Was it painful to have to leave out so much you had written? This section that you had to remove is rather poignant, and, if I may say, contained some irony.
I saw irony in the short conversation you relate with your father where you say that he can't be Jesus because he didn't have long hair. His answer, "You'll just have to imagine..." struck me as the only way to accept anything about faith and religion.
Finally, this story made me sad for all the children who were indoctrinated in this manner. How many kids are traumatized, as you were, from watching a re-enactment of the crucifixion or from hearing that people who follow other religions are going to hell if no one teaches them about Christ? I was very fortunate to attend a church that didn't expose me to any of that. Yes, we were taught the Easter story but never saw an enactment until I was a teenager and saw Jesus Christ Superstar at a theater with my youth group (yeah, I'm old!).
I apologize if it sounds like I'm picking on your dad. I know his actions were because he believed he needed you to know these things in order to save you from hell. I suspect his parents taught him all he taught you.
Anyway, thank you for sharing. Your writing is so good. It's a shame it didn't make into the book but it's wonderful that you are gave us the opportunity to read it here. I'm looking forward to reading more deleted passages.
Yes, it was painful to cut out so much of my book! I debated whether to make my story two or three books but felt I had once chance to make an impact. I wanted to do so in full, in case it was the only book of mine anyone read. I'm very excited to share more deleted scenes!
My dad loved, and loves, me so much. My mom, too. I was and am a very loved kid! They were attentive and nurturing, as I try to portray them here, and sincere in their beliefs. I think Christians who are good parents are good in spite of their believes, not because of them. (Parents in the Bible abandon, enslave, torture, and kill their children left and right, God included.)
As I grew older, I also operated from the most sincere place of love I knew when I judged and "convicted" — aka, called-out — sinners. My motive was always to keep them close to goodness and therefore to God so that they wouldn't risk eternal damnation. I see love and goodness to be the same motivators of most cruelties across culture, secular social justice culture included. I think empathy, patience, and gentleness are so much more effective than fear, shame, and accountability.
This was an eye opener.
Was it painful to have to leave out so much you had written? This section that you had to remove is rather poignant, and, if I may say, contained some irony.
I saw irony in the short conversation you relate with your father where you say that he can't be Jesus because he didn't have long hair. His answer, "You'll just have to imagine..." struck me as the only way to accept anything about faith and religion.
Finally, this story made me sad for all the children who were indoctrinated in this manner. How many kids are traumatized, as you were, from watching a re-enactment of the crucifixion or from hearing that people who follow other religions are going to hell if no one teaches them about Christ? I was very fortunate to attend a church that didn't expose me to any of that. Yes, we were taught the Easter story but never saw an enactment until I was a teenager and saw Jesus Christ Superstar at a theater with my youth group (yeah, I'm old!).
I apologize if it sounds like I'm picking on your dad. I know his actions were because he believed he needed you to know these things in order to save you from hell. I suspect his parents taught him all he taught you.
Anyway, thank you for sharing. Your writing is so good. It's a shame it didn't make into the book but it's wonderful that you are gave us the opportunity to read it here. I'm looking forward to reading more deleted passages.
Yes, it was painful to cut out so much of my book! I debated whether to make my story two or three books but felt I had once chance to make an impact. I wanted to do so in full, in case it was the only book of mine anyone read. I'm very excited to share more deleted scenes!
My dad loved, and loves, me so much. My mom, too. I was and am a very loved kid! They were attentive and nurturing, as I try to portray them here, and sincere in their beliefs. I think Christians who are good parents are good in spite of their believes, not because of them. (Parents in the Bible abandon, enslave, torture, and kill their children left and right, God included.)
As I grew older, I also operated from the most sincere place of love I knew when I judged and "convicted" — aka, called-out — sinners. My motive was always to keep them close to goodness and therefore to God so that they wouldn't risk eternal damnation. I see love and goodness to be the same motivators of most cruelties across culture, secular social justice culture included. I think empathy, patience, and gentleness are so much more effective than fear, shame, and accountability.
That was quite the early life. Some serious indoctrination. Such vivid descriptions! Your writing as always is incredible.
Aw, thank you so much, Joe! I appreciate you reading!
I never miss these.