Revelations

Comments

1. I have also missed the series, is it coming out on dvd?

   Posted by jo on 23/08/2009 18:31:51

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2. I missed seeing 'Revelation', Channel4, on 7pm 16th August. Please, when is it to be repeated? Or where can I buy a DVD copy?

   Posted by Peter Loveitt on 19/08/2009 12:48:13

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3. I was really sad and dissappointed to watch how cycnical and narrowminded this episode of Revelations was. I have found the others interesting and challenging, and think that this episode really brought the tone of the series down. Other documentries seem to have managed to challenge us on Christian culture and thinking in an honest, respectful and intellectual way. However in this episode, Ronson goes in, guns blazing with a clear agenda from the start. When did it become appropriate to be so damning of the beliefs of others? Whether you are a Christian believer or follower of their faith or not, it is important to show some respect to their spiritual beliefs as they do us. Simply because they have a faith, doesn't give you a right to wrip it apart mercilessly. I've done Alpha, and although it's not for me, I felt it was done in a very accesible and non threatening way. Not all courses are the same, because the people running them are just imperfect people like the rest of us trying their best to help us work out what our spiritual beliefs are. Give them a break Mr Ronson.

   Posted by Kat on 23/07/2009 18:01:02

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4. This was by far the most interesting episode of the series so far. Although it was biased, so is Alpha. I went to the first evening of Alpha a few years ago and decided it wasn't for me. Alpha seems to help a lot of people find faith by presenting a quick easy introduction to Christianity, but it does so at the expense of stripping it down to a very superficial and one-sided perspective, and suffers from the usual Evangelical conviction that not only is Christianity the only valid religion, but Evangelicalism is the only true form of Christianity.

   Posted by Shaun on 21/07/2009 10:18:00

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5. I don't think there's anything new in this programme. Christians have been persecuted for years. I have done Alpha and we all had the cynical world view that is presented in this programme before it. That's healthy in my view but then you have to engage with the truth and make your own decisions. God doesn't want unwilling followers. We each have to make a choice. A couple of points. The food isn't free - no food is - just ask people in poor regions of Africa if you are unsure. Ours was donated by people in the church and we were invited to make a contribution to the cost if we wanted to. I won't embarrass the leaders by saying they were pretty girls - especially the blokes. On the production itself Jon's voice and attitude grates a bit by the end - his biog says he is an author and film-maker - best stick to that in future.

   Posted by TJ on 11/07/2009 07:57:07

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6. "I thought I would watch this programme our of curiosity, I am not a Christian but i'm interesseted. I don't really even know if I beleive in God, I wouldnt even know where to begin. But certain issues brought up in the first programme made me take a step back from Christianity, especially speaking in tounges which was definately weird and totally put me off. Maybe the program will answer more of my questions, or not??

   Posted by Marie on 07/07/2009 11:20:22

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7. I have attended and helped at Alpha courses and to say this programme had an anti bias is putting it mildly. That said, the "leaders" didn't always help themselves, particularly on the first week. Every course I have been on people have said they disagree with Jesus/Christians saying that Jesus is the only way to God. They firmly believe that only Christianity makes this claim which simply isn't true but frequently no rebuttal or opening up of the topic is engaged in. Islam for example teaches that only Muslims enter Heaven/Paradise. Whilst Hinduism embraces many gods it doesn't include Jesus and Christians are persecuted in many parts of India in an attempt to convert them to Hinduism. I do think that a bit more explanation of this background when the question comes up in Alpah would be helpful.

