past few years I have really struggled with identifying myself with Christians in general
I understand where you're coming from with this. Though I'm still more on the conservative side with my beliefs, half the time it's more because I don't think idealism really works in this country than because I think all liberal beliefs are wrong.
I have a really difficult time interacting with the majority of Christians, especially those my age; I spent a lot of time during college re-examining what I believed and why, but so many others still cling blindly to what they were told and react with disgust to opposing ideas. I can't have an intelligent debate with them without everyone getting furious - and most of the sermons I hear any more are simplistic versions of things I've already studied out of the Bible for myself. If I get nothing out of it, why go? I tried telling my parents this ... they, of course, think I'm "backsliding" and in need of prayer. *sigh*
Well, my father already thinks I'm "following the prince of darkness" since I haven't had kids yet, so no problem there. My Mom was just happy I was going to church, so she'll be upset, I'm sure. But like the rest of my life, I have to be the one to make the decisions about what is right for me, and not them, so.....
I tried really hard in college to feel more a part of the mainline Christian community. Do you remember how I was on the chaplain's committee and everything? I always felt like such a farce there. I think the rest of them knew it, too.
I always felt like such a farce there. I think the rest of them knew it, too.
Maybe, maybe not. Probably a good half of the people in those kinds of groups are in them for the same reason you were -- to feel more a part of things, to feel more connected, or even because it's expected of them. I played that game all through junior high and high school before realizing that (a) all the PK and MK kids would *always* be one-up on me and (b) I got as much out of my own reading and unscheduled conversations with people as I did out of institutionalized Christianity.
Maybe it's time to go solo? If you've been really involved in a church for a long time, find a new one and don't socialize, just attend. See what God might teach you there. Remember, church is only partially about the people
( ... )
I had a two year stint of hardly ever attending church, but then when I went back the stuff that had been there before wasn't. Part of it is culture shock, church is very different out here. I thought the answer was to get involved because I thought it would mean more.... nope.
DenominationsjedibuttercupJuly 23 2004, 22:11:15 UTC
*gasp*? I'm thinking I missed out on something up here; but then, I grew up in Texas, heart of the Southern Baptist organization. I went to an Assemblies of God church from infancy, but did two years of elementary school and several summer vacation classes at the local Baptist church. Then, of course, I went to a college with Quaker origins.
I don't think any one denomination has all the answers. Life would be much easier if they wouldn't pick on each other about points of doctrine. Most of it's window-dressing, IMHO. Doesn't matter a lick toward your eventual destination, so why cause strife over it? =)
Re: Denominationssh1mm3rJuly 24 2004, 13:54:08 UTC
I have this great book called "Streams of Living Water" (written by Quaker Richard Foster) that talks about the strengths of various denominations, instead of the differences.
As you know from our conversations, I am normally come from a pretty conservative viewpoint in regards to the faith. However, I can tell you that guys like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell sometimes really burn me up. They say things that I think that they're coming at from the wrong angle or I simply don't agree with, and I am embarrassed that this is viewed as the "Christian" perspective when it's not mine at all. So, I understand why it can feel fake and like a "farce" sometimes. Heck, in my church we have people who are adamantly opposed to contemporary worship and constantly attack guys like my father as borderline heretics. I mean, really - don't those guys have better things to worry about? The fact is that the church is the body of Christ, but it's made up of human beings. Since we're all flawed, the institution won't be perfect until God makes it so
( ... )
Thanks for the kind words. I'm not sure I'll find what I'm looking for in just another church building though, and am willing to go outside of Christianity to find it. Every experience of God gives me greater understanding of her/him.
You know, I think part of the problem (for me, definitely) is that church, as an organization, is designed to minister to the crowd, and thus must preach toward the (lower) common denominators. A lot of the more intelligent (college educated and similar) Christians I know have questions or ideas that aren't ever really touched on from the pulpit, or even in a lot of small groups.
It might help to find some like-minded folk (even an internet group of such) or start your own, and air a lot of the stuff you've been thinking of or becoming frustrated with. Besides a personal LJ, I mean. It is, after all, true that faith tends to be stronger when one has the support of a community. It's just sometimes difficult to find that in a big wooden building with a cross on the door.
The church I just left had the intent of ministering to the lowest common denominator. And we did have families coming in that had never been to church. Ever. But when that is your focus, what do the people who are doing the ministering do?
I had an opportunity to work at a Unitarian Universalist church, where there are so many people who are likeminded with me, but I have a hard time with them because they don't believe God is personal. Of everything, that is what I can't give up.
I do a lot of reading, but then I need someone to talk about what I'm thinking with! N- is a good start, definitely. We are reading books on Buddhism. :)
Since everyone else has posted nice encouraging things, I'll just agree with them, but I have a silly question. How's the LJ client work? I looked at the descriptions of some of them today, and they look nice, but maybe more hassle than they're worth.
You can do all of the things you do in a rich text post without going to the trouble of logging in. So if you just want to post and not read other people's journals, it's perfect! It probably does more than I looked at, too.
Comments 13
I understand where you're coming from with this. Though I'm still more on the conservative side with my beliefs, half the time it's more because I don't think idealism really works in this country than because I think all liberal beliefs are wrong.
I have a really difficult time interacting with the majority of Christians, especially those my age; I spent a lot of time during college re-examining what I believed and why, but so many others still cling blindly to what they were told and react with disgust to opposing ideas. I can't have an intelligent debate with them without everyone getting furious - and most of the sermons I hear any more are simplistic versions of things I've already studied out of the Bible for myself. If I get nothing out of it, why go? I tried telling my parents this ... they, of course, think I'm "backsliding" and in need of prayer. *sigh*
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I tried really hard in college to feel more a part of the mainline Christian community. Do you remember how I was on the chaplain's committee and everything? I always felt like such a farce there. I think the rest of them knew it, too.
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Maybe, maybe not. Probably a good half of the people in those kinds of groups are in them for the same reason you were -- to feel more a part of things, to feel more connected, or even because it's expected of them. I played that game all through junior high and high school before realizing that (a) all the PK and MK kids would *always* be one-up on me and (b) I got as much out of my own reading and unscheduled conversations with people as I did out of institutionalized Christianity.
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I don't think any one denomination has all the answers. Life would be much easier if they wouldn't pick on each other about points of doctrine. Most of it's window-dressing, IMHO. Doesn't matter a lick toward your eventual destination, so why cause strife over it? =)
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It might help to find some like-minded folk (even an internet group of such) or start your own, and air a lot of the stuff you've been thinking of or becoming frustrated with. Besides a personal LJ, I mean. It is, after all, true that faith tends to be stronger when one has the support of a community. It's just sometimes difficult to find that in a big wooden building with a cross on the door.
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I had an opportunity to work at a Unitarian Universalist church, where there are so many people who are likeminded with me, but I have a hard time with them because they don't believe God is personal. Of everything, that is what I can't give up.
I do a lot of reading, but then I need someone to talk about what I'm thinking with! N- is a good start, definitely. We are reading books on Buddhism. :)
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