Leaving after 27 years Pentecostal | Emma Swain [Ex Christian]

Emma talks about being Pentecostal Christian for 27 years and leaving after watching Seth Andrew's 'Thinking Atheist' videos.
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[@Colin12475]

Leaving religion behind seems to be a lot like divorcing an abusive husband.

[@lranieri1]

Wow!!! Yes!!!!

[@samanthalewin4397]

You are not the only one that has noticed that...

[@godschild4158]

Or wife

[@bluephoeenix]

That's the feeling. When I fully got away from the church (moved across the USA) I felt 100%free for the first time in my life. While I was still in my home town I wasn't really free. They stalked me and watched every move I did. To this very day (I heard through friends who still live there) they are still after me. So, I missed out on several things in my hometown because of them and other things. I moved from that area over 20 years ago. And they still have not let go.

[@historicalbiblicalresearch8440]

@@bluephoeenix wow that's quite a story.

[@darwynjenkins1220]

Lived through this about 25 years ago. I am still a very spiritual person, but I come to the realization that Pentecostalism is not about god or spirituality. It’s about power, control, money, abuse.

[@acillereoja3648]

I hope my bf will see and finds out he is with the wrong church and people..but he seem enjoying being a pentecostal..here in the phils i havent heard anybody from upc church complaining about anything..or perhaps they were just too guarded and properly brainwashed by wrong teachings..or maybe filipino upc pastors and ministries were just being too kind and not that manipulative..

[@fabriziom9]

The problem of Pentecostalism (i consider myself) is that many pastor are not studied or scholars, they just take the Bible and decide to be Pastors. If you study Church Story youll see a different kind of view. I have rejected many views dogmatic like that, because most of that chuches are bad churches, not the biblical ones. They take the Bible that they want, they dont give you salvation assurance, just punishment and accusation. God still loves yo, don´t never forget it, he wants to you to it by your own will. Don´t fall away from him, even that man may fail, there are still good christians with true love and not foundamentalism.

[@brothercaleb]

@@fabriziom9 you have hit the nail on the head. I used to follow William Branham who is considered as the initiator of Charismatic Movement. Ufff to cut long story short... thank God I left

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

I think it depends on the pastor, the faith itself is good and beneficial but the pastor can be a problem. Mine teaches me that God blesses us and when we suffer its a demon, but what they do not teach is how to endure suffering.

[@solelysoul8543]

Christ said, God is dwelling in my Heart. He and I are ONE. I am the TRUTH and the LIGHT. Taste the honey in the rock. The church converts the masses by aggression and deceit. Brainwashes and enslaves them. And makes them blind believers instead of EXPERIENCERS. Over half the world has been MISLED, made cultureless and confused.

[@leacarr8044]

There is so much guilt and fear when you're in the church that you cannot see until you're free of it. I'm so glad I left. I can relate to this. I joined a Pentecostal church at 13( church 4 days a week for 7 years) and left at 20. Thank you for sharing!

[@visheshbansal3247]

I am looking into this after being offered to join the church group in my local area. Having no prior knowledge of the subject, I'd like more perspective on the Pentacostal belief systems. Is there an email, I could reach you at? P.S. Any one who has been there, feel free to comment.

[@bluephoeenix]

@@visheshbansal3247, ex Pentecostal here. What do you want to know?

[@visheshbansal3247]

@@bluephoeenix Is there an email, I could reach you at? Thank you!

[@TorahisLifeandLight]

watch this why people are leaving christianity. It's a prophecy kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XOYqx-eb6Aaa8

[@RKmndo]

@youreconfused Why would you believe a bible? Because people with an air of authority told you that it was true? Because its meter and verse are designed to have a hypnotic effect? Read a Quran. Read a Torah. Read the Vedda. Step out of the brainwashing. What has your allegedly omnipotent god actually risked or sacrificed for others?

[@andrearobinson2512]

I was in for 27 years as well. You are SO brave! I’ve been out for 3 and can never see myself going back. You are not alone!

[@francissweeney7318]

King David danced and praised God.

[@katybee2552]

Almost all the women at my church, including the pastor's wife, were on anti-depressants.

[@cyraxkkcb2mo10]

And they say drugs are bad.

[@anthonywillis7634]

The pentecostal church believed that women must be submissive to the husband. The whole structure was about control.

[@kennybeginner4087]

Well, I don't blame them.

[@PoeticProse7]

Since leaving my own faith I've been in therapy. There was a lot of abuse in it, but even in religions like this where there is no sexual or physical abuse, the emotional and mental abuse is very real and damaging. The APA acknowledges the condition after distancing one's self from religion as being Religious Trauma Syndrome. There are still studies being done on how to properly address it, but my team is using a three-module trauma rehabilitation therapy for me. I really admire how courageous and candid Emma is here. I hope she continues to move forward and find real happiness, the genuine, beautiful happiness that is reflected in her own amazing self.

[@PoeticProse7]

@anish b I'm so sorry. I hope you are getting some help with recovery.

[@PoeticProse7]

Do a Google search on your phone.

[@john-r-edge]

It is a better world when there are thoughtful, courageous and compassionate people in it, like Emma. Fantastic talk. Well done.

[@Teejaye1100]

I can listen to this lady all day, the accent and story I loved. I recently left 22yrs of fundamental Christianity in the USA and when I left, I hit the lottery. Best decision I could have made for my life and I have my own autonomy. There are so many of us out here, you are not alone. Glad you made it out, journey well.

[@ray.ephraimwedlow5521]

You are not crazy. You are in the truth. I was a pastor. I walked away beautiful. Be grateful and happy

[@ggductor1511]

Keep walking ,you weren’t a pastor, your definition not God’s

[@AJTramberg]

I was raised in a Word of Faith/charismatic/Pentecostal"ish" household. It definitely drove me away from faith when I was old enough to decide. Pentecostals make Christianity SO complicated. Is the thought in my head me or God? Tongue speaking, spirit slayings, miraculous "faked/psychosomatic" healings, constant seeking after parlor tricks and the supernatural. What is this cognitive dissonance between belief and reality? Everything good/bad in life was interpreted through some fuzzy filter. Its a lesson, its a blessing, its a trial, its a test, its this, its that, not enough faith. Praying for divine guidance from what job to take, to any manor of temporal decision. What are we trying to do here exactly? Its mentally/spiritually exhausting. I gave up on it for the next 30 years. I certainly wasn't any happier, and I didn't like the person I had become. I never stopped "believing", but I didn't know what to do with it, and lived like a non-believer. I came back to faith later in life when I was so unhappy with who I was, and I discovered that Christianity didn't have to be like what I described. It could be Biblical. It could be much much simpler. "My yoke is easy and my burden is light". I turned from sinful behavior, accept Christ's atoning grace, live in obedience as best I can, repent when I fail, and LOVE OTHER PEOPLE. That's pretty much it. I don't look for signs. Bad things happen because we're in a fallen world. There's no interpretation needed. I don't seek Gods voice in my head. I make everyday decisions based on common sense, that conforms to Godly living, and I don't attend church regularly. I can hear God's voice whenever I want to. I just pick up the Bible.

