Posted by Bird Watcher on September 23, 2008, at 12:47:36
I am a Christian who constantly needs God's work in my life. And I believe that He mostly answers our prayers through other people. I have seen His answers and work in my life. I have too many faults and mental issues to count, but the one thing I can say about myself is that I truly try not to judge others. I believe we all do from time to time. When I first meet someone at church I can't wait to get to know them - to learn their hopes and fears and all of the interesting things that make them tick. I wouldn't care if they were an reformed murderer, compulsive cheater (or eater, talker, whatever), or Mother Theresa herself. I will be the first to tell you that I can be annoying in my special way at times and I struggle with anger/frustration issues. But shouldn't believers in God try to overlook things like this?
Is it just me or does it seem like most people in organized religions care more about proving their own particular doctrines than loving God and loving others like the Bible tells us to do?
Shouldn't all churches (no matter the denomination) be the one place where you truly are welcomed with an open heart?
I get disgusted with so many people who seem to care more about gossiping about what such-and-such has done wrong and seeming proud of their own elevated social status in the church. I know that not everyone is like this. Only recently have I found a church that actually seems to be lacking in this attitude. I thank God for that.
I went to a church for a short time that was so judgmental and cold that I couldn't wait to get to the restaurant afterwards, because the people who worked there were so warm and friendly to us.
I realize that my distorted perception may be skewing things a bit. I just wonder if these more judgmental legalistic people really believe that God wants them to act like this and that He is really impressed with them, or are they simply so unhappy that they can't help it and they just haven't connected in a real relationship with God.
I'm not saying I have the perfect relationship with God, but isn't love what it is all about? Why is so much of it lacking, even in church?
God is my Savior, but even that hasn't helped the incredible loneliness that I have felt at churches. If He can't help me, who can?
I am sorry if I have offended or put down any kind of believer. I do not believe that any denomination or faith (Christian, Islam, Judaism, Hindu, whatever) has a monopoly on eternity. I always thought that no matter what you believe it is all about love - showing it and feeling it.
And I just don't feel it much anymore from anywhere. There is more of it where I have been going the last few weeks, so maybe this is my answer.
I guess I'm just venting here, not even expecting a response. Are all believers this cynical?
poster:Bird Watcher
thread:853636
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20080809/msgs/853636.html