Someone posted this on the TCPC Facebook page, and I made the response that follows. Someone mentioned to me that my comment was very helpful to them, and I'm always honored when people believe something I've said has helped them or inspired them in some small way. So I decided to transcribe it over to my blog. Thank you for your positive response -- I always love it when I can be of some kind of assistance to others. The only thing I'm good at in life, truly good at without fail and consistently, is words and writing. I was born to do this, and progressive outreach is my ministry.
It's a very short post, but it's because it was done in a Facebook status comment
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It's a very short post, but it's because it was done in a Facebook status comment
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Has anyone exited fundamentalist Christianity? I recently let my friends know that I have left fundamentialism behind and I am getting lots of negative feedback. I just need some encouragment, and would appreciate any kind words...! Thanks.
I haven't personally, but I've known a lot of people who have.
It's important to remember that people who have claimed to find the one and only way to exist spiritually are of more concern than any other, and fundamentalists desperately want to convey such a message. The fact is, we are all eternal seekers, every last one of us. We can do our best which ranges from wildly grasping in the dark for answers, to educated guesses, but "certainty" is a far cry off.
You are a seeker, and your fundamentalist peers/family/friends are all seekers as well. The difference is who admits it, and who remains in denial.
You are growing in a direction which they are not, and each of us as always will grow in a unique direction anyway.. I will not say that they are wrong or that you are right, only that we are all unique. So while these individuals want to become negative over your particular choice to grow in a new direction, understand that this doesn't make your choices wrong ... only different.
If there's one thing the world has a problem with, it's not understanding that which is different. So offer understanding to the people who are negative to you in that it's a common human condition to fear what we do not understand.. but don't let them bring you down at the same time.
Never stop growing ♥
It's important to remember that people who have claimed to find the one and only way to exist spiritually are of more concern than any other, and fundamentalists desperately want to convey such a message. The fact is, we are all eternal seekers, every last one of us. We can do our best which ranges from wildly grasping in the dark for answers, to educated guesses, but "certainty" is a far cry off.
You are a seeker, and your fundamentalist peers/family/friends are all seekers as well. The difference is who admits it, and who remains in denial.
You are growing in a direction which they are not, and each of us as always will grow in a unique direction anyway.. I will not say that they are wrong or that you are right, only that we are all unique. So while these individuals want to become negative over your particular choice to grow in a new direction, understand that this doesn't make your choices wrong ... only different.
If there's one thing the world has a problem with, it's not understanding that which is different. So offer understanding to the people who are negative to you in that it's a common human condition to fear what we do not understand.. but don't let them bring you down at the same time.
Never stop growing ♥
