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If you were brought up in a religious household, was your reading material censored? This question sprang to mind because of @Paul4747 ‘s reference to “Stranger in a Strange Land” which I was not able to read until I was in University.

I was born into a mainstream Protestant household and was allowed to read voraciously, but with some inconsistent household rules. For example, I was not allowed to read or bring science fiction into the household although my brother was. Except for Ray Bradbury's "Illustrated Man" which was recommended by a teacher. My brother got to read J.R.R. Tolkien while I did not. My adult sister was able to read “The Exorcist” but was not allowed to even show the cover to me. My father had written, but not glossy picture pornography although it was not openly allowed in public areas of the house.

pixiedust 8 July 22
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I wasnt allowed to read harry potter because of the witchcraft hysteria. There was a second minor satanic panic going on in the 90s. Most anything else I probably could have gotten away with if it had no obvious connections to witchcraft or satan on the cover.

I work with a woman who's RC and she won't even talk about HP. That surprised me because she and her husband have large dragon tattoos and participate in Renaissance fairs and love Camelot.

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I don't really remember having any censorship on what I read . Now what I watched on television , as a child , was another story . For just one example I wasn't allowed to watch Smurfs .

No Smurfs?? Why?

@pixiedust Because of the spell casting Papa Smurf would do , as I recall . And I was not alone in that regard either . [twentytwowords.com] It wasn't until I became a grown adult that I have had the opportunity to watch The Smurfs , on Boomerang . There were numerous cartoons and toys which were banned . Largely based upon a number of books by a preacher named Phil Phillips . [cartoonbrew.com] ,

@Marmion Oh my goodness! You must have been so confused as a child.

No wonder the fundamentalists down the street thought my daughter and I were Satanic. My daughter's nickname was "Care Bear" and she had most of those forbidden toys. Tsk. No wonder she's become such a kind, generous, caring, courageous person who doesn't drink, smoke or use drugs. She does cheat at cards, but only when she plays against me and only by our house rules. Oh well. Too late now.

@Marmion I never realized that Smurfs are really zombie Garden Gnomes 😉

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My parents didn't censor any books or music, but I had other things censored. My father was a Chemistry teacher and didn't allow glow in the dark paint (caused cancer), black lights (caused cancer), and dayglo paint (I have no idea why). The did, however allow me to have a strobe light. I guess I should be glad I wasn't epileptic.

My parents also did not allow me to go on outings with a Christian group that I was friends with at the time. They were convinced that they were a cult and were going to kidnap me.

I read this wondered what my daughter will say in the future about my over-protectiveness.

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While my family went to church and or Sunday school most Sundays I don’t feel we were all that religious. It totally stopped when I didn’t get confirmed (another story). My reading was never restricted or monitored in any way. I was an avid reader and read anything I wanted. Sci-fi, fantasy, horror whatever.

I always had lots of books despite the rules. I drove everyone nuts when I discovered a passion for Shakespeare when I was 9.

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It's hard for me to imagin going through that. I was never a believer, my parents were non religious. It wasn't till I grew older that I met others that hard time breaking away from their parents and family and friends, and learned the hardships they went through.

I hope the best for you in building an honest relationship with your family.

Thank you. My parents are dead and no one else in the family speaks to me. I became a closet atheist in my late twenties and brought up my daughter without religion so we're good.

@pixiedust Sorry for the loss of your parents. I know that can be rough. I do love the fact that you have some common ground with your daughter. I could only imagin that has to be great. More power to you, and your bond with your daughter. 🙂

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