I’ve run the Alpha Course 4 times, but I’ve been less happy with it at every re-run. Some of colleagues swear by it, and I’ve no doubt that it has done a great deal of good. But it isn’t above criticism.

Never heard of it.

Richard, why did you like it less each time?

Wet blanket here: I’ve never engaged in a single course of that sort that didn’t leave me sad, disgusted, or maybe angry. A few were useful when I was a teenager, but I got more from the books without any group sessions. I won’t go so far as to say none of them are any good, but I keep running into losers in my personal experience. Too often they strike me as entirely too “consumer-friendly” like the Crystal Cathedral gang. At other times, they just chase unimportant issues. I’ve become leery of anything that is presented by overly-enthusiastic “salesmen”.

Richard: if you get a chance, please do elaborate. I’d love to hear more details.

Ed: From what I understand Alpha is suppose to be better than that, but I don’t know. From what I’m told, it revolves around an introduction to Christian doctrine rather than attempting to dodge the issue altogether.

I’m reluctant to elaborate Tim, because I don’t want to be a downer on a course which many “swear by”. My main criticism would be the impression that’s given that following Jesus is way of getting evrything to turn out all right. In all the stories and anecdotes, every prayer for healing is answered, every rocky marriage is retrieved. And although “why did Jesus die” is a key part of the course, there’s nothing in it about what “taking up the cross” might mean for disciples. I know it’s only an introduction, but Jesus suggested that his followers should “count the cost” not “add up the rewards”.