Originally posted by Nellinator
No, they don't. Faith is not learned and can not be learned. The Alpha Course has no such pretenses and I've yet to see a program that does. Alpha Course is not indoctrination.
Every religion is an indoctrination. In so far as they don't force someone into their particular sect of Christianity, sure, it's not technically indoctrination. But if you don't think it's just another version of evangelism (however well-intentioned), you're deluding yourself.
Their goal is to teach, but what are those teachings if not a means toward religious belief, faith, and adherence to a doctrine? It might try to bring together various Christian denominations, but that doesn't mean there isn't a bias toward showing Christianity in a positive light in order to convert others or make them more deeply religious.
Even though I'm not usually one to try to bring someone over to my way of thinking, if I'm "teaching" them about my beliefs (and non-beliefs) it's going to be a very rational, positive presentation....with the intent of showing it in such a light so as to convince others that I'm right. I certainly don't search out such opportunities, but anyone with strong beliefs has that bias....and the program is no different.
I'm not saying it's not learning about Christianity, it's precisely what you said: not technically indoctrination.
It's goal isn't to bring denominations together, it's goal is to introduce young believers to some of the main principles so that they have a fuller base off which to grow and search. Alpha Course doesn't have many non-believers attending it, although it isn't closed to them, it is aimed at young believers.
It's not about convincing people, it's simply telling people what the Bible says, exposes them to some practical and/or traditional ways of doing things, but mostly it's just aimed encouraging to new believers to start growing spiritually and giving insight on how they might go about doing that (ie. Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, etc.).
Fair enough. I can't spit too much venom at the Alpha Course, because in the scheme of things it's actually doing something better than most christian denominations by trying to unite them.
Originally posted by Nellinator
...it is aimed at young believers.
Hehe....as it should be.
This made me laugh and frown simultaneously. Targeting people young is always a good policy with religion. The old Jesuit saying (paraphrased) "Give me a boy for the first 7 years of his life, and I will give you a man," couldn't be more true. He'd be a perfect Jesuit man, though of course unaware of any dissenting philosophy to those he adhered to.
Many households can say the same about their childrens' exposure to a variety of religious and/or philosophical influences.
The Alpha course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith. This is from their own web site
alpha key issues relating to the christian faith, a faith that ought to be personal so the key issues should be personal too, unless you wanna be told what your faith should be about
Alpha Course is not indoctrination.
it's goal is to introduce young believers to some of the main principles so that they have a fuller base off which to grow and searchoh no, thats not indoctrination at all 🙄
I think you have to a certain ageyouth alpha, or indoctrination works best on them while young
I never said it didn't. I said it doesn't teach faith, which it doesn't.
It's not, unless you are insinuating that all learning is indoctrination with the attempt to force into one way of thinking. Indoctrination is a separate word for a reason. Alpha Course is not indoctrination, hence why there are small groups where things are discussed openly and questions are asked.
Like when they are adults which you have to be for the Alpha Course?
It's not, unless you are insinuating that all learning is indoctrinationwhat to believe must be self achieved and not done because on behalf of what others say and do
Alpha Course is not indoctrinationthe entire course content is indoctrination, a kind of attempt of converting to christianity
Like when they are adults which you have to be for the Alpha Course?youth alpha takes care of the age limit.
once ther was a country that had a political party with an agenda. that party had a youth department as well....................
That not very true at all.
No, it isn't about conversion at all. It's generally for people who have already decided to believe. You clearly have no idea what you are talking about.
Yes, because they are similar... Insinuating such in an attempt to make a point makes you look like an idiot. It's stupid, fallacious, and ignorant.
Your argument = fail.
No, it isn't about conversion at all. It's generally for people who have already decided to believe. You clearly have no idea what you are talking about.they are all about conversion and it is just as much for people in doubt as it is for those so called decided to already believe....... If you already believe you shouldnt need to take courses like this , and I do know what I talk about. I dont deny the obvious of what alpha course is and I aint the only one criticising them the way I do.
Insinuating such in an attempt to make a point makes you look like an idiot. It's stupid, fallacious, and ignorantok mr brainy who did I refer to to make my point. careful cause the obvious answer about a leader mention just some pst before mine aint it
my argumenet still stand, you can disagree all you want doesnt change a thing though
You have what experience with the reality of the Alpha Course? Know how many people that have taken it?out of my entire family I am one of the few who havent taken it. Their verdict on it: waste of time for believers, good missionary stuff though.........or attempt on convertion as we also could call it
Your argument is baseless and fallacious. It stands on nothing. It failstalking to a mirror are we?
Insinuating such in an attempt to make a point makes you look like an idiot. It's stupid, fallacious, and ignorantagain who did I refer to ?
Except for it's not about conversion. Why don't you go read what it's about and tell me where indoctrination is taking place. The answer is that it doesn't. It teaches, but clearly allows you freedom of choice with no pressure.
No, not really.
Hitler, I'd guess, though it doesn't matter who you were specifically talking about because it the principle that is stupid.
Why don't you go read what it's about and tell me where indoctrination is taking placeit takes place whenever they want people to join their belief, "let ME tell you about Jesus our lord"
Hitler, I'd guess, though it doesn't matter who you were specifically talking about because it the principle that is stupidtold you earlier that it wasnt him, and I guess it is stupid as it is with everything that compare chrisitanity to well anything, so no not Hitler and his dudes.
No, not really.but you aint to sure