   Posted by Yve on 05/07/2009 17:29:13

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8. I have taken part in the Alpha Course and have found it fascinating to observe the Channel 4 take on it. The take after all comes with its own bias and world view, strewn with questions and comments which invite cynicism. The bias of the programme towards the comments of the course members leaves the viewer with as much confusion as seems to be expressed by the members whereas the course itself gives people the opportunity to make clear choices. It isn't intended to be an in depth theological study course but rather an opportunity to understand simply what Christianity is about and decide if it is for you. Of course it is challenging. There should not be amongst these programmes air time given to people who think it unfair that faiths make claims about themselves. In Christianity the claims are made by Jesus who said "I am the way, the truth and the life" Christians merely accept that claim and it is called belief. It would seem absurd if any religion offered to be a sort of committee of Gods. The choice in this country is free and even if you don't subscribe to a belief all faiths should be fairly represented so that individuals can decide what validity can be ascribed to them. My advice to any viewer would be to check out the Alpha Course for yourself. You can attend the first session and walk away if you want but you may be surprised and want to stay. Put simply if it isn't true you've possibly wasted an evening, but if what you hear is true it is the most significant choice you are ever likely to make.

   Posted by Andy on 04/07/2009 21:00:24

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9. Re: Robert - The Alpha course seems popular though, and the kinds of things it teaches seem fairly common place in Christianity. . . . . . Nicky Gumbell's form of Christianity is very dogmatic and very disparaging of other belief systems. I don't see how this form of Christianity really helps in terms of getting on in a world full of different kinds people. I've heard people following this thinking come out with things which are quite bad in an otherwise nice person, not very "loving of others", not very "Christ-like". . . . . Yes there is some wonderful stuff in Christian thinking. Yes it works well for people. There are ideas in the life we are told of Christ that are wonderful to follow. It is not the only source of wonderful stuff though. I've talked to people who follow their religious leader/founder/ideal and would say the same in just as loving a way. . . . . Those saying "Go on Alpha, see how wonderful God can be for you" should also know that people find other ways, maybe through other religions. "Go on Vipassana", "Go on Retreat", "Go to a temple" "Mosque" "Gurdwara".... Nicky Gumbell's claims about these other ideas are unhelpful and wrong. . . . . . I fear that Alpha is spreading an unbeneficial form of Christianity that focuses on dogma first above living. I question the validity and explanation given for the experience of the weekend away, which seems more a recruitment tool. There's enough discussion both within Christianity and in other religions where such things happen about that kind of thing.

   Posted by Richard on 03/07/2009 08:15:13

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10. As an ex-Pastor and someone who has been involved in ministry (evangelicalism) for the past 20 years I was left bitter sweat. Bitter that in my opinion (and having done countless alpha courses as a naive leader/Pastor) we still sell faith short by placing man at the centre of all 'god-activity'. Sweat in that as an outsider, the report did expose our false and naive views of what it means to believe. I once was challenged in a small group by an atheist regarding some of the 'evidence' given in the alpha material. Having contacted alpha in London (and having done some further research on my own) I was slightly annoyed that I was expected to just accept their facts as true with no further explanation (no there is the blind leap). Theologically, if God can be all figured out (an answer to every question) then he is no god at all, but a creation of my own mental doing. Ask these Charismatic churches whether they 'teach' Christians who don't speak in tongues are second class Christians? Check whether women are allowed in leadership? Check their attitude towards gay Christians? Check their understanding (literality) of the Bible written during a time when the earth was believed to be flat (dome shaped) and heaven was above the sky? Pete Rollins in Belfast runs a group called Ikon who offer an omega course (10 steps to leaving Christianity - organised religion) which sounds much more appealing to be honest. Yes people have different experiences from alpha because there are different expressions of Christianity and so yes not all will do tongues or communion but 'alpha' as a 'brand' is what was being looked at and I know having done many that if you dont do it 'by the book' you cant use the alpha name. It is and cant be denied a very specific and particular 'selling' of belief under the banner of Christianity (with other churches adding their own unique flavours...some already expressed here as good...and good, let that be celebrated). If God who seeks to be known, who drives the desire within Christians to be a part of this drawing, if God who innitiates and encounters seeks to be known, then why all these pre-scripted prayers? Why all these courses? This truly is what the lady at the end said, 'is ORGANISED religion' and I am too put off by it. What alpha offers is the opportunity in a past paced Western society to slow down and reflect, to experience community again (meals and small groups), an opportunity to be human and to be acknowledged (small group discussion) and the opportunity to be in a 'divine encounter atmosphere'; all aspects natural to African, Asian and other cultures. 'Send your Holy Spirit'? 'God bless us here tonight'? Do we believe in a god that needs to be begged to encounter us? I thought it was his idea, his passion in the first place? Is he a god that needs to be asked to bless or as I thought is a god who by his very nature blesses? Is it not us that are out of step and out of sync and alpha, nature (as mentioned) etc offer us the opportunity to explore that again, to be come aware of what has always been there. CS Lewis (quoted in alpha) by the way was a universalist and would most likely be agnostic around the table if he knew how his views were being bent to fit 'organised' brand selling of a very particular expression with in the Christian faith, namely conversionism. I would recommend futher reading such as, Richard Foster 'Living Streams', Tony Campolo 'speaking my mind', Brian McLaren 'Generous Orthodoxy', Pete Rollins 'How (not) to speak of god', John Drane 'The McDonalization of the church', John Caputo 'what would jesus deconstruct', Eugene Peterson 'subversive spirituality' but to name a few. I celebrate any movement towards love, any transformative encounter that leaves us scarred for love sake, a place and dance were all are welcome, honored and life celebrated. L'chaim.

