 Posted Tuesday, March 06, 2007 10:09 PM
|
|
|
|
I recently told my family I was no longer CS. I'm fourth generation CS, and we are now into the fifth generation. I dropped out several years ago from TMC, but only now told them because I am living much closer than before and they can see I no longer go to their church.
They are now treating me differently -- it's obvious they no longer trust me with certain parts of their lives. Has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks.
Siobhan
|
|
|
Posted Wednesday, March 07, 2007 9:52 AM
|
|
|
|
Siobhan,
Has anyone else experienced this?
I was third generation and maintain my anonymity solely to protect certain family members from distancing themselves from me as a result of my activism. Maybe I give them less credit than they deserve, but I think that learning how I actively oppose CS would drive them deeper into CS instead of closer to Christ.
On the other hand, I know of more positive experiences regarding "coming out" than negative. I hope that some of those stories will be shared here.
Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit that does the calling.
Do Go Be Man
<><
|
|
|
Posted Friday, March 16, 2007 1:21 AM
|
|
|
|
Hello -
It was telling my family about my lack of belief in CS and consequently being cut off that lead me to this forum a few months ago. Now, to be fair, the family has since said they were not in fact trying to cut me off and that I can feel free to believe whatever I want, they just want me to be happy - but the fact is, when you've shared a rare and often persecuted belief system with your family members and then you depart from that system, it's bound to be a can of worms. I'm sure my family wonders why I left (when I was for a time the sole champion) and deep down it must shake their own faith. I recently watched a documentary on the Shakers, and found the section where all the members were leaving for the outside world and all the societies were closing down, one by one, to be very poignant. It's not pleasant watching your religion crumble around you and people you love and respect being picked off by the secular world, one by one. Especially in a religion like CS that is so utterly demanding of your time and thought - in order to stay healthy and free of bad life experiences, it's necessary to be in a state of constant prayer, study, and positive thinking (in other words, denial). Having people around you who are out of this system who could potentially "malpractice" on you just by not believing, is to the CS believer very dangerous. For myself I don't see how I can ever have the closeness I once had with people who believe everything around us is an illusion.
I hope that your family can come around and be normal with you again. Just understand from their point of view that they probably feel threatened in some way, it's not that they love you any less.
|
|
|
Posted Friday, March 16, 2007 7:18 PM
|
|
|
|
Siobhan.
I still work at Prin and I think you were here while I've been here. If you are the same person that I am thinking of, I remember your level-headed, deep-thinking serious approach to your life. Should you continue to act and make decisions based on this quality of thought, your family will continue to love and support you. Any change in your relationship with your family based on your new faith system may be a result of disappointment and concern in the short run. However, the strength of your family unit, at its core, is stronger then any philosophical differences. Continue to be the Siobhan they know and love (while supporting their different choices) -- and all obstacles will abate. Do not let CS or any other religious preference get between your family.
I trust all is well with you.
|
|
|
Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008 11:52 PM
|
|
|
|
| Hello, fellow exCSers. I'm sorry if you feel that your family has turned hostile towards you. My folks on the other hand respect the fact that I do not practice the religion. In fact, my mom drove my son and me to an ER when my son broke his wrist during a family visit. Not once did she say any of the CS bullcrap. She did not scold me for my choice. My pop although he is a reader, respects my choice too but reminded me the "truths" after the situation. I love them both dearly and likewise they love me. During visits I do come to church with them but they know I go just so I can meet with friends of the family. And their freinds know that too. Not once do they scold me on my choice. I hope there are others who feel the same way I do. I will end this rambling by saying this: If your family is treating you with hostile about your choice it could be they are afraid you will ridicule their choice or maybe they are just pathetic people.
|
|
|
Posted Monday, March 31, 2008 3:03 PM
|
|
|
|
| You are very fortunate to have an understanding family. Do not be surprised if they behave differently iif a health crisis occurs and you are shut out. Hopefully, you will not have to face this scenario but many of us have seen bizarre, secretive behaviors when they begin to have difficulties which they cannot overcome. They refuse practical help from "outsiders" as they do not want anyone confirming an alarming "mortal picture". Further, if you dare say the "D" word (for doctor), then you become "malicious animal magnetism" or an erroneous suggestion instead of a loving caring child and or sibling. The outcomes are so tragic and cruel to the survivors.....oh yea, and then you are denied the right to a very normal emotion...grief. What is really a "mind blower" to those of us with families in CS is that you arn't aware that they are ill until it becomes REALLY obvious (and in many cases too late) and you arn't aware when and if they do go to a doctor they are hospitalized or are having any kind of medical procedure. NOT NORMAL and emotionally abusive to those who love and care for them the most.
|
|
|
Posted Monday, March 31, 2008 7:42 PM
|
|
|
|
Questions from an outsider.
What is the Truth? How is this different from truths?
Why does the Bible say to rejoice over our trials and tribulations?
|
|
|
|