50 replies to this topic

[webmdave]

And it has taken on its own flavor.  I don't feel that I fit in with the 'group' here, but that doesn't matter.  What does matter is that this forum exists for those of us who finally realized for ourselves the horrible beliefs we had that, for many, were crippling.

Kudos again, Dave!  You are still the MAN!  This site means the world to many of us for many reasons.  And I like cheese...  Alpine lace is my favorite...

Mah Jong 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't fit in? You're one of the FOUNDERS!!!

You more than fit in - as if there were really any standard on who fits where in this type of community.

Regardless - thanks so much for the support these past few years.

As much as is possible in this cyber-world, consider me your friend.

[mahjong]

Don't fit in?  You're one of the FOUNDERS!!!

You more than fit in - as if there were really any standard on who fits where in this type of community.

Regardless - thanks so much for the support these past few years.

As much as is possible in this cyber-world, consider me your friend.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I do consider you a friend, Dave. Thanks! My real gist is that nomatter what is said or who is saying it, when the old crappy feelings creep up on me I have a place to vent! If I don't like what is being said I can come back another day.

MJ

[Merlinfmct87]

Hello, Dave...

I have to confess that I rarely pay any attention to the testimony section. The few times I do read it, it always overwhelms me to read about all the pain, suffering, and strife people have gone through over their beliefs.

That's also why I never posted my own testimony - and I'm quite against the idea of posting one now. My story is, to put it simply, non-existant. I have no deconversion tale to tell... it's off-topic.

What I want to tell you now is very simple: Your story moved me very much. It gave me a deeper insight into you and why you built this site, as well as gave an insight into the process of losing one's faith. I myself was never raised with any faith, and the one I have is very unique... it's probably gone through so many revisions and personal alterations that it can't be called Wicca any longer... I always seem to score closer to Buddhism on tests, and friends have mistaken it for that.

In short... I feel genuinely wiser for reading your testimony. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

Merlin

[webmdave]

Thanks Merlin.

[webmdave]

Thanks Itrain! Welcome aboard!

Now, tell me about this book you've written.

[webmdave]

Welcome aboard Emerson!

[padhyde]

Hi Dave

I am new to this website. I made my first post yesterday which briefly describes my position. I reflect often now on my attitude to religion. Do I just keep my thoughts to myself or share them in the hope that they might help someone else? You have most clearly made that choice. The time and effort you have made represents a real contribution to some people's lives. If just one person feels better having come here it's all been worth it. I will contribute what I can from now on.

Regards

[webmdave]

Thanks Padhyde.

I'll enjoy reading your posts!

[SaNCTiFieD_1]

Hello,

I am a Bible believer. I just came across your site and read your testimony. Just wondering if in all the different theologies that you have read about, if you have ever heard of studying the Bible according to 2 Tim 2:15 "rightly dividing the Word of truth." I have found that inconsistencies in the Bible can be explained by studying how it tells us to. Rightly Divided. I'm just introducing myself and I figure since you like to read, you could study up on it to gain more knowledge. www.floridagrace.com is a good site. I'm not gonna post on here the whole long explanation of this, but if you have any questions about it or the Bible, I can answer them.



Dawn

[I Broke Free]

I have found that inconsistencies in the Bible can be explained
Dawn

I'm so happy for you.

I'll alert the media.

[Ex-COG]

I'm not gonna post on here the whole long explanation of this, but if you have any questions about it or the Bible, I can answer them.

Wow, how modest of you. You call yourself the "sanctified one" and you can answer ANY question on the Bible. If so, I would suggest that you take your message to the much divided Christian church, and teach them. Then, when all Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, Orthodox, and the other 10,000 denominations are united under your wise(?) and true(?) interpretation of the Bible, you can try to convince the rest of the world. But it won't happen. After all, there are others who also think they can answer any question on the Bible, but they come up with different meanings than you, or anyone else. No unity, no agreement, no sense; so sorry, no dice.

Dave, thanks for sharing your story, and starting this website; providing all of us with a needed support group. Where would we be without you?

[webmdave]

Thanks Ex-COG!

[trashy]

Just wondering if in all the different theologies that you have read about, if you have ever heard of studying the Bible according to 2 Tim 2:15 "rightly dividing the Word of truth." I have found that inconsistencies in the Bible can be explained by studying how it tells us to. Rightly Divided.

