Be honest, I think I detect something here, what church do the sponsors follow? Thanks.

<small>[ January 13, 2004, 12:13 AM: Message edited by: Bill2830 ]</small>

Don't get me wrong, if it is the church I am thinking of I have tremendous respect for your accomplishments and beliefs just that it explains the all out attempts to save things. More power to you, wish I could be so forgiving!

Bill

Best I can tell religion/church while valued by many posters is not involved in any sponsorship or input on this site.

You will note some very active Christians post here, some spiritual posters and some with no expressed religious beliefs. Sure there are some atheist here as well.

But those are the views or beliefs of individual posters not the ownership.

I have attended Dr. Harley's Marriage Builders Weekend Seminar. While he acknowledged both his and his wife's religious beliefs, not once did his lectures or materials cover anything from a religious veiwpoint.

<small>[ January 13, 2004, 09:24 AM: Message edited by: stunned-dad-fast recovering ]</small>

I don't know, and I have read sseveral of Harley's books, posted here for over two years, read about half the articles he posted ont eh site, and have listened to Willard and his wife on the radio numerous times. I know they consider themselves Christian, and I am sure they belong to a protestent denomination, but I have no idea which one. It's not LDS (Mormon) or Jehovah's Wtnesses, though.

Whenever it's been mentioned the most frequent contributors seem to be Methodist, Baptist, Independent Evangelicals or Catholic. I don't know what the Harley's denomination is either.

Dr Harley has said that he's always told his wife that infidelity would be a deal-breaker. That's my position too. On the other hand almost everyone says that and the evidence of this site is that when it actually happens a surprising number of people at least hesitate.

If someone posts here about infidelity it probably shows that they are also hesitating and it's more helpful to suggest how they could save the marriage than to simply say "end it".

I think it's true that most people on this site are Christians of one sort or another (but by no means all) and it is certainly true that the site has a strong bias towards saving marriages rather than ending them.

Just FYI, I'm Jewish (as is my W). So although we come from a similar tradition as any Christian here (and the Harley's), it's not exactly the same.

One example I can think of is, unlike Catholic confession, we have Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Part of that day is seeking forgiveness not just from God, but directly from the people you've wronged. I mention this because although the Harley's aren't Jewish (and most members of this board probably aren't either), I have found parts of my religion that mesh with the concepts of MB.

I will admit that I occasionally find overtly Christian perspectives a little jarring, either because the Bible quotes or the wording/phrasing aren't what I'm used to. But each person is entitled to approach their problems in a way that's helpful to them. The advice I've received here so far has been very helpful and rarely focused specifically on religion. Certainly no one has proselytized to me (i.e. "you should watch Jerry Falwell" or "Here's my minister's email address").

Were I an athiest/agnostic, I might find the frequent mention of church, religion, etc. more off-putting.

PS. Books like "Torn Asunder" are too Christian for my taste, so you might have to watch out for that. However, plenty of other reading recommendations I've received from this site and message board have been comfortable reading for me.

Actually, I suspect that the percentages of posters representing various religions is probably proportional to the population of english speaking people with access to computers and the internet.

I know of atheists, Buddists, as well as Jews and Gentiles that post and have posted here. My guess there is a larger range than that, but peoples religious persuasion is NOT a subject of inquiry and is only revealed by the poster themselves.

I think it is fair to say that when people are in severe emotional distress they do revert to their religious beliefs for strength and support.

But, it is not a Christian site per se'. It is supported by the Harley's. There was a time when they had a some advertising on this site but that all seems to have vanished.

Interesting question Bill.

JL

I'll propose that the character traits of honesty, integrity, and honor - and any others necessary for fulfillment of the Golden Rule and, by extension, fulfillment of marriage commitments - are hardly the exclusive province of those espousing religious beliefs.

Based on my observations of posters here, religious faith frequently has little to do with the decision to attempt to save a marriage, and provides even less protection from the decision to engage in an affair.

The site sponsors do NOT post in the forum nor do they "lead" the direction the forums end up going (except for the actual title of the forums), so their religion has little to do with it.

During times of stress people look for support and religion does that...supports.

Even after 911 everyone turned to God.

One more thing, as a Catholic, some religions have stronger values placed on marriage. We do not believe in divorce, so true Catholics might want to try more options, such as this site, to try and save their marriage. Divorce is something I would not choose-my H would have to leave us because I am in it for better or worse, so I'll try my best.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Just Learning:

I know of atheists, Buddists, as well as Jews and Gentiles that post and have posted here. My guess there is a larger range than that, but peoples religious persuasion is NOT a subject of inquiry and is only revealed by the poster themselves.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Hey!!! Don't forget me the local Pagan - and I know I'm not the only one here.

C

Oh my Goddess!

I thought you were a Wiccan, Cerri. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

I'M the pagan one. Well, okay, no, not even that. I'm just a heathen. In all religions.

Pagan is a term that covers religions not of the big three - Muslim, Jewish, or Christian - and generally those which are pantheistic in nature. The original meaning of the word is country dweller. Although it is generally associated with nature religions one could include many eastern religions under that umbrella as well. Wicca is one of many, Druidism is another, Native American religions....

C

Marriage Builders, Inc is not associated with any church. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

Of course, Dr. Harley says many places he is a Christian, but I've never seen him specify anything other than that. It does not mean that the organization is. Chris is right in that the Harley's do not participate or lead the discussion.

I don't think morals are exclusive to any religion - nor is the desire to save marriage.

<small>[ January 24, 2004, 10:38 PM: Message edited by: *Takola* ]</small>