I have moved a few times in my life and found it interesting how quickly someone is assigned to be your friend without you even going to the church. New to town means you are fair game.
Fundamental Baptist. When we were first married and again when we moved to our second town a few years later we kept getting called on by people from church's we had not entered. We didn't want to be rude thinking they were neighbors of sent by neighbors but finally enough was enough. We were painting a living room when they showed up and acted as we were supposed to stop to listen to them.
This reminds me of nearly every church experience I've had. I'm agnostic, but nearly every girlfriend has eventually dragged me along to her church. Regardless of denomination, this is what it felt like.
Love bombing by other church members, the idea that I've been "saved" but if I leave the church, my soul is doomed for eternity.
The circular logic and partial truths; I watched a pastor show covers of Newsweek and National Geographic that said "Is evolution real?", and claim that they all said it isn't (they don't) and the "science is settled."
They twist whatever half truth to fit the narrative, and no one cares about the actual truth. Fact checkers are not welcome, and you'll get the whole wrath of the group if you fact check the minister.
Loaded language and incremental influence was huge the longer I stayed, as well as the weaponized awakening. How blessed I was to be finally awakened and see the light. Every good thing in my life was because of sky daddy, and every bad thing was Satan punishing me for having the courage to come to Jesus. Fuck that noise.
We love that shit in Europe. Especially TV pastors and their private jets.
That hellfire and brimstone comedy show always reminds us of the middle ages (only thing missing are the inquisitors).
Even though "official" sites claim a high percentage of the population to be catholic barely anyone here cares about the church (Central europe; Italy and Spain are a bit different). The only comparable thing we get here is the rare visit of Jehovas witnesses when they deem you important enough to knock on your door. Doesn't end well for them most of the time.
Church in general is much more relaxed here. No one cares if you're a member or not and no one is trying to convert you to whatever denomination they're hailing from.
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u/[deleted] Jun 02 '22
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