RE: a question for Christians

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MusicalBoredom -> RE: a question for Christians (6/19/2008 8:38:27 AM)
I have my own prejudices against some churches at times mostly due to individuals I meet that claim the religion as theirs. The Baptists fell into that group for me. After Hurricane Rita, this Baptist group from Texas rolled into town with three 18 wheelers of, food, water and clothing. They also brought an emergency medical truck and tons of people to help out. They stayed there for almost 2 months switching volunteers in and out as needed. Most of them were using up their vacation time to help. It was really amazing to see people work like that for no other reason than to be helpful. Made me feel somewhat ashamed of my religious prejudice.

LadyLynx -> RE: a question for Christians (6/19/2008 11:41:37 AM)
Card carrying UU Pagan here. I love my church, very basic nature spirituality, and 'love thy neighbor' badgirl, hopefully you find a good church to attend soon.

JohnSteed1967 -> RE: a question for Christians (6/19/2008 3:24:42 PM)
Religion Vs Spirituality Vs. Hypocrites I am a card carrying Southern Baptist, However the Baptist Church that I believe in was the Baptist Church of the 1925 Baptist Faith and message, That statement never stated that Marriage was only to be between a Man and a Woman, nor did it say that a woman had no place in the church. Or any other the other little niceties that the conservatives spew their hate for these days. I "learned" if that is the right word from the foot of my Grandfather, a baptist minister, but came to my own faith and choice about who Jesus The Christ is. My Grandfather preached Fire and Brimstone but the F&B that he preached wasn't a weapon against someone else, nor was it used as part of hate speach as the so called preachers do today. The F&B that he spoke about from the pulpit was a warning, not a weapon. My Grandfather,as I, believed that we had two choices, we can either live out our lives as God would have us. Which was as a servant leader, or that we could lean unto our own understanding and be seperated from God. People have had thousands upon thousands of images of what Hell is to be. But the truth of Hell is one Thing "Seperation from God" I heard an old Catholic priest speak once to an athiest : "If your Right and I am wrong, then no one will ever no, we are simply a body to fill a grave. If I am right and you are wrong, that there is God and there is Heaven and Hell, Then you will have to know that you were wrong forever".

ThundersCry -> RE: a question for Christians (6/19/2008 4:20:36 PM)
If your born again...spirit led... You won`t have any trouble deciding at some point...which church it is your supposed to be in... Good luck...

MzMia -> RE: a question for Christians (6/19/2008 5:16:57 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: JohnSteed1967 Religion Vs Spirituality Vs. Hypocrites I am a card carrying Southern Baptist, However the Baptist Church that I believe in was the Baptist Church of the 1925 Baptist Faith and message, That statement never stated that Marriage was only to be between a Man and a Woman, nor did it say that a woman had no place in the church. Or any other the other little niceties that the conservatives spew their hate for these days. I "learned" if that is the right word from the foot of my Grandfather, a baptist minister, but came to my own faith and choice about who Jesus The Christ is. My Grandfather preached Fire and Brimstone but the F&B that he preached wasn't a weapon against someone else, nor was it used as part of hate speach as the so called preachers do today. The F&B that he spoke about from the pulpit was a warning, not a weapon. My Grandfather,as I, believed that we had two choices, we can either live out our lives as God would have us. Which was as a servant leader, or that we could lean unto our own understanding and be seperated from God. People have had thousands upon thousands of images of what Hell is to be. But the truth of Hell is one Thing "Seperation from God" I heard an old Catholic priest speak once to an athiest : "If your Right and I am wrong, then no one will ever no, we are simply a body to fill a grave. If I am right and you are wrong, that there is God and there is Heaven and Hell, Then you will have to know that you were wrong forever" [sm=applause.gif] Every now and then, I read posts that inspire me. This post, was simply said and has inspired me. I am going to copy it and put it, with some of the memorable posts that I save. Thank you so much for stating so eloquently how I feel, and making me smile. [;)]

fungasm -> RE: a question for Christians (6/19/2008 6:55:59 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DomKen quote: ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl Thanks. I found a Quaker church and it's within the city limits. Just so you're aware Quaker's tend to use some odd terms in conversation. It's all pretty obvious once you've heard it a couple of times but be prepared to not understand precisely what is going on at times. Depends on the Quaker Church or Meeting house (There is a difference between these two types of worship). Not all Quakers are Christian these days, but it doesn't matter. Not all Quakers use odd terms either. What you get depends on where you are. The Society of Friends tends to be closer to UU than any others these days. I'm Quaker. Like many I do not believe in Jesus Christ as our Saviour.. He was not the only son of God, because we are ALL God's Children. We each have the capacity to make the change we want in the world. There are more things in the Quaker faith which tend to carry across most Quakers- (but beliefs in a meeting aren't necessarily uniform): a belief that simplicity is important, and a belief in the solutions of peace. Quakers almost never proselytize because the belief is that Faith must come from within. Each of us needs to make our own choices. The only influence I am allowed to have over anothers choice of faith is true and live a life that someone would want to emulate. That's it. Just my thoughts. Alison

Alumbrado -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 7:33:42 PM)
quote: The Society of Friends tends to be closer to UU than any others these days. That would probably be the case for some of the very liberal monthly meetings, but I would be surprised to find out that it is suddenly true for the entire RSOF. Some groups, as already mentioned, more closely resemble Brethren, and others welcome anyone, even non-theists, while still adhering to the basic identity as a Christian group.

