Hello!
A friend in recovery and I always quip, after long discussions on the current political climate, "Ah, the world needs recovery, everyone just needs recovery."
So, with that in mind, I was on Facebook and I found this video of a woman critizing, even taunting, Christians for their hypocrisy in claiming to be followers of Jesus while seemingly not staying true to the teachings of Jesus. Sharing it around, I included two of my current "Fundie-Christian friends".*
Watch here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQb8u74kSww/?igsh=eWsxMjdxOW1qM21p
As I shared with them, I realized instantly their possible reaction, whether they voiced it towards me or not, something that I have had said to me for years since I left Christianity and openly deconstructing over ten years ago. That rhetoric, "Don't be mad at God, it's the people that caused the pain, people aren't perfect, God is."
Now, early on in my deconstruction, I would react with sarcastic anger, seeming to prove to them their valid point and the open channel of communication destroyed. Thus, the divide rift widened.
I don't often share these videos directly with my former, current 'fundie' friends because I know that this will be the reaction. This maddens me at the inability to admit the truthfulness in such post, to view the reality of their beliefs causing harm, to play victim while they victimize....
Ah, therein lies the rub. This isn't now an attack on the 'fundie' exclusively, but an attempt to awaken us all to the flaws in our own psyches, bridging the divide with the realization of our own shared humanity.
We all have the propensity to point out when pressed with the flaws in our behavior, beliefs, thoughts rather than admit our faults.
In the current horror of darkness my country is spiraling, I will continue to post real life monstrosities. Yet, before I do such, I will do my utmost best to look first at the fingers pointing back, trying to reflect upon my reason for doing, remembering the areas where I have wronged and caused harm. The desire to help others coming forth from my own healing such that that will be a beacon to attract others out of their own tumult.
Yes, the world needs recovery, everyone needs recovery and it starts by following the three fingers pointing back. Recovery is a coupling of inner, active critical thinking with love.
*I use "Fundie" hear as a slang for mainstream Christianity, not meant to be derisive or insulting. I understand that my Christian friends, whose viewpoints no longer align with mine, still do not see themselves as such.
