#religious testimony

[xmo-rmon]

I've said so many times that the mormon church is so severe about keeping what goes on inside the temple a secret because they know how weird it would all look to outsiders, and that it would change their reputation if it was widespread knowledge. Maybe that's partially true.

But it hit me all at once last night when I realized what it really is. It's ensuring that you don't get the chance to hear from an outside voice whether or not what happened to you was okay. It's ensuring that they can do whatever they want to you and never face scrutiny for it.

They groom you for years, maybe your whole life, to not allow yourself to doubt anything the church does to you. And then they take you into a private building and make you swear not to breathe a word of what transpired there to anyone. And until recently, as I understand, the story was "if you tell anyone what happened here your tongue will be ripped out, your throat will be slit, your chest torn open and your guts spilled out", an outrageously violent threat in a church that is otherwise so flowery it gives you three tiers of heaven before you're at risk of going to the place they won't even call hell.

Slowly shifting your ideas about acceptable behavior. Separating you from people who could possibly tell you you're in danger. Luring you into privacy with pretty promises, telling you how special you are for being worthy of this. Their kindness turning on a dime once you're alone, threatening to gruesomely kill you if you tell anyone what they're doing to you. And then telling you that you'd better let them keep doing it, because no one else can help you be good and special like they can.

I wonder what kind of people use those exact tactics to get away with what kind of acts. I wonder if until very very recently there was a ritual in the temple where you had to let people touch your naked body, including your chest and very close to your genitals. Surely, mormons could be trusted not to take advantage of that, right?

Well, whatever happens, just remember, you'll die if you tell another living soul!

[blurryface19]

My therapist talked to me about how a lot of my experiences within church were emotional exploitation.

Most notably, when I was encouraged to preach and speak about my testimony. So many adults heard my traumatic childhood stories and told me that I had a powerful story to help people know Jesus. "God saved you from being murdered so you could show others how great he is."

So then 15 year old me spent many years talking to adults and students about my fucked up past. Then I got to college and had a mental breakdown/was diagnosed with PTSD. Where were those adults who encouraged me to share my story? Well, they stopped answering my calls. It became too uncomfortable when my story wasn't wrapped up in a neat bow.

It's nice for someone to acknowledge how fucked that was.

[insanescriptist]

Soooo, how religious is Umei in general? Because I can't decide if some of her writing is purposeful Christian Propaganda or just happens to rub me that way

It's not purposeful Christian Propaganda; that's a whole lot more blatant. At least what I've seen about it. And annoying, obviously. Some movies so so bad because of it. (Izzy's mom has the habit of technically watching whatever movie YT tosses up and some have been choices, to say the least. There have been so many Hallmarks I've listened to while she's visiting.)

It's probably rubbing you that way because of previous exposure to such; likely a negative experience if you're also American because boy, some American Christians (denomination unspecified) are obnoxious and a hateful lot. Which is very much more evidence that the very vocal American Christians lost the plot ages ago. Which is true if you care to trace back the various faith movements in the protestant church and how that's effected politics and business over time.

Umei's British and the British Protestant Church cleaves a lot closer to Catholicism than American protestant churches. At least from what I know historically about them; I haven't really researched modern British Protestant church movements. And even what I know of the American stuff is still rather surface level.

Still you also gotta remember, what Umei's writing fictional character(s) who are religious, of a Christian flavor. That's going to show in how they act, think, behave and say.

If you write a religious character who finds strength in their piety and uses their faith to shape magic and has positive and affirming interactions with other people who also share that faith? Yeah, it's going to sound vaguely like religious propaganda. It's kind of baked in. Religious propaganda is written into any institutionalized faith such as most forms of Christianity, so as to keep the faith going and growing and the institution that promotes said faith, growing and in power.

And if it still bothers you, may the force be with you. ♥

And now I'm going to be really bitchy in the tags

[theinwardlight]

Early Friends described themselves as persons who had undergone a radical transformation [...] They were changed people inwardly, and their outward lives changed as a result. These outward changes were called the testimonies of their lives, which were now seen as witnesses to Truth. As a witness in the courtroom testifies to the truth he has personally seen and heard in order to convince a jury of peers of the truth, these new Friends witnessed with their lives, giving testimony about the Truth that had changed them.

Lloyd Lee Wilson, 1993

[pimo-and-sad-about-it]

Hey fellow pimo exmos! What's the weirdest testimony you heard at church today?

In my ward one guy has apparently been feeling homesick for his redneck town (his words). God answered his prayer by having him drive past a dead deer on the road with his redneck buddy, which they were then able to carve up and stick in their freezers! Homesickness cured, prayers answered, god bless😇😇😇

[prankprincess123]

Are you Mormon?

