I identify as Christian, but

[Sam_2.0]

I don't mind the politics talk, since I did bring it up. Growing up I remember it being sinful to vote Democrat. Seriously. People that went to more liberal churches and had more liberal political views weren't "real" Christians.

So part of me finding my identity spiritually has been realizing that I can separate the two, or rather, being liberal politically and conservative spiritually could actually work for me.

I dare not talk religion or politics with most of my immediate family.

[swamp]

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.

Oh for fucks sake....

[Pants]

Dec 4, 2015 16:18:03 GMT -5 missk82 said:

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?

I have a serious issue with this - namely that most churches, and especially the more conservative ones all claim to have a monopoly on the truth. So which truth are you challenging yourself with? Each denomination fervently believes their way is the truth, so...

That's not even addressing the issue of their being a single truth to find...

[resolution]

Our priest was reassigned to Baltimore last year and the arch-diocese sent out a panel of priests to meet with us and ask what sort of replacement priest we wanted. I had explained to them that I wanted someone positive that had a message for love and charity rather than always condemning certain groups.

The panel objected to that and said does that mean I don't want to be challenged? But I felt they were totally misled in thinking it is challenging to hear someone constantly condemning the gays and abortion. I am not gay, I am not having an abortion, so if I go somewhere week after week where they condemn these groups it is the opposite of challenging because they are condemning a bunch of stuff I have no desire to do. It is more challenging to hear someone telling me that I need to be more generous and less gossipy and how I can participate in my faith.

It turned out well and the new priest is very positive and has this campaign going to get us all more involved, but I think a lot of people interpret a strict message as challenging when really it is no challenge if it is preached to people that are committing different sins than the ones being condemned.

[bean29]

Dec 4, 2015 19:34:13 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

I don't mind the politics talk, since I did bring it up. Growing up I remember it being sinful to vote Democrat. Seriously. People that went to more liberal churches and had more liberal political views weren't "real" Christians.

So part of me finding my identity spiritually has been realizing that I can separate the two, or rather, being liberal politically and conservative spiritually could actually work for me.

I dare not talk religion or politics with most of my immediate family.

Yeah, my family is Catholic. My Brother never goes to church, my sister somewhat regularly, my Mom weekly. They are staunch republicans, anti marriage equality, food stamps, welfare, housing assistance and obamacare. DB sells Medical Equipment, so he thinks the drug pricing in this country is completely fair and just. Oh, and despite the fact that we were raised in a very environmentally conscious household, the republicans have the right answers.
DH and I frequently feel like their politics and religion should not be a comfortable fit, yet they all just seem to blindly swallow the party platform and support the chosen candidates.

Personally I often think there has to be a large segment of this country that would be better represented by a 3rd party.

I still hold strong beliefs, but was turned off by the sexual abuse scandals and the church's response to the victims. I just can't believe/support their stance on gay marriage and I also think a social safety net is in line with our christian duties.

I too don't feel I belong in the church I was raised in, but don't feel comfortable anywhere else.

[Shooby]

Dec 4, 2015 20:09:00 GMT -5 Pants said:

Dec 4, 2015 16:18:03 GMT -5 missk82 said:

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?

I have a serious issue with this - namely that most churches, and especially the more conservative ones all claim to have a monopoly on the truth. So which truth are you challenging yourself with? Each denomination fervently believes their way is the truth, so...

That's not even addressing the issue of their being a single truth to find...

Well, the point of Church is to be preaching the Truth.  And, most Christians believe the Bible is True.  Soooo, if you don't then go find a liberal church that doesn't rather than expecting the evangelical church to change for you.

[Value Buy]

Dec 4, 2015 19:37:33 GMT -5 swamp said:

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

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

Oh for fucks sake....

I would answer this response, but I do not want it to turn political and political correctness would run amuck here, so I will not respond.

[Pants]

Dec 5, 2015 8:48:21 GMT -5 Shooby said:

Dec 4, 2015 20:09:00 GMT -5 Pants said:

I have a serious issue with this - namely that most churches, and especially the more conservative ones all claim to have a monopoly on the truth. So which truth are you challenging yourself with? Each denomination fervently believes their way is the truth, so...

That's not even addressing the issue of their being a single truth to find...

Well, the point of Church is to be preaching the Truth.  And, most Christians believe the Bible is True.  Soooo, if you don't then go find a liberal church that doesn't rather than expecting the evangelical church to change for you.

Sure. But which Church? All churches think they have the truth, I agree that's the point of church. And I agree with finding another church if the one you attend doesn't fit you. (Look at this, shooby and I agree on something!) If you read it, that's the point of my post.

