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Story time! There once was a little girl who grew up in religion. She was ambitious, compassionate, and horribly indoctrinated. Yup. That was me. I was so indoctrinated that I graduated high school early and started a 3-year period of training to be a missionary to India. I studied the bible and other religious groups for hours a day. I started learning Hindi and how to cook Indian food. Eventually, I was contacted by missionaries in India requesting my immediate and permanent residency at their mission house as a full-time missionary. This was what I had worked for and dreamed about for years! I gave up going to college for this calling! I was so excited! But, as it turns out, I was also really sick at the time. REALLY sick. Doctor's visits, hospital visits, medication. There was no way I could move to India at that time. I was HEARTBROKEN. I remember crying at night asking why God would allow this. I had worked so hard and given up everything for him and for India.

Fast-forward about 3 years later, and I am thanking my lucky stars I didn't get trapped in a mission house teaching people lies! I'm going to college, finally. I'm so much happier and less judgmental, and I think I love people more than I ever did. However, I still have this interest for India and the people there. I know there are still needs in India that I would love to help with. I do wonder what is the best organization to give to that won't shove Christianity or any other religion down the people's throats?

PiperMckenna 6 June 29
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26 comments

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5

The only people that can change anything are the ones willing to try, keep on doing what you're doing and you'll be fine. Best wishes and good luck on your journey.

Thank you!!

@PiperMckenna 👍

5

They have to fix their own problems by crawling out of an ignorance driven society. Ever notice the struggling societies are the ones that are religion driven, mistreat/subjugate their women and deny education?

My heart goes out to the women and children of India especially.

There are still widows throwing themselves upon the funeral cremation fires of their dead husbands....a fine religious freedom issue like cannibalism and slavery with honor killings.....we Atheists need to confront blanket support to any faith for humanity sake

5

Thank god for making me an atheist.

Buxx Level 7 June 29, 2019

Hahaha

4

After you get your degree check out the Peace Corps. They don't usually take people without a degree (occasionally) but they have a presence in India. I did 2 years in the Peace Corps, Nicaragua, many years ago and it was a monumental experience in my life. Peace Corps Volunteers have very different experiences in many different different environments. For me and the many volunteers I have known, it was absolutely one of the most incredible and significant experiences in a lifetime.

OCJoe Level 6 June 29, 2019

I've thought of the Peace Corps before. I'll definitely look into volunteering when I get my degree! Your experience sounds so good!

@PiperMckenna Be prepared for a lengthy process. My dad is going through it right now. Some recent health issues are making it a little more stressful. And you don't necessarily need a degree, but you do need useful skills.

@Liam Yeah, I expect it would be lengthy. I have some health concerns as well. I've got to say, that has made me nervous that either I won't get accepted to an organization, or I will not do well while working with them. I don't have extreme health issues, but I have enough I wonder if it will be a problem.

@PiperMckenna Well, we just got word that my dad was accepted, so if a 72 year old can pass, hopefully your challenges can be overcome. The old man is pretty healthy for his age, but I'll do my share of worrying.

4

I gave up college and a lot of my life for a lie as well. At 19, I dropped out of college and joined the army. I think initially, I believed I was doing something good and selfless. I served for 11 years.

I'm glad I learned a lot of the skills I acquired, and I fathered 2 amazing children, mainly because I had good medical care. At least, it wasn't a total loss.

JimG Level 8 June 29, 2019

That's such an important lesson...being willing to learn from any situation.

@PiperMckenna I guess I also learned a hell of a lot about myself too. Even now it's hard to believe I actually went through many of the things I did.

4

Religious missionary work is horseshit. You're so much better off without it. Not only do you do all this free work for the church but you have to raise your own money to pay all your own expenses. They don't help you with anything.

It's all just a recruitment racket on your dime.

Yeah, I'm very glad not to be a missionary. I'm just sad so much is spent on something that is not useful.

3

If you are really interested in the aiding side of things, look at USAID instead of the foreign service (diplomatic corps.). You would still have to carry the official line as you represent the US abroad, but the specific mission of USAID is "to partner to end extreme poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing the security and prosperity of the United States."
As you mentioned the health route: Médecins Sans Frontières (a.k.a Doctors without Borders) and a host of UN agencies also do the same. Also, found this website, it's a list of organizations that MSF provided, some are overtly religious, some are secular, so check into them: [msf.org.uk]

That is a thought. The goals are definitely worthwhile. I am really happy of the idea of working for an organization that is not religious and focuses on the fundamentals of what a country need. I'll check out that site!

3

नमस्कार, आप कैसी हो?