    Posted by Trevor on 02/07/2009 00:27:39

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11. I am a Christian Priest and as a broadcast journalist have also done a great deal of interviewing and editing myself. What I wish to add to this collection of comments is the following. Alpha is a very particular take on Christianity. I don't object to it but it is not for me. I find it like fast food compared to a vast and unending selection of meals from around the world. The Josephus 'evidence' is well known to have interpolations. The CS Lewis quote does not account for the view of many biblical scholars that some of the words of Jesus are those placed in his mouth by people writing long after his lifetime. The atonement theories about his death are very particular and Western biased, and his life and teachings and resurrection are just as important in Christian theology. The understanding of speaking in tongues, and the soteriology by which other religions are measured is also very particular. The understanding of the Holy Spirit portrayed is also not the only Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit... There was a man in the film who looked at the creation and said that this was how God spoke to him. This has always been the case, for Christians too. For some people, Alpha works, and that's fine, but it is certainly not representative of Christianity as a whole. Many blessings.

    Posted by Robert on 01/07/2009 22:53:59

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12. Funnily enough as an athiest i didn't think the program went far enough as it presented no challenge to the assumptions of christianity as presented. It was all rather accomodating to the Christians as the agnostics involved seemed to have very little knowledge of Christianity and the Bible and were unable to challenge the Christians and any level except the most superficial. Are Sports Cars the modern Iron Chariots? That bit was quite amusing.

    Posted by Steve on 01/07/2009 22:02:56

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13. Having read all the comments below, I think the programme has raised questions which perhaps would not have been raised otherwise and that's not necessarily a bad thing. In Truth, it was only one man's perception of the Alpha course and as we are all individuals it's never going to feel or mean the same to everyone.If I did a programme about Alpha it would be my own preception and very different to his as I have experience of being on, helping and leading different groups and seeing the changes in people who have come along. Best advice to anyone who still has questions is find an Alpha and make your own mind up, same as you would with anything else you are interested in or concerned about- learn about it then decide based on your own experiences. Adam below is thinking of doing just that, and if he finds the answers he needs to find that really is Good News. There are many ways to Christianity and finding God, but getting to know more about Jesus is in every single one of them- Alpha included. If you let small things like speaking in tongues put you off, you've missed an opportunity to explore and come to your own conclusions. Like Alpha says- There must be more to life than this- so if you want to,why not take a step towards finding out more? I did, and I find the Christians I meet are refreshingly normal, funny, warm and welcoming, and are dealing with everything life throws at them like we all have to, with God's grace. It made a real difference to me. I know it will to others as well.