[@leahgudgeon8777]

Aaron Frampton this is a perfect example of being a Christian. God talks to us through his word. If they would focus more on the word and what it says instead of just their own emotions and “miracles” they would be able to see the truth.

[@veronicacuello9890]

Beautiful testimony, true, cause people say I leave church and then be completely lost in this world, leaving a church doesn't mean to stop believing. When I started going to a pentecostal church in 2001 my life was destroy, our family was full of sin, I experienced the true repentance and our lives changed, cause for me and what I know of God, this is what He wants repentance and not being an slave of sin. But now churches are all under freemasonry and ecumenism so they are not good anymore. But people who get out of church and then say "now I can be a homosexual, I can do whatever I want", I mean this is sad. I want to get out of church but I will want a true church who speaks the truth and isn't under any world agenda.

[@tom.mihail9366]

well balanced view!

[@acillereoja3648]

@@veronicacuello9890 know the truth maam..you will find it in the one true church built by God himself..live catholic..🙏

[@harrispinkham]

Thanks for sharing, Emma

[@TurkPowers]

Leaving the "Faith" is a tough and lengthy process. Once you are out of it, there is a whole new since of freedom, but it also places you on an unfamiliar road.

[@TurkPowers]

@@emmaswain3084 - I hear you. I also grew up in Pentecostal/ Charismatic setting. I was born on Saturday and in Church on Sunday. We could worship Jesus with the best of them. All the topics, emotions, and thoughts you covered, I experienced. Like you, I thought Jesus had my back. When I concluded that He doesn't and this believe I had was based on superstition and fairytales, it shook me. I felt abandoned and forsakened, which lead to depression. I began to see Christanity as a vice to control other people's thoughts and behaviors. Fear and shame were tactics often used as weapons to being people back into line. This always bothered me. Growing up Pentecostal, the Supernatural wss everywhere and always involved. The praise and worship services where electric, and the altercalls where we cry our hearts out to G-d, believing He was moving in our hearts, was nothing more than sensationalism. Actually learning the altercalls and worship services were sensationalism, was a bit of relief. I always struggled in those areas as an adult. I felt guilty, because the great moves of G-d were few for me. I thought for a long time, there must be something wrong with me "Spiritually." So figuring that part of it was all nonsense, and nothing more than emotions running amok, was a huge relief. However, it was the first step down my path of deconversion. As I said earlier, it is a long road and starts off very lonely, but as you journey down it, there are more people on that path than you realize. I don't classify myself as an Atheist, I currently fit into the Deists or Agnostic crowd. In all honesty, I truly do not know if there is a G-d or not. If there is a G-d, He, She, or IT is not what we think it is, nor does IT desire to be worshipped. Loved your video... I would say "G-d Bless" but that would be just silly... so have a good day and may the sun shine on you.

[@robertnieten9844]

Sometimes what we feel makes us free ends up enslaving us.

[@Nobody-tj9jo]

Emma Swain If you’re an “ex-christian” you were never a true Christian in the first place. It sounds like you were in a relationship with the church, not God himself. Many people have an improper or unbiblical understanding of church attendance. Some people’s feeling about church attendance borders on legalism-they must attend every time there is any kind of service or meeting, or they risk God’s wrath. Some people experience guilty feelings whenever they miss a Sunday morning service for any reason. Sadly, some churches encourage this guilt by putting excessive pressure on people. While indifference toward church or a willful avoidance of church may indicate a problem in one’s spiritual health, it is important to understand that the quality of a person’s relationship with God is not determined by how often he/she is in church. God’s love for His children is not based on the number of times they attend formal services.

[@tom.mihail9366]

Jesus never said you must go to a church/synagogue! He simply said follow me!

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

This is sad, i do not see it as a burden, i guess it would be worth it if we spend forever with God. You have to spend more time repelling the devil.

[@Larry30102]

This is a super video. So heart felt and well articulated. I was glued through the whole vid.

[@lovelyeyessee]

thanks for sharing!

[@lranieri1]

Excellent job sharing your story! Thank you so much ❤

[@TorahisLifeandLight]

watch this video why people are leaving christianity. It's a prophecy kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XOYqx-eb6Aaa8

[@TorahisLifeandLight]

@anish b God wants people to repent from their idolatry, sinful life, and for believing lies from the devil. If they do that, they will be sanctified with the truth. God is patient and giving people a chance to change their heart

[@awakeningblacksheep9610]

@@TorahisLifeandLight people that leave the church and Christianity are tired of preaching and religious indoctrination, your preaching and bible quotes are not helping, you clearly don't understand the situation and that's sad .

[@katybee2552]

Brilliantly put Emma. Thank you for putting so much of this into words x

[@leavingtheupci239]

You’re a beautiful woman. Thank you for your honesty.

[@ImReginaPhalange]

Never felt so identified with something in my life

[@TorahisLifeandLight]

watch this why people are leaving christianity. It's a prophecy kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XOYqx-eb6Aaa8

[@fabriziom9]

It´s so sad to read that... i was raised in a fundamentalist church, but despite of that, i met God one day alone at home, withouth nobody telling me what to do, then i started to read the Bible and that´s the way i decided to fllow Jesus. I´ve been many bad churches, but it doesn´t matter, Jesus still being God. If you need evidence, there are great books about the truthness of the Bible, yo may also see, Ravi Zacharias, William Lane Craig, Norman Geisler and others. Hope you find God and not bad men. Have a good day.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Its sad to hear, it doesnt have to be bull, it can be good to follow, i think you should become spiritually independent, i do not spend much time with church members or officials for this reason. Spiritual contamination and peer pressure to not do thing that God would allow us to do, like find someone attractive.

[@esthersullivan7807]

I grew up in a Christian home and I am very thankful my parents were prayer warriors. I didnt really started living till I met Jesus. He is all the world to me. I am nothing without Him. One of these days I will be standing before Him and I want t hear Him say, 'Enter in my good and faithful servant"

[@charlestorrecampo4705]

I'm a Pentecostal (UPC from Philippines) and I left a Trinitarian Church because it just doesn't make sense that they're not different from the WORLD, (NO HOLINESS, NO SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD, SOME TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEIR FAITH ONCE SAVED IS ALWAYS SAVE) And I went to this Oneness Church and this faith does make sense because being a Christian is not just singing praises or worshipping every sunday but it's a LIFESTYLE .. and we must be different from the World because we are of GOD and not of WORLD.

[@northside8341]

Thank you so much for sharing this. What you described is exactly what I went through.

