I identify as Christian, but

[Sam_2.0]

Dang it if I seem to feel like I don't belong at Church. We live in the Bible Belt and it's damn near impossible to find a place that doesn't assume Christian = Republican, etc. Even this ridiculous "War on Christmas" crap.

From talking to a lot of friends, I am not the only one who feels this way. So why is it so hard to find a church to fit into? Although, if you seem to find the same problem wherever you go it typically means YOU are the problem, so I guess it's more my own issue.

*rant over*

[Chocolate Lover]

I gave up on church itself decades ago, you don't really have to darken their door to believe.  

[cael]

I'm sorry, that must be frustrating. I don't know much about the different denominations of Christianity, but is there a slightly different denomination you could find to try, or is that not how it works? (forgive me for my ignorance, I'm a heathen Unitarian Universalist )

[Sam_2.0]

There are different denominations, but then that gets into differing beliefs in other areas. I would probably align closer to Nazarene, while DH falls more into the fundamentalist Evangelical (not like Phelps fundies, lol). So finding a place where we can agree on to go as a family has been tough. We gave up going for awhile, but A has been asking to go back. She missed it. And she asked for one church by name so that's where we went back to. It's ok, not nearly as bad as where we were. Just hard to find my "people" I guess. I am an introvert by nature anyway so that's really tough for me.

[ArchietheDragon]

embrace the snake kissing

[Pants]

Dec 4, 2015 13:57:21 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

Dang it if I seem to feel like I don't belong at Church. We live in the Bible Belt and it's damn near impossible to find a place that doesn't assume Christian = Republican, etc. Even this ridiculous "War on Christmas" crap.

From talking to a lot of friends, I am not the only one who feels this way. So why is it so hard to find a church to fit into? Although, if you seem to find the same problem wherever you go it typically means YOU are the problem, so I guess it's more my own issue.

*rant over*

If you and your friends feel similarly, why not start your own church together? My BFF's mom did this with her husband and they now have a great fellowship-style church. They take turns leading services and hosting at their houses. They have no overhead, so they use the money they previously gave to their churches to do a lot of work with the poor. 

Just a thought. 

[Sam_2.0]

Oh shoot, Sroo, I may as well become an Atheist if I wanted to go Catholic j/k

My friends are spread all over the country/world, so meeting regularly wouldn't work out so well. But I do enjoy my conversations with them when we are able. It's encouraging to not feel so alone.

I took the plunge and signed up to get some more info on small groups at the new church. The pastor is supposed to call & talk to me to get an idea of what we are looking for, and then make some suggestions on good groups. Maybe there's one for the politically liberal, religiously conservative people

[Opti]

Good luck. I think much of it depends on where you live and what you are looking for.

[busymom]

Don't feel bad, Sam_2.0.  That happens here in the Midwest, too.  I'm an independent, who happens to be a member of a conservative church.  I just don't talk politics at church, and, since the Pastor isn't standing over me as I vote, I can vote however I like. 

[Value Buy]

Dec 4, 2015 13:57:21 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

Dang it if I seem to feel like I don't belong at Church. We live in the Bible Belt and it's damn near impossible to find a place that doesn't assume Christian = Republican, etc. Even this ridiculous "War on Christmas" crap.

From talking to a lot of friends, I am not the only one who feels this way. So why is it so hard to find a church to fit into? Although, if you seem to find the same problem wherever you go it typically means YOU are the problem, so I guess it's more my own issue.

*rant over*

The problem is the Democratic party has deserted the Christian faith entirely.

[missk82]

Come join me on the dark side, Sam_2.0 ! 

[ArchietheDragon]

Allahu Akbar

[bean29]

Dec 4, 2015 15:25:25 GMT -5 Value Buy said:

Dec 4, 2015 13:57:21 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

Dang it if I seem to feel like I don't belong at Church. We live in the Bible Belt and it's damn near impossible to find a place that doesn't assume Christian = Republican, etc. Even this ridiculous "War on Christmas" crap.

From talking to a lot of friends, I am not the only one who feels this way. So why is it so hard to find a church to fit into? Although, if you seem to find the same problem wherever you go it typically means YOU are the problem, so I guess it's more my own issue.

*rant over*

The problem is the Democratic party has deserted the Christian faith entirely.