    Posted by Andrea on 01/07/2009 19:06:50

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14. I thought the program explained the Alpha course well but as a christian and a person that has done the alpha course twice i feel it is important to say that what was said about speaking in tounges and that you have to try it as its part of being a christian is WRONG i was askied if i wanted to try it and said no and it was explained to me that god gives many gifts such a speaking in tounges and he obviously hadn't given that gift to me. I wasn't pushed into it at all and on the chanel 4 program revelations it was said that you HAVE to try speaking in tounges and that put those people off the alpha course. If i thought that speaking in tounges was apart of becomming a christian then i probably would have been put off and wouldn't of gone to the alpha course which i loved as i could ask lifes questions and learn to deal with lifes problems.I'm so upset as many non-christians would have watched it and thought what wierd people we are, when i go to church on sundays i have people speaking in tounges all around me and i feel moved that they can do it its just as if someone was speaking french or spanish.

    Posted by Lucy Morris on 01/07/2009 16:19:15

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15. I feel the Alpha Course is very similar to Scientology. They both have courses wrapped up in a fake promise that they have the answer to everything.

    Posted by Ben Stone on 01/07/2009 15:54:32

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16. I knew within 2 minutes that this programme was going to be negative to Alpha. Jon Ronson's sarcastic and patronising tone gave it away from the outset and I found it very irritating. I wonder why it only followed 3 or 4 of those on the course- did the others enjoy it too much! I run courses at our church and the majority who come find it a worthwhile experience but at the end of the day a decision does have to be made, whether you accept or reject christianity, Jesus will never force his way in but waits until we ask him. This programme also seems to make out that Alpha is only for agnostics which is simply not the case. It is for anyone who wants to find out more about christianity- we have had athiests, agnostics, different religions, those brought up in christian faith- it is for everyone. Lastly, what can't be argued with is the transformation that I have seen first hand in people who find faith. In some churches you will find ex-gangsters, ex drug addicts etc whose lives had been turned around by believing in Jesus- there is no argument- these people are living, walking testimonies. Alpha is a positive, non-pressurised, relaxed course and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to explore the christian faith.

    Posted by Penny on 01/07/2009 14:31:58

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17. AS soon as I heard that this programme was being broadcast by Channel 4 I realised that it would no doubt be casting the Alpha Course in a bad light. And I was right. From the outset the reporter set a biased tone to the investigation and it was cleverly edited to miss out as much of the important points of the course as possible. I attended the course a few years ago and found it a very relaxed and open arena for having a frank and honest discussion. As for the speaking in tongues part, this was only briefly touched on during my course and I feel that he was trying to latch on to anything that would make the course appear out of the ordinary. I fully recommend the course to everyone - go along and make up your own mind, without being misled by a reporter with pre-conceived ideas!

    Posted by Wendy on 01/07/2009 12:58:00

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18. I feel the reporter set out to discredit the course and seemed negative about it from the start, looking for even small things to argue his preset ideas, he came accross as almost disappointed he was not able to be more critcal than he was. I have helped on Alpha courses seving food(I am not an atractive young female) My neibour attended at his own request and found faith through it. Speaking in tounges and communion are not normally a big part of alpha as these are things for people who have already taken the decision to follow Jesus.