Yes, thank your lucky stars that did not happen, from your photos you also look like you are doing well and show no trauma of the events you went through.

But I have these questions:

  1. What changed your mind from deep indoctrination to deep awakening? What caused you to realize that it was all untrue?
  2. If you were so capable of giving up your life of college, setting up in life why you were not capable of free thinking?
  3. You were living in America which is free thinking society compared to other oppressive societies like India and others. So how could free thinking not come to you earlier?
  4. If you can swing from one extreme to another, why would you not swing back to religion again?

India is a miserable place not just because of oppressive, selfish, exploiting, dynastic and nation looting leaders but it is because of the primitive nature of beliefs and the deep fear of questioning those beliefs.

But I admire your desire to lift some lives. We all should think about that. I believe each should lift at least one life especially from where it would be otherwise not be possible. Giving money to charity will not do it. Actually picking a human being and being involved in their transition can achieve it. India as a society will not change for at least 200 years. It will not be like any progressive society like Sweden, Norway for at least that long. But we all can try to lift one life. That is achievable.

Why I say that Indian society changing is so hard? It is because I grew up there, have traveled extensively, lived in all layers of society from South to North and I believe I know how the country functions.

I have listed these reasons as to why it will not change.

3

My brother has a friend who almost became a priest who is now a parent and husband. (Thank goodness).

So I hear you about narrow misses.

You can still do good in the world without doing missionary work that's for sure. And probably way more effectively.

It definitely was a narrow miss! I'm learning that! It's just hard for me to be a part of fundraisers here because they are all based on Christianity. I don't want to withhold my donations from cute little kids selling cupcakes, but I want to give to a place that holds to my same values. I feel like religion is actually hurting people.

@PiperMckenna Is a shame that anyone would withhold help from just one child due to their indoctrination. If I had the means, I would help any children anywhere. I’ve always had a soft spot for children. But I can understand if you feel it would only go into a religious mass for indiscriminate spending. Such a shame.

@billhoo Well, the kids were not poor, they were just raising money for a Christian charity. All the charities I used to give to are primarily about promoting the gospel. If they were poor I would have bought those cupcakes in a heart beat! I have a huge soft spot for children too...no matter the religion, if there are children in need that has to be priority.

3

My nephew is in Kerala teaching English as a foreign language, That's a possibility. There are always openings for English teachers.

One of my goals is to teach English in a foreign country!

@PiperMckenna
when you've obtained your English degree, let me know. Would you consider teaching English in Japan? since you mention travel in the future!
I would love a trip to India to visit the ancient skyscrapers and caves in the South, amongst other sites and places. Apparently my roots go back to Chennai about 200 years. I've never been to India, it's on my bucket list.

Apparently English is the second language in India!

@TimeOutForMe I'd definitely consider teaching in Japan! I'm probably going to take a certificate course in teaching English to children while I'm earning my degree. I love traveling, new places, and cultures, so stuff like this gets me excited!

Roots in Chennai...you really should go sometimes! Right now with the water crisis it kinda makes me sad. Sometimes I wish I could just pack up and go wherever there is a crisis. But most of the time I'd just be a horrible hindrance!.

Once I'm not a poor student I'm hoping to travel to my roots too! My great grandfather traveled here from Croatia. My grandmas on both side are mostly Irish and Welsh. My Grandpa was Scottish/Welsh. I have a family tree and it's super fun to study and add to.

@LimitedLight I don't have any student loans! Yay!

@LimitedLight Financial aid and scholarships. 🙂 I've really hated the thought of loans, so I'm trying hard to avoid them. I think I will be able to even through to masters. We'll see though.

@LimitedLight Well, I don't have to pay back my financial aid grants. I may have to worry later on if I can't keep my scholarships, but so far, everything is covered.

2

I’d check out idealist.org for volunteer opportunities.

2

The world is both vast and a village. Experience it, see cultural syntheses. Education is in the classroom and in the world are both invaluable and offer an eclectic, syncretic experience.
We make our paths, albeit influenced by numerous extraneous factors. Imbibe you education!

Definitely! I'm really hoping to travel the world. I've only been to Mexico, Canada and Jamaica as of yet, but I'm hoping to travel with more of a cultural view. I really want to experience the whole world!

@PiperMckenna I have been in many countries, and lived in a number. Nothing better than leaving the US borders and seeing it all.

@PiperMckenna I've come to the realization that international travel should be mandatory for every US citizen. The vast majority of Americans have zero damn clue exactly how lucky they were to be born here. Two naval deployments and some independent opportunities showed me that a long time ago.

