It’s terrible to see that side of the COGR, isn’t it? I won’t deny that it still hurts to have them treat me so badly, although I’m pretty much used to it by now. I’m at the point where I try not to acknowledge them at all- it just makes them uncomfortable, and there’s really no point in aggravating them- that life was a lifetime ago for me. (and I really don’t need to put up with those kind of constant insults. Really not helpful!) It’s just really sad to see that kind of hatred still radiating from them after all these years, but…what can I say? Nothing, really.

As for not seeing the traits of the COGR as you do in the Holdemans, well…yeah. That’s the way it works. It took me a while to see the full evil and ridiculousness of the COGR- the further away you get, the more clearly you see it. For me, it was because this was something that I had dedicated my life to, and no matter how much evidence I saw, I really didn’t want to believe that it was *that* bad- we had been right with (whatever) beliefs/actions, right? It’s the others that are wrong! The humiliation and guilt I felt for years after was hard to deal with, but time has been excellent in healing that. I still feel the odd guilty pang, especially when I see someone I care about being abused by religion, and remember that I used to be on the giving end of such devastating behavior.

Time, maturity (???), and constant learning of the true character of God has helped me put my past into perspective. Honestly (and I know that you’ll think this is too far, but that’s ok :)), I feel that this kind of religion is really just a shallow, unnecessary barrier from the fullness of God’s greatness and power. I know that I have been labeled a heretic by some, and I jokingly label myself that, too. (I label myself as being in the “emergent church”, which, to many in fundamental Christianity, is definitely heretical!) I think it’s tragic to see how religion, and what we as the Western Hemisphere call “the church”, has managed to put such a smear on God’s name. I get really angry sometimes at some of the things I see, and just want to tell people to stop misrepresentating and abusing my God’s name that way. (the religious furor over the U.S. election was particularly embarrassing. I half jokingly stated that if these are Christians, I want nothing to do with Christianity. Soo. embarrassing!)

Ok, it’s late, and I should stop rambling. :) I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been following your blog, and I appreciate seeing the way you’ve been growing and changing over the months. The reek of the COGR is getting to be less and less in your articles. :) (that is NOT meant as an insult- believe me, I know how difficult it is to change after so much time in there!)

Anyhow, keep it up, and may the steady hand of God be constantly with you. :)

Gloria