Given that Mormon is the name of a man, no I am not.

I am however a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, if that is the question you were intending to ask.

We believe that God doesn't play favorites with his children, and that resultingly in ancient times there were prophets in many corners of the earth so as to provide God's word to all people. Mormon is one such prophet we believe lived in the Americas in ancient times, who compiled the writings of his predecessors into a singular volume known as the Book of Mormon. But he is no more important than any prophet in the Bible or other prophet throughout all of history. It is because of our belief that God will never leave his children without guidance, and acceptance of continued scripture, including but very much not limited to the Book of Mormon, that in the early days of the Church people began using Mormon's name to refer to us. This was used as a derogatory term to alienate us from other sects of Christianity, but was semi-accepted and partially reclaimed because Mormon was a great prophet and hero who we do not mind being compared to. Our church has never been Mormon's church though, it is the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days.

There are many slanderous beliefs the world holds about my religion, that have caused a lot of contention and controversy. Some of these are complete fabricated lies, others are from the actions of disowned offshoots, some the flaws or actions of individuals or groups within the church, and others are simply taken so out of context that they have lost all truth.

But yes, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I am unafraid to share my love of my Heavenly Parents and my Savior Jesus Christ.

[voicesofthefandom]

Religious iconography lost its teeth

Art and Testimonial by Sofia

Watching Warrior Nun meant that I constantly saw depictions of Catholic iconography being used not in the context of the Church–and its often hardline, homophobic and transphobic messaging–but rather in the context of a narrative about acceptance, found family, and the meaning we find in the life we live and the sacrifices we make.

Read Sofia's full Testimonial here

Submit your Testimonial to the Voices of the Fandom!

[erlandious]

so “If we’ve got nothing (we’ve got us)” [Kedreeva] just like. planted a flower in my heart? And gave me a pat on the back and said “good luck”??? I’m never going to find a fanfic like that for years man I’m so upset right now this fic is going to be on my mind for forever

[surroundedbytheworld]

Why I Left Christianity

by John Rainey (2023)

[thelattertimesofbeingcrazyfc]

My First Book

The Latter Times Of Being Crazy For Christ Pick Up Your Copy of My First Book and Let it be a Blessing to You I am pleased to share with you my very first book, which I hope will serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and joy for you. I invite you to pick up your copy and allow it to become a cherished companion on your journey through life. Pick Up Another for Someone Who Can Benefit…

[mahayogi-123]

Youtube -

https://youtube.com/@mahayogirudraskha5053?si=dvPKdJWVOZXixvxa

Instagram -

https://instagram.com/mahayogirudraksha?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==

Facebook -

https://www.facebook.com/mahendra.kadam.376

Google -

https://g.co/kgs/fHZ6kM

[tmarshconnors]

Thousands Hear The Gospel at Franklin Graham's God Loves You Tour in London 2023

[thetriumphantpanda]

new religion | joel miller

Summary | Joel's never much been a religious man, but if he were, he'd ask the Lord what he'd ever done to deserve you.

Pairing | Jackson!Joel Miller x F!Reader

Word Count | 1.5k

Warnings | Explicit. Religious imagery, basically porn without plot, oral (f receiving), unprotected PiV sex, cumshot, dirty talk, Joel worshipping you like you deserve, nothing bad happens to him ever and he dies peacefully in his sleep at age 101, no use of y/n. Written and edited on phone so please excuse any mistakes.

Authors Note | God bless hbo for that teaser am I right? I just want Jackson Joel to always find peace. Also thanks to All Time Low and their song New Religion for the Inspo. I hope you enjoy!

Main Masterlist | Ko-Fi 

Divider by the ever wonderful @saradika

I found God and we found heaven, On the bedroom floor.

Joel Miller isn’t sure how he got here. Knees creaking and painful, a dull ache in his back that never goes away, and years behind him that have led him to right now.

Years of being closed off, scared to open up to anyone in case he failed them as well. Years of using his anger at himself to reign terror on others. Years with Tommy that were strained, years with Tess that were less so, even good sometimes, and now years with Ellie, good, bad and everything in between. The relative safety of Jackson was unsettling, after years of fighting to survive and barely making it, scars on his body testimony to that, the normality was unsettling.

He’s getting used to it though, slowly but surely, and he thinks that along with his brother and Ellie, it has something to do with you.

You, stood in front of him, backlit by the setting sun, nude and waiting, whilst he kneels in front of you. Pained be damned, he’s going to worship you like the goddess you are.

Tommy has spent the past year absolutely rinsing his older brother for this. When Joel and Ellie had arrived back, he’d made it his mission to set Joel up with one of the many fawning ladies available. There was Esther, who was nice enough, and Lindsey who had been far too forthcoming, and others that Joel would rather not remember, telling Tommy that he didn’t need anyone, didn’t want anyone, was more than happy on his own.

