Hello, Summer.

The only positive i take from my lifetime at GRC is that it gave me the ability to see religion for what it is, in my opinion a culturally based explanation of existence. Perhaps what your lifetime in the GRC actually exposed you to was simply an ability to see the GRC religion for what it is? One man's megalomanic cr*p. i find it interesting that so many people we who have been abused by the western explanation of life ie/ Christianity are still so caught up in trying to find answers in its doctrine. This might have to do with the fact that there are many abberations that have claimed (and yet still claim) to representing Christianity, but which have no actual basis in, or linkage to, the historical Christian Church, it's founder, or his teachings. Sadly, too many people lack the courage to investigate these issues deeply and critically enough to get at the truth, largely because they've simply assumed that their experience of 'Christianity' was authentic. And when their experience is disproven, then automatically Christianity itself must necessarily be false. That you specifically used the term 'abused' to describe your own experience of 'Christianity' reinforces my point. Consequently, from my perspective your lifetime spent in the GRC doesn't equal even a basic exposure to legitimate biblical Christianity.

The world is a big place and has a long history, religion plays a small role in defining our existence. I'd disagree. Completely. In the history of human culture religion has always played 'a', if not 'the', defining role in making sense of the human condition and the nature of existence, a fact even reflected by the (secular) philosophical disciplines of epistemology and metaphsyics. Take a look around, read some other philosophies. Good advice. I've done both, and despite many years of critical engagement I yet happily subscribe to the orthodox Christian faith :)

Im glad to be free of the shackles of organised religion, there is no truth to be found, only stories. A claim which is, of itself, simply another story, and not necessarily a fact. By the bye, I doubt that 'disorganised religion' is ever a better option than is the more 'organised' variety ;) When people tell me they believe in Jesus, its almost like telling me that the world is flat...um, yeah, we used to believe that was true... why waste so much time on it, looking for answers in Christianity or religious doctrine i mean, get a bit braver people and step away, face life for the mystery it is. The answer to your question might have something to do with the fact that truth remains true despite however violently one might object to, or recoil from, its implications. Consequently some of us are quite possibly braver than others, insofar that we're more prepared to 'get at it' despite the potential cost to us personally.

Blessings,

Ian

why is it that so many ex members still believe in Christianity?

In my view the numbers of intrepid people that have become ex members of this organization (i.e. the GRC) are far more than those with a desire to move on in their experience and seek out God’s truth and will for us (which is a bleeding shame really). Even members of my own family are extremely cautious of being involved in any type of religion, Christian or otherwise, because of the abuse of Hollins and his heroes, howbeit they do not blame God for that.

My thirty odd years in Revival was an apprenticeship in ‘Spiritual’ abuse and now I go on in life with a full belief and care for the things of God that I never had all the time in Revival.

I’ve looked into many different religions these last five years since walking away from Revival and do find many different points of view, but the answer is found in true Christianity if one is willing to work at it.

I don’t see life as a mystery, far from it.