(June 12, 2016 at 5:32 pm)ApeNotKillApe Wrote: You're expected also to live in constant fear of this being while loving it and singing its praises. It's the kind of love you have for the local tyrannical dictator; adoration by ultimatum.
This resonates with me, as someone who was raised by a very violent and abusive Mother. I was required to call her "Ma'am", kiss her goodnight, and say "I love you". Of course, I knew that if I didn't, I would get my head put through the nearest wall. Did I want her to love me? Oh yes. And I desperately wanted to not have to be afraid anymore. That never happened.
It strikes me as much the same with the god concept. Sure, you're supposed to praise because you have been "saved" from the ultimate eternal torture. (Similar to "Yay, she didn't hit me today.") But there is this constant message of being born FILTHY and sinful, the constant fear of being truly unworthy and disobedient, and the constant begging for forgiveness and promises to do better.
You're worthless, the only thing that makes you not worthless is ME, and you if you don't obey me every second I may have to torture you forever no matter what you say.
It also sounds a lot like an abusive husband.
"The family that prays together...is brainwashing their children."- Albert Einstein