[@Boogernaught]

I appreciated your testimony, Emma. Glad you are in a better place. I went through my own deprogramming. I was born into it, my parents are Pentecostal/evangelical pastors and I now understand are extremely abusive people. 2 of my siblings and I are recovering, the other is a pastor. I have always believed with my whole heart that God is love. I went to so many churches and discovered that always the fruit was rotten. Something is very wrong with the system. I barely survived it. By the time I was 30 my heart was so grieved. I prayed for a year asking God for the real truth. I had to get to the point where I said I was even willing to give up what I thought I knew of God. Then I began having amazing dreams and visions/downloads that led me to learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, a basic understanding of the physics of the universe. Then I was led to study other religions (amazing… no demons got me 😂) and I began to see all the same stories. I am learning more and more and my picture of God has expanded so much. I can read the Bible now and understand it without the religious brainwashing. I can also understand God as the Big Bang, as the energy by which all things are made. The logos is the word of God, that is the divine intelligence, the vibration of the universe, the song through which all things are manifest. It is not just the Bible or Jesus. There is nothing outside of the Source/God and everything happens according to the plan/his will. All is manifestation of God. All religions and even science are trying to understand and describe the same thing. All are being saved/evolving. Jesus even said once he ascended he’d draw all men after him. There’s no exclusive “saved” club. They were set free by believing the truth of what already is. The good news Jesus preached was freedom to the Jews from their bondage of a religion of sin and death. It was of course immediately highjacked and turned into a religion to control the masses again. Once you realise who you are you are free to live abundantly. There is nothing to fear! God plays it all out expanding himself from the greatest glory to the smallest darkest ugliest thing then contracts himself back to his highest. You are experiencing time now in an ever upward spiral and that journey is wonderful. You are being transformed, brought out of darkness into light, chaos to order which is evolution, alchemy or sanctification. I am obviously not an atheist I have many supernatural/energetic experiences that science will one day explain. I love when science and religion meet. We are all one body, same stardust, same divine spark. Yeah I sound a bit hippy dippy, peace out.

[@RetroAngel]

6:42 the way I got over the "you're robbing God" was when I read about a story where Jesus rebuked the pious Pharisees who were teaching people to forsake their families and give their money to the temple first. Jesus blatantly called this out. But, because I had various voices in my head, the first time I read it I thought for some reason it didn't apply but now I know it does! The "tithe" isn't even what Christians say it is. The truth is in the Bible if people would just ask the questions and read it for yourself. Don't take my word for it--go and read it yourself! 😁😘 I appreciate your testimony. It is very similar to mine!

[@msmorningstar2116]

I did read it. I sat down one day in my early 30s and read it cover to cover in three months. Yes, there were beautiful passages; but, they don't make up for the genicidal and vilely rotten ways of the Hebrews and their god. It's disgusting.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Tithing is very important, it helps in the spiritual partnership between us and God, and it also rebukes the evil one that targets financial destruction. I tithe because i endorse good works, which is what tithers do.

[@anthonywillis7634]

tithes is an old covenant practice. They are happy to do away with the sacrifice of bulls and goats but more than happy to keep tithes.

[@anthonywillis7634]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 rubbish. Tithing is another control mechanism and an old covenant practice. God loves a cheerful giver and should never be demanded. Tithing is simply wrong.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

@@anthonywillis7634 Wrong in what sense, without tithing we are robbing God, according to scripture. A cheerful giver loves tithing.

[@keelie300]

Seth Andrews and TTA got me out of a very similar situation. I really appreciate hearing this story. It makes me feel less alone.

[@Obviouslyah]

Been there done that. Still afraid to completely let go. You know, hell!! So hard. Thanks for recording this x

[@Obviouslyah]

@@emmaswain3084 I'm on that very journey. Brought up in it, married in it etc. I'll keep on tho. Will be easier when my parents die too. Lol

[@conniegrant939]

Let go dear and be free and in oneness with the creator because you are

[@Obviouslyah]

@@conniegrant939 I'm starting to think that.

[@richardkatz8713]

Thanks for sharing

[@BearFruit90]

Back couple of years ago when I was seriously depressed (suicidal), I wanted to feel encouraged that I was surely going to heaven. At the time, I thought I was going to heaven for believing Jesus. But, after doing some research, I started realizing that there were different salvation theories. Such as once saved always saved( I believed this), salvation by faith + works, dispensationalism etc... This made me even more depressed because I lost the assurance of going to heaven. if Once saved always saved was wrong doctrine, I was going to hell and God would be saying to me: “I never knew you, ye worker of iniquity”. I started studying the bible to find out which doctrine is the right one. I was really desperate. All i wanted before dying was to know that I would be going to heaven. I was deathly afraid of hell. However, more I studied and listened to Christians from both sides, I started thinking: “Why would God put so many contradictory verses to confuse us? I must be doing something wrong”. “Bible is perfect word of god. It may look contradictory, but with holy spirit guiding me, I will eventually find an answer”. There are verses that support both Once saved always saved and Faith+works doctrine. For example, a verse says, “salvation is by faith alone” Then another passage would say “ faith without works is dead” etc etc... I prayed and prayed for God to open my eyes. I did this for couple of months. But, all i heard was silence. My faith started dying and doubt started to grow. I started asking myself: “Why do i insistently believe that bible is perfect? Maybe these contradictions ARE contradictions. Is this the reason that Christianity is divided up into so many sects and everyone thinks that THEIR doctrine is the right one?” “If holy spirit is real and promised to bring wisdom and understanding regarding the scriptures, shouldn’t I have gotten answer by now? And if holy spirit is real, why are there like 40000 different denominations? Is satan causing the confusion like Christians claim? Then, it clicked in me. “Ohh. Bible is just a man made book filled with errors. And all these christians are PRESUPPOSING Bible to be perfect word of God and infallible that’s why even though they see contradictions, they don’t see it as contradictory but rather, some sort of mystery that you need to uncover”. Now i feel so free from guilt, shame, and fear of hell. Sorry for the long post. But I had to get my experience out there.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

The bible has no errors, but human minds and insights can be. Even a man of God, is a man. You should be spiritually independent. If you are not you will fall sooner or later.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

@Chief Blacksheep Okay tell me why some people stay in faith and others leave if that was true.

[@BearFruit90]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 My opinion on why people stay in faith: 1) They don’t study up how bible was written. Nowadays you can find out that Bible contradicts with modern archeology, science, lacks evidence for things miracles done by Jesus. 2) they don’t really believe the bible 100%. but the religion brings them comfort, joy, community. 3) being Brainwashed since they were young goes a long way. It’s difficult to even think out side of the box. This is not only true to the Christians, but to muslims, hindus etc... 4) Some people have had ‘supernatural experiences’ which makes them feel God is real. I, also had supernatural experiences. But tbh, many religious/spiritual people have experiences. It’s not unique to Christians. Those who leave the church are probably those who done their researches, went deep into the rabbit hole and came out the other end.