Missk, however, seems to be advocating for staying vs. "searching for a church home [that will] accommodate them and their beliefs instead of searching for the truth." So, what, you should just stay in whatever church you first encounter and seek their particular "truth" even if it doesn't resonate with your beliefs? Disagree. 

[uncle23]

...

whenever i find myself needing spiritual guidance...i meditate in silence...

soon i find myself addressing GOD directly in my thoughts.....invariably i find inspiration to do or not do certain things....

i do this quite often...

[Shooby]

This has some valid pointsL


www.huffingtonpost.com/john-pavlovitz/my-emancipation-from-american-christianity_b_8718400.html

[b2r]

[ktunes]

I have a serious issue with this - namely that most churches, and especially the more conservative ones all claim to have a monopoly on the truth. So which truth are you challenging yourself with? Each denomination fervently believes their way is the truth, so...

That's not even addressing the issue of their being a single truth to find...

i think most christians would be surprised that the most commonly accepted beliefs and customs are not biblical based...

[Shooby]

nLike what?

[Sam_2.0]

Dec 4, 2015 15:02:08 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

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

Funny reading this now. We did end up getting into a group where I actually feel accepted and not like the outsider. BONUS - it even meets in our neighborhood and therefore we've gotten to be better friends with a group of neighbors & kids that Aly is going to school with here shortly.

[Tennesseer]

Dec 5, 2015 13:58:04 GMT -5 b2r said:

Just saw this thread and your post. The audience was clearly not booing God. What the audience reacted negatively to was the motion to having the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv relocated to Jerusalem. Few if any of the world's countries have embassies in Jerusalem. The U.S. and several other countries have consulate offices in Jerusalem but they are not treated as diplomatic missions to Israel or the PNA but as diplomatic missions to only Jerusalem. 

List of diplomatic missions in Israel

Nice spin though in the video title.  


Last year, SCOTUS ruled no person born in the city Jerusalem may list their country of birth as Israel. Additionally, SCOTUS said no state (country) has sovereignty over the city of Jerusalem.

Zivotofsky v. Kerry

and

Zivotofsky v. Clinton

[Green Eyed Lady]

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*

I'm feeling your frustration but in a totally different way. I haven't attended my church for like a month now and I'm fairly certain I won't go back. This is a place I've attended since I was a child so I don't want to be hasty.  My issue is actually the opposite - too much liberal leaning as it pertains to some of the painful issues the USA is facing right now.  I'm looking for a place I fit also.  Apparently, so are a lot of our other congregation members, including my mother.  It's tough.  Beliefs are so very personal and varied.  No place is perfect and I'm with whomever said you don't have to attend to believe.  I just find it comforting to congregate with like minded (as it pertains to faith) once a week.   

[Sam_2.0]

I hope you find your place, GEL. It was so hard to leave the place where we had been forever, and leave our families behind too. But a year later I would say it was worth it. We took quite a few Sundays off as well.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Jul 28, 2016 15:38:04 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

I hope you find your place, GEL. It was so hard to leave the place where we had been forever, and leave our families behind too. But a year later I would say it was worth it. We took quite a few Sundays off as well.

As I hope for you, Sam. We will.

[mroped]

Liberal leaning/thinking+ conservative Christian = Orthodox Church

There is no stepping away from the Bible or interpretations of it. The Bible is "the word of God" and will remain as such.

Political opinions are personal just as much as religious beliefs.

[resolution]

Our new priest got transferred to Walkersville and they cancelled our 8:00 am mass, so we are trying out the other Catholic parishes to try to find a new home. I wish we could just stay at our old parish, but I don't like the 10:15 mass with the rock band, and the 12:30 mass breaks up the whole day. So even within the same denomination and diocese we are going back and forth between two parishes trying to find the community that is the best fit.

Unsurprisingly, I am favoring the big church in town and DH is favoring the small country parish out of town. I have been warned that the big church is going to be too conservative for me, but so far I haven't seen it. We will probably alternate for a few months before we officially pick one and change our registration.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Jul 28, 2016 23:01:34 GMT -5 resolution said:

Our new priest got transferred to Walkersville and they cancelled our 8:00 am mass, so we are trying out the other Catholic parishes to try to find a new home. I wish we could just stay at our old parish, but I don't like the 10:15 mass with the rock band, and the 12:30 mass breaks up the whole day. So even within the same denomination and diocese we are going back and forth between two parishes trying to find the community that is the best fit.

