The Alpha Course

[calgaryrocks]

Originally Posted by Crazy Flamer

Anyone heard of this course?

Apparently, its a 10 week course designed to give people a gentle introduction into Christianity. You meet once a week for dinner where you watch a vidoe and then break into small groups to discuss a variety of different topics.

I have a freind who would like me to go with her to this course and I must admit, I am extremely sceptical. I'm not a big fan of organized religion and the reaserch I've done on this course, frankly, scares me a little.

Anyone been through the course? Any insights?

a couple of my friends went through the course and really enjoyed it, my dad enjoyed it when he did it

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by skins

That's if you wanted to buy the books/videos, which you don't have to. The videos have already been bought by the church and they provide the literature as well. I think they usually provide supper too. You don't have to pay for anything if you don't want to.

I understand you aren't forced to buy something that you don't want, but it looks like a racket to me.

Someone spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars to put this thing on and a cynical type might say the whole course is a sales pitch for someone else to do the same and sell a few books, cds, stickers and postcards along the way.

I hope they aren't tax exempt.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I understand you aren't forced to buy something that you don't want, but it looks like a racket to me.

Someone spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars to put this thing on and a cynical type might say the whole course is a sales pitch for someone else to do the same and sell a few books, cds, stickers and postcards along the way.

I hope they aren't tax exempt.

I have no idea what this alpha course is, or what they have that people can buy.

Just because someone is willing to spend money to teach people about Christ doesn't make it a racket. I am sure EVERY organization out there of any type has materials that you can purchase if you want to learn more about it. If you are in a gaming club, you can buy more games, strategy manuals, etc. If you are into S&M I am sure they have pamplets with whips, chains and gag balls to upgrade yours with. The list could go on forever.

I someone has come out with a product that promotes people living a Christ like life, then I think it falls under the same category. Personally, I would just go to a church and ask em if it was me, I know they wouldn't be charging me for it.

[Calgaryborn]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I understand you aren't forced to buy something that you don't want, but it looks like a racket to me.

Someone spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars to put this thing on and a cynical type might say the whole course is a sales pitch for someone else to do the same and sell a few books, cds, stickers and postcards along the way.

I hope they aren't tax exempt.

Religious material isn't tax exempt. In any case the church or denomination would cover the costs.

I've heard of the program. i could probably dig up some commentary
on it if pressed. Going by memory I believe it was designed by an Anglican
and was first used in England. It has had widespread appeal because it is general enough not to conflict with most mainstream denomination's dogma.

Personally I don't like ecumenical ism and this course promotes it by focusing on what is common ground among Christians at the expense of omitting what causes us to stand apart. Much of the Christian world has been lead to believe that unity is so important that we should seek it even if it means compromise. Fidelity to wards God has been replaced with this dogma of unity. Churches have become focused on pleasing there dwindling numbers rather then God.

[Potty]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I understand you aren't forced to buy something that you don't want, but it looks like a racket to me.

Someone spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars to put this thing on and a cynical type might say the whole course is a sales pitch for someone else to do the same and sell a few books, cds, stickers and postcards along the way.

I hope they aren't tax exempt.

I've been through the course, and they give you some free books, as well as supper every time you go, and I was never even offered any items for sale. No books, cd's, stickers or even postcards.

And if they were trying to make money, do you really think they would host 10 dinners, give away a bunch of reading materials and have a staff of 10+ to sell some stickers and postcards?

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Just because someone is willing to spend money to teach people about Christ doesn't make it a racket.

That's true. It's just the impression that I get though. They have a lot of merchandise in there, training courses, conferences... a lot of cash is changing hands if their numbers are true. But maybe it is a genuine and sincere way of just trying to spread the word.

Originally Posted by Rathji

I am sure EVERY organization out there of any type has materials that you can purchase if you want to learn more about it. If you are in a gaming club, you can buy more games, strategy manuals, etc. If you are into S&M I am sure they have pamplets with whips, chains and gag balls to upgrade yours with. The list could go on forever.

Yeah, but gaming and sex are clearly being sold for profit in those circumstances. This operation claims to be shilling something more substantial (so ) than how to win at Halo2 or advice on how to remove a **** ring.

Religion, God, the Bible, Christianity, spiritual counselling, Jesus, salvation -- it's all free and there for the taking. I'm suspicious of anyone who looks to be making a profit from it.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

That's true. It's just the impression that I get though. They have a lot of merchandise in there, training courses, conferences... a lot of cash is changing hands if their numbers are true. But maybe it is a genuine and sincere way of just trying to spread the word.



Yeah, but gaming and sex are clearly being sold for profit in those circumstances. This operation claims to be shilling something more substantial (so ) than how to win at Halo2 or advice on how to remove a **** ring.

Religion, God, the Bible, Christianity, spiritual counselling, Jesus, salvation -- it's all free and there for the taking. I'm suspicious of anyone who looks to be making a profit from it.

What about a Coles Notes version of the Bible?

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by Potty

I've been through the course, and they give you some free books, as well as supper every time you go, and I was never even offered any items for sale. No books, cd's, stickers or even postcards.

And if they were trying to make money, do you really think they would host 10 dinners, give away a bunch of reading materials and have a staff of 10+ to sell some stickers and postcards?

