If you went to church this morning for the first time in a while, will you come back next Sunday?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, our church was packed this morning -- the flowers were lovely, the sermon inspiring, music beautiful. Maybe you were there -- maybe it was the first time in a while. It was so great to have you with us. Now, will you come back next Sunday? Why or why not?

No, I only go on easter and Christmas for the special music. Like many others responding here -- I'm not at all inclined to make it a weekly habit.

The sermon at the church I went to was aimed at children, saying how special it was that Jesus died for their sins, and like Jesus, they too can live forever, because they believe in him.

I know this is the standard Christian story, but it sounds just like another children's fairy tale when you don't hear it every Sunday. I wondered how many of those kids would still believe it when they were adults.

I know you don't mean it this way, but I find this line to be offensive.

It's not the "standard Christian story." It is the central and only reason for the Christian faith.

Since we regulars are being so careful not to offend our twice-yearly visitors, please remember when you do visit that people there believe and live this faith.

So riddle me this one, Batman:

Jimmy and Timmy are two little boys who go to church, and both agree they both believe in Jesus and that Jesus died for their sins. The boys are excited to live "forever" because when you're six, life is sweet.

And then Jimmy gets killed in a car accident. Or gets cancer and dies. So now he's dead. And Timmy is supposed to think .... what? That Jimmy lied to him about believing in Jesus, or that the whole "if you believe you live forever" thing is crap?

What you don’t understand is that Jimmy is more alive now than ever before. And though Timmy will miss and remember him for the rest of his life, they will see each other again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, we just go on Easter and Christmas to shut up our parents. We don't believe in the religion and are not happy being there.

This is how I feel. I just don’t believe in any the whole death/resurrection or virgin birth stuff. I think religion was invented because people need that comfort and meaning in their life and are scared of death. I like the tradition and community but I just feel like a fraud in church. I go because I don’t it would be WWIII with my parents.

Right? We all know Mary was raped. Also, how intelligent could Jesus have POSSIBLY been? He was an uneducated carpenter raised by a teen mom. Nobody's ever said he had a particularly high IQ. So we're just supposed to believe he was hella woke? At most he died at 33. I just don't buy any of it. And the idea of dying for other people's sins? I mean come on. We don't even agree on what is and what is not a sin. And one person dying for another person's sin does NOT absolve the first person of committing said sin.

I go to church once or twice a year to avoid a fight, but damn if i don't sit there rolling my eyes at this stuff. Love thy neighbor, but only if they follow your way of living? Nope.

It does if that "person" is God in the form of man. Which is kind of the whole point.
But I suspect that's not really why you posted.

I was raised as a church-going Christian and now only go on Easter/Christmas, which is weird since we used to sort of roll our eyes at the Easter/Christmas Christians when I was a kid. (Just being honest that I get OPs underlying attitude, but also understand that it isn't a very nice one.)
Somewhere along the way, I started to question a lot of the tenets. Mostly when I was reading things about the beliefs of the LDS church and beliefs of Scientology (totally different, I know) and found myself scoffing "who would believe that!?!??" in this kind of superior way, and then realizing "oh wait..." about my own religion requiring belief in some pretty "out there" miraculous happenings that sound sort of insane if you weren't raised to believe it was true. And then it became harder to defend myself from doubt. What makes faith in the "crazy stories" of MY religion more believable or more valid than theirs??

Anyway, I find myself wanting to believe. But now I'm just caught in the middle and trying to figure out if it's okay for me to just follow the teachings of Christ in terms of how to be a good person in the world without actually subscribing to some of the more wild claims. And I find myself teaching my children to love the way Christ taught us to love God and love others and avoiding the other trappings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, we just go on Easter and Christmas to shut up our parents. We don't believe in the religion and are not happy being there.

This is how I feel. I just don’t believe in any the whole death/resurrection or virgin birth stuff. I think religion was invented because people need that comfort and meaning in their life and are scared of death. I like the tradition and community but I just feel like a fraud in church. I go because I don’t it would be WWIII with my parents.

Right? We all know Mary was raped. Also, how intelligent could Jesus have POSSIBLY been? He was an uneducated carpenter raised by a teen mom. Nobody's ever said he had a particularly high IQ. So we're just supposed to believe he was hella woke? At most he died at 33. I just don't buy any of it. And the idea of dying for other people's sins? I mean come on. We don't even agree on what is and what is not a sin. And one person dying for another person's sin does NOT absolve the first person of committing said sin.

I go to church once or twice a year to avoid a fight, but damn if i don't sit there rolling my eyes at this stuff. Love thy neighbor, but only if they follow your way of living? Nope.

