Comments on: Driving a Wedge

By: The de-Convert

The de-Convert — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:56:01 +0000

svs,

Here’s info. on lostgirlfound with a link to her blog:

http://de-conversion.com/contributors/#lostgirlfound

Paul

By: societyvs

societyvs — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:25:07 +0000

Lostgirlfoud – if you have a blog I will be linking to it – awesome story! I think it reveals a lot fo the same things I have been saying for years about the structure of the church – it’s such a shallow institution in a lot of ways (and has left all us Christians who left to find a place to learn more about the actual teachings of Christ – and not those of a denomination). I think your friend did the right thing – got booted – now he can speak directly to the congregation on their level and not be of the ‘superiors’ – watch – he will get way more done this way!

By: lostgirlfound

lostgirlfound — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:08:33 +0000

Thanks for the dialogue …
HelsSailing … yes, I definately think this is a good thing. After talking to my friends, I believe they are excited about whatever might come next! I’m hoping they continue to “champion” these causes outside the building, but we’ll see …
pj11 … I’m a part of what I consider “the church” outside the structure. So sorry for the misunderstanding. No, I think the Body that we are a part of (the living, breathing community that we share) is definately the intended use of the word “church”. My railings are aimed at “the structure” known as organized religion. And while I believe the first is instituted by what we call “the Bible,” I don’t see a lot of evidence for the second — regardless of what people “in the system” say.
Karen … I’m going to think about that. I love question that make me dig deeper, so thanks!
Michael … how did I downgrade God? I thought I actual made a pretty clear distinction between “the structure” and God. Maybe I’m misunderstanding your question …
Mike… Yeah, I’ve been accused of “duh” more than once! Chalk it up to a naive (“innocent”?) nature and a hope somewhere deep inside of me that someone will prove my cynacism wrong.

By: HeIsSailing

HeIsSailing — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:56:19 +0000

lostgirlfound – I have never been involved with church politics or leadership. My home bible studies and street missions are about the extent of it for me.

So those of us “on the outside,” who appreciated the stuff this guy was championing, are reeling again.

But with that said, do you think that ultimately this might be a good thing? I am not sure what this guy is championing, or if you think his issues, questions or causes are good, but do you think good things really only come from rocking the boat a little? Even if there is initial pain and confusion, maybe ultimate good for you, in whatever form that may take, will come out of it.

By: pj11

pj11 — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:50:13 +0000

Lostgirlfound: I’m sorry to hear about what’s happening at your church. What a mess. As a pastor myself, I understand “the back room” of the church … and it’s often quite ugly. In my experience I have found far too many pastors, elders, and deacons who think it’s their job to “run the church” rather than function as the lead servants. The result is churches treated like secular corporations where egos, power plays and politics rule the day. Try not to narrow your blame upon what Scripture calls “the church” … the concept of “the church” has divine origins … it’s the people who mess it up (what else is new?). I agree with Mike above … greater humility is required in the church. We must continue to reform the church from within (semper reformanda!). Hang tough and be a part of the solution!

Know this: your faith is being tested and it will produce endurance … and this trial will lead to greater maturity. So rejoice! (James 1:2-4). God is still on His throne and He’s at work … in spite of us!

Peace.

By: karen

karen — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:45:03 +0000

I’m so sorry this happened, lostgirl. I had similar “duh!” moments when I was involved in churches.

Strangely enough, it wasn’t anything negative that happened in church that started me on the journey to being an atheist. It was much more a curiosity and then an openness and then a commitment to following what I saw as truth wherever it led – including non-belief.

You wrote:
I can’t imagine living life without being a spiritual person. Personally, I will not let anything wrapped in the stupidity of man raise doubts in me about God.

Can you write a little more about this? I’m curious what the thought of living life without supernatural belief dredges up in you – fear? sadness? worry about the afterlife or missing out on it?

I think it’s interesting how different people move away from faith at different rates and stop at different places.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:33:28 +0000

WoW!!!
Just came across you blog. After I read more and learn more of you background. I will look forward to your dialoge. I do understand what you are talking about but use it as an excuse to down grade who God is…?

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 21:10:26 +0000

Some of your comments kinda reminded me about when the Psychic Friends Network went bankrupt, everyone said “Gee, you think they would have seen that one coming.”

You are right, too often the thing we call “church” just isnt willing to deal with the mess it creates. Too often people prefer to avoid the minor uncomfortableness of a confrontation with someone today, so that in a week the dang thing has snowballed into a huge deal and now we have to take sides.

It all comes down to humility, the thing that I hear you crying out for which I wholeheartedly agree with.