ghandi or Stephen Hawkings to hell, I can't worship, it may as well send me to the fiery pit.
I have had thoughts about how humanity due to real problems in life of suffering and death, and loss and grief, has entered into a Stockholm Syndrome of religion. Once when I was a Christian, on a Christian website, I wrote about how hell bothered me. [cognitive dissonance] and I got every Christian there to admit, that hell bothered them too. Our consciences inside were inflamed at the 'threats' of the diety we had been led to worship. That's the real deal even among fundie born again Christians if you "get real" most will admit hell bothers them too, and it SHOULD BOTHER THEM.
I hope you know what I am saying there. Actually it is not PEOPLE who disappointed me, most Christians were nice to me, though there are the faceless ones who go to vote against me [if I know someone personally their Republican politics may bother me, but their personhood comes first to me] but honestly it was the religion itself and it's God that disappointed me.
The false promises, the checks that reality could not cash, the magical thinking, the way it kept telling me I was a worm, and had to take abuse--oh not the majority of people I knew personally but in the sermons, the bible etc. By the way most people I know are still Christians, I live in a very conservative part of the country. My state is blue but the area I live in is very red.
I spent years praying the prayers you ask me to pray [and so have many deconverted people] Some could argue either this God does not exist in the form we were told--my belief now, or that we were not chosen. Obviously even in the Bible God plays favorites.
I don't know if we live on forever or if there is an afterlife. Even those of scientific and non-theistic bents admit energy continues. I am of the mind to try and make what use I can of what life I have left and enjoy it. When I came out of abuse, I had to learn to trust my own mind, abusers told me not to multiple times. I have odd feelings about verses like the Jeremiah verse. Being told in any context not to trust my own thoughts, feelings or heart, [yes we should examine ourselves] brings me uneasy feelings.
As for it being "too late", the threats are one reason I left this religion, I know it is what you believe and I espoused at one point. Hebrews 6 says that those who fall away can't go back, though I am not sure what the line is there.
I was sincerely saved, why it "did not take" is probably something that Christian apologists could argue over, LOL I used to hang out on Christian apologetics boards. We used to argue OSAS and being able to fall away, etc.
FHPP, I hope you take the time to listen to this short message from this very humble man and that you are blessed by it. It is called, 'Let Our Words Be Less and Heart Be More.' Below is the link. I have taken this short message to heart - food for thought. FHPP, it's worth a listen. I just found him on Youtube last night, wasn't even looking. Just like I found you (not sure how???) and your blog posts have really helped me to understand the toxic dynamic in families concerning scapegoating. So thank you for that. Here's the link....
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmiM659HJbI
I am glad my blog did help you understand the toxic dynamics in families with scapegoating. I went to go look at that man's video. He seems to be a nice guy. If I was hearing this right, he is homeless? or very poor? and has been helped by others. I have a theory now that for those who do encounter extreme poverty and this applied to me [I am still "poor" but life today is nothing like it was in the extreme poverty of Chicago] do often turn to religion for solace, and comfort. I have empathy for that man and glad other Christians have helped him out. As I have written some have HELPED me and STILL DO. Sometimes lately I do have sad feelings about the fact that so many in this world do have turn to religion for strength and comfort, because we have such horrible systems of injustice on this planet. He reminds me of myself, I asked in one article, why did I get so gung ho in religion? I was VULNERABLE and the severe poverty, illness and what I saw in Chicago led to it. so I see him in that position, the same I was. Oh he seems like a nice guy, we have different religious beliefs now.
Deletehttps://fivehundredpoundpeeps.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-psychological-harms-of-bible.html
https://thehumanist.com/news/national/why-are-the-poor-more-religious