Posted by Marilyn [Felicity] on October 24, 1999 at 22:40:52 {f8eW6hUOe2FFrEmGrZRUOJmDKI0QM2}:
In Reply to: ***Atheism posted by COMF on October 24, 1999 at 19:17:43:
::::I have this wish that there would be an all-powerful, loving parent-figure that would protect me from things I
can't control and forgive me for mistakes, separating the act from the person.
Yeah, because there are soooooooo many reasons why we make mistakes, so many things that have gone on previously that influence our decision making ... and someone that loves us completely would know and understand - not bash our brains in because we didn't read the WT and get the message.
:: I'm not made of
the kind of stuff that lets me squeeze my eyes tightly shut and pretend with all my might, and convince myself. I'm too attuned to
reality (on a related note, nobody's ever been able to hypnotize me, either, although some professionals have tried. They said my
subconscious refuses to give up control, or something like that...).
And let me guess something else about you. You have unequivocally turned down the opportunity to sell Amway - to you it seems more like a great opportunity to abuse your friends!
The hynotise thing is VERY interesting. Is it tied up with the experience of waking up from the WT and all the other BS that one has to avoid out there? I wonder how many other ex cult members - who are out because of reasoning their way out, are unable to be hypnotised?
David and I are totally cynical these days - I don't think it shows, we don't go around with our mouths turned down at the corners - but we do keep our BS detectors running 24 hrs a day!
::Well, I've discovered that when you give up adherence to the existence of God, along with it you give up a whole host of harmful
growth-retardants, like demons lurking in used couches, and guilt over "bad" behavior that is only bad because somebody back in
the mists of antiquity said so, and it caught on...
I agree - though there is a weak side to my nature that still gets goose bumps when I watch a horror movie. But like you I'm far less likely to be judgemental with people for things that are a product of their environment or circumstances in life.
marilyn