Escaping & Finding

"The Bible IS NOT a Christian book although many believe it is.

The Bible is a mystical book from which many cultural influences have been adopted and grafted in including Egyptian and Sumerian myths, writings and beliefs that far predate the supposed Hebrew influences.

The following is from my book, Escaping Christianity ~ Finding Christ:

What is it that is turning so many people away from Christianity? In large part the judgment displayed through the dogma of elitism and intolerance has contributed to making fundamentalism unpalatable.

Take it from me, I was one of them. I feel I have earned the right to be hardest on my tribe. I beat and thumped the Bible on many a head, controlled and manipulated consciousness through the use of fear-based theology.

For some, dogma is learned quite young; like me having been programmed from adolescence. Being indoctrinated at a young age one must fight for the return of their intellectual property rights.

Coming off of fundamentalism is like coming off of bad medicine; while you may think it cures your ills, it is ultimately addicting with church leaders and parishioners offering their dope of dogma to anyone who will make themselves subject to fear.

I realize these words may seem harsh for some and not harsh enough for others. That statement will most likely offend those still within the system. Some of those who have escaped fundamentalism know exactly what I am talking about. My goal is not to offend but to bring light on this "system" that claims it has the only pass into heaven.

No, the Bible is not a Christian book and never was. Jesus did not come to start the Christian religion (and never did!!!). Christian churches are built on Pagan sites and have adopted Pagan rituals from altars to robes and yet Christianity claims that Pagans are evil.

It seems to me that the finger that points toward others in judgment now has to give an account for itself. They are not defenders of the faith because their faith is not identifiable with its namesake.

Take a good hard look—Christian fundamentalism is a mess. This system of belief has become too small, too restrictive for today’s blossoming consciousness. It is in need of the new wineskin that Jesus spoke of."

-- Barbara Symons