Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

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Angel
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Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Angel » Fri Jan 24, 2020 8:37 pm

So.... I was a convert to the church, in with DH 20 yrs, now out, and the Mormon side is fine that I am out - silent, polite... but my never-mo family is now trying to get me into their ... I won't call it a "cult", but it is another one of these "we're the true church" small groups... JW offshoot... I am getting looong emails... and books about how the bible is the only real scripture etc. argh... love my parents, but, how to let them know I am happy with "not affiliated"? :geek: :|
“You have learned something...That always feels at first as if you have lost something.” George Bernard Shaw
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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2bizE
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by 2bizE » Fri Jan 24, 2020 10:24 pm

Ouch, luckily your eyes have been opened.
~2bizE

Reuben
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Reuben » Sat Jan 25, 2020 2:42 am

Hoo, boy.

You can set boundaries and plant seeds. I doubt much else would help you or them.

"I'm not going to join another Mormonism. The costs far outweigh the benefits for me."

Maybe ask them to find out what that church teaches about members who leave. If it's still enough like the JWs, it teaches and practices formal shunning. If so, ask them if they would shun you if you left it.
Learn to doubt the stories you tell about yourselves and your adversaries.

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alas
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by alas » Sat Jan 25, 2020 7:33 am

How to let your parents know that you are happy with unaffiliated? “Mom & Dad, I am happy being unaffiliated. I don’t want or need another church. I love you.”

Repeat as necessary.

I know, I know, it sounds so easy. But in reality, it is really hard to set up and maintain boundaries especially with parents.

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Angel
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Angel » Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:00 am

Thank you for your sympathies and replies...

ok, how is this for a reply - not strong enough? not clear enough? I'm going for the 'thanks-but-no-thanks" trying to be as polite as possible...but most definitely NOT interested in joining another religious group (at least not a "we have the truth" type group).

Dear mom,
Thank you for your card and email, the book is interesting too. Please know that we are all doing well and finding much peace in taking a simpler non-dogmatic non-affiliated path. While religious communities have many positive aspects, I now think spiritual growth is best accomplished through service and striving to live with a pure conscience. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of God..." I see too much contention coming between faith groups who all claim to hold 'the truth' over irrelevant issues, and am very much embracing, as many are, the "spiritual but not affiliated" view. Non-affiliation has opened doors for service and discussion that before remained closed - allowing all to be done "good for goodness sake" and not as a salesman trying to promote any one group, or criticize another. The only way for me to believe in a just, merciful, and loving God is to believe all humanity are given equal guidance and direction through their conscience. It would be unjust and unloving to provide some with a book, or provide some with spiritual leaders and not others, so I will keep it simple and believe no organisation, no book, no human leader is needed. To me, the only thing needed is the only thing we are all equally given, which is our own conscience... and the only thing to do is become a more loving person, serve all, learn from from all (no respecter of persons), keep conversations simple -'yea yea, nay nay', no ceremonies or dogma needed. Hope that at its core that is what you believe too.

Love you guys so much!
“You have learned something...That always feels at first as if you have lost something.” George Bernard Shaw
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Hagoth
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Hagoth » Sat Jan 25, 2020 5:07 pm

"I appreciate your concern but I have already exceeded my one-cult-per-lifetime limit."
“The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also.” -Mark Twain

Jesus: "The Kingdom of God is within you." The Buddha: "Be your own light."

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Palerider
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Palerider » Sat Jan 25, 2020 6:52 pm

Angel wrote:
Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:00 am
Thank you for your sympathies and replies...

ok, how is this for a reply - not strong enough? not clear enough? I'm going for the 'thanks-but-no-thanks" trying to be as polite as possible...but most definitely NOT interested in joining another religious group (at least not a "we have the truth" type group).

Dear mom,
Thank you for your card and email, the book is interesting too. Please know that we are all doing well and finding much peace in taking a simpler non-dogmatic non-affiliated path. While religious communities have many positive aspects, I now think spiritual growth is best accomplished through service and striving to live with a pure conscience. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of God..." I see too much contention coming between faith groups who all claim to hold 'the truth' over irrelevant issues, and am very much embracing, as many are, the "spiritual but not affiliated" view. Non-affiliation has opened doors for service and discussion that before remained closed - allowing all to be done "good for goodness sake" and not as a salesman trying to promote any one group, or criticize another. The only way for me to believe in a just, merciful, and loving God is to believe all humanity are given equal guidance and direction through their conscience. It would be unjust and unloving to provide some with a book, or provide some with spiritual leaders and not others, so I will keep it simple and believe no organisation, no book, no human leader is needed. To me, the only thing needed is the only thing we are all equally given, which is our own conscience... and the only thing to do is become a more loving person, serve all, learn from from all (no respecter of persons), keep conversations simple -'yea yea, nay nay', no ceremonies or dogma needed. Hope that at its core that is what you believe too.

Love you guys so much!

This sounds great. Be nice but stick by your guns. 👍
"There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily."

"Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light."

