Religious Freedom

[Gemini Cricket]

Welcome!
I made that same decision when I was about 15 or 16 or so.
It freed me. My mind opened like a parachute.
Don't let people tell you that just because you're not in a religion that you're not a good person. 'Cuz we know you are.

[xharryb]

Congrats on the newfound freedom! I applaud your choice to use your own brain and make your own choices that are best for YOU. I hope it brings you much happiness.

[Strangler Lewis]

Congratulations, and very brave! Do you want to spill on what group, so we can close the door extra hard when they come knocking?

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

Congratulations, and very brave! Do you want to spill on what group, so we can close the door extra hard when they come knocking?

The lack of holiday/birthday celebrating kind of narrowed the field for me, but I could be wrong as to the one I guessed.

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

The lack of holiday/birthday celebrating kind of narrowed the field for me, but I could be wrong as to the one I guessed.

That occurred to me as well, but it could also have been the church of the big firm lawyer.

[wendybeth]

You guessed Puritan, too?

Seriously, though- I know, as do many others here, just how stressful the decision can be. While it's freeing, it's not without a price. I will never understand how anyone could turn their back to a loved one just because they aren't involved in the same religious organisation. You may be surprised by how many others feel the same way, Traci- maybe you won't get the reaction you expect from some of your family and friends. It's entirely possible that some of them are wrestling with the same or similar issues.

[tracilicious]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

You guessed Puritan, too?

Well, it's been tough living without electricity and cars and such, but at least religious officials won't be able to call me!

Seriously, though- I know, as do many others here, just how stressful the decision can be. While it's freeing, it's not without a price. I will never understand how anyone could turn their back to a loved one just because they aren't involved in the same religious organisation. You may be surprised by how many others feel the same way, Traci- maybe you won't get the reaction you expect from some of your family and friends. It's entirely possible that some of them are wrestling with the same or similar issues.

I don't quite understand either. But these people literally associate with practically no one outside the faith. So relatives or friends that leave have just crossed over to the side of people that they don't hang out with. In most cases it's a very difficult thing for them to go through. They're just doing what they are taught is right. In regards to our two friends though, the wife just severed ties with her best friend of a decade or more for leaving, so not much hope there.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

That occurred to me as well, but it could also have been the church of the big firm lawyer.

A church devoted to worshiping big *ahem* firm lawyers... Kinky.

[tracilicious]

Originally Posted by JWBear

A church devoted to worshiping big *ahem* firm lawyers... Kinky.

32 posts before a sex mention. New record!