daj198 Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Has anyone been on one? I went on one last Autumn and really enjoyed it. For those of you who don't know, the Alpha Course is an informal course about the Christian faith where there's a meal, a short talk and chat time in groups to discuss what you all think. The advert this year made me laugh when I saw it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUNCqlRp2HQ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Great advert - I hadn't seen that one! Bear Grylls is great isn't he? Our church is doing an Alpha at the moment - I know a lot of the non Christian people who are going, they are finding it really interesting, just finding out what it's all about (and getting very well fed! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 I've been on a couple and really enjoyed them. Think they're fab for Christians and non-Christians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Yes, I went on an Alpha course a few years ago and then helped with catering last year. It was brill! (And the food was good if I say so myself ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 On a family forum or any forum for that matter you should avoid topics of religion and politics. The Alpha course in my opinion should not be given any space on here. “Criticisms of the Alpha course have fallen into various categories: as well as being criticised for brainwashing and being of cult status, the Alpha course has been denounced by those on various liberation campaigns, including the women’s liberation campaign, which opposes the course for its fundamentalist opinion of “the right to choose”, and the homosexual liberation campaign.” Let’s keep to topics that are not going to open a can of worms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 On a family forum or any forum for that matter you should avoid topics of religion and politics. The Alpha course in my opinion should not be given any space on here. “Criticisms of the Alpha course have fallen into various categories: as well as being criticised for brainwashing and being of cult status, the Alpha course has been denounced by those on various liberation campaigns, including the women’s liberation campaign, which opposes the course for its fundamentalist opinion of “the right to choose”, and the homosexual liberation campaign.” Let’s keep to topics that are not going to open a can of worms. This section is for people to chat - and as long as the subject matter is suitable for a family forum then I don't see that there is a problem? There are enough moderators to keep the thread on an even keel and if anyone has a problem with it then there is always the 'Report' button. I think it was a valid question and is obvious from the title what it was about - if people don't want to chat about religion then they can avoid this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 advert- I thought he was going to write "HELP" in the sand Bear has been brought to our attention recently about his Christian faith by reviewing a J John book " The Happiness Secret" in the new Wesley Owen catalogue. We didn't know he was a Christian before that. Our church does the " Christianity Explored" course, a very similar thing. Both courses are really well worth doing, if anyone would like to go along Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 This section is for people to chat - and as long as the subject matter is suitable for a family forum then I don't see that there is a problem? O.K. so you are saying that the forum is open to chat about an organisation that is known for being fundamentally against homosexual relationships. It has been criticised for many things, including “psychological manipulation”, attaining cult status, its fundamental opposition to a woman’s right to choose and its opinions on homosexuality. Along with those who criticise “psychological manipulation” and brainwashing, there are those who claim the Alpha course is a cult that targets the most vulnerable in society, owing to the high levels of conversions and the convulsive behaviour exhibited by some of the most vulnerable converts. The Alpha course compares homosexuality to paedophilia and links it strongly with promiscuity. Both of these are wrong and offensive. The Alpha course advocates the idea that homosexuality involves “shameful lusts and labels homosexuals as “homosexual offenders”. Not only does the course condemn homosexuals, it also condemns those who “not only continue to do these very things, but also approve of those who practise them”. The Alpha course reaffirms the falsehood that AIDS is the gay plague. It preaches that it is a judgment on homosexuality. So if you think that this subject matter is suitable for a family forum, then you will be telling me next that you don’t see any problem opening a thread entitled “I had a fun time at my BNP meet” Shoot me down in flames if you condone The Alpha Course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Dodge, you obviously find this a highly emotive subject. However, I believe that we should live and let live. If you don't like a thread, avoid it. End of. However, I don't think anyone has the right to criticise another beliefs. I hate Strictly Come Dancing, do I have a go at other people because they like it NO! Equally I don't expect my friends to have a go at me for loving football. I know this seems an unusual example, but my opinion is it takes all sorts to make a world, and its the people who insist on telling other people that their opinions are wrong that makes it a bad one, not the people who go around in their day to day lives showing others dignity and respect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 O.K. so you are saying that the forum is open to chat about an organisation that is known for being fundamentally against homosexual relationships. It has been criticised for many things, including “psychological manipulation”, attaining cult status, its fundamental opposition to a woman’s right to choose and its opinions on homosexuality. Along with those who criticise “psychological manipulation” and brainwashing, there are those who claim the Alpha course is a cult that targets the most vulnerable in society, owing to the high levels of conversions and the convulsive behaviour exhibited by some of the most vulnerable converts. The Alpha course compares homosexuality to paedophilia and links it strongly with promiscuity. Both of these are wrong and offensive. The Alpha course advocates the idea that homosexuality involves “shameful lusts and labels homosexuals as “homosexual offenders”. Not only does the course condemn homosexuals, it also condemns those who “not only continue to do these very things, but also approve of those who practise them”. The Alpha course reaffirms the falsehood that AIDS is the gay plague. It preaches that it is a judgment on homosexuality. So if you think that this subject matter is suitable for a family forum, then you will be telling me next that you don’t see any problem opening a thread entitled “I had a fun time at my BNP meet” Shoot me down in flames if you condone The Alpha Course. Dodge, do you have any experience of an Alpha Course? Just interested as this doesn't reflect the ones I've been on and am sad to hear that a course of any nature would pedal what you've written. My experiences (in the UK) are very different, but that's just my experience and I don't know what you've seen/heard. The Alpha courses I've been on haven't talked about AIDS or homosexuality, just historical facts and passages from the Bible, which have been debated in an adult way by people from all walks of life and all beliefs. I am a Christian, and the things you talk about aren't reflective of my beliefs. There are extremes in any area (whether you're talking about Christians or non-Christians) and it sounds as though you've encountered some particularly far-right characters. Christian's aren't in any better position to judge people than anyone else, and I think (hope) you'd find most people in this vein rather than the extremes. Sorry this topic has hit a nerve, but I don't think it should be removed - nothing I've seen in the video seems sinister or biased? