Reply #95: Thanks, RevCheesehead. [View All]

[Ladyhawk]

Unfortunately, I've dealt with this anger for a long time. Each time a fundy did something hurtful, I would try to forgive him or her and move on, but all it did was make me angrier. Since November I've removed fundies from my personal life, some completely, others relegated to a lower level of "friendship," whereby they don't learn anything that can be used as a weapon against me.

OK, so I'm hoping this is one last "anger-hurrah" and that I will be less angry once I get over all the feelings of betrayal and learn to stay the hell away from these people. I need to find my place to a productive anger that helps me act, but act in a responsible way.

I really do think fundamentalists are dangerous on a personal level, to our country and to the entire world. Realizing this truth has introduced a low-throbbing fear as I see them become bolder and bolder in their attempt to control the Republican Party, and thereby, the entire nation. Dammit, it's our country, too! Why should we be marginalized and forced into their narrow mindset?

I can understand Mel White's anger. He sounds like the David Brock of fundamentalism. I've read the testimonials of a lot of ex-fundies and usually, the anger is palpable. The only exception I can think of is Dan Barker, who tried to remain on good terms with everyone and succeeded in turning his parents away from fundamentalism. He must be a remarkably persuasive person. I don't know anyone else who has managed to sway parents and friends. The usual story is that the person who rejects fundamentalism is ostracized in some way by family and friends.

I appreciate your candor and now that I have pledged to support liberal Christians, I know that I will not tell you that the only path to truth is strict atheism. As I said in another thread, many paths can lead to the same destination.