Unsurprisingly, I am favoring the big church in town and DH is favoring the small country parish out of town. I have been warned that the big church is going to be too conservative for me, but so far I haven't seen it. We will probably alternate for a few months before we officially pick one and change our registration.

That post made me smile. When my mother went to visit relatives, she attended their church with them. She was upset at the "rock and roll" being played that she says busted her eardrums.      My mother still sings in the choir with only an organ as an accompaniment. I think the guitars and drums made her head explode! 

[toshmanta]

I identify myself as "Christian", but only in the cultural sense, i do not think it is necessary to believe in any of the supernatural myths or even believe Jesus existed to feel compassion for all those who suffer.....oh and hello to any of my old friends on here, i assume i had some.

[billisonboard]

Spirituality is an individual journey. Problems arise when you start to carpool.

chiver78's signature

[Shooby]

  If you only want to attend a church where you agree with everything, you aren't going to find one.

[chiver78]

Nov 1, 2016 13:16:10 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Spirituality is an individual journey. Problems arise when you start to carpool.

chiver78's signature

and I got that from another poster somewhere along the way. I want to say it was something that steff's son had written in a school assignment. but really, it's just perfect.

[billisonboard]

Nov 3, 2016 8:06:49 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Nov 1, 2016 13:16:10 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Spirituality is an individual journey. Problems arise when you start to carpool.

chiver78's signature

and I got that from another poster somewhere along the way. I want to say it was something that steff's son had written in a school assignment. but really, it's just perfect.

I read it initially on the old MSNBC(?) message board. We discussed it and the person claimed authorship. We agreed I should attribute it to "Frustrated Canadian" to allow the person to remain unnamed. So that is what the little sign on my wall has on it.

[thyme4change]

Nov 1, 2016 11:42:11 GMT -5 toshmanta said:

I identify myself as "Christian", but only in the cultural sense, i do not think it is necessary to believe in any of the supernatural myths or even believe Jesus existed to feel compassion for all those who suffer.....oh and hello to any of my old friends on here, i assume i had some.

I'm atheist, but grew up in the church and generally respect people of faith.

What you are describing doesn't sound Christian to me.  Christians don't hold the monopoly on compassion.  The basis of the christian church, and really THE thing you need to believe in to be Christian is that God exists, and Jesus died, rose from the dead and went to be co-God.  (Although, maybe not, since trinity - the word nor the concept is not mentioned once in the bible.)  

I don't like the idea that people believe they must identify as Christians to be good people - even if they don't believe all that god stuff.  There are plenty decent, morale, wonderful people who don't believe in a higher power.

[chiver78]

Nov 3, 2016 8:22:08 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Nov 1, 2016 11:42:11 GMT -5 toshmanta said:

I identify myself as "Christian", but only in the cultural sense, i do not think it is necessary to believe in any of the supernatural myths or even believe Jesus existed to feel compassion for all those who suffer.....oh and hello to any of my old friends on here, i assume i had some.

I'm atheist, but grew up in the church and generally respect people of faith.

What you are describing doesn't sound Christian to me.  Christians don't hold the monopoly on compassion.  The basis of the christian church, and really THE thing you need to believe in to be Christian is that God exists, and Jesus died, rose from the dead and went to be co-God.  (Although, maybe not, since trinity - the word nor the concept is not mentioned once in the bible.)  

I don't like the idea that people believe they must identify as Christians to be good people - even if they don't believe all that god stuff.  There are plenty decent, morale, wonderful people who don't believe in a higher power.

exactly. 

[billisonboard]

Nov 3, 2016 8:22:08 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

...

What you are describing doesn't sound Christian to me.  Christians don't hold the monopoly on compassion.  The basis of the christian church, and really THE thing you need to believe in to be Christian is that God exists, and Jesus died, rose from the dead and went to be co-God.  (Although, maybe not, since trinity - the word nor the concept is not mentioned once in the bible.)  
...

I think "accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior" as a critical piece when I think "Christian". I was raised in a very Protestant environment so that might be a limited thought on my part.

[busymom]

I was raised with a similar belief system, billisonboard, that being a Christian meant you believed that Jesus died for your sins. I was raised Protestant, and am currently in a Protestant church that is more conservative than the one I grew up in. (In fact, I was surprised to see my current denomination listed high up on a list of churches who typically vote Republican.) I think for myself, and fortunately do NOT have a Pastor who tells me how to vote, although I'm sure my fellow church members assume I'm Republican.  I think for myself, & vote for whatever candidate will do our country the most good. In a bad political year, I vote for whoever will do the least amount of harm.