    Posted by Will on 01/07/2009 11:12:51

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19. This won’t come as a great shock I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. However I do not watch songs of praise and although I do own sandals I would never wear them with socks. I do admit to having facial hair but I would class this as designer stubble! I’m aware that the view of Christians in this country is a mixed one. Soapboxes and judgemental could be words to describe these people by some. But I feel that I am part of a growing number of Christians in this country with a real faith in Jesus who are struggling with media portrayals of our faith. I was really looking forward to this series by Mr Ronson and having helped lead and support 2 Alpha’s myself thought that it would a great topic for a documentary series. However within the first minute or two of the show I realised that this was not going to be a balanced account. Mr Ronson’s tone from the start plus his narrative seemed to dismiss Alpha as a concept and painted a picture that it was in-fact a course run by slick good looking Middle class people who had neither a believable foundation nor credibility. I felt that often the film displayed a very subjective viewpoint from Mr Ronson and he was encouraging the viewer to share his views on both the participants and the people running the course. As a viewer the documentary maker seemed to have real issues with middle classed nice people putting on a very well run and attended course. He was trying to suggest that this course was pre planed and slick. Of course it was properly prepared and whether the girls who are serving the food are good looking or not was irrelevant. ( Just to note the people who served the alpha supper to myself were not young or good looking, but still did a great job!!!) Secondly he mentioned about the course being free but the weekend away required a suggest donation and was being housed in inexpensive conference centres. From my own experience most Alpha weekends are funded by churches but participants can pay and make donations. Mr Ronson seemed to struggle that the process was potentially a free process but was looking for a catch. And unlike timeshares in Spain there is not. At Alpha people are not forced to pay for the weekly meal or for the weekend away nor are they placed in a contrived environment or brainwashed. Maybe the act of serving might be due to the fact as Christians we feel called to serve because we believe in Jesus and want to others to hear about him also. I will be tuning in to the other episodes in the series to see how Mr Ronson approaches other religions and see if his biased delivery and narratives are repeated. I find it hugely disappointing that as Country which is regarded as having the best television in the world struggle to paint an accurate and non biased account of what is happening in the Christian Church today. Rather than dwelling on %u201C Strange%u201D spiritual gifts of tongues Mr Ronson should have got to the heart of Alpha, spoken to its creator Nicky Gumble and then maybe he could have created a much better piece of television. If channel 4 agrees with my letter I would happily front a documentary on the real Christian church in Britain and paint a more balanced picture of what people who are following in Christ’s footsteps are really like. I am sick and tired of British soaps creating the religious weirdo characters and documentaries focusing on strange spiritual activities of %u201C Born Again%u201D Christians from cults or extremists churches. I am also very concerned with how blaspheming has become a part of our tv culture and is accepted in all aspects of Television these days! There is only one truth in any evangelist outreach programmes like Alpha and that truth is following in the footsteps of Jesus. No Christian is perfect; no outreach will reach everyone but like any other faith by walking in a real daily relationship with our Lord we can try.

    Posted by phil Goss on 01/07/2009 00:23:16

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20. I just wanted to emphasise something I said already. Like everything in life there is good and bad. Alpha is an amazing course but it is very much dependant on those that teach the course, the type of church they are etc. I thought showing The Passion of Christ was shocking, when I sat on the fence regarding my beliefs and saw this film it shocked me to the core, this when I had no faith and I had seen many horror movies that were horrific. I would have been appauled had that been shown to me on the course I went on. We had a fantastic course, lots of chances to pose questions, lots of explanations, no one was made to feel stupid. We were never pressurised, never had beliefs forced upon us. My words to the person that invited me on this were, don't expect anything, I will go on the course but it probably won't change anything. I didn't even think I would end up going any longer than the 2nd night. I was sad when my course finished and I walked away wanting to know God better. At the age of 43 I have now gone back to church, communion, I am exploring churches to see which suits me best. My catholic upbringing scared me into faith and I walked away from god at the age of 11. I made fantastic friends on my course I am still in touch with, got my faith back, had lovely meals with good company, I no longer feel so alone. Alpha can be a very personal experience though and that's probably why some churches didn't allow filming. I certainly would not have wanted filmed on mine. I do feel very sad it was portrayed in this way, in the future I would happily help present or help out on an Alpha Course. I consider myself to be a highly intelligent, logical, person so I feel strongly this was represented poorly on tv which is such a huge shame. I wonder how many will not take the chance of this life changing course because of this programme now? Saddened Lottie