That does sound familiar. It's been awhile, but I'm thinking that it sounds familiar because a Christian hears this phrase an average of, oh, say -- once a month? You've obviously just stumbled across it, good luck with that.

"Rightly Divided" - that sounds like an ironic description of the church today, doesn't it?

Edited by trashy, 25 June 2006 - 09:10 AM.

[Minstrel]

...The main point I had hoped to accomplish in reiterating a few of the unpleasant experiences I had with the "chosen few" was to show that there is nothing supernatural going on in the lives of Christians. We are taught that the Holy Spirit is within us, transforming us, quickening us, destroying our sin nature, putting to death the "old man" and on and on ad-nauseam. The simple truth is: it is not true. Christians are absolutely no different than any one else. They do not have GOD ALMIGHTY in their bodies, making them into new creatures...

Your point (quoted) hits the nail on the pimple. Isn't it interesting that the "proof" is a subjective experience? No-one can "witness" a conversion. If "tongues of fire" alit upon the head as one "became a Christian"...we might be singing a different tune.
Likewise...wouldn't you think that, if Jesus was at all concerned with the direction "His Church" was taking...and he actually received the motherlode of power at the resurrection...that he could simply make another appearance...and set them straight?
Anywho... Thanks for the site. Nice to meet you(r story).

[Minstrel]

That does sound familiar. It's been awhile, but I'm thinking that it sounds familiar because a Christian hears this phrase an average of, oh, say -- once a month? You've obviously just stumbled across it, good luck with that.
"Rightly Divided" - that sounds like an ironic description of the church today, doesn't it?

That was beautiful!

[Deva]

. Just wondering if in all the different theologies that you have read about, if you have ever heard of studying the Bible according to 2 Tim 2:15 "rightly dividing the Word of truth." I have found that inconsistencies in the Bible can be explained by studying how it tells us to. Rightly Divided.

Sanctimonious Sanctified:

Anyone who actually read Dave's testimony with any attention would see that he has done extensive reading of the Bible and tried to find the answers the best he could, and with tremendous effort. Why is that unclear to you?

What exactly does "rightly dividing the Word of truth" mean? Do you adhere to the parts you like and throw out the ones you don't because they are repulsive or contradictory? Please give us the actual method. Or is it just that the "holy spirit" moves you in some mysterious way that is unexplainable?

Dave, thanks for your testimony and the website. I am sure it is a great help to many who are clearing themselves of this massive brainwashing called "Christianity".

[webmdave]

Thanks, Pat.

And thanks for being a supporting member.

[sojourner]

Wow Dave, just finished reading your testimony. Im sure as admin you would probably know I am still a christian, a rather unorthodox one but still one.

I am speechless. It hurts when I read what all folks have gone thru in churches and at the hands of christians especially knowing that Ive hurt folks to, folks like you that were honestly seeking truth.

If I had walked in your shoes I might be right where you are admining this website, who knows

sojourner

[Internet Jesus]

I first read Dave's testimony in October 2001, or thereabouts. I had been out of the religion for about 10 years. I was angry, fearful & fearsome. I trusted no one. I didn't understand the depth of my grief over the loss of a lifetime of belief until I came to this site. I was so hateful and distraught. This was a place for me to vent.

Little did I know that I was in on the 'ground floor' of what was to become a very powerful support group. I so appreciate how this site has evolved.

And it has taken on its own flavor. I don't feel that I fit in with the 'group' here, but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that this forum exists for those of us who finally realized for ourselves the horrible beliefs we had that, for many, were crippling.

I had a dream today while napping, and woke up in a sweat, and crying, that this is the end of the world. I wondered in the dream if it was too late for me... It just endures and endures. I got out of bed and came right to this site. I have some place to come to and that's what matters. (I think the dream was sparked by last week's 'Simpsons' "Left Below". I laughed and cried.)

Kudos again, Dave! You are still the MAN! This site means the world to many of us for many reasons. And I like cheese... Alpine lace is my favorite...

Mah Jong

That was inspirational at worst.
Let me just say I've seen Doug Bachelor speaking in person, Morris Vendon, and a fat load of other mind-washes.
None of them have that conviction. [Or compulsion!]
Your story of finding your way away from Christ, through Christ is as I said, at worst inspirational.