I need help. Can someone give me advice?

Question

Okay...Most people are probably sick of me talking about this, BUT I really want to understand the fundamentalist Christians at my pro-life group and how they think. So......

I joined a Christian forum, and was all prepared to ask questions. Now I'm freaked. I don't want hate mail, or conemnations. I want to TALK - not argue.

I though this might help me understand and be able to talk more reasonably with people in real life. I haven't lied and said I was Christian. In fact, on the Terms&Conditions part, it only said

Do you think they'll kick me off if I tell the truth about my faith, and my purpose is to be surrounded by them so I can try and talk and maybe understand the teens in Fundamental Christianity?
I really want to talk to people my age (or close) about what they believe, especially if I encounter it a lot.

Does anyone have any suggestions other than cancel that account?

Answer 1

Just go for it. What do you care if they kick you off or get mad? Just ask politely. That is all you can really do. There is no guessing how others will react.

Answer 2

If you have questions it is the very good thing. In this way you can come to know more, though I would advise you to read the Bible more for yourself. If someone treat you not in a Christ-like manner, you can step aside from him with calm soul. Think more about how in better way to come to know the truth. You can be completely sure of what is written in the Gospel. It will not change itself and no one can annul it. Keep your faith and reliance on God without regard to what you hear or see. Don't think that elder people can not understand you. Many had the same problems you have now. And the last, I see no reason at all to cancel your account. Don't do it yourself. Here at Y/A are so much muck, but you can find support here also. Good luck.

Answer 3

There's only one way to find out. Tell them -- but use a "disposable ID" to protect your privacy.

If they respond poorly, that will be an indictment of their tolerance (or lack thereof). If they show intolerance to an alternate point of view, it will be consistent with their fanaticism about abortion.

If this should happen, THEN come back under your real ID and simply blend in to get the information you want. This strategy will protect you from the down sides.

By the way, I'm agnostic but still believe that abortion is murder. Abortion takes a human fetus and kills it. It's that plain and simple. Either you believe in the sanctity of human life or you don't. Just because fundamentalist Christians are against abortion doesn't make it a religious issue. It's a moral issue and religion (contrary to popular opinion) hasn't cornered the market on morality.

I know the worn out "It's her body" excuse. Well, it was also her body when she got pregnant. The reason sex is for adults is because they have to take responsibility for sex. It may be convenient to simply kill the fetus but since when is convenience a justification for murder?

It's for sure that the fetus is not growing up to be an elephant or cow or frog or dog. It's growing up to be a human. People can rationalize ANYTHING if they're motivated to. It appears that the "pro choice" people believe in choice where consequences of -- but NOT the responsibility for -- sex is concerned. Isn't that just ripe?

If you hold the sanctity of human life as absolute, abortion can only be justified when the mother's own life is seriously and imminently threatened by the pregnancy.

It's tragic when teens or rape victims get pregnant. But it's more tragic when society says it's okay to kill unborn people. Make adults responsible for their actions and, where that doesn't apply, make adoption the only legal recourse. Governments that sanctify abortion exceed their authority.

A woman can choose to do what she will with her own body unless that means taking away that choice from the defenseless body within her own womb.

.

Answer 4

You need to be prepared to take on new information, and be open to modifying old beliefs.

Take me.
I worshipped the devil.
I used to dance around fires in the middle of the night holding his unholy gourde high above my head in irreverence to him, chanting stuff.

Now, since I came into the christian fold, they said it would be better if I learned some new songs of holy praise and totally skip the grateful dead karioke.

They said I should lose the gourde, or at least empty the burbon out, and that maybe I should put some clothes on !
AND to lose my Roxanne choir-leader doll as well, because Jesus is magic, and he would know if we were indulging in choir practice, even under the stairs.......in the dark.

(and why don't I just stand over here a bit closer to the donations plate, anyways.)

It's getting better all the time, I'm still a bit of a sinner though, I didn't tell them about my prince albert.
I think jesus is a bit miffed about that, because last week it really started to hurt.
I'm not sure if it's him lighting a holy fire under it, or I've just got an infection, but I'm too ashamed of that part of me to look right now.