Well even if they didn't push anything on you doesn't mean the organization gave that stuff away for free. They have a price list on their website. Money changed hands somewhere along the way.

But the way you describe it, it does sound like a pretty crappy way to make money. Although those "staff" were probably volunteers and maybe the ones that paid for all the goodies.

Bah, what's the difference? I'd never even heard of this group until today and I thought it was a crock before I even finished reading the original post and I certainly didn't answer it's question.

[Azure]

You made the 'assumption' it was a crock, because anything 'Christian' is a crock. Don't even bother researching it...

Why not tell us how you really feel Rouge?

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Azure

You made the 'assumption' it was a crock, because anything 'Christian' is a crock. Don't even bother researching it...

Why not tell us how you really feel Rouge?

Well if someone views the basic fundamental principles of Chrisitanity (i.e. There was a man who did magic tricks and died for our sins) as a crock then obviously he/she will have a slightly biased view of anything related to it.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by Azure

You made the 'assumption' it was a crock, because anything 'Christian' is a crock. Don't even bother researching it...

Why not tell us how you really feel Rouge?

I did enough research (by reading the post) to come to not an assumption but to my own conclusion. Can you tell how I really feel now?

[Azure]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Well if someone views the basic fundamental principles of Chrisitanity (i.e. There was a man who did magic tricks and died for our sins) as a crock then obviously he/she will have a slightly biased view of anything related to it.

Only a slightly biased attitude?

Perhaps such a biased attitude that one will make assumptions before even reading up on the dicussion at hand?

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Well if someone views the basic fundamental principles of Chrisitanity (i.e. There was a man who did magic tricks and died for our sins) as a crock then obviously he/she will have a slightly biased view of anything related to it.

Well, it doesn't have to be that extreme, it could just be that everyone has seen examples of 'crocks' in news stories.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

Well, it doesn't have to be that extreme, it could just be that everyone has seen examples of 'crocks' in news stories.

Very good point.

People who are trying to teach the Christian faith to others can thank nutjobs like Pat Robertson for driving away many, many people.

And frankly, listening to Robertson, I don't blame them.

[Daradon]

As for Jesus shirts, I'm quite fond of the one that says:

Jesus saves... and takes half damage.

There's my nerdiness admission. I also like the one that says:

Jesus is coming! Everyone look busy!

As for the Alpha course, I've seen those billboards up all around town and alwas wondered what it was. I thought it was a new age faith with old roots or something. The same way The B'nai (sp?) faith is advertised.

Guess I was wrong. Course, I didn't care enough to actually look it up.

Aren't you Catholic/Christian anyway CrazyFlamer? Why would you need to be introduced? Unless it's one of those fundamentalist sects of Christianity.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Azure

Very good point.

People who are trying to teach the Christian faith to others can thank nutjobs like Pat Robertson for driving away many, many people.

And frankly, listening to Robertson, I don't blame them.

That and everytime I hear Bill O'Reilly spout off about the "War on Christmas".

[Crazy Flamer]

Originally Posted by Daradon

As for Jesus shirts, I'm quite fond of the one that says:

Jesus saves... and takes half damage.

There's my nerdiness admission. I also like the one that says:

Jesus is coming! Everyone look busy!

As for the Alpha course, I've seen those billboards up all around town and alwas wondered what it was. I thought it was a new age faith with old roots or something. The same way The B'nai (sp?) faith is advertised.

Guess I was wrong. Course, I didn't care enough to actually look it up.

Aren't you Catholic/Christian anyway CrazyFlamer? Why would you need to be introduced? Unless it's one of those fundamentalist sects of Christianity.

I was raised Catholic, however, you know my views are quite liberal. The course was first presented to me as a way to find more meaning in your life. I was told it was non denominational, so I made the assumption it was more focused on spirituality instead of religion.

[calgaryrocks]

Originally Posted by Crazy Flamer

I was raised Catholic, however, you know my views are quite liberal. The course was first presented to me as a way to find more meaning in your life. I was told it was non denominational, so I made the assumption it was more focused on spirituality instead of religion.

yeah just becuase youre raised a certain way doesnt mean you necassarily believe it or understand why. it doesnt matter if you are religous as much as if you are spiritual, having a relationship with christ is what gets you to heaven, not just going to church or not swearing etc.

[Mayer]

My church puts on the Alpha Course. It's basically just an introduction to Christianity as a lifestyle. There is absolutely no pressure to buy anything or do anything but watch a video and eat a meal. People that are saying this is a money grab are crazy. The church buys the package (which isn't expensive whatsoever) one time and can then put on the course as much as they want.

This is purely to show non-believers the love of Christ. It's not a offshoot of the church or anything crazy like that. There is no profound information given out. It is very basic, but very effective (at least it has been for our church).

[Mayer]

Originally Posted by Crazy Flamer

I was raised Catholic, however, you know my views are quite liberal. The course was first presented to me as a way to find more meaning in your life. I was told it was non denominational, so I made the assumption it was more focused on spirituality instead of religion.

It is non-denominational, meaning any Christian church can put it on. Non-denominational does not mean it will be some fluff about spirituality in general. The point of it is to bring people to recognize the love of Christ and their need for him in their life.