[@BearFruit90]

@@emmaswain3084 I am so happy whenever I hear about someone that comes out of religion! Especially with similar reasoning. You are right. Christianity provides both problem and solution. Problem: we are born sinners and are on the road to hell. Solution: Jesus So it condemns people, then makes people be helplessly tied up to a saviour figure. Nobody deserves eternal torture. Nobody. I’ve seen many ex Christians testify that the concept of hell made them depressed and unworthy. It is very bad for mental health. We can be good and descent human beings without Christianity. Pagans had laws, moral code and ethics before Christianity showed up. I wish you luck and full recovery from religious bondage. Edit: I just realized you were the speaker from this video. I really enjoyed your testimony.

[@awakeningblacksheep9610]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 you are being a self righteous hypocrite

[@adriverschoor4975]

Impressive speech of yours!!!

[@RetroAngel]

15:41 I think it's a beautiful thing that coming out of Christianity can enable people to love themselves! 😘

[@TorahisLifeandLight]

watch this video why people are leaving christianity. It's a prophecy kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XOYqx-eb6Aaa8

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

But Jesus helps us love ourselves. Faith is loving oursleves and believing in the supernatural potential, which is limitless but conditional.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

@Chief Blacksheep You havent worked on your spiritual growth, i can tell because you left the faith and the fact that you listen and base your faith on scare tactics.

[@stephaniesanchez7627]

@wolf trader yes, I met Jesus too. It's so sad because I honestly dont think churches are trustworthy these days. So much apostasy, lukewarm, cults, etc. We re ally are living in the last days. I really wonder if people like this lady are truly born again or they think it is just superficial out of fear to go to hell. Our relationship with Christ is supposed to be about our love for Him. I naturally wanted to obey most commandments before I read it in the Bible because of the Holy Spirit. The world just didnt see or sound the same. It was easy to leave worldly things because Gods love was much greater and He revealed the truth to me. The enemy uses people like this lady to cause further confusion on who Jesus really is. So sad.

[@stephaniesanchez7627]

@@emmaswain3084 praying for you Emma. You're the one who keeps commenting on my posts, so you do care what I say clearly. I'm sorry for whatever is making you so angry and I hope your heart is healed 💕

[@MariahB1111]

When you said leaving the church meant losing your best friend… the one who had been there for you in your deepest darkness… realizing it was you. That brought tears to my eyes. I came to that realization too. I began to see prayer as meditation. A place where I could find grace for myself. That helped me leave Pentecost too. You are an exceptional speaker. Thanks for sharing your stories.

[@soniachambers6460]

Love how she communicates💫

[@Bea-bi6pu]

Yes, almost every word she spoke struck a cord within me.

[@jmdsservantofgod8405]

I decided to read the bible very very very slowly because sometimes you know its not so much what is being said but how its said or how you read it......like the verse “ love God with your whole heart, your whole mind, your whole soul, your whole strength”...the reader/listener can imagine some high standard for those things...BUT it really does say YOUR whole heart, mind, soul & strength NOT some other persons heart, mind, soul, & strength.... there are 2 billion christians that are all unique...they have different histories, etc.....so they can only love God with what they have> there own whole heart, mind, soul & strength (trying the best they can)...makes sense to me....and I believe God gets greater glory this way too!

[@tanvigawde1612]

Wow, totally my experience.. it’s been 3 months since I left and it’s been freeing! I was just in it for a year but it was really damaging for my self image, and it confidence. Replacing the bad pattern of thoughts to the truth. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@tanvigawde1612]

@@emmaswain3084 Thank you so much for these encouraging words!! It's getting better day by day! I am in the process of finding my true soul/self again and rebuilding my identity rooted on love

[@Bea-bi6pu]

So very articulate and spot on with my experience in the Pentecostal church. Thank you for sharing this. I don't feel so alone now. Edit to add: I literally laughed out loud when she said that she turned to Google when she found herself in the midst of crisis. Yes!! Humor is a good healer.

[@andytopham3781]

I used to go to a Charismatic church, I found the behaviour of the leaders strange and one leader was very strange she almost had a cult surrounding her. I left and joined an Anglican church and found a deeper spiritual life, the congregation were not judgemental, doubt was okay and prayer is seen as something important to help answer difficult questions over time.

[@Diademkiss]

Thank you so much for sharing your truth.. it's like you're telling my story. Not sure if I'm an atheist. But I know that I don't believe in the way that I once did. I'm in a transition/ questioning/ healing phase xx

[@Tracey..H]

I'm in transition too. :(

[@robertnieten9844]

The pentecostal churches of today aren't as strict with the holiness standards as they used to to be. Although there are some hold outs. Ask yourself the most important question. Is what they teach about what the Bible says about how to be saved true or not. Then look around at a few i think you will be surprised with how they have changed.

[@montanahelton5351]

This is where i am. I'm actually very spiritual but the god of the bible has proven wrong for me. I'm into astrology some and have great understanding for beleiving more but christianity has done great damage.

[@TorahisLifeandLight]

watch this video why people are leaving christianity. It's a prophecy kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XOYqx-eb6Aaa8

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Go to the bible and seek The Holy Spirit often.

[@mrtheonlyspitfire2200]

Hi . I just wanted to comment, I was a Christian now this is a very short explanation but for me was years of doubt and troubled faith, I was a full on Christian born again from being told the gospel preaching in prison knocking on doors praying constantly, going to church as many times as I could, .but the closer I got to God the more I wanted to be pure and with out sin, yes I know Jesus took my sin but still I wanted to walk the pure life for him, but I am fortunately a thinker and all the questions in my mind over many years did not add up I tried suppressing them, religion made me so ill suicidal in thoughts at times how when I was walking this path ,I cried out to God in my hour of need nothing happened just me on my knees day after day , I had never been so mentally ill , I eventually left the church and over the years got better and stronger , I lost my faith but found truth life is wonderful , I now know I’m not alone in this experience ,KZbin has been great , as I said this was years of reason to be free from religion , amazing how this happened I was so committed. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@fabriziom9]

Christianity it´s not enemy of the reason. Im sorry for reading what you´re saying but i want you to know that there are evidences for christianity. Just read about it from Ravi Zacharias or John Lennox. Hope you find God one day. Have a good day sir.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

What exactly were you free from. With spiritual growth we can be assured of ourselves yet bear the mental burden of following Jesus. I follow Christ, and do not think about going to hell, frankly i do not care, i do want to partnership with God though.

