Has anyone here ever felt so frustrated with the churches around them?

[redhen]

Quote:
Im in! Where do i send the check?

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

wow.

I read the Op, and the replies, then went back and read the Op again.

I want to say something enlightening, or wise, but I'm not sure that I have anything enlightening or wise to tell you.

I can understand how you feel, and I've had similar experiences - apparently a lot of folks who answered here have - and some of them think it's the norm and that is just something to live with. I don't feel that way, and respectfully disagree with those who feel they need to "put up with" that sort of treatment for the sake of belonging to a church.

I cannot fathom how it can be helpful to someone's spiritual enlightenment when they are distracted with such petty arguing, hypocracy and downright snobbery. Churches may be built for sinners, but they are also supposed to discourage the sin - not foster it.

Now, that being said, I do not consider myself a Christian - in fact I have been one of them Heathen Folks for many many years. This does not mean that I am "anti-Christian" or anti-God. I like God, I like Jesus, I just have a hard time with folks who profess to follow and live the word of either of them and then treat others like they are garbage.

Those type of "Christians" are the ones who dig a hole and throw you into it - then expect you to be pleased and grateful when they "save you" by pulling you out of it.

I wish you luck in finding the right fellowship for yourself. Those who stated that Church is a must were right on one count - Fellowship with like minded folks is a boon to your learning experience. However, your relationship to God is yours alone. If those who you Fellowship with are a detriment to your relationship with God, then leave them and keep searching for others who you feel comfortable with.

I only have one piece of wisdom that I can share - and they are not my words. They are actually part of a heretical text - but ones that give me comfort (and a wake up call) whenever I feel the need to "fellowship for the sake of fellowship".

--- "The Kingdom of God is inside you, and all around you. It does not dwell in Mansions built of Wood and Stone. Split a piece of wood and you will find Me. Lift a stone, and I AM THERE."--- Gospel of Thomas*

*eta - reference of where these words could be found.

Meri

 

[PeepsInc]

Wow, what a really great thread. I don't believe in church myself, but God is always in my heart. Where ever I go! ...I believe Jesus was trying to teach people "the Laws of Nations". Religion can be explained in one word.... PEACE!

 

[Emzyyy]

Quote:
agreed.

 

[joebryant]

Quote:

Im in! Where do i send the check?

Sorry, due to my not wanting the IRS to come nosing about and questioning my lofty, true, and good intentions, asking me to fill out forms to prove whatever they might be suspicious of...
Anyway, I do not accept checks for those reasons and the fact that you would have my address and might... (who knows what?); it isn't that I don't trust you, it's just that... Well, you know.
Anyway, I will send you some self-addressed envelopes with my P.O. Box # imprinted so that you can send CASH, large bills only accepted. If you expect to get a lot, you must give a lot.

 

[redhen]

Quote:

Im in! Where do i send the check?

Sorry, due to my not wanting the IRS to come nosing about and questioning my lofty, true, and good intentions, asking me to fill out forms to prove whatever they might be suspicious of...
Anyway, I do not accept checks for those reasons and the fact that you would have my address and might... (who knows what?); it isn't that I don't trust you, it's just that... Well, you know.
Anyway, I will send you some self-addressed envelopes with my P.O. Box # imprinted so that you can send CASH, large bills only accepted. If you expect to get a lot, you must give a lot.

Jeez! Tough crowd here...

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

It is sad to me that most of you haven't ever found a really welcoming Christiann church so I am going to pray that you all are led to a place that you can find the true meaning of loving God and learning about his word and his will. When you find a really good church of people who don't turn others away or judge them because of the way they dress, the way they look, or the life they have lived and you find people who open their arms up and try and teach you about Gods word then you know know that you know you are in a true house of God.

A loving place of God is understanding and a more addicting place to be than BYC!!! It really is. There are really churches like that out there. Guys, don't let Satan make you believe any different! We are a member of a non-demonanational church and it is truly awesome to be in the presense of God and anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a totally different person than I was years ago without God in my life. He took me and changed me into someone I never even thought I could be

...and a place that teaches the truth, not what others want the truth to be.....

 

[maplesky7]

I love my church and they love me.

 

[Smartie_Pants]

Chicks_N_Horses, I wanted to PM you about the Wild Horse Bill, but your inbox if full.

 

[hikerchick]

The problem that I have with religion in general is that it was created by man, not by God. I don't need someone to tell me who I can love or what days I can work. These are man's rules.

I find my church in the forest, in the goat pen with my chickens and goats, in the eyes of a kindhearted person. That is where God is.