to ask about the alpha course here because hardly any traffic goes through the philosophy/religion topic?

[franklampoon]

I am considering doing the Alpha course.
Anyone got views or experience?

Sorry to post here but got no replies on religious topic

Hi, anothet POV to add. I've not done the Alpha course but have read some of the material and would in no way have been convinced by it to 'convert' if I hadn't already decided to commit. It was very much a 'because we say so' kind of approach which turned me right off and there were gaping holes in nearly all of the arguments. In terms of doing an alpha course, though, it woul depend entirely on who was delivering it and how prepared they were to address genuine questions and doubts (which even committted Christians have!)

If you don't get on with Alpha I'd suggest looking out for a Church that does Emmaus (as a PP suggested). Sadly it's not widely publicised, but I have done that course (twice!) and much preferred the material- far more intellectually robust IMO.

Hi I did Alpha a few years (5)ago , liked it but was very uncomfortable with a lot of the Holy Spirit bit, my course had a weekend when they welcomed the Holy Spirit into their hearts, I was otherwise engaged! That said I am a Christain, pretty rubbish one I have to say, but I have gone on to study further, in our area Dioc Chichester, they run termly courses that can ultimately lead to certif etc; the modules are taught on weekly basis & cover various elements of Christianity it's history, specific Gospels & Christain life etc you name it they do it. I was really lucky & found a retired vicar who taught various subjects, he was historian before came in to the church so alot of his teaching was based on facts, culture & traditions at the time the Bible was written & compiled etc,rather than the "its a question of faith my dear" routine that many So called teachers throw at you.......
There may well be similar thing in your area, happy hunting!