[@awakeningblacksheep9610]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 go away troll , go study your buy bull

[@awakeningblacksheep9610]

@Jesus Is My Blessed Hope I am Jesus

[@rm5916]

@@awakeningblacksheep9610 No you’re not you have the spirit of an antichrist and I rebuke you in Jesus mighty name, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess even those that pierced Him will see him when he comes in a cloud of Glory. I rebuke of every demon, every lying tongue, every spirit of anger, rage, antichrist in Jesus name. No weapon formed against us shall prosper and every word spoken by an adversary of the living God is rebuked and canceled in Jesus name. God says we the head and not the tail and we are blessed in the field and in our homes, and no antichrist spirit will have dominion over me or any child of God in Jesus name. Amen

[@euphoricsoul83]

Her experience mirrors mine so well. I was told the same things when I was asking questions. And instead of being called a lesbian my pastor told me that I was not to wear jeans or any pants anymore. Everyone else, all my girlfriends, were free to wear jeans and I didn't understand why. I felt alienated and separated from everyone else. I found out later that he believed that I had a sexual deviant/seductive spirit. No deliverance was offered but certain things I was just not allowed to do. I naturally am very shapely and it is difficult for me to find clothing that didn't accentuate my curves. I was being judged and punished for how I was made.

[@faithhope7704]

Me too dude. Punished for being how God made you.. Ridiculous!

[@joaopedrocaetano4507]

It's wonderful getting these glimpses into people's lives as they go through this process of leaving religion. I'm so glad this type of experience is being talked about and allowed to express itself. I'm glad it's not that rare anymore to hear these stories, and that can only help other people out there understand, as Emma said, that they are not alone and that they're not crazy for thinking these things and moving on to other good things in their lives.

[@joaopedrocaetano4507]

You're very welcome! :) You are also a good public speaker. If you're comfortable being in this position of talking about your life and giving advice or reassuring people who have gone through similar experiences, you're more than welcome to do this again. :) Same goes for all the other speakers. This group was surprisingly good and comfortable speaking to an audience. Very good to see. :)

[@thedove2575]

João Pedro Caetano I'm so glad people are leaving religion. Cant wait for people to see that religion is supposed to be love. Its not what people think because they rely off others...and god will allow us to choose. Dude I'm so sorry that people are doing this to every one its sick.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

How sad, people are not alone, what if you are wrong and Jesus exists. Hell tactics work but its short lived, people should not spend time preaching on hell, but on the nature of Jesus.

[@Cryptameria69]

Thank you so much for sharing! It should be about being connected to God. I am new to the Pentecostal Church but my background is in metaphysics and theology, as well as science. I have my eyes open. I am grateful my congregation is very progressive and non judgmental. I keep reading stories like this and it makes me sad there is such dogma in something that should be empowering. Stay blessed and thank you for your words

[@ElfGodd3ss]

Its reverse with me my background was christian now metaphysical and agnostic

[@annv6781]

SAME thank you for your common sense!

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Become spiritual independent, christian people will let you down at some point or be a problem.

[@awakeningblacksheep9610]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 yes and you are one of them, shouldn't you be reading your bible somewhere instead disagreeing with people who are trying to relate and identify with others who have left religion, this is not about you troll

[@buck_maize111]

I'm still struggling with it.. the fear of eternal torment will always be my greatest fear.

[@buck_maize111]

@@emmaswain3084 thank you for the reply! I think my fear began after I heard a few hellish NDE's ( near death experiences) and read a bunch of those Christian books about it. I'll check out the things you mentioned. Thanks ❤

[@bonangrens9145]

5 years later I'm here feeling exactly what you went through and I'm so tired for trying so hard...

[@Mark-yb1sp]

I was in the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches for over 20 yrs. That’s 20 yrs of my life destroyed that I will never get back. It’s taken 25 since then to try and get restored. Still not there yet. That’s how damaging it is.

[@jimmyshrimbe9361]

What an amazing story.

[@blacky93able]

The same thing happened to me after 25 years in the Catholic Church. The worst thing is that, sometimes, I miss Faith, like a drug that I haven't used for a long time and it gives me the withdrawal syndrome. However, as an atheist and humanist, I feel that I am really free, to think, feel, reason, dialogue and not judge prejudiced. I refuse, in a metaphorical way, to be put on again the chains from which I freed myself Thanks!!!

[@jamesharvey7492]

I went through all of this,wow.i became very depressed and had to leave.then the tremendous guilt came about leaving and I really felt that God was done with me and became an alcoholic.i now believe that God loves me ,he gets no pleasure from destroying people it's we humans that have to struggle with darkness and light.and there is both.i came across roy masters and his meditation excersise and I began to improve.the darkness can really get a hold on us but when you realize that God loves you the journey begins.classic roy masters on youtube is a great way to find the truth.

[@BinkyTWDog]

Emma, thank you for telling your story. That was one of the clearest, most honest, and most powerful accounts of a journey out of religion as any I've heard. You have a very natural way with words, and I hope you write about your experiences as well. I think you can really reach (and help) a lot of people who are struggling with this same predicament, one that effectively puts you in "hell" by infusing you with the terror of the possibility Hell (big "H"). It's a twisted irony, and I'm glad you came through it intact to find truth here in the light. You are indeed, not alone :)

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Its true, it was a powerful message, but she said herself that its doubts. I believe she has doubts about God and faith. But how is Emma helping people, she is telling them to stop believing in faith or that God exists. People make faith seem a bad thing, faith itself is actually very beneficial, and is powerful and has a lot of potential.

[@TouchingClothProd]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 No. That is incorrect. Emma isn't telling anyone to stop believing, or to stop having faith, if that's their thing. She is giving support and encouragement to people who have struggled with this on their own, come to the conclusion that they just DON'T believe, but still feel trapped by the fear-based, shame-based dogma of it all. She is helping them to escape, if that is what they want to do.

[@ceceformerchristian317]

It's not easy to leave but it's possible. I'm happy I'm gone.

[@GigiRocks1969]

I’m so sorry you walked through and had to endure the spiritual abuse you did. I came out of the UPCI 17 years ago and experienced many similar things. Thankfully, I had a very dear friend who, at the time, encouraged me to read Romans and Galatians when I didn’t realize I was in a works based cult. (I must add, that though she’s moved away; she’s still a huge part of my life and a beautifully example of Christ’s love, sheer light and a source of the hands and feet of Jesus even to this day, for which I’m extremely thankful for, as my husband and children are still in it. She also, NEVER invited me to her church…..she simply pointed me to His Word and allowed the Holy Spirit to do a work in me. I had often been told of the musings of what people “felt” the Lord revealed to them about me, and had I not turned to the Lord and read what His love truly looked like, I too may have walked away from Him. All that being said, and I’m NOT saying what the pastors and people did to you in your past was right; it was not, I truly believe it was done out of their own brokenness and being taught false doctrine. Please know you are in my prayers sweet girl and know you were and are never alone.❤

[@MissGlorry]

