(September 8, 2014 at 10:17 am)Chad32 Wrote: It still feels closer to preying on the vulnerable than altuism to me. Though I will admit there are worse situations to be in.
That's because that's literally what it is. There's no obligation that these people help anyone, but if they opt to help and then make that help conditional on coercing submission to certain rituals- in a general, charitable organization that is, to contrast with Losty's example of living with relatives- then evidently their willingness to help is secondary to their desire to force people into acting as though they are converted.
Now, I think Losty has a very valid point when she said that, to any given christian this is an attempt to share something important rather than an attempt to gain control, but I'm more willing to call bullshit on that with regards to the OP's situation because if these people really believed the message they are intent on sharing they might have paid more attention to the bits about helping people and rendering aid. You know, the kind of stuff Jesus was into. Hell, even under the premise that they're actually just trying to convert, what's more likely to make that happen: an organization that showed off the best of the religion by offering help when it's needed as pure charity, or one that puts that help out of reach until you're properly deferent?
That's why I'm more willing to take this as a cynical grab for control than a genuine move to help people.
That said... seriously, Mothonis, a roof over your head is more important than a principled stand against an obvious and amateurish conversion attempt. Pragmatism should be the order of the day, for now. Get yourself situated, get out when you can.
"YOU take the hard look in the mirror. You are everything that is wrong with this world. The only thing important to you, is you." - ronedee
Want to see more of my writing? Check out my (safe for work!) site, Unprotected Sects!
Want to see more of my writing? Check out my (safe for work!) site, Unprotected Sects!