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In fact, my last was not even replied to by any of you. Normally, in a debate, when the opposite side has no comeback, it's a win!
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It is very easy to look at only one side of things - the side you want to look at. It is much more difficult to see the other side. From reading all these posts, I have heard people from both "sides" of the discussion attempt to "see" your side of things, and yet, I see no attempt in the other direction.
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I hear that you found parts of the weekend amusing, which is ironic, because I find all the talk of MKP promoting homosexuality to be just as amusing. You mentioned that you are athletic, which leads me to believe that growing up, you probably showered (for instance) nude in front of other men? Do you find that equally offensive? Or were you the boy who didn't want to take his shorts off, or wore a bathing suit to shower? Was your school promoting homosexuality?
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amr123
Five years ago I began seeing a therapist (who specializes in gay and lesbian issues) about self esteem and self acceptance issues. She immediately began pushing the New Warriors group. In subsequent sessions she really stepped up the pressure until I finally relented and went to the local group's informational meeting.
Even though it appeared to be a cookout, I was extremely uncomfortable. I had a nagging feeling that something was wrong from the time that my therapist first mentioned it and then refused to answer any questions (do initiates sit around naked holding hands, etc.). I am somewhat frigid, I admit, and do not like being touched by strangers and am not comfortable with public nudity (my own or anyone else's). Call me uptight, but it just is not my thing. Despite my overwhelming discomfort with such things, the therapist still pushed me to go! It still makes me angry!
Anyway, the meeting was way too touch-feely. Members, both gay and straight, were far too familiar with each other. There was more hugging, hand holding, cuddling, etc. than I have ever seen in a gay bar! But what was really disconcerting was the party line answers I got to all of my questions. There was just something amiss, in a Stepford Wives sort of way.
Finally, the group leader brought out a sword and the members seemed to touch it so reverantly that I got the creeps. They started talking about those issues and insecurities that all men, gay and straight, share, and I started getting angry. These people were preying on vulnerable men who were struggling with real issues. Whether it was my terminal cynicism or my disgust that saved me, I don't know, but I quietly departed.
Even though I am not a terribly religious person, the next day I skipped my therapy appointment and went to see my priest. Having been a psychotherapist before becoming an Episcopal priest, she was concerned and asked that I not have any contact with the group or the therapist until she did some research. She got back to me immediately, advised me to cut ties with the therapist and anyone in the group, and to come in for a Reconciliation of the Penitent rite. I was a little surprised, as this rite, in my experience, is generally used for deathbed confessions or other extremely serious times. She advised me that NW was a therapy cult and that it is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity, even Anglicanism, which tends to be very liberal.
The rite did bring me some peace, but it was over 4 1/2 years before I built up my faith in the psychotherapy profession to try another therapist. He thought that posting here would be cathartic and help others, and I hope it does. I have learned that self acceptance comes from work with a reputable therapist, a community of faith, a support group of friends of family, or a combination of these things.
I apologize if my post is inappropriate to this forum. It was difficult for me to do and is kindly meant. If one person is saved from this group, I will consider it worth exposing these personal issues.
Thanks.