confusion...

[figurethis]

Given the fact that most people take on the religion and beliefs of the
culture they grew up in, what does this mean? Is it enough reason to
believe in a religion because that is what the society in which one was
brought up in believes? If I was born in India,China or in bum-f$%k
Egypt, would have the same chance to become Christian, or would I just be
damned to hell because the situation I grew up in had it 'wrong'? How
much does society effect the individual or 'self' and what the f*&k is
ones 'self' comprised of?

[shiny tyler]

That is a good thought, but I think people are too busy bitching about
the b'hof...or shall we say the "b-word" to even bother thinking along
these lines.
I think that when a person grows up in a specific culture, they are
most likely to adhere to the beliefs of that culture, just because they
dont know any other way...but for instance, like a person growing up on
the hof, and then leaving, that is a different story. They then have
an oppurtunity to learn about new and different faiths, religions and
belief systems, and search to find what is the best way of life for
them.

[truthseeker]

Shiny,

I want to honor your post, while attempting to give an alternate view
point. You wrote about people being "too busy bitching about the
b'hof" While in some ways I echo your thoughts, this first sentence
comes off somewhat insensitive. Massive damage has been done to the
hearts and minds of Bruderhof graduates, each to a lesser or greater
degree. Healing is often prolonged by ones inability to let go of
past hurts, and often issues are not clearly seen for years. One can
not blame the victim for being hurt. It is my hope that all those
with Bruderhof heritage can heal and move on from being victims, to
becoming overcomers of their past.

I will also offer that if one thinks Christianity as defined
Biblically was taught in the Bruderhof then I would suggest a
revisiting of the facts. Living in the Bruderhof is extremely
detrimental to becoming a Christian, including have an intimate
relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Coming out of the
Bruderhof, graduates often turn away from the Christ that was
presented (such as it is) there. It can take years (decades) to undo
that damage.

As for culture playing a part, the Good News, spread with greater or
lesser effectiveness, can be heard throughout our global village.
Becoming Christian has more to the with the reception of the
individual to f the Truth , the Way and the Life.

Before making judgements on those elder graduates, perhaps you can
talk with them, one on one, find out a little about their personal
history, and walk a mile or two in their shoes.

I hope this post finds you in a happy and healing place.

-truthseeker

[shiny tyler]

Thanks for your comments. Im sorry if I came across insensetive.