Then he’d met you, sunshine to his clouds, sharp, quick-witted and funny. A take-no-shit kind of gal that had gotten under his skin more than he cared to admit. The first few times it was quick, fumbles in the alley behind the tipsy bison, or hurried moments bent over the dusty couch at the lookout on patrol, convincing himself that once again this was nothing but stress relief.

Then things changed, you started making him laugh, started sitting on his porch with him, laying on his couch whilst he played his guitar, and then he started spreading you out on his bed, started taking his time, learning what made you respond best, how you liked it, how you clenched so tight around him when he clasped your fingers in his and pounded you into the mattress.

Joel has never been much of a religious man, not since the end of the world, but he thinks, right here on your bedroom floor, that he’s found God. When you walk towards him and run your hands through his greying hair, tilt his chin up so he’s looking at you, hands on your hips like you’re his altar.

He brings his face closer to you, tongue licking through your folds as you stand before him. Your fingers tighten in his hair when the tip of his tongue finds your clit, your own head tipping back, face to the real Lord if he exists, muttering his name over and over in your own twisted prayer.

His jeans are tightening as he licks at you, the sounds you make doing what they always do, shooting straight to his cock. It’s why he can’t quit this, even if in the back of his mind he knows he probably should. You’re younger than him, though not scandalously, and he can feel that the years of his prime are fading the more comfortable he gets here. He knows that wanting you as much as he does is a sin in itself, but walking away? That somehow seems worse to him. He finally wants to be selfish, to think of himself and his own happiness for once, and it’s the taste of you on his tongue when he drags it down to where you’re leaking for him that convinces him he has to stay.

“Oh, Joel,” You whimper, knees shaking, “Keep going.”

“Ain’t plannin’ on goin’ anywhere, pretty girl.” He groans into your pussy, his big hands holding your hips in place to keep you upright as his tongue drags back up from your fluttering hole to your clit.

You widen your stance a little, spreading the lips of your cunt for him so he can fuse his mouth over your clit, suckling at it whilst his tongue works against the swollen bud in the way that he knows will have you tipped over the edge in no time.

He loves when you come for him. A reminder that he’s still got it, that he can learn your ins and outs and keep you satisfied, even at his age. He has to press his fingers into your hips a little tighter when you do come for him, keeping you upright before you knees can buckle underneath you as you cry his name out into the darkening room. Pulling his mouth away from you before you start whimpering that it’s too much.

Normally he’d pull you over to the bed, but there’s something in him tonight that means he can’t wait the extra seconds, so he’s pulling you down onto the floor with him, cradling the back of your head with one of his hands so you don’t hit in on the wood as he crawls on top of you, legs spread wide for his thighs as he pops the buttons of his jeans and drags the zipper down.

He’s in too much of a rush to undress properly, pulling his jeans and underwear down just enough to free his cock. You’re reaching down, taking his length in your hand, dragging it up and down as he pulls his shirt over his head.

There are tiny droplets of sweat across your forehead, the open window and the breeze no match for the heat in the room, and he doesn’t know why he does it, but as he leans down, your hand guiding his cock to your soaked cunt, he lets his lips kiss across your forehead, like it’s holy water and he’s being reborn as he slips into your tight heat.

He doesn’t think he’s heard a sweeter sound than the ones he hears from you as he drags his cock in and out of your pussy. Gasps and whines and whimpers, never too loud, like they’re just for him. No-one else needs to know how good he makes you feel, just him. He presses his mouth to yours as he grips your wrists, pinning them to floor, swallowing your sounds as he fucks you.

Joel knows that it takes him a little longer these days, knows from the way you’re squirming that the ache in your hips is setting in. He knows that your body aches the same as his does, that your back aches and your knees hurt after a long patrol, but you’re being so good for him.

“Such a good girl,” He coos into your ear, “Y’can take it, can’t you?”

You arch your body up into him at his praise, “It’s so good,” You moan, your hands reaching behind him to sink your nails into the meat of his ass, “Harder, please.”

He can never deny you, so he pushes himself up, takes your knees in his hands and presses them down towards your chest, hooking his arms there to keep you spread open as he guides his cock back into you. He can feel his own sweat appearing across his skin as he does exactly what you asked for, he fucks you harder, as hard as he can, listening to the squeals you make as he bottoms out inside you and the slapping of his skin against yours.

“M’close,” He moans at you, “M’gonna come, baby.”

“Please,” You groan back, squirming underneath him, “Come for me Joel, please.”

