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Original poster

Has anyone done the Alpha course?

24 replies

Givemestrengthorgin · 28/12/2018 23:07

I'm a thinker..i spend a lot of time pondering the meaning of life, life after death, why are we here etc etc. I would like to chat about these things with other people and so I'm considering doing an Alpha course through my local church. I don't currently go to church and whether or not I actually have a faith is one of the things I would like to explore more. Has anyone on here attended an Alpha course and if so what did you think of it?

OP posts:

Hungrypuffin · 28/12/2018 23:10

Yes. I did it a long time ago (15 years or so). If it’s the same, you have a meal, watch a video and then discuss the issues. I would say that I wouldn’t do it now if it’s still run by the same people - it’s the brainchild of a homophobic American evangelist. I didn’t know that at the time but I’ve since read a couple of his books and he’s not the kind of Christian I want to be.

yeah2019 · 28/12/2018 23:13

I would suggest trying out a few church services first, the Alpha course is fairly intense. And it also depends on who is running it - some can be quite evangelical, where as others can be more mainstream. The other option is perhaps a philosophy course? A good book is E D Klempts To believe or not to believe. Ps I'm saying this as a Roman Catholic who does still go to church, in my personal view the Alpha courses can be a bit full on.... nothing wrong with getting in with your spiritual side, it's a good thing to do... but maybe ease yourself in..: if that makes sense

Frogletmamma · 28/12/2018 23:15

Depends who it's run by. You can get very different messages. If your local c of e, Methodist, Baptist is running this you are on the right track. I went to a Pentecostal alpha course which led to some disagreements. However I learned a lot and it was thoroughly interesting.

Interested in this thread?

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Philosophy & religion

Withgraceinmyheart · 28/12/2018 23:17

I also think you’d be wise to go along to the church for a bit and see what it’s like. You could ask to be introduced to the people who run it and what you make of them.

youaremyrain · 28/12/2018 23:19

Yes;

there's historical evidence that Jesus was a real person (obvs no proof that he was actually the son of g/God or did miracles etc)
nature is amazing, therefore g/God exists

BubonicBudgie · 28/12/2018 23:19

I know 2 people who did this. They are both fucking horrible. They think they can do no wrong, but they treat everyone like shit, whilst telling the world how fantastic they are. I didn't know it was an American evangelist thing, but I am not surprised

Worriedmummybekind · 28/12/2018 23:21

It’s not an American thing. It’s from HTB which is an Anglican Church in London and free to use by any church. If you got unlucky with the church the. That’s unfortunate but my experience was positive.

Withgraceinmyheart · 28/12/2018 23:22

It’s not American btw, it started at Holy Trinity Brompton in London. Not sure if any of the people involved in it have been from the US, but the organisation itself certainly isn’t.

gallicgirl · 28/12/2018 23:23

I did it over 20 years ago. It's ok if you're a church member exploring your own faith.
I actually walked off the course after several weeks as it

ShirazSavedMySanity · 28/12/2018 23:24

I did it 7 years ago whilst going through a very difficult time in my life mentally. I was reaching out for something, anything to drag me from the pit I was in.

It developed my thoughts, gave me a focus and a faith.

It was run by a c of e church. I do attend church now but not the one where the course was held. The course gave me the opportunity to ask questions, ask all the questions I’d ever wanted to ask, be emotional, be angry but also the space, time and silence to think and process information.

It was of great use to me.

Thisisit777 · 28/12/2018 23:24

Yes. LOVED it. Was not a Christian.

gallicgirl · 28/12/2018 23:25

Sorry, posted before I finished....it didn't even ask the questions I wanted to ask, never mind answer them. I'd been to church since I was a kid but the alpha course was probably the start of the end for me.

Hungrypuffin · 28/12/2018 23:26

Oh, sorry, he’s not American - getting myself confused. He’s called Nicky Gumbel and the rest is true, though.

OhTheRoses · 28/12/2018 23:29

If you're a thinker then from what I know the Alpha course dictates what you shoukd believe and is very evangelical. I have been to Holy Trinity Brompton, albeit a long time ago, and the narrow minded and lack of liberal application made me run for the hills.

Find yourself a liberal Anglican church (often quite high) with an intellectual vicar who encourages independent interpretation beyond the context of the ot or the gospels.

BubonicBudgie · 28/12/2018 23:37

Ohtheroses that makes complete sense. I was bought up in a religious family, and I had several friends from different religious beliefs. The only ones I have had an issue with are the Alpha people. They actually tell everyone that they are the only ones who have the correct beliefs, and dismiss every other religion. They're the most unchristian people I have ever had the misfortune to meet

KeepServingTheFestiveSnogs · 29/12/2018 01:05

There was a brilliant documentary made by the amazing Jon Ronson about the Alpha course.

I'd watch that before attending [and then not attend].

There are other ways to find answers.

Birdsgottafly · 29/12/2018 01:31

A work colleague did it. He finished it because he doesn't like to quit things. He wanted discussions, what he got was indoctrination.

I don't understand what the appeal would be to you, if you aren't Christian. They don't want the faith questioned, that's not what they are there for.

A meditation center, which runs discussion workshops, would be better.

trulybadlydeeply · 29/12/2018 08:13

I haven't done the Alpha course, but did do the Emmaus course, which is a gentler introduction to the Christian faith. However I know many people who have done the Alpha course. It is definitely not a group for discussing the meaning of life etc. The whole focus is on conversion to Christianity. There is a great deal of emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly during the weekend away, and I know lots of people have felt real pressure to speak in tongues, as "evidence" of their conversion.

If you are curious about Christianity then go for it, but be aware that this is a particular charismatic slant on it.

Tvci5 · 29/12/2018 08:21

I did an Alpha course about 15 years ago. I knew very little about the Christian faith and found it to be very informative, intresting and friendly. I was able to ask any question big or small (and get answers) without fear of feeling inadequate. I’ve had a few friends recently attend a ‘Christianity Explored” course and have got a lot from it. I see alot more Churches are running this course and i think its becoming more popular than the Alpha course. Both are free and there’s no obligation to stay if it’s not for you.

WhirlwindHugs · 29/12/2018 08:23

I haven't done it - I wouldn't personally as I feel it's just a conversion opportunity.

(and I do believe, just not in the same kind of God or moral approach as these people do.)

Grobagsforever · 29/12/2018 08:26

In laws did it and they have been brain washed ever since

MaidenMotherCrone · 29/12/2018 08:26

I’d steer clear of religion and explore philosophy if I were you.

I recommend AC Grayling.

Childrenofthesun · 29/12/2018 08:28

I go to church but have never done an Alpha course. I would agree with finding out a bit about the church/who is running it. Our church did one recently and was run by our young, liberal curate. I have some friends who went and said it was a good discussion forum, nothing foisted upon you. I can see it would vary depending on who is organising it though.

mrsblobby231 · 29/10/2024 10:37

stop pondering, start living...

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