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In Reply to: Re: coming forward posted by ray on August 03, 2003 at 17:55:10:
Hi!
Thanks for your thoughts Ray:
I am speaking for myself mainly but I have seen and heard similar things from others.
What I think I am trying to say is like this: (I apologize if I sound like I am lecturing it is not my aim to do so. These are my opinions.)
For the sake of illustration assume that when water falls to the earth after regeneration from the gas state it is clean and not toxic. The past in the family is like that water in many respects. Suppose someone takes a container of this clean and refreshing water,( sincere members) and adds a toxic chemical to it( Berg's doctrines). All of that water in the container becomes contaminated and all of it must be purged and cleaned. In addition, the affect of any unpurged toxic water on any clean water is also contaminating . There are some toxins in the world that are so vigorous in their properties that it is almost impossible to separate them from the holding agency without a very long drawn out process of filtering. In this case the holding agency is the water( all sincere members. That is why I speak so strongly I think because it is so distressing to come across people who are still being victimized by the family).
Like that chemical toxin, we were imprinted with a series of false truths that led to a horrific mix of truth and lie. That mix of truth and lie, like chemical pollution, affects every part of the experience, particularly in the eyes of SG's and the rest of the world in general. In spite of the positive or loving things I may have done, the toxin of Berg affected all of my past actions in the family, unfortunatly even the good. Due to his doctrines the good is not really visible and is generally seen as part of the destructiveness of the family. For example, out of love I witnessed to several individuals who joined the family and eventually were victimized. In truth I cannot separate all of the elements of my actions in the family on others in order to isolate or preserve any of the positives that being a member in the family brought.
In regards to the Catholic church I agree. The major difference is that the overall mass of Catholics do not teach and promote child sexual abuse, prostitution or other such acts. I also agree that God does not abandon people. I think I was trying to describe on what coming to an understanding of the past has been like for me. I also want to add that coming to that point was dark and painful at times but it has freed me from so many false illusions or points of denial I have had regarding the past. I really do not know if any one person's experience can be universalized.
It is a very intersting question as we all share similar and differing views of what may be seen as a common experience. Maybe some pieces can indeed be universalized while others remain specific to the individual. Obviously you have considered that question, so what do you think? Nobody is bigger than God but I think it is fair to say that the mystery of the giving and receiving of offences coming into human experience is no easy point to take, particularly when I consider the impact of the family on my life. At least the Catholic church apologized to me for the abuse and recognized the clergy who abused us were seriously, criminally wrong in their actions. It took awhile but the apology and settlement did come in some measure in spite of the best efforts of the church's lawyers. That prick Berg never came close to doing that for anyone.
I don't think you really misunderstood my thoughts but I tend to be pretty stark about issues in regards to my experience and the family. It is fair to say I am mostly an analytical realist which is a polite way of saying I have a need to really take everything apart and try to understand it. I guess I am taking my experience in the family apart and then trying to describe and understand what I see.
Anyways I appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
Sincerely
Rocky