I was born in christian family and left faith when I was 21. My dad was abusive physically and mentally. He was beating my sisters because they pierced their tongues or lied to him. Because god lets parents to punish their kids, that's what my parents say. He called me slut and lesbian, feminist, my opinion wasn't important, because I am a woman. I wanted to kill myself when I was 6, but funny is, I am still alive not because of god, but because of thoughts that everything will continue to exist without me and I wanted to be part of it. When I was christian I believed in everything that bible says even if I didn't like it, now I see the truth. I had to go through a lot and it was painful. My family left church 2-3 years ago and after that everything even got worse. So I escaped in time. My dad still tries to bring me back to christianity. Says that the end of the world is near, tries to scare me that I will burn in hell. But I don't believe in this anymore. He even believes that god shows him future. He says that he sees demons. In the past I believed this, now it sounds like schizophrenia and I worry about him. Leaving christianity was like leaving fairy tale where magic happens. I am atheist and feeling much better now. Still need to learn more things about reality and stories like Yours really helps me go trough hard times. Thank You for sharing your experience. Sorry for my English

[@MissGlorry]

@@emmaswain3084 thank you. I am from Lithuania. It's very Catholic country. I tried to find some ex Christian groups to join, but I didn't find one. But I have very supportive boyfriend and his family, so I am lucky, they are helping me a lot. But I am thinking to go to therapist to get some help soon, because I still feel a big battle inside my mind. Sometimes I feel emotional breakdowns after talking to my dad. But it is getting a little better. How can I inbox you?

[@user-kq5qp6dh8l]

Shalom... Peace be with you , I'm sorry you where so abused. Where are you from .

[@user-kq5qp6dh8l]

@@MissGlorry lots of ex Christian groups and forums on the internet.

[@gretaaarons4941]

Really sad that you felt so pushed. Christianity does expect believers to adhere to certain rules & regulations laid down in the Bible & also the church we go to. Pressure of being kind & loving when you do not feel it, sometimes trying to meet the needs of the various committees or events is real. But believing in God & need for salvation is v essential.

[@sgusjsk]

Sister it is real. However I am terribly sorry you went through your experience abuse is wrong in any form. It's told in the Bible right after it says to honour parents in Ephesians it says not to chasten your children too harshly...relationships between parents and children are two way. I know there are no perfect people ever. I have got a mum who is very loving but I know she can be very emotionally manipulative. I do still love her. You have to find your way ask God to reveal who he is to you and to heal you. He heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds. I am a new church now and life has been so much better for me I left a cult before it was extremely damaging and now I feel happier than I have ever been these last four years. God bless you sister.

[@tariktarukyu6850]

I am a 60 year old man ..more half of my life a Born again Christian..I cannot see a good life without Jesus..with all craziness I have done I may be in jail or dead...these people turning back and talking against Christ may have their own reasons..I don’t see it’s value in my case..please forgive my English..

[@shellycarter97]

Thank you for your story and I’m so sorry for the things you went through. I’m going through my own realization at the age of 41. It’s so good to keep being reassured that I’m not alone.❤️

[@TorahisLifeandLight]

watch this video why people are leaving christianity. It's a prophecy kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XOYqx-eb6Aaa8

[@Gismho]

Isn't all this lady related a shocking indictment of religion! The sooner humanity rids itself of religion the better. Well done Emma. You are free now. No more fables; no more threats; no more "man in the sky" watching you're every move; no more "talking to yourself", i.e. praying.

[@adisaargani836]

humanity better without religion? shallow and twisted thinking.

[@Gismho]

@@adisaargani836 Such a kind and considerate response. Thank you.

[@tommihail6564]

Once I disagreed with just one point in any church I'm classed as an outcast..in short they love 'yes men' and certainly the $$$$$ that's collected in Jesus name...

[@karenboyd9752]

Witchcraft is alive and well in the body of Christ! Manipulation and control are not of the Lord!

[@aishwaryasitaram2227]

@@emmaswain3084 wow! Unbelievable how people fall for this .

[@chelliahjayakumar7815]

From chennai South India Was in the business of believing God and all the stupid mythology Was a "believer" in pentecostal churches Ruined my career and life because of this Bitterly upset in my late fifties Still nurture hope as there is life still in me Google and KZbin helped me a lot

[@robertnieten9844]

There are pentecostal churches that went overboard and wrongly teach things that aren't scriptural.Mainly they involve holiness standards.Holiness standards are like a riverbank where the river is sin and the riverbank is like a buffer between you and sin.Extremities have occured in the church but that doesn't mean all pentecostal churches are this extreme and the answer is not to turn our backs on christianity.

[@delilahhart4398]

I don't understand why any adult would allow another person (such as a minister) to tell them how to live or whom to associate with.

[@adriverschoor4975]

Good girl Emma!!!!

[@seekeroftruth2747]

I love being a non denominational Christian.. I am saved by grace of God.. thank God I didn't enter into pencostalism or what not..

[@user-kq5qp6dh8l]

Lucky you

[@HEADEDWESTWARD]

You're just as brainwashed.

[@seekeroftruth2747]

@@HEADEDWESTWARD lol.. mind telling me why you think so? Or its just your random rambling??

[@karenthompson1539]

There is freedom in Christ. Once the Holy Spirit places a believer into the Body of Christ, there is nothing in all of creation that can remove that person. They will never go before the Great White Throne. Don't get entrapped in a "works" religion.

[@jasonlloyd8268]

Great interview really gives me hope , I'm suffering from great trauma from this , can anyone suggest anywhere I can get help for what I'd call evangelical ptsd , I went there to find love when I was going through hell ,and found hell at church, I'm glad I'm not alone

[@MauricioSmith1991]

I was a street gang member Jesus Christ change my life not religion or a Organization or a building The power of the holy spirt help me not man or woman! The glory belongs to God not to fake pastors and fake false prophets they want money I preach truth I don’t play that !

[@alexanderson4497]

Religion taught me how and why I should love Jesus, but never how to love and accept myself. I cannot love at all until healing and nurturing of myself has been accomplished, yet the Bible says that lovers of themselves will never see God ensuring that people lead sad, broken lives because the trauma they experience is never healed since love and acceptance of one self is pivotal to living a healthy human life..

[@godsword3847]

What is this dizziness when they touch you when they pray ?

[@rm5916]

I think this is a really sad story, and I will pray for this woman. I’m not one of those people that don’t understand or empathize with people who experience or suffer trauma at the hands of the church it’s painful. But does that negate the goodness of God? Does that take away the relationship we have with Him because of what people do to us? Or Did Jesus say blessed are those who suffer for the sake of the gospel. no church, no man, no organization, could ever make me doubt the Faith. Christianity does not mean you have a relationship with Jesus, Christianity doesn’t mean you have the spirit of discernment, Christianity doesn’t stop bad things from happening in your life but if you study the life of Jesus and the words of God and have faith, every mountain will move and every demon will tremble at the sound of His name. “The road is narrow and their are few who find it”. And yes being part of the world does expose you to many things that allow demonic oppression and torment in your life and not evry church is filled with the Holy Spirit. We must endure to the end… not turn away because we experience tribulation.