@Liam I agree. Just what little I experienced in Mexico (and getting lost in Jamaica haha) was different enough to be a learning experience. I want to travel to even more interesting and different places. I just want to get a perspective on humans as a whole and not just Americans.

@PiperMckenna That's great. Personally, I think the most important thing to learn is that people are people, wherever you find them. I don't care where you go, the people there will be just like the people at home, friendly and hurtful and encouraging and infuriating as any other person any other place.

2

The greatest 'religion' in India is the social class structure, part of the Hindu culture ... slowly being eroded, but will exist for many more generatons ( how similar to USA / western racism).
Visit India to see the vibrancy, the colour, the passion of the country, present everywhere and varies in form around the coutry. Don't bother trying to change it all - just take along a stash of pens, pencils and books to any of hundreds of schools to help the next generation.

2

Yeah I had a period of my life where I gave up everything to do God’s work too. Good thing I found out that it’s all lies now I’m working to be an electrical engineer. Hoping to help design robots for NASA someday. I want to design the future.

Oooh! So exciting! I'm glad we got out and kept going!

@PiperMckenna what do you plan to do with your life?

@Tyrantmike Well, college, a degree in English and global health, then hopefully work with an organization that is not Christian but still helps people. I'd love to work in India, but even an organization that works here in the US would be wonderful.

2

The Universe acts in strange ways and always remember, shit happens.

1

My great aunt was a missionary in various parts of the world, including India and Malaysia. She once told my sister that she became a missionary because that was the only way that she could see the world. Religion had little to do with it.

1

An alternative approach is get a degree in International Relations. Graduate and take the Diplomatic Corps test. Join the State Deoartment and become a bridge between the two worlds. Especially given India's increased importance in world affairs.

I know, not as altruistic, but important none the less.

t1nick Level 8 June 30, 2019

Hmmm, I had never thought of that! I'm not sure I'd be any good at being a diplomat. At the very least I'd be interested in learning more. I had seriously considered getting a degree in political science but I've gone more the health route.

@PiperMckenna
That's definitely something India could use help with; health care.

1

Life has ‘it’s’ way! I thank your lucky stars too!

1

There are thousands of Atheists in India Margaret Bhatty was the last one I talked to ....look up Rationalists of India and British Humanists are members of World Atheist Society I think was/is in Gopal

Will do! Thanks!

1

Well done Piper, go to India but go because it is a beautiful amazing country as it is with a long long history

Amisja Level 8 June 29, 2019
1

What caused you to stop believing in God?

gater Level 7 June 29, 2019

There wasn't any one thing. I actually had trouble believing in God from a very young age even though I was raised in religion. For me, being a Christian was a constant battle to believe. So It was just a big relief to let all of that go. Of course, there was more to it than that. Kinda took a cult lesson to really jolt me out of it.

@PiperMckenna A cult lesson?
For me it was that God wouldn't show himself, how did this "God of Love" allow so much suffering in the world - made no sense. And the fact that the more I learned about science , the more Evolution made sense.

@gater Learning more about science definitely helped!

1

I'm sorry you had to live such a deluded and unfair life to this point. Best of luck to you moving forward, my fellow human!
As for India, I always find things like this interesting. Yes, there are many people in India with many needs. But you can say this about almost anywhere in the world. How does one choose a particular group? It's a good thing, of course, but if I was looking to put serious energy into a group of people to help, I don't know how I'd choose. Again, best of luck to you.

Honestly, my life has been a horrible at some points, but then really wonderful at others. That's a lot better than a lot of people's lives that are constantly horrible.

Its kind of my circumstances that made me "choose" India. That's where my church's missionaries were, so that's the culture I studied. I think I would have fallen in love with a different group if I had studied them for so long. Honestly, I just want to help wherever it is needed....and that seems to be everywhere!

@PiperMckenna Thankfully the world has many people like you out there. Kudos girl.

1

Why India?

gater Level 7 June 29, 2019

That's where our church's missionaries were stationed, so that's the country I studied. I guess after studying it so long I kinda grew attached.

0

If you can afford it maybe go to India as a non-believer. Went on a college program, non-religious, to Pune in 83-84. I know India has changed exponentially since then but it's an amazing country. I would recommend Ladakh in the Himalayas.

0

Its pretty hard to want to go to another country, under the auspices of a larger organization, unless your part of that organisations "mission"- be it religious or political. So, if your mission isn't religious, pick a political one. Note I'm including things like Drs without borders/MSF as religious, because they are aligned with a belief systrm. That not the same as a god based religion, and im not of the opinion that religion is inherently bad. Being an atheist or a deist is a separate issue, that shoulnt affect your decision.

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