    Posted by Lottie on 30/06/2009 20:05:48

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21. I had looked forward to this programme and was extremely disappointed with it.If there's one thing that puts me off listening to anyone talking about something so important as Christianity and finding God, it's the appearance of the middle class tutor smiling his way through a speech assuming thet everyone in the room will agree with him within the hour. I did the course many years ago and the one thing I still keep from that period is a video of an Italian priest, fr Ranniero in The Vatican talking about Faith and Our Lord.His deliverance is so powerful you hang on every word.Nothing in that programme held me in the same way.I did the course in that Presbytery of a Roman Catholic Church,in a room surrounded by icons of Our Lord and the Virgin Mary. The feeling of Faith was everywhere.I understand sharing a meal is a good way of opening up so that people can feel part of a group and then start to express their feelings. However, it has to be in suitable surroundings and organised by people who at least look like they have taken faith on board. Old fashioned? Yes I am but I can imagine those youngsters there losing interest after a while. The footage of those in Canada falling about in unison was to me a shot in the foot. The last thing people need when they are learning about faith and prayer is to see something like that at such an early stage.It's like showing clips of the old Liverpool Spion Kop swaying from side to side before the person has learnt the rules of football. I suppose showing The Passion of the Christ was something positive as it is so powerful in itself but even that was not followed up even in comment. I have seen many programmes about the Alpha and I think this was by far the worst. Nicky Gumbel was never even interviewed and thinking back all those years his speeches were exceptional and integral part of Alpha.Finally, if the sound of an expensive boys toy like a sports car can stop people finding God then heaven help us.It stopped everyone in their tracks and was hopeless viewing.I enjoyed the course when I did it as a prelude to becoming a Catholic and would encourage anyone to attend it just to listen with no preconceptions of people swinging their pants and smiling at everyone.If one young man or woman came away from that programme just a wee bit nearer to Jesus then it was worth it. As viewing, it was a very poor advert for Alpha and if Nicky Gumbel was happy with it I would be very surprised indeed.

    Posted by Steve BURN on 30/06/2009 08:42:07

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22. Job Ronson tone in the documentary is a non-plus to negative one, along with the script that he reads from. The emphasis by him is one of structured persuasion. I wonder where the "pretty women" and the "niceness of them all" comes from? I wonder why there is "good food"? I wonder why "it is free"? The same questions were asked almost 2000 years ago. It's quite quaint that Job Roninson is asking the same questions. The answer? Becasue it's real.

    Posted by Trystan on 30/06/2009 00:17:06

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23. I was irritated by the presenter's negative slant on almost everything - the programme was clearly biased and there was a "watch out - look how creepy and sinister this operation is" tone accompanying every new discovery about the Alpha Course, from the small groups (if there were attempts to brainwash it clearly didn't work!!!) to the weekend away (these people were being coerced into nothing... they were keen participants and should have walked away if they weren't interested) to the nonsense that was said about Nicky Gumbel, who is a great teacher and man of faith. It's good, though, that the programme has made non-believers curious. Keep on keeping on, Alpha Course!!

    Posted by Ahamster on 29/06/2009 22:04:19

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24. I had the distinct feeling that this documentary set out to discredit Alph and probably Christianity. Job Ronson's voice over gives the feeling of partiality. I am not a fan of alpha but I think this was not a fair analysis in the round.

    Posted by Brooksy on 29/06/2009 19:42:12

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25. Excellent programme on a worthwhile subject. @the below commentator, Channel 4 would never make an expose of Islam or Buddhism, and this programme isn't an expose of Christianity. It's Ronson's look at the Alpha course. Channel 4 have taken critical looks at aspects of Muslim culture before, such as the Dispatches episode featuring undercover footage of certain mosques, so get your facts straight! I thoroughly enjoyed this programme, as I've attended an Alpha course and found it to be bizzare and out of touch with modern science and fact. I was actually asked by one of the course leaders whether I'd ever been involved in the occult, which was amusing. Funniest moment in the whole show was the race cars interrupting the holy spirit. Classic.

    Posted by Luke on 29/06/2009 18:52:22

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26. Durhamlad, this wasn't an attack by any means, and certainly not an attack on Christianity. He didn't directly describe the girls as attractive, merely said that having attractive young Christians around was part of the proscribed set up. Also, the comparison with Tony Blair was more a new labour nod, there are clear parallels between how TB made new labour more accessible and modern and with what the alpha course tries to do for church. You clearly didn't watch to the end? Otherwise you would have seen that the next episode in "Revelations" goes into a Muslim school.

    Posted by Manclad on 29/06/2009 18:37:19

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27. Will Channel 4 be showing an expose of Islam next? Or perhaps Buddhism? My guess is they wont go near those religions for fear of upsetting the liberal minded so called intellectual classes. Christianity is fair game these days it seems. I have been on Alpha course and found it an enjoyable experience..and I don't consider myself a religious nut either! Either Christianity is true or its false...look at ALL the evidence and draw a conclusion...the evidence is pretty overwhelming that Jesus was who He said He was...come on Channel 4...prove Him wrong!

