An Independence Day testimony

[Full Quiver]

Not too long ago I posted about how I watch the History channel, Discovery, etc. and if it is the same as reading books for info and knowledge. I have had a real problem with reading over the past 10 years for one reason only.

As a kid I loved to read. I was always doing so. This did not change as an adult but when I got wrapped up in religion it did. I was encouraged to not read anything except what my church put out unless it was the Bible. I obeyed with intensity and for years ONLY read church material. I remember having a discussion with Pastor Gary and he said if you would read some other things you would see things differently. I took this as the reason he changed his religious beliefs so much; that is why I perceived him as liberal. LOL

I have learned that I have been trapped and basically brainwashed. Part of my religious recovery is to start reading again. It has been very hard. I have picked up several books but just could not dig in. I have been heavily encouraged to read 2 books in particular. I purchased both and have started them both.

The 2 books, Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend and Intended for Pleasure by Wheat, are excellent reads so far. Boundaries is a bit difficult, in my opinion, because of it's layout but very interesting and freeing. Intended for Pleasure is awesome thus far. I had to order it from BAM, picked it up last night, and have read 25% of it already. I will probably finish it this weekend. Lots of great info so far.

Has anyone read these books?

Please pray for me as I continue to recover from religion and as I experience Freedom in this area. I want a hunger to read!

[Susie Hamilton]

Boundries is actually a course. I took it about 10 years ago, still have the book, and learned a lot from it. It really changed my way of thinking. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Jennifer Smith]

If I have a hard time getting into a book, I try to find another book that is very interesting to me, or a part of the book that is interesting, and once that part catches my interest then I can usually enjoy reading the book. Try to find something you really like. You can skim read the other books and pick up some information, you don't have to read front-to-back.

That helps me sometimes since I have so much reading to do for school. Some textbooks are tedious so I just read the parts that are highlighted or in bold print.

[Pastor Gary]

I remember having a discussion with Pastor Gary and he said if you would read some other things you would see things differently. I took this as the reason he changed his religious beliefs so much; that is why I perceived him as liberal. LOL

Do you still perceive me as much as a liberal? I am glad you finally accepted the challenge, regardless.

I have learned that I have been trapped and basically brainwashed. Part of my religious recovery is to start reading again. It has been very hard.

I am happy that you have begun to see the cloud that such religious brainwashing places over one's mind, and are starting to shake off those cobwebs. It is hard... that is why I challenge people to spend a period of time reading NOTHING published by their own group, and immersing themselves in books that make them furious at the authors! It is kind of shock therapy, I guess, but it forces you to think, and that is always a good thing.

Please pray for me as I continue to recover from religion and as I experience Freedom in this area. I want a hunger to read!

I join you in praying that, Danny. You are smart, passionate, and love to engage in debate/argument. God can and will use all of that as you achieve more balance in your understanding.

[Jennifer Smith]

I remember having a discussion with Pastor Gary and he said if you would read some other things you would see things differently. I took this as the reason he changed his religious beliefs so much; that is why I perceived him as liberal. LOL

Do you still perceive me as much as a liberal? I am glad you finally accepted the challenge, regardless.

I have learned that I have been trapped and basically brainwashed. Part of my religious recovery is to start reading again. It has been very hard.

I am happy that you have begun to see the cloud that such religious brainwashing places over one's mind, and are starting to shake off those cobwebs. It is hard... that is why I challenge people to spend a period of time reading NOTHING published by their own group, and immersing themselves in books that make them furious at the authors! It is kind of shock therapy, I guess, but it forces you to think, and that is always a good thing.

Please pray for me as I continue to recover from religion and as I experience Freedom in this area. I want a hunger to read!

I join you in praying that, Danny. You are smart, passionate, and love to engage in debate/argument. God can and will use all of that as you achieve more balance in your understanding.

For my part, I had no idea the extent of the religious bondage some came out from under. It must be hard figuring out how to find a balance post-religion.

[Pastor Gary]

For my part, I had no idea the extent of the religious bondage some came out from under. It must be hard figuring out how to find a balance post-religion.

Jennifer, there was a time in our deep, dark history when any book book published by the White Wing Publishing House had to have a three letter imprint on the title page: ACD (Approved by the Committee on Doctrine) Some excellent books by excellent COGOP authors and leaders never saw the light of day because they couldn't get that ACD imprint.

The challenge FQ mentioned still stands: I recommend to anyone who suspects they have been religiously indoctrinated to the point of brainwashing that they take a time-out... a period of 6-months to a year in which they read NOTHING published by their own group, and everything they can get their hands on that challenges their doctrinal views and presuppositions. If your views are solid, they will not be shaken, but strengthened, and if they are NOT solid, they will be destroyed by truth.

[Full Quiver]

Thank you GAry and no I don't see you as liberal but as learning. Please forgive me for such thoughts. I was not really in control of myself but I will take responsibility of my actions and words.