Answer 5

I have two ideas for you. The first, talk to the group mediator about the issues you want to address. The other is to go to a church that has a good youth pastor and address your concerns to him. To that end, contact Dave Mason who is the youth pastor of Salem Baptist here in Enterprise, AL. His email address is [e-mail]. I know that he can, and will help you.
Something to remember about fundamentalist Christians, some are quite young and very energetic in their beliefs. They mean well, but do tend to attack issues to strongly. They lack the maturity of being able to discuss issues as just an issue, and leave the person asking the question out of the source of the problem for the question that is being asked. Youth your age that will meet your needs are few and far between. To get the answers that you seek, you need a more mature source, so as stated, I recommend that you seek out an older adult that has a heart fro the needs of the "kids". If I can be of further assistance, just ask, my email is open.

Answer 6

Hi, I'm probably one of those fundementalist Christians you mentioned. I really respect you for your respectful attitude and desire to learn more about others. What a great way to do it, joining the forum like that. I would certainly hope you wouldn't have any problems, but unfortunately some people are really rude online. And unfortunately, calling a forum "Christian" doesn't always mean the people using it are anything more than just churchgoers.

I'm in my twenties now, but if you want to talk, I'd be happy to talk with you by email. (See my profile.) Perhaps I could help provide the perspective you're looking for?

I hope you have a wonderful experience on the forum, and please don't hesitate to email me. I love to talk about things like this.

Answer 7

May I suggest finding a church you are comfortable with and try learning about Christianity, I am not saying you have to join and change your beliefs, but they have discussion groups for youths ( not sure of your age ) but go in with an open mind and see what they have to say, a good church group will understand your questions, but you can't come off too opinionated about this subject, you might actually enjoy it, I started trying to be a good Christian a few years ago and began going to church on my own, and it was scary because I didn't want to be judged or feel ignorant about things because I wasn't real up on the Bible, but the Baptist church I went to made me feel at ease and I have enjoyed it and they haven't pushed anything on me. Anyway I wish you luck, and worst case scenario you learn something about others.

Answer 8

I doubt you will be kicked out, and you might even be pleasantly surprised by some of the answers. However, you have to understand that most non-Christians who join Christian forums do so to ridicule the faith and that is what they have come to expect. Therefore, they tend to answer defensively (as would you, I suspect, if the situation were reversed). I would suggest you be VERY careful in the way you word your questions so that you don't even give the appearance of ridicule, even if that is the way you feel. Also, if possible, make your e-mail private and only give it out to people you learn to trust in private messages, never in public forum, with the explicit understanding that they don't give your e-mail to anybody else.
Good luck.

Answer 9

I really don't think you need to tell them anything. Don't pretend to know a lot. Tell them you are interested in knowing more about the Lord. That is all you will need to say. Hope your ears don't bleed easily because it is a favorite subject.
Just listen and ask questions when you have them.
If you feel uncomfortable, leave. They will not hurt you.
I've attended many fundamentalist churches. You may see and heart things like speaking in tongues or some may even roll around on the floor. Dancing and singing praises are plentiful. They may ask you if you are saved, or born again.
Go Learn, you have nothing to loose.
Rev. TomCat

Answer 10

As role model in Christ-like, for all those who is lacking will always try to look at us in a perspective points of view in the point of being turn off. It takes time and many maybe not used to it. We all are sinners no matter how hard we try, the key it to repent and go on in life to share what you have learned. Many time the rejection is there and we are going to see that, just keep on looking for lost souls who is willing to accept and merge in as Christ-like. Be open, remember the practice, fundamental, transition, rules of obligation is not important in religion. Communication between you and God and be holy as much as possible will open the door in great understanding with WORDS and his ways of TREE of LIFE not the TREE of KNOWLEDGE. Not in any fundamental form of fashion, there is no such thing.

Answer 11

Dear!

Religion & Prayer got nothing to do with debates and questions and un-necessary advices. It is a matter of peace to be mingled with inner-yourself. Do not try to ask any more questions, qurries and debates on religion. Shut the physical world, open the inner heart doors and in lonliness and silence you will find answer from the almighty.

The debates will make confusion and contradictions.

You are young and requires advice only from your parents or very near and dear. O.K.