[@simonconroy2045]

Interesting video and good speaker. I am a catholic and I like the fact that I can drift in and out of any church and nobody tries to filter or influence me more than I want. I have heard lots of stories about small born again type churches and while they offer lots of support and friendship to members they often can be overbearing

[@SS-jx3kl]

Bro catholic Church is far better than this pentecostal cult

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

This is what happens when you believe what people tell you to believe about God instead of reading and studying the word if God for yourself.

[@avono5330]

@@emmaswain3084 but the comment is true, turn to the book not to a institution? Of course you’re not to do it alone but if it’s leading you to a path of depression then leave?

[@constipatedpotato3745]

Exactly, Christianity isn't based upon Christians or a certain church organization/denomination, it's based upon the Lord Jesus Christ and what he did for us on the cross. If i were to be a Christian based off the behavior or character of other Christians or certain churches, i wouldn't be a Christian, I'm a Christian because i personally chose to put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and not in a church or a pastor because they can't save me but Christ can.

[@yveqeshy]

What she says at 17:00 is very important when freeing oneself from this religious shame and guilt

[@benjaminparkin9716]

So sorry to hear about the horrible things your mother said to you. It must have affected your soul.

[@Tracey..H]

Oh my! I'm there! That terrifying place of leaving the faith. That place where I don't believe this book. And I relate so well w ex Christian's. Even though I've felt God, had healings etc

[@katesebastian431]

@@emmaswain3084 heyyy I was born in pentocostal. Although I don't believe in that anymore but I have seen them making prophecies and some stuff about me that I kept very secret. Care to explain to me about that

[@katesebastian431]

@emma swain thank you soo much ❤️ Well, recently I had plans about moving to Canada and no one knows about that until the pastor who came by said I have plans about moving out. He probably would have gussed that since everyone here moves abroad after they graduate. Anyway since I am working on my visa my mom's is going around to pastors and all of them are saying different things like some say I will go, some say I won't and one said I will be able to go but I will fail and return home

[@katesebastian431]

Yes I guess so. My whole life was based on someone else decisions. When I was a kid some pastor said I will be a engineer so I was forced to precude engineering in college even though it wasn't my tea and I never had the opportunity to even think and explore what I really want.

[@stanbarr9884]

@@emmaswain3084 Very well written and thought out and quite frankly, very true to a great extent. the reasons you stated reminds me that we know in part and prophesy in part. Three tongues and none if there is no interpreter. you are probably familiar with these and know the explanations why we don't follow these scriptures any longer. Oh, and every prophecy is to be judged by other prophets. Yep, I get it.

[@kirstenwinch848]

Tracy, may I ask why you left when you so clearly felt God and had healing?

[@Leatherneck1057]

I left the Pentecostal church after twenty-five years and am now struggling with the mental conditioning I have suffered. I have not stopped believing in Yashua for it was His grace that helped me realize the contradictions of their doctrines. One truism that occurred to me that is key to becoming free is that...GOD IS NOT THE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH AND THE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH IS NOT GOD. When you stop being a participant of their doctrines, that does not mean you have compromised your relationship with GOD. The pastor will attempt to shame you back into the fold and then ostracize you because you are a threat to the delusion...truth will set you free. You will not find GOD in a church, you will find Him in His Word! The church system is a sham, organized religion is a trap that will redirect your faith in another direction other than Yashua Messiah. Innately, we know this and seek for Him, which is why church is so unfulfilling for those that truly seek Him. Listen to the overall message of your church...if the most dominant and loudest overtone is money and not the gospel, that is the system talking. Why go to a building affiliated with a man-made denomination or organization run by a man without a job and extorts ten percent of your income so you can qualify for Heaven? Is this in the Bible? Does it even make sense? GOD, free us by Your Word...that is what we need.

[@volterwoo]

Thank you for sharing what is man-made organized religion is all about. There's a different between religion and relationship with God.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

A tither might not get saved, offering givers might not get saved. Who will. People that follow Jesus's message and love Him.

[@awakeningblacksheep9610]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 why are you trolling these videos ? People who have left Christianity are done with religious beliefs, religious dogma , bible quotes and preaching, you are not helping, you are on this thread trying to cram your beliefs down people's throats and they are Done ..you clearly don't understand and are making things worse ..you believe what you believe and I respect that so just leave it alone please and respect what others have gone through and what others believe, that would be like if you went through a traumatic experience like being raped or something and were trying hard to cope with it , get away from it and heal from it but you were still being raped over and over and over with no escape , being told it was fine , it is you that's the problem you need to submit to this rape and come back to the abuse , please have understanding, Emma I support you , thank you for your courage, you are a beautiful human being, this Is your journey, you are a good person ... Joshua please be a good human being and leave people to their own journey and work on yourself and work on understanding others .

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

@@awakeningblacksheep9610 Why are you? your the only troll here.

[@Keevthe8thLordunderChristJesus]

Who taught her all this, I wanna hear or talk to them. she said a lot about what she was taught or heard from other Christians or the Church.

[@tealx8462]

How can someone be responsible for what someone did, thousands of years ago, but they won’t apply that analogy towards their ancestors!

[@NMDecember1]

I'm questioning what I believe at the moment. I just can't reconcile a loving God with hell and eternal suffering. I'm not sure if I believe anymore and I used to think this world as we know it was ending with tribulation and I was so afraid of missing rapture. Some things predicted in bible prophecy has come true though eg formation of Israel and birth and death of Jesus? That's one part I can't reconcile if false belief system how did things predicted years ago come to pass?

[@downenout8705]

Regarding prophecies, just Google "fulfiled prophecies in the Quran". You will discover that the prophetic clams of Muslims to justify their beliefs are indistinguishable from those used by Christian apologists. Clearly they can't both be right but they most certainly can both be wrong. You will also discover that no Christian or Muslim theist has ever clearly set out the criteria that would have to be meet for a prophecy to be considered fulfiled and that their particular prophecies meet this criteria and whilst all others fail. I would also point you to 1 Corinthians 15: 14, and ask yourself if you have any empirical evidence that the biblical resurrection claim is true. All there is are stories written decades after the supposed event by anonymous authors and zero empirical evidence that these magical stories are true. If you need more than Hebrews 11: 1 then there is no way back.

[@tommihail6564]

reject the guilt these churches place on you and you'll be free!!

[@MrArdytube]

Sounds like there was some bait and switch going on.... religion starts out with unbounded love, and then more and more gotcha’s are progressively mixed in. People join for the love, but stay from fear.

[@michellee2990]

Absolutely. Though I still hold religious beliefs , I dislike many things about organized religion and question more things the older I get. It's always sad to see anyone traumatized by religion.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Disagree. The opposite is true.

[@MrArdytube]

@@joshuamartinpryce8424 Few if any generalizations are universally true. But I am curious for more details of your opinion.... do you think Christian conversion is sold on fear rather than love? Do you think fear is no part of the reason people stay in the faith?