    Posted by durhamlad on 29/06/2009 15:32:19

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28. My wife and I were unable to watch your programme because of the background music. We are at a complete loss to know why so many programmes are spoilt in this way. Please can you explain why ? Just imagine listening to the Proms and someone talking during a performance Yours sincerely John & Pamela Manhire

    Posted by John G. Manhire on 29/06/2009 15:26:35

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29. Some of the comments on this program are patently untrue...'it was an idea of Nicky Gumbel's to get pretty, Christian girls serving food on the alpha course'. Rubbish. It was an idea of Nicky Gumbel's to have food served on the alpha course. I've helped out at Alpha at St. Aldates, and there are 50 year old men serving food. You can buy the alpha course leaders manual for yourself (which isn't some money-spinning way for the church to get cash, you pay as much as you would any book - making books costs money). You won't find a line saying 'try to get pretty Christian girls serving food if you can'.

    Posted by Becky on 29/06/2009 12:46:52

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30. I'm agnostic, and actually found the program very interesting and am considering attending an alpha course myself.

    Posted by adam on 29/06/2009 12:39:47

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31. Well done to the church in Oxford for letting the TV crew in, may the Lord bless you a hundred fold. I think it is so important to have transparency in Christianity, I likeed the way everything was open and honest and no holds barred.Which I think is great as the is nothing to hide Alpha does what it says on the tin and the course is all outlined in the booklets. I found Jon Ronson commentary funny he could of been commentating on a wildlife program I was waiting for a safari car to pull up. He summed up alpha as orgainsed 'niceness' which made me chuckle and the overall thought from people on the course was that Christians are lovely smiley people and what a great thing to be! That cake looked great as well, I would come to the church just for that.

    Posted by chris on 29/06/2009 10:27:58

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32. I have recently completed an Alpha course and my own experiences were completely different from those in this programme. I agree with many of the comments left so far that Jon Ronson had already decided what Alpha courses are like and was very closed minded. The Alpha course I attended completely changed my life and I would like to encourage those out there who may have been put off Alpha due to this programme to please take that first step through the doors of their local Alpha course.

    Posted by Claire on 29/06/2009 09:48:54

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33. I felt that the programme put tha Alpha Course in a negative light. The presenter had a patronising tone and made quite unnecessary remarks, such as comparing Alpha's founder, Nicki Gumbell with Tony Blair, and commenting on the girls serving the food as attractive. The people on the programme were nice. I wasn't too happy, though with the portrayal of the weekend away, when agnostics/unbelievers were encouraged to 'speak in tongues' and partake in Holy Communion, activities which the Bible teaches are for people who are already believers.

    Posted by JHS on 29/06/2009 07:54:35

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34. In the early days of Alpha the Toronto blessing was very topical and so played a part in the course. As the course developed there was less emphasis on speaking in tongues.

    Posted by Rev Stuart Radford on 29/06/2009 07:54:17

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35. It comes as no surprise about Channel 4 yet again trying to undermine Christianity and believe in God; I guest this will be the last religious program I shall watch in this channel, they are never informative but bias anyway. Jo Ronson made the Alpha course sound very seedy specially with the tone of voice he used throughout the program.

    Posted by MR on 29/06/2009 00:30:23

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36. It comes as no surprise about Channel 4 yet again trying to undermine Christianity and believe in God; I guest this will be the last religious program I shall watch in this channel, they are never informative but bias anyway. Jo Ronson made the Alpha course sound very seedy specially with the tone of voice he used throughout the program.

    Posted by MR on 28/06/2009 23:57:59

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37. Oh what a shame, this program was a disappointment! It just seemed to show the Alpha course in a bad light. This program was biased right from the very beginning. Jon Ronson seemed to have already made up his mind. I would have much preferred a documentary with with no personal input / narration from Jon Ronson!