And he does, pulling out at the very last minute, letting go of your legs to pump his cock with his fist before he comes, splashing his spend across your belly as he tips his head back and praises the Lord for you.

He knows he will pay for it tomorrow, but he collapses onto the floor next to you, pulling you into his chest. He can feel the sticky cum mixing with the hair across his stomach, but he doesn’t much care, pressing a kiss to your forehead as you settle together on the cool ground. His fingers trail up and down your spine as you lie together in the quiet of the early evening, finding peace with it all for once. After years and years of being on his own, of being scared to open up and let someone in, he finds he doesn’t much mind the thought of it anymore.

And above all, whether he makes it to the real thing or not when his time is up, that he’s found heaven, right here on your bedroom floor.

[esyra]

Killing 1300+ Jews in barbaric ways does not make you the good guys. Israel retaliating is Hamas’ fault. Hamas surrendering would mean peace. Israel surrendering would have more dead Jews. But i guess that’s the end goal.

No, we're always the barbaric terrorists. Israel is the good guy for killing 9,000+ Gazans the past 25 days, and trapping 1,000+ under the rubble which will definitely turn out dead if they ever get the proper equipment to lift it off them. Israel is the good guy for killing Shireen Abu Akleh. Israel is the good guy for killing Ahmed Erekat. Israel is the good guy for killing Nadim Nuwarah and Mohammed Salameh. Israel is the good guy for opening fire on 2,400 protesters and killing 52. Israel is the good guy for holding over 1,000 Palestinians as "administrative detainees," meaning they are held indefinitely without charges.

In fact, Israel has been the good guy ever since they got the British to help them colonize Palestine and get rid of the Arabs, as they admitted to wanting it themselves. After all, as Winston Churchill said himself, the colonization of Palestine was righteous because as the Red Indians of America, and the black people of Australia, "a stronger race, a higher grade race, or, at any rate, a more worldly-wise race, to put it that way, has come in and taken their place."

Palestinians, be it on Gaza or the West Bank, can never retaliate or defend themselves. We're to either die and be violated quietly or we are terrorists which will be gleefully eradicated with the help of every colony-based State in the world. Otherwise, we'll disturb the comfortable privilege your racism and religious intolerance ensures.

When Hamas didn't existed the occupation began and the British violently suppressed anyone who opposed. When Hamas didn't exist the Nakba happened. When Hamas didn't exist the Deir Yassin massacre happened. But, you know, that one's fine because it happened after Israel had made Palestine agree to a peace pact, and they would never act unfairly so the brutal murder of over 100 Palestinians is obviously being misunderstood. Hamas doesn't operate in the West Bank, but they're still expelled from their homes, brutalized and murdered. Since October 7, West Bank had 115 killed, more than 2,000 injured and nearly 1,000 others forcibly displaced from their homes because of violence and intimidation by Israeli forces and settlers. They'll bomb mosques with exit points created to save people from settlers' violence, then claim they were used for terrorism. Proof? They don't need it. They'll bomb first then ask questions later.

Do people who blindly defend Israel do anything other than victimize yourselves? Do you even read any actual Israeli news that said the IDF "shell[ed] houses on their occupants," because they're too incompetent to do anything other than bombing everything? Do you ever wonder why the people Israel swears were burned and beheaded always came from reports from houses absolutely destroyed by what could only be shelling? Do you ever hear testimonies from survivors of the massacre saying IDF shoot at their own civilians? Do you ever read about past al-Qassam attacks and noticed they've never had mass casualties because IDF never responded like this? Do you even know what al-Qassam is or do you live to regurgitate whatever you're fed and being spoon-fed your information?

If Hamas' militia surrenders, Gaza will be wiped out and Gazans — those who are not murdered — will be exiled into Egypt's Sinai. That's the end goal since 1948, and that's what you're defending. But who cares? Arab blood is cheaper and racism is always fashionable.

[vouam]

I love radfems that aren’t afraid to criticise certain religions.

I would like to see more of it tbh, a lot more.

I live in a country that is not very religious, and so sometimes feminists in my country don’t address it as much as they should. Think about the entire worlds population and the prevalence of religion in society, its impact on culture, the government, the law. Almost all of the oppressive ideology promoted by major religions is aimed at women.

Here’s just a few things that major religions promote/justify:

- Child marriage

- Sex slavery

- Purity culture

- Modesty culture

- Victim blaming

- Less inheritance for women

- Women’s witness testimony worth less than a man

- Silencing of women in public spaces

- Polygamy only for men

- Gendered stereotypes

- No financial freedom for woman

- Physical abuse

- Emotional and verbal abuse

The list goes on and on and on, this just scrapes the surface.

I honestly argue that these religions should be one of main things we address and fight against. They are the blueprint of modern patriarchy.