Great answer Michelle. I think the good thing about this list, is it
strives to be non denominational. We tolerate but not necessarily
endorse the different religious views expressed here. This med site,
and also the family site to an extent, is first and foremost about us
giving each other support whether it be medical or day to day life
issues. Although I have my own view of religion and pray to my
version of God, I recognise that others may not share this view. I
often feel "uncomfortable" when people are overly religious on Tri
med or Tri family for the reasons stated above...that's not what this
is all about, but have no difficulty in praying for some child in
need when asked to. However if Jennifer wants to form her own support
group I'm sure she will have lots of followers who will join that
group, who will be more at home with the strong religious views expressed.
Just my opinion also.
>My feeling about such groups is that they CAN provide info and support BUT
>you have to be willing to listen to/receive the group/person's religious
>doctrine/thoughts/beliefs as well.
>
>Personally I avoid groups that right off the bat proclaim themselves as
>'religious based'. I've had groups want to have me as an online reference
>for t-14 but I won't if it's a religious site. I'll allow my name to be
>given on an 'as needed' basis for t-14 contact for that group but that's it.
>
>Religious groups also tend to be pro-life so that immediately excludes
>anyone of a pro-choice belief from using that site if they don't want to be
>beaten up verbally.
>While the majority of participants on such a site would perhaps be tolerant
>you will always have the few that make it their mission to 'spread the
>word' and beliefs of their faith and condemn those who don't follow with
>them.
>
>Also, many of those of other religious beliefs (Jewish, Muslim, Hindu,
>atheist, agnostic, etc) are going to be put off if it's a "Christian" site.
>They have their own faith and/or beliefs and possibly aren't going to be
>happy to be receiving frequent references of other religions when what they
>want is trisomy support/info.
>
>Most people looking for support or info are looking for just that. Adding
>other 'requirements' or sub-context to the group makes it less viable to the
>general population that could use the help.
>
>For those of the same mind though it's probably a great thing to find others
>'just like them'. And if you KNOW going in that a site has this sub-context
>than you are in the position of deciding if it's for you.
>
>My feeling is that those who set up sites that are somewhat exclusionary do
>so on purpose as they have a further agenda to spread.
>It may be a basically innocent intent but there is some other 'meaning' that
>they are trying to promote. Otherwise it would be just a group with no other
>parameters than for info and support--open to one and all with no underlying
>message.
>
>Just my opinion!
>
>Michelle mom to Alex (19, partial trisomy 14 mosaic) and Molly (16)
>MichiganUSA
>
>
> Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
> www.trisomyonline.org
> Families Helping Families On-line
>
>
>
>
>
>--
>No virus found in this incoming message.
>Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>Version: 7.5.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/586 - Release Date: 13/12/2006
Jocelyn, Wife to Frank, Mother to Ian, Gillian & Susan
Nanna to Carly 19, Mathew 18, Ashleigh 16, Alex 14, and Tess 9 & 1/2
years old with T18.
Living in NSW, Australia
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/586 - Release Date: 13/12/2006
Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
www.trisomyonline.org
Families Helping Families On-line