Yes that’s the kind of feedback I wanted to hear😎also because you’re my friend I’m pleased people reading your comments get to see what a smart, incisive thinker you are.
You mean like a pastor calling me at my ministry job to chastise me for voting for President Obama? Or, a board member resigning because he’s a ‘committed’ Christian and I support ‘the gays’? Or, when I was told I couldn’t be an elder because I’d been divorced? Also was told I *could* be a pastor - but not an elder - because I’m a woman. Or when I trusted the church and they scared my children with various fear-mongering ‘education’? And when a local doctor came to my house to question my org protocols - but would only look at and talk with my husband, but not me?
So many more stories. I’m still shocked I didn’t see it earlier. But I’m also aware belonging, inclusiveness, and need of community, keep us in abusive spiritual systems. Bullying is a psychological prison where compliance equals A-list status - until you begin to question and think rationally and critically. And then the character assault commences. Funny thing is, sometimes the ‘default template’ of that scripted religious box still shows up even though I haven’t believed many of the dogma of that time. Scars are weird that way. Always present as a reminder.
Donna Yes that’s the kind of feedback I wanted to hear😎also because you’re my friend I’m pleased people reading your comments get to see what a smart, incisive thinker you are.
Yes that’s the kind of feedback I wanted to hear😎also because you’re my friend I’m pleased people reading your comments get to see what a smart, incisive thinker you are.
You mean like a pastor calling me at my ministry job to chastise me for voting for President Obama? Or, a board member resigning because he’s a ‘committed’ Christian and I support ‘the gays’? Or, when I was told I couldn’t be an elder because I’d been divorced? Also was told I *could* be a pastor - but not an elder - because I’m a woman. Or when I trusted the church and they scared my children with various fear-mongering ‘education’? And when a local doctor came to my house to question my org protocols - but would only look at and talk with my husband, but not me?
So many more stories. I’m still shocked I didn’t see it earlier. But I’m also aware belonging, inclusiveness, and need of community, keep us in abusive spiritual systems. Bullying is a psychological prison where compliance equals A-list status - until you begin to question and think rationally and critically. And then the character assault commences. Funny thing is, sometimes the ‘default template’ of that scripted religious box still shows up even though I haven’t believed many of the dogma of that time. Scars are weird that way. Always present as a reminder.
Donna Yes that’s the kind of feedback I wanted to hear😎also because you’re my friend I’m pleased people reading your comments get to see what a smart, incisive thinker you are.
Dang. So kind. Also…I mostly forget to check Substack replies. Oops. As always, your presence is appreciated and valued.
Whew! Keep bringing it. Important words in a time when bullying is glorified and justified.
you're speaking my language! Alfred tells me you're a genius.
Alfred Who?
Alfred who?
Alfred E. Neuman