It does if that "person" is God in the form of man. Which is kind of the whole point.
But I suspect that's not really why you posted.

I was raised as a church-going Christian and now only go on Easter/Christmas, which is weird since we used to sort of roll our eyes at the Easter/Christmas Christians when I was a kid. (Just being honest that I get OPs underlying attitude, but also understand that it isn't a very nice one.)
Somewhere along the way, I started to question a lot of the tenets. Mostly when I was reading things about the beliefs of the LDS church and beliefs of Scientology (totally different, I know) and found myself scoffing "who would believe that!?!??" in this kind of superior way, and then realizing "oh wait..." about my own religion requiring belief in some pretty "out there" miraculous happenings that sound sort of insane if you weren't raised to believe it was true. And then it became harder to defend myself from doubt. What makes faith in the "crazy stories" of MY religion more believable or more valid than theirs??

Anyway, I find myself wanting to believe. But now I'm just caught in the middle and trying to figure out if it's okay for me to just follow the teachings of Christ in terms of how to be a good person in the world without actually subscribing to some of the more wild claims. And I find myself teaching my children to love the way Christ taught us to love God and love others and avoiding the other trappings.

Pp you’ve never critically examined the Christian faith. It can stand up to scrutiny. Scientology and LDS teachings cannot. Go read “The Case for Christ.”

[Anonymous]

I would go more often if I could attend in a way that allows me to hang back and get a feel for the faith and practice again at my own speed and on my own time.

I do not go because I get aggressively greeted when I go -- if it's a place I've been before or if it is a new place. There seem to be people assigned (or self-assigned) to "make people feel welcomed." I don't. I feel pushed.

And when I read replies like some of the ones above, I am reminded all over again why I chose not to keep spending time with people like that in an organized way anymore, in the first place.

So I do the good work that I can within the life that I have, and I am the best person I can figure out how to be. And I am perfectly delighted that there are people who find support in those places I do not, and I wish you the very best with it.

[Anonymous]

Pp you’ve never critically examined the Christian faith. It can stand up to scrutiny. Scientology and LDS teachings cannot. Go read “The Case for Christ.”

I'd say your first statement is a bit arrogant for someone who doesn't know me. But I would agree that, at least to a believing Christian, it is really very easy to find the flaws in LDS and in Scientology and much easier to defend your own faith. The Virgin Birth, for example, is one that just has to be taken on faith. As does the idea that Christ appeared to the women at the tomb and they were just too scared to say anything so didn't mention it to anyone. And, of course that He appeared only to a chosen few true believers and relied on them to "spread the Good News" seems a little more convenient than proof of resurrection. For what it's worth, it's not the LIFE of Christ that I have an issue with. It's the miraculous parts to the birth/resurrection stories.

I'm definitely curious though, so thank you for this recommended book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Pp you’ve never critically examined the Christian faith. It can stand up to scrutiny. Scientology and LDS teachings cannot. Go read “The Case for Christ.”

I'd say your first statement is a bit arrogant for someone who doesn't know me. But I would agree that, at least to a believing Christian, it is really very easy to find the flaws in LDS and in Scientology and much easier to defend your own faith. The Virgin Birth, for example, is one that just has to be taken on faith. As does the idea that Christ appeared to the women at the tomb and they were just too scared to say anything so didn't mention it to anyone. And, of course that He appeared only to a chosen few true believers and relied on them to "spread the Good News" seems a little more convenient than proof of resurrection. For what it's worth, it's not the LIFE of Christ that I have an issue with. It's the miraculous parts to the birth/resurrection stories.

I'm definitely curious though, so thank you for this recommended book.

Np. It’s not arrogant- it’s obvious!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Pp you’ve never critically examined the Christian faith. It can stand up to scrutiny. Scientology and LDS teachings cannot. Go read “The Case for Christ.”

I'd say your first statement is a bit arrogant for someone who doesn't know me. But I would agree that, at least to a believing Christian, it is really very easy to find the flaws in LDS and in Scientology and much easier to defend your own faith. The Virgin Birth, for example, is one that just has to be taken on faith. As does the idea that Christ appeared to the women at the tomb and they were just too scared to say anything so didn't mention it to anyone. And, of course that He appeared only to a chosen few true believers and relied on them to "spread the Good News" seems a little more convenient than proof of resurrection. For what it's worth, it's not the LIFE of Christ that I have an issue with. It's the miraculous parts to the birth/resurrection stories.

I'm definitely curious though, so thank you for this recommended book.

Np. It’s not arrogant- it’s obvious!