    Posted by Karla on 28/06/2009 23:52:58

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38. A fairly accurate depiction of Alpha as I once experienced it. "Speaking in toungues" is all there in The Acts of The Apostles (if you care to read it!) but there is nothing to say they didn't mean human languages. Much like some of the people in this film, I found myself endeared to the people who ran the course at a personal level. This made standing by my honest convictions and refusing to subscribe to what they believed a somewhat unsettling experience. My advice to any agnostics who want to explore spirituality out of intellectual curiosity, despite feeling that "evangelical" Christianity is not for them, is to look into Unitarianism. Failing that, give liberal Quakerism a go!

    Posted by UU on 28/06/2009 22:45:58

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39. I found this to be a good portrayal of what the Alpha Course is & especially enjoyed the insight into the characters of the "agnostics" that were being followed through the course. It seemed very honest & human as well as showing how the Christian message is relevant for today. Good work channel 4.

    Posted by Chris Eldridge on 28/06/2009 22:36:39

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40. Poor chap. Great work by Jon Ronson, as usual. Anyone know what that nice guitar music played during the programme was?

    Posted by jj on 28/06/2009 21:15:45

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41. Saw this programme tonight. Although I think the Alpha course is fine as an introduction to Christianity, unfortunately this programme seemed to show an emphasis on speaking in tongues, as evidence of the Holy Spirit (assuming this just wasnt down to editing?). It is simply not the case that tongues is the main evidence of the Holy Spirit, as it is just one of many gifts that God gives to different people, and should be treated as such. It is obvious from the New Testament that only some people will speak in tongues, as the Spirit gives gifts as he pleases. It is unfortunate therefore if the Alpha course gives prominence to this particular gift as a sign of the presence of God. Especially as the apostle Paul emphasises the fruit of the Spirit and love as evidence of God in our lives. I am totally for the gifts of the Spirit, but they should be understood and used properly, as Paul taught. I do wish Christians would read the New Testament properly! Im not surprised 2 of the participants left the meeting, as even I as a Christian often feel uncomfortable in such 'spiritual' meetings when people just start speaking in tongues for no apparent reason, which is against New Testament teaching (public tongue speaking must always have an interpretation, because if it does not it does not build up other people, which is the whole point of the gifts). I also thought it a bit strange that in one of the group meetings, the Christian leaders were offended when one of the group dared to ask if the 'voice' the leader had heard could have been himself, rather than God. In the end he could not be sure it was really God as such experiences are subjective and he and his wife should have had the humility to accept that, instead of taking offence. Cant help but think that maybe some of these 'leaders' are a bit young and inexperienced to be taking such groups if they can't have a mature view of such things.

    Posted by Peter Culbert on 28/06/2009 20:56:35

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42. I was very disappointed with this programme, as it dealt only very superficially with the Alpha course's agenda, which has received much well-founded criticism, from a significant number of respected religious people, as well as the non-religious. The Alpha course deliberately targets people who are at an impressionable and/or vulberable stage of their lives, so I was hoping for a rather more intellectual and open debate on these issues.

    Posted by Susan on 28/06/2009 20:42:51

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43. Jon states several times in the voice over of the program that Alpha is very successful. The only sociological study I have found on Alpha suggests that it is having little overall effect on the numbers of beleivers. It says the main effect is to turn traditional christians in to evangelicals. What evidence do you have that the courses are successful?

    Posted by Matt on 28/06/2009 20:07:31

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44. Looks like a really good program. Hope it is anyway!

    Posted by karla on 27/06/2009 22:43:17

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45. GREAT! It's about time! I bet if a programme on Hinduism or Buddhism or Islam were to be aired no one would dare say things like 'brain washing' or 'propaganda' or 'should be banned'. This is as much 'propaganda' as the evening news. It is programmes like this that shines a light of freedom unto Britain.

    Posted by LEES on 27/06/2009 12:57:17

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46. yeha this program will be good to watch... i was an agnostic and became a christian through the Alpha course. It's a great course :)

    Posted by Ashley on 26/06/2009 19:00:07

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