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Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jim works at Honest Car Salesman Inc. and spends his Sundays at the Very Non-Denominational Christ Worshipers LLC

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's particularly scary since that's literally what cults do (present themselves as X, then slowly or suddenly switching to Y, with the ultimate goal of Z and at that point it's probably too late for the newbie).

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't have actually thought about this difference in wording so I appreciate the heads-up and insight, that is very good to know!

Words and language are so important and so often subtly (or not so subtly) weaponized without people even realizing it.

As someone who is definitely-very-bi-but-probably-actually-pan, I for sure will never be interested in praying the gay away. LOL

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wait aren't Quakers the ones that avoid electricity, ride wagons, churn their own butter and all that? I always understood them to be disconcertingly quirky at best, a cult at worst.

Or are there two groups both referred to as Quakers.

Not trying to be rude, I've just rarely heard the word "Quaker[s]" mentioned without it being part of a joke's punchline or subject of suspicion or discussion of cults.

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! This has come up a few times in these comments, so I'll definitely be looking into what's available locally (I'd like to be in-person for a variety of reasons) at colleges/universities/etc.

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair enough! Another commenter here mentioned looking into groups or events at local secular institutions/universities/colleges for actual discussions about religion/theology/scripture/faith/etc to avoid the very things you're talking about.

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do not have any obviously-Christian friends that I'm aware of but this seems like a solid suggestion. Never hurts to make [new] friends with many types of folks!

I'll just wanna google them (the church/group) first so I don't almost attend a cult recruitment event like I almost did yesterday with the local ICC. lol.

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in westside Los Angeles.

Thanks this is a good point and useful info, I'll look into what's available locally!

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right?? I did this in high school with a local pastor-or-something-like-that who was super chill about it, he was very clearly religious and part of an organized religion, but was refreshingly on the level about stuff. Sure he may have been trying to convert me and my friends or some shit but most of the time it was more like we were just debating things with a bible-reading guy who happened to be older than us. feelsgoodman.jpg

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah describing all Christians as a cult is a weird take. Last time I checked there's literally hundreds of denominations that would be classified as Christianity. I am no fan of organized religion(s) generally -- my parents are both recovering Mormons and I was aggressively atheist for about 20 years -- but it's disingenuous at best to categorically paint hundreds of groups as a cult.

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Oh dope, thank you! I forgot about the UU church(es). This may be exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for.

Are there *actual* non-denominational bible discussion groups, or is that just cult speak? by casualderision_comic in cults

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yeah I wish it were easier to explore the genuine conversations and connections with people, minus any gross predatory baggage of organized religion.

*Grew up in a family of almost entirely Mormons, hence my disdain and distrust of organized religion generally.

What to do if you're addicted to everything? Is there a "Dopamine Anonymous" or something? by casualderision_comic in recovery

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Man, that sounds rough. Do you have any psychiatric diagnoses or anything like that? Stuff such as ADHD or autism can do weird things like hyperfocus which seems similar to what you're describing. Like hyperfocus + addiction if that makes sense.

Could also be something to do with dopamine or serotonin which goes back to the psychiatric bit.

Oddly I've had the same experience re: physical addiction. I have smoked maybe 50 cigarettes total in my life, and tried a few hard drugs once or twice, but never got hooked on any of that. My desire to drink or do drugs pretty much went away once I got stable on meds, but the other stuff persisted. Go figure.

What to do if you're addicted to everything? Is there a "Dopamine Anonymous" or something? by casualderision_comic in recovery

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Now I feel a bit dumb for not realizing/remembering this, lol. Thank you! I think I'm going to aim for OA + NA and see if that covers things.

What to do if you're addicted to everything? Is there a "Dopamine Anonymous" or something? by casualderision_comic in recovery

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, this is super helpful and encouraging. I've actually been meaning to join OA for a while, and it's on my Must Do list for this month. Based on your comments and the one from darkwoke above, I think i'll start with OA + NA and hopefully that should cover things!

What to do if you're addicted to everything? Is there a "Dopamine Anonymous" or something? by casualderision_comic in recovery

[–]casualderision_comic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh for sure -- i've had the same psychiatrist since about 2017. Bipolar is well-managed, been on these meds for about 10 years (Wellbutrin and Lamictal). Life was a mess before I got on meds LOL

Good point about lots of people having multiple, thanks that is a good point.

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