Says a convinced Christian who thinks that all anyone has to do is read the right book and they will be Christian too, which is obviously the one accurate religion among the many that exist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go more often if I could attend in a way that allows me to hang back and get a feel for the faith and practice again at my own speed and on my own time.

I do not go because I get aggressively greeted when I go -- if it's a place I've been before or if it is a new place. There seem to be people assigned (or self-assigned) to "make people feel welcomed." I don't. I feel pushed.

And when I read replies like some of the ones above, I am reminded all over again why I chose not to keep spending time with people like that in an organized way anymore, in the first place.

So I do the good work that I can within the life that I have, and I am the best person I can figure out how to be. And I am perfectly delighted that there are people who find support in those places I do not, and I wish you the very best with it.

Thanks. This is a nice live-and-let-live response not found often enough among church goers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, we just go on Easter and Christmas to shut up our parents. We don't believe in the religion and are not happy being there.

This is how I feel. I just don’t believe in any the whole death/resurrection or virgin birth stuff. I think religion was invented because people need that comfort and meaning in their life and are scared of death. I like the tradition and community but I just feel like a fraud in church. I go because I don’t it would be WWIII with my parents.

Right? We all know Mary was raped. Also, how intelligent could Jesus have POSSIBLY been? He was an uneducated carpenter raised by a teen mom. Nobody's ever said he had a particularly high IQ. So we're just supposed to believe he was hella woke? At most he died at 33. I just don't buy any of it. And the idea of dying for other people's sins? I mean come on. We don't even agree on what is and what is not a sin. And one person dying for another person's sin does NOT absolve the first person of committing said sin.

I go to church once or twice a year to avoid a fight, but damn if i don't sit there rolling my eyes at this stuff. Love thy neighbor, but only if they follow your way of living? Nope.

It does if that "person" is God in the form of man. Which is kind of the whole point.
But I suspect that's not really why you posted.

I was raised as a church-going Christian and now only go on Easter/Christmas, which is weird since we used to sort of roll our eyes at the Easter/Christmas Christians when I was a kid. (Just being honest that I get OPs underlying attitude, but also understand that it isn't a very nice one.)
Somewhere along the way, I started to question a lot of the tenets. Mostly when I was reading things about the beliefs of the LDS church and beliefs of Scientology (totally different, I know) and found myself scoffing "who would believe that!?!??" in this kind of superior way, and then realizing "oh wait..." about my own religion requiring belief in some pretty "out there" miraculous happenings that sound sort of insane if you weren't raised to believe it was true. And then it became harder to defend myself from doubt. What makes faith in the "crazy stories" of MY religion more believable or more valid than theirs??

Anyway, I find myself wanting to believe. But now I'm just caught in the middle and trying to figure out if it's okay for me to just follow the teachings of Christ in terms of how to be a good person in the world without actually subscribing to some of the more wild claims. And I find myself teaching my children to love the way Christ taught us to love God and love others and avoiding the other trappings.

Yes, it's OK - and some Christian churches pretty much operate that way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, our church was packed this morning -- the flowers were lovely, the sermon inspiring, music beautiful. Maybe you were there -- maybe it was the first time in a while. It was so great to have you with us. Now, will you come back next Sunday? Why or why not?

No, I only go on easter and Christmas for the special music. Like many others responding here -- I'm not at all inclined to make it a weekly habit.

The sermon at the church I went to was aimed at children, saying how special it was that Jesus died for their sins, and like Jesus, they too can live forever, because they believe in him.

I know this is the standard Christian story, but it sounds just like another children's fairy tale when you don't hear it every Sunday. I wondered how many of those kids would still believe it when they were adults.

I know you don't mean it this way, but I find this line to be offensive.

It's not the "standard Christian story." It is the central and only reason for the Christian faith.

Since we regulars are being so careful not to offend our twice-yearly visitors, please remember when you do visit that people there believe and live this faith.

So riddle me this one, Batman:

Jimmy and Timmy are two little boys who go to church, and both agree they both believe in Jesus and that Jesus died for their sins. The boys are excited to live "forever" because when you're six, life is sweet.

And then Jimmy gets killed in a car accident. Or gets cancer and dies. So now he's dead. And Timmy is supposed to think .... what? That Jimmy lied to him about believing in Jesus, or that the whole "if you believe you live forever" thing is crap?

What you don’t understand is that Jimmy is more alive now than ever before. And though Timmy will miss and remember him for the rest of his life, they will see each other again.

in heaven -- that's what Christians believe. It is not a matter of "understanding" but belief.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Thanks. This is a nice live-and-let-live response not found often enough among church goers.

