Project Conversion Talk by Andrew Bowen
John and I went over to
In
picking his 12 he decided they had to be ones he didn’t really know anything
about and condemned. He also tried to pick ones that had Holy Days during that
month so he could learn more and more quickly.
The
12 were: Hinduism, Baha’i, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Buddhism, Agnosticism,
Latter-Day-Saints, Wicca, Catholicism, Islam, Sikhism and Jainism. And he had a
mentor for each.
Each
month was divided the same way. Week 1 was religious practices, worship and
ritual. Week 2; culture and art. Week 3; social issues and conflicts and week
4; personal reflection. (What stereotype did he use to have that had changed?
What could he take from them and use in his own life?)
After
a year he said he was able to “see the humanity in all people” and felt like he
overcame his hatred. But he lost his Christian faith. When asked by a member of
the audience what religion he believes in now he said, “None really. Sort of a
blend that probably leans toward Buddhism."
I
found this all somewhat shallow and very sad. I kept thinking how God had kept the Israelites in Egypt apart from others so they would stay strong in their belief and this guy did the opposite and it did just what God said it would.
When
he was talking about the mentors he said the only ones who tried to convert him
were the 2 from the Latter-Day-Saints.
Good
for them!
Labels: false religions, Project Conversion
posted by Nancy @ 9:19 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Hi Nancy, this is Andrew Bowen.
I appreciate your attending my talk at Lenoir-Rhyne University. It appears you paid close attention to the structure of the Project Conversion process, however your end notes and quotes are inaccurate.
You mentioned that I lost my Christianity, but made it appear as if the Project Conversion journey itself was the catalyst for this choice. It was not. I had lost my faith in Christianity years before the onset of Project Conversion, and in fact held great animosity toward Christians. Project Conversion cured me of that hatred toward Christians and members of other faiths.
You also misquoted me, saying that I had no faith and that I've blended them into something that leans toward Buddhism. I am not a Buddhist. The examples I used were in describing my position toward the existence of a God(s). The philosophy I follow today is independent of the faiths I followed for a year and is born from that experience.
Again, I appreciate your attendance at the talk, but please be sure to accurately portray your findings in future blog posts.
Peace,
Andrew Bowen
Hi Andrew,
I'm sorry I misquoted you about leaning toward Buddhism. I'm still pretty sure when a member of the audience asked, which religion you were now you said it would have to be most like Buddhism. That's what I consider leaning toward - maybe I chose the wrong term.
Post a Comment
<< Home