George Washington

Reuben
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Reuben » Sat Jan 25, 2020 7:38 pm

That's pretty good. I would consider changing "salesman" to "missionary" or some other emotionally neutral word.

Send it! You've got this.
Learn to doubt the stories you tell about yourselves and your adversaries.

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græy
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by græy » Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:52 pm

I agree with Reuban on neutral wording. Overall, this is a thoughtful and fair response. Well said!
Well, I'm better than dirt! Ah, well... most kinds of dirt; not that fancy store-bought dirt; that stuff is loaded with nutrients. I can't compete with that stuff. -Moe Sizlack

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Angel
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Angel » Sat Feb 08, 2020 10:29 pm

I chickened out and did not reply at all :( which makes me such a hypocrite! When TBM's become silent, and refuse to talk - the silent treatment is such a harmful thing ... I'm not silent, I'm just not participating in religious discussions with anyone on any more than a superficial "that is nice" kind of level. ... let your conversations be "yea yea, nay nay for whatsoever comes more than this...." - haha, words of wisdom? silence is golden? at least I can vent here, you guys are the best!
“You have learned something...That always feels at first as if you have lost something.” George Bernard Shaw
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Just This Guy
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Just This Guy » Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:46 am

Set up some e-mail rules.

Maybe something like any message from select e-mail address that contains the word "Bible" is to be considered spam and automatically deleted. Something along those lines could solve the problem for you.

And if they wonder why you don't respond, then you can say that they must be getting lost in the spam filter with perfect honesty.
"The story so far: In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move." -- Douglas Adams

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Random
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Random » Tue Feb 11, 2020 1:34 pm

Just This Guy wrote:
Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:46 am
Set up some e-mail rules.

Maybe something like any message from select e-mail address that contains the word "Bible" is to be considered spam and automatically deleted.
You can set up email accounts to do that?
There are 2 Gods. One who created us. The other you created. The God you made up is just like you-thrives on flattery-makes you live in fear.

Believe in the God who created us. And the God you created should be abolished.
PK

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Just This Guy
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Just This Guy » Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:52 pm

Random wrote:
Tue Feb 11, 2020 1:34 pm
Just This Guy wrote:
Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:46 am
Set up some e-mail rules.

Maybe something like any message from select e-mail address that contains the word "Bible" is to be considered spam and automatically deleted.
You can set up email accounts to do that?
Most can, yes. What do you use for your e-mail? I can walk you though it for some providers. I'm sure as a group we can figure it out.
"The story so far: In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move." -- Douglas Adams

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Random
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Random » Wed Feb 12, 2020 2:05 pm

Just This Guy wrote:
Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:52 pm
Random wrote:
Tue Feb 11, 2020 1:34 pm
Just This Guy wrote:
Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:46 am
Set up some e-mail rules.

Maybe something like any message from select e-mail address that contains the word "Bible" is to be considered spam and automatically deleted.
You can set up email accounts to do that?
Most can, yes. What do you use for your e-mail? I can walk you though it for some providers. I'm sure as a group we can figure it out.
I have gmail.
There are 2 Gods. One who created us. The other you created. The God you made up is just like you-thrives on flattery-makes you live in fear.

Believe in the God who created us. And the God you created should be abolished.
PK

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Random
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Random » Wed Feb 12, 2020 2:06 pm

I think most or all of us would love to be able to do this.
There are 2 Gods. One who created us. The other you created. The God you made up is just like you-thrives on flattery-makes you live in fear.

Believe in the God who created us. And the God you created should be abolished.
PK

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Angel
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Angel » Wed Feb 12, 2020 2:19 pm

Just This Guy wrote:
Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:46 am
Set up some e-mail rules.

Maybe something like any message from select e-mail address that contains the word "Bible" is to be considered spam and automatically deleted. Something along those lines could solve the problem for you.

And if they wonder why you don't respond, then you can say that they must be getting lost in the spam filter with perfect honesty.
Haha - but it's my parents!! They mean well... I have Hindu friends who have gently carried ants out of my kitchen, and Jewish friends who try to explain what Kosher is, and politically diverse friends... I'm treating this in the same way, "yea yea, nay nay ..." smile ... "that's interesting" haha - try not to laugh at them when they are being serious... it keeps life interesting, right?

There's some great stuff in the Bible if you don't get fanatical over it.... I'm carefully learning how to diversify religious conversations when they start - to quote out of more religious texts than the KJ Bible. For some reason if I can say "yes, that is what the Taoists believe too" or "my Muslim students have taught me so much about serving others", and my atheist colleagues have taught me to appreciate our current life without living for a future heaven, or xyz - that makes the conversation so much better it seems. The comments just need to be completely authentic though, not said in anger, or with any kind of attack - but in agreement. Everything said in agreement with the intent to respect everyone, and pull everyone together... at least that is the theory.
“You have learned something...That always feels at first as if you have lost something.” George Bernard Shaw
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Just This Guy
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Just This Guy » Wed Feb 12, 2020 4:02 pm