Thank you!

I am always glad to know that people are finding places and people that are good for them and their lives. Religion isn't that for me, right now, and I know that is troubling for some of my religious friends who love me. We find a way to get through it together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, our church was packed this morning -- the flowers were lovely, the sermon inspiring, music beautiful. Maybe you were there -- maybe it was the first time in a while. It was so great to have you with us. Now, will you come back next Sunday? Why or why not?

No, I only go on easter and Christmas for the special music. Like many others responding here -- I'm not at all inclined to make it a weekly habit.

The sermon at the church I went to was aimed at children, saying how special it was that Jesus died for their sins, and like Jesus, they too can live forever, because they believe in him.

I know this is the standard Christian story, but it sounds just like another children's fairy tale when you don't hear it every Sunday. I wondered how many of those kids would still believe it when they were adults.

I know you don't mean it this way, but I find this line to be offensive.

It's not the "standard Christian story." It is the central and only reason for the Christian faith.

Since we regulars are being so careful not to offend our twice-yearly visitors, please remember when you do visit that people there believe and live this faith.

Understood -- and feel strongly that there is nothing offensive about called the resurrection "standard" - a word that would apply to any of the tenets of any religion.

I also disagree, to some extent. There are many practicing Christians who don't believe in the physical resurrection or have doubts about it and there are churches that don't require belief in the resurrection to be a confirmed member of the church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, our church was packed this morning -- the flowers were lovely, the sermon inspiring, music beautiful. Maybe you were there -- maybe it was the first time in a while. It was so great to have you with us. Now, will you come back next Sunday? Why or why not?

No, I only go on easter and Christmas for the special music. Like many others responding here -- I'm not at all inclined to make it a weekly habit.

The sermon at the church I went to was aimed at children, saying how special it was that Jesus died for their sins, and like Jesus, they too can live forever, because they believe in him.

I know this is the standard Christian story, but it sounds just like another children's fairy tale when you don't hear it every Sunday. I wondered how many of those kids would still believe it when they were adults.

I know you don't mean it this way, but I find this line to be offensive.

It's not the "standard Christian story." It is the central and only reason for the Christian faith.

Since we regulars are being so careful not to offend our twice-yearly visitors, please remember when you do visit that people there believe and live this faith.

Understood -- and feel strongly that there is nothing offensive about called the resurrection "standard" - a word that would apply to any of the tenets of any religion.

I also disagree, to some extent. There are many practicing Christians who don't believe in the physical resurrection or have doubts about it and there are churches that don't require belief in the resurrection to be a confirmed member of the church.

correction: ....offensive about CALLING....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, our church was packed this morning -- the flowers were lovely, the sermon inspiring, music beautiful. Maybe you were there -- maybe it was the first time in a while. It was so great to have you with us. Now, will you come back next Sunday? Why or why not?

No, I only go on easter and Christmas for the special music. Like many others responding here -- I'm not at all inclined to make it a weekly habit.

The sermon at the church I went to was aimed at children, saying how special it was that Jesus died for their sins, and like Jesus, they too can live forever, because they believe in him.

I know this is the standard Christian story, but it sounds just like another children's fairy tale when you don't hear it every Sunday. I wondered how many of those kids would still believe it when they were adults.

I know you don't mean it this way, but I find this line to be offensive.

It's not the "standard Christian story." It is the central and only reason for the Christian faith.

Since we regulars are being so careful not to offend our twice-yearly visitors, please remember when you do visit that people there believe and live this faith.

Understood -- and feel strongly that there is nothing offensive about called the resurrection "standard" - a word that would apply to any of the tenets of any religion.

I also disagree, to some extent. There are many practicing Christians who don't believe in the physical resurrection or have doubts about it and there are churches that don't require belief in the resurrection to be a confirmed member of the church.

Then they aren’t Christians. You don’t get to pick your doctrine

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyway, I find myself wanting to believe. But now I'm just caught in the middle and trying to figure out if it's okay for me to just follow the teachings of Christ in terms of how to be a good person in the world without actually subscribing to some of the more wild claims. And I find myself teaching my children to love the way Christ taught us to love God and love others and avoiding the other trappings.

Yes, it's OK - and some Christian churches pretty much operate that way[i].

Recommendations? I'm really bad at finding the right churches for this.
Also complicating matters is that I'm a bit of a unicorn in my faith/politics alignment. I'm for compassion and kindness, but I'm not an angry warrior about most things. And I feel like no matter what church I go to these days, you have to either put on your pink pussy hat or don your Make America Great Again cap! I'm honestly not down with either one! Help!