Vibr8gKiwi

Be very careful with this Alpha course. People here are dismissing it quickly, but it's not something trivial. Don't approach this lightly. From one of the articles posted above that describes the process, it has a decent chance of converting a decided atheist (depending on the situation).

From the description, the conversion technique is emotional, not intellectual. You won't really get to argue intellectually because it's not setup that way (and you wouldn't want to appear rude). Instead they use several powerful tools of mental and emotional manipulation, and if you are not aware of what is being done you could be pushed to have an "experience" despite being on guard. You would have to admit that "something" happened and that could lead you to consider Christianity on emotional grounds.

A few of the tools I recognize from the description (as a former professional magician), are a form of stage hypnosis and some cold reading. These can be very powerful, even supernatural appearing, if you are not aware of what is going on.

The comments in the article about "closing your eyes," "falling back," "wobbling on your feet" and such are common physical equilibrium induction techniques stage hypnotists use to induce audience members before making them quack like ducks or whatever. Do some research on stage hypnosis (do a net search on stage hypnosis and induction) before you take the course so you're up to speed on what they will be doing to you and how it works.

It also sounds like they do a bit of cold reading (like what is done in that show "crossing over")--"I sense someone here has a lump on their left breast that they're very concerned about." Again do some research on cold reading so you're aware of what to expect and how that works.

I suspect that if someone goes into this course with intellectual arguments, but no defense for the emotional/mental tricks, they could find themselves having a very unsettling "religious experience" despite themselves.

[ October 28, 2002: Message edited by: Vibr8gKiwi ]</p>

Vibr8gKiwi

You can also buy the actual training books for the alpha course online (or read critiques of the course) then you'd know the exact course pattern and content. But again I don't think its the intellectual content that makes this program work.

Shake

You're my kind of girl, CG!

sullster

Thanks to all for the information about this group. The theists have such a need to amass more converts all the time, and they will use any trick. It is so nasty.

Can you imagine the outcry if a group of agnostics had a similar group?

ohwilleke

I think this is basically right. I also have some doubts about the charismatic orientation of the program. The Anglican church, I believe, created it. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in my neighborhood, which is conservative, but not charismatic, requires an Alpha course for all parents at its preschool who are not actively participating in that church.

The idea seems to be to reconnect nominal Christians to a church, rather than to convert non-Christians to Christianity.

ashibaka

If I was feeling particularly evil, I could just start my own, more believable religion and use his tactics.

These guys are just spooky.

[ October 30, 2002: Message edited by: ashibaka ]</p>

sullster

I just recalled that Galiel stated that Alpha started in the UK.

I have read many postings in the past from Brits, who have complained about how religiously credulous the USA is and how secular and agnostic England is.

Now, I find out that this crawling-snake christian promoting club is a product of the UK!

What is going on? Wasn't it enough that England sent us their witch-burning Puritans 350 years ago and their Scottish Baptists afterward, that we just don't need a group like this Alpha?

Give me a break.

worldling

Sullster, you are the witch-burning puritans and Scottish Baptists!

Worldling

Amos

In defence of my friend here, I think sullster is a recovering witch burning puritan.

sullster

Maybe so, but the Alpha group shows that you Brits are not so enlightened after all. Religious superstition still runs around the merry fields of England.