I too struggled with the "organized religion" subject. I have had many home churches throughout my life and wouldn't change it at all. I learned many things at each of them and I consider them each a season I had to go through.
I was raised baptist but when I left home (under bad circumstances) I attempted to turn my back on God but he sent me an angel here on Earth, my foster mom, Barbara. She encouraged me to try her church and while attending there I had an overwhelming encounter with God. That church was non denominational. Which is what I "label" myself when forced to on form etc. (damn government! But that's another post!)
Anyways, about 3 years ago now I finally decided and maybe more like God revealed to me that it clearly states in the bible:
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
So after finally "getting" that verse I realized what my Sunday School teacher was really saying all those years ago. God is everywhere. I don't have to listen to man to hear a message or talk to God.
So that's MY take on organized religion. It;s not for me but at the child level I am more than open to the kids going. Especially VBS because they normally focus on one4 safe subject. After all I had good no great training coming up in the churches. It's just skewed once you hit adult hood.
And to borrow your line Elles Belles:
When we ALL get to Heaven God will shake his head and say:
And to borrow your line Elles Belles:
When we ALL get to Heaven God will shake his head and say:
"You all screwed this up, but I love you anyway! Welcome home!"
And for a bit of inspiration check out the follow up post to this one.
When we all get to Heaven
This concludes Jonesie's church lesson for now. May it bless someone.
When we all get to Heaven
This concludes Jonesie's church lesson for now. May it bless someone.
I'm happy I could inspire you to write this. I completely understand where you are coming from. I've had several wonderful teachers/leaders/mentors that have truly shown me what it means to have faith. I also love that verse from the Bible as well. I enjoy going to church when they aren't preaching about giving more money, talking over finances when there should be a homily/sermon or trying to make you feel guilty about being human. We had a perfect little church we found when we lived in VA. We drove all the way across town to get to it every Sunday, but it was worth it. They were the most welcoming people and the church was kind of falling apart, and yet, they never once tried to guilt people into fixing it. Any you know what? Several members got the community together and asked them to donate their services, time and materials (whatever they were willing to do, no matter how small) and they had everything in wonderful order before we transferred out to next station! It was amazing to see and it was all done without making people feel like crap! I just don't understand why it can't be more like this. I do understand that it doesn't always work out this wonderfully, but if you have faith, it can. Thank you, once again, for sharing this. I do need it. I'm a very spiritual person, but have felt a little lost, and extremely disappointed, in religion and people lately. I told Aiden on Easter Sunday that I would like us to find a place like we had in VA. He agreed. Until then I think we are going to try to volunteer our time on Sundays at a soup kitchen and make that our "new" religion while we are searching for services to attend. At least then we're giving back and get to feel good in return. I'll let you know what I come across. : )
ReplyDeleteGood God in Heaven! I didn't realize I wrote a book on your comments. I'm so sorry!!!! Didn't mean to take up so much space. I just get passionate and go to town! Sorry!
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