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hawksnest
New member
Username: hawksnest
Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2006
Posted From: 216.164.18.172
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 8:19 pm: | 
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My Brother is going through a major depression brought on by financial troubles, divorce and health problems. My fundamentalist sister,(who
was always antagonistic to his long interest in yoga, meditation and eastern spirituality) is heavily pressuring him to "renounce" all he believes in and convert to her fundamentalist church, so he can be healed of what she thinks is "demonic oppression".
She wants him to get rid of any books or other
eastern items in his home that they do not approve of. She has even objected to him giving a hug or kiss to our elderly father whom she lives with.(because his evil spirits may cause a problem).
He is in a confused and vulnerable place and had gone along to her church a number of times to appease her and seeking companionship. However, she and her pastors have been pressuring him,
increasing his anxiety, self doubt and making him feel bad about himself. He feels the need for close family connection and emotional support right now(which is why he talks to her and goes over there)
but instead he must deal with the emotionally
draining contention of a fundamentalist fanatic in the family.
Any advice, insights or resources would be appreciated.
Thank you |
bluewater2
Advanced Member
Username: bluewater2
Post Number: 959
Registered: 1-2006
Posted From: 66.75.252.89
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 9:01 pm: |
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This is very common and an irritating facet of Christianity. I suggest you post this message in the Religious Cults and Sects topic. You will find a lot of people over there with opinions on this. He needs to talk to someone soon, and realize the the financial issues will pass, that the divorce will be over one day and he needs to get healthy. |
frizz_bee
Junior Member
Username: frizz_bee
Post Number: 41
Registered: 4-2006
Posted From: 72.130.230.220
| | Posted on Monday, June 05, 2006 - 4:24 am: |
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There is some viable truth to some of these actions. It can be taken to far or maybe to zealously. Yoga is dangerous spiritually believe it or not. It's great for the body, but opens you up to demonic activity otherwise in some people.
Your fanatic relative is loving your brother and really trying to help in a way that she values. Some people, or households need to be sort of spiritually "cleaned out or delivered" and then a better and healing or healthy spirituality can become a foundation.
She is not trying to hurt or exploit him in all probability and she obviously is concerned for his hurt. The kissing thing is pretty rigid and if there is a spiritual problem with that due to anything demonic, it should not last very long after prayer and faith. She might be hyper vigilant to make sure all details are being covered and maybe she is getting too focused.
She would benefit from knowing how you feel, maybe you can write her a letter and remember not what bluewater is saying, but that there are literally millions of articulate, educated, and polished Charismatic Christians, who have understanding about these kinds of things and over time it can make a very positive difference. If she is being to controlling or over the top you should tell her and see if her love and concern can find a middle ground.
Also, feeling bad about himself is normal and not neccesarily their fault. If they knew that they were contributing to that, they would probably tone it down. It isn't good to objectify on either side of the situation.
Sorry for your brother and for you, sounds like he is having a tough time and the good news sounds like he has you and them caring for him at a deep level.
Have you ever gone to a large Christian bookstore and spent an hour or so looking through deliverance books? That could be explanatory re what they are saying and what he might need or not need.
When you go through deliverance in your home it is pretty typical to get rid of any occultic or mystic books because they can have spiritual oppressive demonic assignments. There are quite a few things written on the emotional stresses that show up in Yoga practioners after sometime or an out of reality dreamy denial state they can go into. I have researched for a Christian version because the benefits physically are terrific.
The second part of blue's statements I can agree with. Don't let any visions of Steve Kings, Carrey come to mind. Some religious or psuedo religious practices can cause depression or exxacerbate it. Demons do exist and they do take advantage of existing pressures and woundedness.
Again, I think you should write her a letter and call the pastor for his clarification and yours, and check out some of the better books on all this for your own peace of mind and for your brother's process.
God Bless |
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