Once Upon a Time in My Oceania

Trigger Warning: for the sake of authenticity certain insensitive words towards the LGBTQ Community, including the possibility of referencing particular homophobic slurs are to follow. The author in no way supports the terminology used, but chooses to do so in order to, as accurately and closely as possible, depict the following piece true to memory's sake. Many areas of my life were shaped by fundamentalism. Being born and raised, a cradle to a pew, Independent Fundamental Baptist translated into controversial beliefs and opinions that not only were sometimes unhealthy, but also hurtful to others. I've talked a bit already about some of those things, particularly different forms of hate within Christian Fundamentalism . It's not uncommon that something or someone catches my attention, reminding me of those former beliefs I shamefully embraced for a time in my life. I can recall the uncomfortable cognitive dissonance that occurred when those teachings were chall...

Trigger Warning: for the sake of authenticity certain religious, culturally, and ethnically insensitive words, including the possibility of referencing particular racial slurs are to follow. The author in no way supports the terminology used, but chooses to do so in order to, as accurately and closely as possible, depict the following piece true to memory's sake.                                  His steely gray stare is eyeing me, bloodshot pupils making my own burn. He's been at it an hour now, the booming voice echoing off the sanctuary walls around us. The congregation is attentive, taking in every word and action. This Carolinian mountain boy preacher, proudly void of a degree in theology, is shouting up a storm while pausing for his signature thumbs tugging at the pair of suspenders he wears. The rant against the upcoming election, that the now former President Barack Obama would eventually...

Why speak out solely about Independent Fundamental Baptists ? First, it's something I personally experienced for twenty-one years. Second, when I left I was under the impression it was just my own experience, just my church, until I learned that wasn't the case and that knowledge forever changed me. Suddenly, it wasn't just me anymore, just my hurt. Other girls and boys, along with women and men have and continue to experience that very same heartbreak. Thirdly, although I do from time to time address other denominations who are experiencing similar things (because, yes, I'm aware that is true), I tend to share things I have either experienced myself or went on to research. Starting with a particular way of life I was born and raised in, then lived for most of my life, steered me in that direction. IFB is something ingrained in me, I know most of the ins and outs, pick up on particular trademarks, along with the fact I can usually recognize unique aspects. But more o...