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Clur, I am really happy to hear that you have had an uplifting experience with the courses you have been on and I am so glad that you have not come in contact with any of the issues that I wrote about. For the record, my son is a Baptist Minister and I do not have anything against God, he is always welcome in my house. I was trying to put across the point that regrettably there is a darker association to The Alpha Course that you may have not been aware off and for those reasons I was making the point that the subject in my opinion was not really suitable to give air space to. I am not trying to force anyone to do anything; I am just voicing my humble opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 I enjoyed it - I didnt agree with everything said but didnt neccessarily say anything as it was a pleasnat evening spent with some people i knew and others (of all ages may I add) who have become good friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 I'm a Christian but would never give the time of day to any course, church or person who was preaching those kind of ideas I thought it was just an opportunity for people to find out more - personally I would love to do the equivalent of an Alpha on Islam, Hinduism or any other religion for that matter. How do people make decisions about what to believe without having the full facts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Well, I'm banned from my old church so I will just continue being me and hope that's ok. No point getting all hot under the collar about religion. Live and let live to all people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Palmer Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Can we ask why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 OH and I did the Alpha course at different times and neither of us remember any of the above. The only thing I remember them being against was living together before marriage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Well, I'm banned from my old church so I will just continue being me and hope that's ok.No point getting all hot under the collar about religion. Live and let live to all people. I have a peverse sense of humour so not sure if I should be giggling at this or be horrified for you! I went to a few churches before I found one that was more me but have yet to be banned from one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Well, I'm banned from my old church so I will just continue being me and hope that's ok.No point getting all hot under the collar about religion. Live and let live to all people. I have a peverse sense of humour so not sure if I should be giggling at this or be horrified for you! I went to a few churches before I found one that was more me but have yet to be banned from one Poor Janty - iit is not as bad as it sounds, she didn't do anything too bad, honestly! Jan people are going to be getting allsorts of colourful ideas about you now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Well, I'm banned from my old church so I will just continue being me and hope that's ok.No point getting all hot under the collar about religion. Live and let live to all people. I have a peverse sense of humour so not sure if I should be giggling at this or be horrified for you! I went to a few churches before I found one that was more me but have yet to be banned from one Poor Janty - iit is not as bad as it sounds, she didn't do anything too bad, honestly! Jan people are going to be getting allsorts of colourful ideas about you now! Cool It's not that exciting though. My ex-husband went to prison for being a bit keen on domestic violence. When I tried to divorce him, he sent the Catholic priest around to see me. The priest tried various tactics to persuade me to drop the divorce and finally he announced that if I went through with it then I'd never be welcome in a catholic church again. I chose the divorce! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Janty you have my utter sympathy. I nearly posted this earlier but ......................... I was brought up a Catholic and practiced my own version of pick n mix for many years. My daughter was baptised by a very wise old priest who understood I was married to a divorced man. Many years later in a different congegation my daughter was an alter server but was treated in the most appalling fashion when she very bravely declared her homosexuality at the age of seventeen. I abandoned The Church, though not God ........just His form of delivery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Janty - You are not alone. I fell out big time with my old church minister, I wasn't banned but I was told that I had to believe what he was telling me I didn't believe the minister, I prefer to trust in Him upstairs so I left. My story was different and a culmination of a few factors: 1. My divorce from my first husband He realised that he was gay, I supported him, it was hardly his fault, we parted and got divorced. In fact we stayed very good friends until a new boyfriend of his took issue with him being friends with his ex wife, he choose him and to this day I still miss him. 2. When my mother was dying, my late Grandfather came to me with a message for my Mum, and then whilst she was critically ill, I was in the waiting room and was given a bible chapter and verse by a voice in my head, when I got a bible it was very relevant and helped my mum feel peace with passing over - apparently anything psychic meant that I was destined to burn in hell 3. The final straw was when the minister said that animals don't have souls and so don't go to heaven. I disputed that any creature that has a personality would also have a soul, otherwise why would God have created them. At that point he viewed that I was just too difficult. I have never regretted leaving, but still keep my faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I was brought up as a good Italian Roman Catholic, I still think fondly of the incense, but the religion part never made sense to me. I'm probably more pagan/wiccan/gaian nowadays. I prefer to live and let live. OSH it's a shame that your DDs church couldn't come to terms with her sexuality. I know of a few christian gays and they are happy with the mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daj198 Posted September 28, 2009 Author Share Posted September 28, 2009 2. When my mother was dying, my late Grandfather came to me with a message for my Mum, and then whilst she was critically ill, I was in the waiting room and was given a bible chapter and verse by a voice in my head, when I got a bible it was very relevant and helped my mum feel peace with passing over - apparently anything psychic meant that I was destined to burn in hell I believe that was God speaking to you... good on you for looking it up! Crazy as it may sound, that happens to me all the time, through various ways such as visions, dreams, objects being highlighted and a voice in my head like you had. I find a lot of churches in the UK these days are hostile towards the supernatural- such a shame... God isn't supposed to be boring! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Thats exactly how my Mum interpreted it aswell. I still get messages and visits from time to time when people need help I think its a blessing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 My dad was a clergyman, but I turned out to be a 'pick n mix' Christian, too...licorice allsorts, I reckon.. Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
