What we are all about!
In my two years in having this blog originated in Blogger.com, the subheading describes
There is a life to build and a theology to be developed after being in the Worldwide Church of God. It is an adventure but it is worth it!
This philosophy still stands for me regardless on whatever blogger network I go. It also my hope that while me and many others take our time (and trust me, it is by no means a short-skimpy time as some who are in denial want it to be) to process our thoughts and feelings on the most intense experience of our lives in the Worldwide Church of God (and or its splinters), that many will continue to learn to think criticially about religion, theology, monotheism and Christianity and to have big ideas about them (which the historic WCG and its current and past splinters are inept of so doing). Yes, if you are tired (and sick to your stomach) of the very rigid binary thinking that Armstrongism provides—this is the place definately for you and I encourage you to take every advantage and opportunity given to you. One of my main goals is to focus the attention on Armstrogist Refuseniks (I have written about who they are and what they believe on this post back in October 1, 2007) and those having an interest on the Hebraic roots of Christianity (think Doug Ward) and those who believe in the essentials of historic Christian faith but is very wary and suspicious of “all” organized churches. All people of different backgrounds whether they are atheist, agnostic, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, evangelical, post-evangelical, mainline Christian, Jewish (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and yes, Messianic too!) Eastern mysticism (Hindu, Buddhist, Confucianist), New Age, black, white, straight or gay (you get the picture!) are allowed to participate in passionate (but respectful) debate. Yes, respect between eachother is very paramount here. Those who want to be annoying,abusive, bullying, manipulative and miserable with me or anyother participant here will be dealt with severely. In other words, don’t test me—this is your one and only warning! Otherwise, sit back, have a good time and enjoy the ride!
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1.
Janice | February 19, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Ran across your website via James’ Thoughts and Musings (a great site!!) You are doing a great service to those trying to escape the “Armstrong way of life”. Keep up the good work.
I am one who left the entire way of life (after trying unsuccessfully for years to escape), divorced the person I married in the “Armstrong” tradition (if you remember, we “had” to marry within the system), and married someone else who had never heard of that tradition–and I thank God every day for being given another chance at life and spirituality after being part of that religious heritage for 40 years. Kudos!
2.
ftloveblog70 | February 20, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Thank you for your kind and very supportive words, Janice. One suggest that the longer I go on my spiritually journey the less I will criticize other spiritual paths including the XCGers. For starters, I see it more than a criticism. It is opportunity for people in that system to free their minds from a destructive system. Not to aggravate the person who suggested but I have absolutely no other obligation to say that suggestion is very moral relativistic which I violently reject. Good is good and bad is bad. Armstrongism is bad. You warn or help anybody in a dangerous path, to say it is just another path and leave them alone is cold, calculating and more importantly immoral to say the least. Again thank you Janice for validating that this is the right path and lending your support.
3.
Cheryl | February 21, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I also ran across your site via James’ Thoughts and Musings.
And, I share Janice’s thoughts (well, I am her sister after all).
It is interesting to note from all the sites I visit that everyone exits in their own way and we should all be respectful of that. It is truly a personal journey into the light. Janice and I grew up in the same loving home, but chose altogether different paths (and at different times) out of the WCG and offshoots.
Journey on, Sis!
Enjoy your site and your commitment to keep things respectable.
4.
ftloveblog70 | February 21, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Thank you too Cheryl. Glad you sisters are still getting along. Both of you take care!
5.
Janice | February 21, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Yes, and I will also step out of a limb and admit that James (of James’ Thoughts and Musings) is my son and Cheryl’s nephew…
Blessings to all of you, to all of us, on our individual journeys towards the light of truth.
6.
John | February 22, 2008 at 4:18 am
Obviously HWA made quite an impression on you. I consider this man an historical figure at this point, since he’s been dead 22 years now. I grew up with the WCG and it definitely had its good and bad points and I see my beliefs through a lens coloured with many of my own disagreements with that organization. That being said it seems a little odd to have a whole blog about it this long after the fact. There are a whole lot of people out there that once attended, and have just quietly moved on with their lives.
7.
ftloveblog70 | February 22, 2008 at 4:39 am
John, I don’t think you read “What We’re All About”—I think you just want an argument. There are those who think this blog is relevant and are looking for a place that makes them think (which was denied to them). If you think I am here to justify this blog’s existence to you—keep dreaming and keep on moving. We here are enjoying the ride.
8.
ftloveblog70 | February 22, 2008 at 4:43 am
Thanks again for your kind words Janice. You have raised a very bright son and I pray that he may go very, very far. Blessings to all of you.
9.
Janice | February 22, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Thank you for your comments, ft.
As for the comment about HWA “making quite an impression” even after his decades ago death, I feel I must respond, as this issue comes up time and again between ex-members, current members, or people trying to understand the impact of the Armstrong cults: yes, of course important figures in the lives of individuals do create impressions; Jim Jones’ impact is remembered, after all, as are Marshall Applewhite and David Koresh, and the impact they had (and still have) on peoples’ lives has continued long after their deaths. While we may “quietly get on with our lives”, there is a part of the psyche of many people associated with any mind-controlling cult or group or belief system that, consciously or unconsciously, must be allowed to come to terms with damages incurred or experiences, good and/or bad, that have colored their world view, and this blog provides a space for that: it is called “giving Voice”, and “voice” knows no time limits. For example, slavery was over long ago; however, its implications are still felt today, and those implications still need to be examined along with avenues for healing, whatever they may be. This blogsite also allows a “safe space” to examine spiritual issues, theology, and the healing process. Plus, the comments, links and articulation of issues are valuable resources. I am now a praticing Roman Catholic; yet I enjoy the freedom I have to explore other theologies, dogmas, and beliefs because it makes me critically examine issues that may be hindering my spiritual growth, issues that I can now examine without constraint. I am quite pleased to find a site that allows for many different viewpoints, opinions, discussions, and links–it is refreshingly different from those that are just about “bashing” an individual or group.
Peace and blessings to all.
10.
Grant | March 13, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Hi Felix,
Long time no write. How are you? I thought you’d enjoy the following link
http://tominthebox.blogspot.com/2008/01/forty-seven-church-splits-finally.html
Blessings!
11.
ftloveblog70 | March 14, 2008 at 5:40 am
Hi Grant!
I’ll get something to write about soon I hope. By the way, welcome and thanks for the link.
Likewise, blessings to you.
12.
Kieran Bennett » We&hellip | May 8, 2008 at 10:09 am
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