Seriously you think the Republican Platform reflects Christian Beliefs other than denying people access to abortion and birth control?

[Value Buy]

Dec 4, 2015 15:34:05 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Dec 4, 2015 15:25:25 GMT -5 Value Buy said:

The problem is the Democratic party has deserted the Christian faith entirely.

Seriously you think the Republican Platform reflects Christian Beliefs other than denying people access to abortion and birth control?

No, I do not.
I do believe the Christian fundamentalists believe the Republican party best represents them.
If the op believes Christians accept the Republican party as their favorite party, I think she must be going to a more "fundamentalist" sector church.
Look at the Methodist church. I do not see it as in lock step with the Republican party, imo

[missk82]

In all seriousness, a problem I see with people who are searching for a church home is that they are looking for a place that will accommodate them and their beliefs instead of searching for the truth, and maybe a truth that challenges them.  Do you want a church  that conforms to your beliefs, or are you looking for a church that will help you conform more closely to the will of God?

[resolution]

I think most Christian churches share the same truth and at that point it is a matter of finding a group of people where you feel comfortable and welcome.

I was going to recommend Catholic since most Catholics are very moderate, but since you aren't comfortable with us, maybe Lutheran. The Lutheran Church in America and Evangelical Lutheran Church are very moderate. The Missouri Synod and Wisconsin Synod Lutherans are extremely conservative, so you would have to check out which Synod the church belonged to before attending.

[Sam_2.0]

I grew up very fundamentalist (home schooled, involved with Gothard's teachings kind of fundamentalist). So that clearly skews my background.

I get what you are saying, missk. I keep struggling with that. Am I just wanting something to validate what I WANT to be true? I don't know. I do know that in our last church, we had guys allowed to open carry on Sunday mornings. We had people that would not welcome a young, single mom into the church because clearly she was a sinner. My brother was as good as dead after he came out. I don't feel like my views on God have changed, but rather I am questioning a lot of the stuff I heard growing up that I don't believe is actually Biblical. There is a strange contradiction between a lot of the fundamentalist beliefs and what the Bible actually does or does not say.

[ArchietheDragon]

The community of YMAM is all you need.   Stay with us.  You don't need them.   We are the light.  We are the way.   Join us.  Be us.   us. not them.

[resolution]

I find that I am more comfortable in a church that focuses on the Gospels rather than the books written by Paul. Both are in the Bible but some churches seem to focus on one rather than the other. I believe that the message of Christianity needs to include both, but it is so hard to find balance and if I am going to err on one side it will be the Gospels rather than the Pauline books.

[Tennesseer]

Dec 4, 2015 15:38:38 GMT -5 Value Buy said:

Dec 4, 2015 15:34:05 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Seriously you think the Republican Platform reflects Christian Beliefs other than denying people access to abortion and birth control?

No, I do not.
I do believe the Christian fundamentalists believe the Republican party best represents them.
If the op believes Christians accept the Republican party as their favorite party, I think she must be going to a more "fundamentalist" sector church.
Look at the Methodist church. I do not see it as in lock step with the Republican party, imo

So does the Methodist church nullify your comment of "The problem is the Democratic party has deserted the Christian faith entirely."? Or are Methodists not Christian. I know many Catholics who are Democrats. Are Catholics then not Christian?

[Tennesseer]

Dec 4, 2015 16:46:21 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

I grew up very fundamentalist (home schooled, involved with Gothard's teachings kind of fundamentalist). So that clearly skews my background.

I get what you are saying, missk. I keep struggling with that. Am I just wanting something to validate what I WANT to be true? I don't know. I do know that in our last church, we had guys allowed to open carry on Sunday mornings. We had people that would not welcome a young, single mom into the church because clearly she was a sinner. My brother was as good as dead after he came out. I don't feel like my views on God have changed, but rather I am questioning a lot of the stuff I heard growing up that I don't believe is actually Biblical. There is a strange contradiction between a lot of the fundamentalist beliefs and what the Bible actually does or does not say.

Sam814-some people spend their whole life trying to understand their own spirituality and what fits best for them. You have not found it yet. In time, I believe you will. Don't give up. You will find what works best for you. Maybe not for you and yours, but for you. That is all one can do.