[@jmdsservantofgod8405]

see ya!

[@ray.ephraimwedlow5521]

Wowwwwww I love you sister. Wowwwww

[@samanthalewin4397]

So many Christians are depressed. Why is this?

[@russell311000]

Can I sue the church?

[@darknessthehedgehog3]

Glad to see another person walking away and waking up and leaving this hateful intolerant bigoted religion behind

[@defenestratefalsehoods]

It's sad people go through depression over not adding up to the church expectations. And Christians only see the good side of religion and not how they hurt people with mind games.

[@teresadexter9965]

Emma how can I send you a personal message please? DESPERATELY IN NEED...MANCHESTER

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

[e-mail]

[@robertnieten9844]

I know that the UPCI and the PAW have experienced a abandonment of a lot of the stricter holiness standards.I do know the Bible teaches that there are modesty standards for women.Do abuses occur? Sure, but you can't just get to where how a man or woman who are christians present themselves to the unsaved as being the same as them.When i was first witnessed to in high school, a girl set down across the table from me and started telling me about Jesus.I noticed, being a high school boy, that she wasn't very pretty, and she wore a long skirt and wore no makeup or lipstick.But there was this beauty about her i couldn't define.I was drawn by this beauty to listen to all she had to say about Jesus.I'm not sure if i would have seen this beauty if she'd been the same as the other girls.

[@1697djh]

The reformed strict baptist churches and the ilk, do not have these issues? They do not tithe, which is not in the New Testament. They might be small congregations but they are caring, they have a closed communion table which I don’t agree with

[@MauricioSmith1991]

No magic trick Voodoo no illusion No deception just raw truth from God

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Truth from God comes from following His word.

[@PutsOnSneakers]

Emma, i've been trying to reach you but I think you've blocked unknown numbers. Could you check if that isn't a default setting on your phone. Thank youuuuu.... - Yahwee Chrysler

[@LB-sw2km]

Ur never good enough. Ur never saved . It’s very depressing. The condemnation is so overwhelming u feel never saved . I felt to find Gods love that I wasn’t shown in the UPC

[@michellee2990]

I understand where you're coming from. But remember that you're not alone. I've been involved with the UPC . Though I still hold certain beliefs , i'm at the point where I want to get away from the UPC and organized religion. I don't want to walk away from God , but I will no longer live in fear and bondage. I believe we have to live above sin , but I also believe we are to have liberty in Christ. God loves you , Linda . ❤️

[@zahara6355]

Emma, Me too. Decided to upload my testimony when I realised my comments are being blocked by yt. Pls cud you put a link to your testimony from my channel page

[@manjunathvarambally1912]

I am a Hindu. After hearing this story, I feel thanks I am a Hindu because this dharma is open and one with nature and there is nothing like getting in and out of the Hinduism. It is open book

[@JohnSmith-fp8il]

This sounds much more like a criticism of a christian church than Christianity itself.

[@axegal]

i want to say, amen to all you have shared but that would be hypocritical

[@seshuaiyar5047]

All@youtube,must read specially new converts and all at Torch?

[@Mrz-sb1hw]

How anyone could live like this is beyond me. I feel sorry for people like this.

[@KentuckySouthernBoy]

Control and guilt trip business no truth in any of it I'm one that use to be a strong believer full of faith preached and taught the gospel outdoors in church buildings I went anywhere I could if you told anyone church is the people they went against you said it was lies of devil the Bible itself plainly said who was the church without the people you would just have empty building I believed in church could be anywhere exactly as Bible stated but I too was in the Pentecost faith Jesus name religion, but I finally accepted what I believe now all those unanswered questions and doubts all those contradictions errors and manipluations all the abuse and guilt tripping I finally realized and started thinking about everything I believed and questioned it all I was trying to break free and I finally did now I feel so much better about myself if I lose friends over a belief than they never was friends and never cared for me that Christian faith has ruined alot of lives for people not saying all but many like yourselves and myself

[@bitofwizdomb7266]

How do you say in tongue language “ this religion is absurd !” ?

[@leegleissner9771]

Yes on leaving. Christianity has some good things but very dark things as well. This faith tells you your a fallen sinner but someone took your place instead of you! A blood atonement or no forgiveness without it! Jesus is the solution to the problem. Guess what? This faith gives you this problem to begin with. You would not draw this conclusion in your own. The fear of eternal punishment simple lack of belief or wrong believe. It doesnt matter what kind if life you lived. Time to check everything in your faith and search yourself and your heart. If it causes conflicy,fear,guilt then it's time to leave. Love to all from Buddhist/Agnostic Lee.

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

How bad is bad, and hypocritical, you haven't even studied Christianity properly, if you had you wouldnt of left or at least understood it well. Its not about people but about Jesus.

[@gitfiddler716]

Why not check out the Anglican church?

[@antidepressant11]

Lustful thoughts do have the potential to lead us astray though. It's when they escalate into an addiction that they become a problem. Keeping those thoughts in balance is the challenge.

[@antidepressant11]

@@emmaswain3084 I think you are rephrasing what I said instead of disagreeing. Don't let it escalate. Moderate/monitor rather than suppress.

[@satyanarayanamysore1962]

antidepressant 11 , lustful thoughts can be transformed into constructive emotions. If we can consider our relationship with our spouses as natural and lifelong as our relationship with our brothers and sisters, parents, etc., it gives us a sense of true intimacy . religion can help us in this direction.

[@semereabbariamichael9062]

I don't know what kind if Pentecostals she was around but life is super fun. I've seen healings miracles, things that you will only read in books. I'm sorry she was involved in some weird Pentecostals but sorry they don't represent the rest of us.

[@DC-wp6oj]

Healing miracles? Why not send the local healer to a hospital and we can all see the wonders of his/her miracles.

[@HEADEDWESTWARD]

So you've seen limbs regenerated and sight to the blind. Cool!

[@pinky9440]

None of those are REAL miracles, it is actually the church telling you they are miracles. And daily lots of people are "healed" without divine intervention. I personally know a number of Christians that died from cancer, etc. I guess they were not "true Christians" and thus not healed?

[@UncleChillGuitar]

Very articulate and honest summation of the Christian experience. Always remember, you don’t leave religion , it leaves you. Stop attending meetings, and you will be kicked to the curb. The “Unconditional Love” is part of the myth, regardless of denomination.

[@seekjesuschrist713]

I once saw a great quote one time "The bible is true, just don't let a liar teach it to you" . Aka devil infested crooked churches and false teachers

[@seekjesuschrist713]

@@emmaswain3084 from front to back is all truth. Truth is taken in different forms within reason

[@seekjesuschrist713]

@@emmaswain3084 If it is written inside of the bible then I believe it. If it isn't in the bible then i don't believe it

[@seekjesuschrist713]

@@emmaswain3084 Well yes, then I absolutely believe it