How to selectively block e-mails in G-mail

1. Log into G-mail. Duh. Gotta start somewhere.
2. At the top, on the right of the search bar, there is a downward pointing triangle, click there.
3. This brings up a search menu. Here is how we define what the rules will be. we want to setup a mini program that can sort out headache inducing e-mails but leave good ones. There are two options.
a. Person sends you churchy e-mails and nothing else. You have no read reason to e-mail them. In this can we want to block them all together. Enter their e-mail address in the FROM line, go to step 4.
b. Person sends you church e-mails but reasonable ones as well. Here we have to get a bit more creative. Enter their e-mail address in the FROM line. then enter common words that are in their church e-mails but not in a normal one. Maybe try "bible" or "Jehovah" in the HAS THE WORDS line. It is best to keep your terms as simple as you can here. Go to step 4.
4. Click on CREATE FILTER at the bottom. This menu let you set what happens to it. In this case you want to DELETE IT, check that option. I would also check MARK AS READ as well, so you don't think you have a unread message.
5. You can click ALSO APPLY THIS FILTER TO X MATCHING CONVERSATIONS to clean out your inbox of similar junk messages. That is optional.
6. Click CREATE FILTER and you are done.

That's it, pretty simple. You can create as many filters as you want. Mayne have different terms in different filters. Usually it takes a bit to develop enough to meet your needs.

Now that you have basic ones setup, when you do have a message slip through, you can add more filters to catch ones that slip through.
"The story so far: In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move." -- Douglas Adams

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Just This Guy
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Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Just This Guy » Wed Feb 12, 2020 4:05 pm

And the nice thing is that once your rules are setup, they are automatic. You never even see those messages unless you go looking through your e-mail trash.
"The story so far: In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move." -- Douglas Adams

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Random
Posts: 1250
Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2017 8:44 pm

Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Random » Sun Feb 16, 2020 2:30 pm

Angel wrote:
Wed Feb 12, 2020 2:19 pm
Haha - but it's my parents!! They mean well... I have Hindu friends who have gently carried ants out of my kitchen, and Jewish friends who try to explain what Kosher is, and politically diverse friends... I'm treating this in the same way, "yea yea, nay nay ..." smile ... "that's interesting" haha - try not to laugh at them when they are being serious... it keeps life interesting, right?

There's some great stuff in the Bible if you don't get fanatical over it.... I'm carefully learning how to diversify religious conversations when they start - to quote out of more religious texts than the KJ Bible. For some reason if I can say "yes, that is what the Taoists believe too" or "my Muslim students have taught me so much about serving others", and my atheist colleagues have taught me to appreciate our current life without living for a future heaven, or xyz - that makes the conversation so much better it seems. The comments just need to be completely authentic though, not said in anger, or with any kind of attack - but in agreement. Everything said in agreement with the intent to respect everyone, and pull everyone together... at least that is the theory.
I love your attitude. And I'm sure it makes for a more peaceful, accepting life.
There are 2 Gods. One who created us. The other you created. The God you made up is just like you-thrives on flattery-makes you live in fear.

Believe in the God who created us. And the God you created should be abolished.
PK

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Random
Posts: 1250
Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2017 8:44 pm

Re: Out of the frying pan, into the fire :(

Post by Random » Sun Feb 16, 2020 2:32 pm

Just This Guy wrote:
Wed Feb 12, 2020 4:02 pm
How to selectively block e-mails in G-mail

1. Log into G-mail. Duh. Gotta start somewhere.
2. At the top, on the right of the search bar, there is a downward pointing triangle, click there.
3. This brings up a search menu. Here is how we define what the rules will be. we want to setup a mini program that can sort out headache inducing e-mails but leave good ones. There are two options.
a. Person sends you churchy e-mails and nothing else. You have no read reason to e-mail them. In this can we want to block them all together. Enter their e-mail address in the FROM line, go to step 4.
b. Person sends you church e-mails but reasonable ones as well. Here we have to get a bit more creative. Enter their e-mail address in the FROM line. then enter common words that are in their church e-mails but not in a normal one. Maybe try "bible" or "Jehovah" in the HAS THE WORDS line. It is best to keep your terms as simple as you can here. Go to step 4.
4. Click on CREATE FILTER at the bottom. This menu let you set what happens to it. In this case you want to DELETE IT, check that option. I would also check MARK AS READ as well, so you don't think you have a unread message.
5. You can click ALSO APPLY THIS FILTER TO X MATCHING CONVERSATIONS to clean out your inbox of similar junk messages. That is optional.
6. Click CREATE FILTER and you are done.

That's it, pretty simple. You can create as many filters as you want. Mayne have different terms in different filters. Usually it takes a bit to develop enough to meet your needs.

Now that you have basic ones setup, when you do have a message slip through, you can add more filters to catch ones that slip through.
Just This Guy wrote:
Wed Feb 12, 2020 4:05 pm
And the nice thing is that once your rules are setup, they are automatic. You never even see those messages unless you go looking through your e-mail trash.
That's cool! I'm going to be sharing this. Thanks.
There are 2 Gods. One who created us. The other you created. The God you made up is just like you-thrives on flattery-makes you live in fear.

Believe in the God who created us. And the God you created should be abolished.
PK

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