In Reply to: The Gnostic Gospels posted by Perry on June 09, 2004 at 12:57:04:
Yes, it is very, very true that placing guilt on the individual from a higher being was a very effective tool TF and other cults, and even some churches use to control their members, keep them in line, doing what they want them to do. When I left, I was so riddled with guilt and fear that I had very little self esteem. I was sure that every little thing that went wrong was because of something I did or something God was doing, testing me, teaching me, or because I was so bad. It made me an emotional mess. I never want to go there again. This is very interesting research you are coming up with. I do believe we may have misunderstood something down along the way. Of course, it doesn't change my belief in God one bit. I can't help but look at the flowers so intricately created, the symmetry in nature and know there is a higher being that we have yet to fathom.