American fundamentalists especially, since I've heard that there are some absolutely wild beliefs getting passed around in those circles. Would love to hear from other folks though as well, since I've only had an outsider's view on this. I've heard that some of them believe that anyone who isn't religious is incapable of empathy, and of course all the Israel death cult stuff, but I'd like to know more.

Not necessarily dunking on Christianity as a whole here, even if I have some grave misgivings with how proselytization and child induction works in religion in general, this is specifically about borderline cultish stuff.

  • NotAnOp [comrade/them]
    ·
    3 years ago

    Grew up Southern Baptist, which is one of the worst denominations of Protestantism. Had to go to church 2 times a week, and went to a small Christian private school Mon.-Friday. I'm going to include both since they claimed to be, "the left and right hands of God."

    School:

    • School was founded the year after segregation ended in my home state.
    • Claimed prayer was illegal in public school and the Headmaster led prayer three times a day
    • School was forced to attend a motivational speaker for a whole week, once a year, whose message was literally: "You are evil and will burn in hell. Maybe you'll eat a baby along the way."
    • More coaches teaching than actual teachers, and the "teachers" came from churches.
    • Talking about evolution was actually banned, let alone not taught in science class.
    • Two senior trips included visiting the maximum security prison in my state and a trip to the National Guard to take the ASVAB. I thought the latter was required across the country, lol.

    Church:

    • They warned of an "imminent Muslim invasion" after 9/11. Asked for volunteers to join the military to, "Fight for God." That's why they took us to the National Guard at school.
    • Typical God Vs. Liberals/Gays/Abortionists/Anyone against GWB stuff too.
    • Ran a, "Pray the Gay Away" Concentration Camp
    • One good guy, our Youth Pastor, was fired because his wife cheated on him ("how could he let her do that!?") Probably the actual reason was he watched out for us and tried to let us be kids. He felt bad about us being involved in this cult.
    • Luckily, our church was about a block away from my house, so I could easily duck out and go home without notice.
    • Was finally told, "Find salvation elsewhere," by a new youth pastor (who said his biggest sin in life was watching Seinfeld) after I asked, "How do you know the bible is correct?" Best thing that could have happened, actually. Went to live with Grandma, who was a real teacher and surprisingly normal.

    Haven't attended anything religious since graduating from high school. Parent's will still ask me, "What's your problem with the church?"

    :screm-a:

    • riley
      ·
      1 year ago

      deleted by creator

      • NotAnOp [comrade/them]
        ·
        3 years ago

        :solidarity:

        Stay strong comrade and do what you need to for your mental health.

        :meow-hug:

      • NotAnOp [comrade/them]
        ·
        3 years ago

        Thanks, Comrade! I am doing much better now. Mental scars will always be there, but I've gained peace knowing their movement is dead. I caught up with the Youth Pastor some years later, and turns out he led a class action lawsuit that forced the church to close and the school to be reformed. I had the best sleep in my life the night he told me, and could never thank him enough for giving me that peace of mind. Sometimes, you can still get a win in Hell World.