Any former Christian Fundamentalists out there?

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if any of you are former fundamentalist christians. If so, how did you leave and how did it affect the relationships in your life?

[Anonymous]

Are you writing a term paper?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you writing a term paper?

No, but that would be a good one. I'm asking because of my own life situation.

[Anonymous]

Sort of. Former evangelical Christian, turned mainline Protestant. My evangelical friends see me as one step above the people smearing feces on a painting of Jesus. We still see each other, but they don't understand me and worry about my soul. It's cool.

[Anonymous]

Definitely. Still have not told my parents or brothers and I am 58 years old!

It never made any sense to me, even as a child - the whole religion thing. But all my friends and my entire social life was the church. I thought there was something wrong with me until I was an adult and then I realized that LOTS of people felt the way that I do.

It was a revelation and allowed me to breathe and find peace in my life! Fortunately I married a man who was raised completely outside religion, so never an issue. We have given our children the gift of growing into adults without any kind of religious indoctrination, while allowing them to visit and understand any religions that they have an interest in. We taught them HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately it wouldn't be easy for me to leave my church/faith. My husband is very involved and wouldn't consider going to a more mainstream church. He considers them too liberal and not biblical. And truthfully I'm not sure that's where I'm headed. I'm trying to figure out what I believe and then go from there. He definitely knows that my views are changing concerning politics, evolution, etc. What I need to really get to in my own mind and heart is - do I believe that Jesus is the son of God and died for our sins. Christianity boils down to that really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately it wouldn't be easy for me to leave my church/faith. My husband is very involved and wouldn't consider going to a more mainstream church. He considers them too liberal and not biblical. And truthfully I'm not sure that's where I'm headed. I'm trying to figure out what I believe and then go from there. He definitely knows that my views are changing concerning politics, evolution, etc. What I need to really get to in my own mind and heart is - do I believe that Jesus is the son of God and died for our sins. Christianity boils down to that really.

Yes, Jesus is the Son of God and died for our sins. Matthew 9:24: "Help me in my unbelief." Jesus said it takes faith only the size of a mustard seed, and He will make it grow. I will pray that you will pray and that Jesus will help you in this time of questioning. God bless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately it wouldn't be easy for me to leave my church/faith. My husband is very involved and wouldn't consider going to a more mainstream church. He considers them too liberal and not biblical. And truthfully I'm not sure that's where I'm headed. I'm trying to figure out what I believe and then go from there. He definitely knows that my views are changing concerning politics, evolution, etc. What I need to really get to in my own mind and heart is - do I believe that Jesus is the son of God and died for our sins. Christianity boils down to that really.

Yes, Jesus is the Son of God and died for our sins. Matthew 9:24: "Help me in my unbelief." Jesus said it takes faith only the size of a mustard seed, and He will make it grow. I will pray that you will pray and that Jesus will help you in this time of questioning. God bless.

NP here. Is there really a point to quoting Bible to reassure someone who is questioning her faith? If she accepts Matthew she wouldn't be questioning her beliefs about Jesus, would she? The answer comes from within, and I can see that it might be helpful for a believer like PP to say what it is within her/him that causes belief, but I don't think a Bible quote comes close to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately it wouldn't be easy for me to leave my church/faith. My husband is very involved and wouldn't consider going to a more mainstream church. He considers them too liberal and not biblical. And truthfully I'm not sure that's where I'm headed. I'm trying to figure out what I believe and then go from there. He definitely knows that my views are changing concerning politics, evolution, etc. What I need to really get to in my own mind and heart is - do I believe that Jesus is the son of God and died for our sins. Christianity boils down to that really.

Yes, Jesus is the Son of God and died for our sins. Matthew 9:24: "Help me in my unbelief." Jesus said it takes faith only the size of a mustard seed, and He will make it grow. I will pray that you will pray and that Jesus will help you in this time of questioning. God bless.

NP here. Is there really a point to quoting Bible to reassure someone who is questioning her faith? If she accepts Matthew she wouldn't be questioning her beliefs about Jesus, would she? The answer comes from within, and I can see that it might be helpful for a believer like PP to say what it is within her/him that causes belief, but I don't think a Bible quote comes close to that.

Perhaps, if you haven't already, you could read the passage to see why I quoted it. But yes, I know all sorts of people who have faith issues who are reassured by reading the Bible. Every believer I know, including myself, struggles with belief at times, but there are answers there, and I know in my own struggles and questions, it's been other believers who have helped me recall some passage in Scripture who have helped the most.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here. Is there really a point to quoting Bible to reassure someone who is questioning her faith? If she accepts Matthew she wouldn't be questioning her beliefs about Jesus, would she? The answer comes from within, and I can see that it might be helpful for a believer like PP to say what it is within her/him that causes belief, but I don't think a Bible quote comes close to that.

Perhaps, if you haven't already, you could read the passage to see why I quoted it. But yes, I know all sorts of people who have faith issues who are reassured by reading the Bible. Every believer I know, including myself, struggles with belief at times, but there are answers there, and I know in my own struggles and questions, it's been other believers who have helped me recall some passage in Scripture who have helped the most.

Thanks for the response. I hope I was clear that I was trying to give my own reaction rather than pass judgement. OP may well react differently.