MK forum

I think children may have some pretty good instincts about people.

As we grow into adulthood we seem to lose some of that ... perhaps because we were forced to ignore the instinct so many times? The times when we were nervous or scared, and adults shamed us into drying our tears and bucking up?

Only after it was revealed that our missionary colleague was a pedophile who had molested and abused a number of children, including my own, did some very distinct memories come back to me of impressions I had had about him, uneasy feelings that I disregarded. If only I had trusted my gut instead of ignoring it.

True, and it is well proven that very few childrens reports of sexual abuse are fabricated. However according to Tribers and ex Tribers I know, there is no need to investigate reports of sexual abuse because it is just "mass hysteria" e.t.c. and until this thinking changes, then the conditions are fertle for paedophiles to flourish.

Does it seem like we are hearing far too many reports of child abuse in our familiar circles? That is, not only in NTM, but in other fundamentalist environments that are known to us from past associations or connections?

This blog post shines a strong light of truth on why it feels that way: Because it correct. Legalistic environments are cultures in which abuse of all kinds thrives.

http://ericnovak.com/how-christian-lega ... ual-abuse/

"Legalism says that convictions are mass standards, and that appearance is more important than truth."

NTMers may want to believe that they are not legalistic. But I would point out that the recently completed Vianopolis investigation clearly illustrates the truth of the above definition: APPEARANCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TRUTH. Yes, that is legalism.

Take time to read the blog post. I think you will agree with this author. We here at Fanda Eagles are living proof of the truth of this piece.

With you on that one Bemused. And with the "ruined their false reality" bit, Jerry. . .it is disconcerting to be the bearer of bad news. I fight feelings of shame on this one. I know the truth will set you free . . .and the logical reasons for openness and vulnerability . . .but it's mighty hard to do. And the relationships have to be built up to handle that level of conversation. When we only see people or family a couple of times a year . . .its natural to not want to talk about the deeper stuff--easier to put on some falseness so you don't trouble the people you love. In our missionary/MK culture women were mocked if they were passionate about anything other than teaching Sunday school. So if you had an outstanding talent, you didn't showcase . . .were more likely to hide it. Even having a talent could bring shame.

Big leap: being a person who brings brownies,
Makes a meaningful sigh when a leader is praying
Helps with errands
Cheers up the disgruntled with appropriate Scripture

TO

Being a Fanda Eagle

Wow, Allbetter ..... I really, really resonated with that one! Really!

"In our missionary/MK culture women were mocked if they were passionate about anything other than teaching Sunday school."

I match up with that one on all counts. Missionary. MK. Woman. Passionate.

And I don't teach Sunday School. Anymore.

Mocking fodder galore, I am sure.

Go ahead, scoffers.

I am still an Eagle.

Hmmm . . .gonna muse here a bit, Paul. I think there is a danger in simplifying too much. And in stating for a fact things that you think you know to be true. And saying them with no outlet for discussion. So people who would like to engage could feel that there is no room for discussion on this matter.

The phrase, "From what I read in the Bible" has been used so much that it seems to shut down my soul. And conversations tend to go devisive.

"Self-based behavior modification" seems ok to me. We are here, and we are self. Does it reveal a baseness to you? I tried to use a line on my husband the other day, that it's good to know your dark side . . .he got a good chuckle out of me having a malevolent side, and walked away laughing.

It's when I try to fit my life to these over-analysed codes of Bible verses, that I get really messed up. Like its a freaking matching game, that you're not good enough to get.

Bemused, you are an artist!!! All my love to you!!!