[Value Buy]

Dec 4, 2015 17:01:22 GMT -5 @sroo4 said:

Tennesseer and Value Buy

Guys.. can we not make this thread about politics? Please 

I was asked a specific question and responded.
The op is the one that mentioned "Republican", not me, so I did not make it about politics, and I simply expressed my view.

Tennesseer and I do seem to go round and round, and I sincerely wish we did not do that.
Anyhow, I expressed my thoughts and will leave the thread alone, although I do think it's a good, important thread.
ty

[Shooby]

The question seems to be that people assume that if the OP is Christian then that also means Republican.

[Chocolate Lover]

In my area of the Bible Belt it's a pretty good assumption. Lots of Republicans win their elections in the primaries because no one runs on the Dem side against them.    

[Robert not Bobby]

Unitarian Universalism, might be for you...but, if I may say... just believe in and do "good deeds", treat others as you would have then treat you, no one is beneath you and no one is above you. Have love and acceptance in your heart for what is genuine.

I'm not a religious guy, but I am a most moral guy.

It is funny with religion...you have to go through all these absurd fantasies. But...we are all different, and I respect that.

[cael]

Many UU churches would probably not be Christian enough for many Christians, in my experience as a lifelong UU.

In all seriousness, a problem I see with people who are searching for a church home is that they are looking for a place that will accommodate them and their beliefs instead of searching for the truth, and maybe a truth that challenges them. Do you want a church that conforms to your beliefs, or are you looking for a church that will help you conform more closely to the will of God?

This confuses me. Are you saying you think it's a problem for people to look for a place that accommodates their beliefs? Shouldn't a church one attends be inline with what that person thinks, not force something down their throat if they aren't buying into all of it? I don't really understand this. It sounds to me like you're saying searching for your own truths is bad, and that conforming to what one church thinks is the way to go and the better "truth" to strive for.

I absolutely think everyone should find a church that accommodates their personal beliefs.

[Robert not Bobby]

Cael, so you are UU...? I is a home for those of us who believe in that all is good in us.

Are you Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, born again stuff...I don't need to know.

Just remember, religion is personal...it is for private consumption not public display.

Be well all.

Cael...what does that mean...I guess I could google, but have to go? Some other time.

[Shooby]

Like minded people tend to congregate.   So, if you are going to an evangelical church that is has values consistent with conservatives, then yes, people will assume you to be a Republican.  I don't think that is very far fetched.  If you are going to a church that is pro life, in favor of man/woman only marriage and so forth, then one would tend to associate that with being a Repo as well.

[cael]

Dec 4, 2015 17:53:49 GMT -5 Robert not Bobby said:

Cael, so you are UU...? I is a home for those of us who believe in that all is good in us.

Are you Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, born again stuff...I don't need to know.

Just remember, religion is personal...it is for private consumption not public display.

Be well all.

Cael...what does that mean...I guess I could google, but have to go? Some other time.

Yup I was raised UU, by two "recovering Catholic" parents who found the UU faith and fell in love with it my immediate family now consists of a UU Buddhist (mom), liberal Christian (dad), uhhhh pagan something or other? (my brother) and me, the atheist. UUs believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, everyone's right to search for their own truth and meaning, acceptance of all, etc. We had an atheist interim minister for a year once, and our current minister is a theist so god is mentioned throughout many of his sermons (he was actually raised a UU Jew, I believe?) Anyway, Robert you should check it out if you're interested.

'cael' is short for 'caelestis', which means heavenly or celestial in Latin. Long story, part of a really old screen name I used.

[bean29]

Dec 4, 2015 17:01:22 GMT -5 @sroo4 said:

Tennesseer and Value Buy

Guys.. can we not make this thread about politics? Please 

Well sure, but no one has said anything really bad yet. I once watched a very interesting show done in maybe the 1970's on public television on Hispanics and voting. Their point was that as a group you don't want a political party to think they have your vote in their pocket. If both parties see your vote as attainable they will work to create policies/laws etc that your group wants and they will work across the aisle in a bi-partisan manner.  So, I hate to think that people who think religion is important should not talk about politics here.

I hate talking politics in person - people seem to not be willing to accept that your view differs from theirs and leave it at that, but I don't mind so much here...you can just skim past someone's post if you don't want to deal with it.