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Bible Questions and Spiritual Discussion
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catharsis - call it an 'anti church rant'
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okay. After a stint as president for a bible study group on campus, I have had it with the high church mentality. On one hand, we have a capable pastor who believes in open discussion - you know, the sort of stuff that never tends to happen at a bible study. On the other hand, after an open expression of myself at last weeks bible study, I was asked, more or less, to let someone else lead the bible study discussion this week, so I simply did not go. However, this decision was made without the knowledge of our pastor.
I guess, my ranting tirade is about the church clone atmosphere. Everyone has the same views in the church, everyone follows the leader, and nobody risks saying something slightly controversial or over the top. In other words, kind of the exact opposite we find here.
I guess, in a word (language purists - stop reading! Beware!), it pisses me off. Differing opinions are either not tolerated outright, or they're drowned out. Does any of this sound like Pharaseeism to you? Are we that afraid of being labeled heretics? Let's ask Jesus, who was crucified for blasphemy, what he thinks about speaking genuinely.
that kind of 'church atmosphere' (which is predominate? Is it? I haven't seen all churches...can't say for sure how common it is...) doesn't sound like 'freedom in christ' or 'my burden is easy and my yoke is light'. (I think it sounds more like control.)
and I can't write any further rationally I think...
what do you think? What are your experiences?
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Bibleman 05/09/2011 23:09 |
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Jake Van Horn
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05/10/2011 02:23 |
Some times our only barrier to the truth is the misconception that we all ready have it. But then again there is quite a bit of truth in the saying "if its new its not true an if its true it's not new.
For me it all comes down to Acts 17:11
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character then those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
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Peter
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05/10/2011 07:09 |
Bibleman, I feel your frustration. I had simliar experiences in several denominations (Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist, even a non-denominational Church of Christ). After my conversion (which happened without direct personal contact but is a long story that I may share later somewhere else) I searched for a church family to belong to. After atending services in several places, and having my honest questions (having already studied the scripture on my own) met with dismissal, I gave up looking. I wish I could go to Berea! They seem to have had the right idea: listen to what is being preached or discussed, then examine the Scriptures to see if it is true... (thank you Jake for sharing that verse - it's been in my heart for years now as I have been seeking "Berean's" to fellowship with!)
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Craig from Illinois
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05/10/2011 07:22 |
Perhaps all of us who are experiencing frustration with our local church body should take listen to one of Brian's month end talks called "Battle Formation".
http://www.dailyaudiobible.com/Groups/1000057213/Daily_Audio_Bible/Community/_Month_End/ADVANCE_Battle_Formation/ADVANCE_Battle_Formation.aspx
It might help redefine who the enemy really is.
Craig
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Bibleman
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05/10/2011 21:43 |
religion...pah.
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Calico
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05/11/2011 00:11 |
E-mail me your mailing address, James,
I'll send you a copy of "The End Of Religion." A quick read, and may be just the thing that's right up your alley, here...
Catchya,
Tom
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Kelley
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05/11/2011 00:18 |
James, boy can I relate. That's all I'm gonna say about that. ;) Here we might have explosions on threads, but at least people have room to ask, think, learn, grow, dialogue. We are never squelched here, and the Fourwinds services are like a weekly highlight for me.
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