Racquelle -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 7:46:16 PM)
Where I live the Quakers, or Society of Friends, don't differ a great deal from several mainstream denominations. It's the United Church of Christ that seems most close to UU if you ask me.

thishereboi -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 8:24:16 PM)
Our church is pretty laid back...it's congregational. Not sure if its the same for all, or not, but I like it.

Racquelle -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 8:49:33 PM)
Defiant Bad Girl - when I was on just such a similar quest a number of years ago, I researched several denominations and looked for a church that embodied what I considered the core message of Christian love. It was also very important to me to find a denomination that didn't condemn homosexuality. I knew they were out there... Then I found the United Church of Christ. I found all that I had hoped for and more. Much has been said of Obama's association with the UCC and almost none of what I have heard resembles the UCC I belong to. The UCC, and its root denominations, were the first to ordain blacks, women and gays. We were instrumental in early anti-slavery movements, worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and have supported and been instrumental in most of the significant social-justice causes for the past two centuries or more. THIS is the church I had sought my whole life. These were people who practiced Christian love, the radically inclusive love that seems the hallmark of Christ's teachings. Please visit www.ucc.org and www.stillspeaking.com for more information.

MissSCD -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 8:57:53 PM)
*I am kind of perplexed on why you would ask such a question like that here.* *I would recommend studying the Inspirational Channel on cabel. They have a lot of variety that does not focus on hell and brimstone.* Stay away from your typical Baptist (Prostestant) denominations. Don't be afraid of churches that use tounges because tounges done in the right way provide spiritual healing. That is what you need. I am Pentecostal and love it now. *Regards, MissSCD* quote: ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl I'm looking for a church to attend that focuses on peace and helping others instead of all the hellfire and damnation stuff. I currently attend a Brethren church in my town that fits that description, but I'm moving to a city an hour and a half away. I just found out the closest Brethren church to my new location will be an hour drive one way. Are there any other denominations that are similar?

FangsNfeet -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 9:12:47 PM)
Pet and I are members of a First United Methodist Church. So far we've yet to hear a Fire and Brimstone sermon. Instead, it's all about peace, acceptance, and helping others. One of our last sermons focused on how it would be nice to see our government launch a war on hunger. We also have no problems having same sex couples as members of the church. There's also not much of a dress code other than being covered. Jeans, shirts, and regular shorts are fine to go to church in. After all, we'd rather see you in church than not see you at all because of clothes. When it comes to christianity and it's denominations, each has there own. But since you asked, I'm sharing what I practice.

Alumbrado -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 9:13:59 PM)
Errrrmmm... That's Italian the Pope is speaking, not tongues.[;)]

DomKen -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 11:22:27 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: JohnSteed1967 I heard an old Catholic priest speak once to an athiest : "If your Right and I am wrong, then no one will ever no, we are simply a body to fill a grave. If I am right and you are wrong, that there is God and there is Heaven and Hell, Then you will have to know that you were wrong forever". That's Pacal's Wager paraphrased. It presents a false dichotomy. Neither the athiest nor the priest could be right. The Hindus could be right or maybe the Shinto or Odin and the norse pantheon or...

PiercedHeart -> RE: a question for Christians (6/20/2008 11:57:33 PM)
If you like a church with a newer worship centered approach, try the Vineyard Churches...we are pretty radical (my slave has over 40 piercings) and were living together (in sin no less) and were still accepted and loved...their motto was "Come as you are and be loved"

Gwynvyd -> RE: a question for Christians (6/21/2008 6:02:25 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Owner59 Unitarian . http://www.uua.org/ I ditto this. I am a member of my local UU.. and it is based on these principals. The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. http://www.uua.org/visitors/6798.shtml We are very active in social justice.. helping the homeless, the poor, gay rights, equality for all ~ ( the continuing struggles of Black Americans ) you name it. We are democraticaly run... which means the members of the church decide what the church supports and does. We welcome every one, Christain, Jewish, Muslim, Athiest, Buddhist, Hindu, you name it. I hope this helps. I have not read the whole thread yet.. Gwyn

Gwynvyd -> RE: a question for Christians (6/21/2008 6:07:00 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MissSCD *I am kind of perplexed on why you would ask such a question like that here.* *I would recommend studying the Inspirational Channel on cabel. They have a lot of variety that does not focus on hell and brimstone.* Stay away from your typical Baptist (Prostestant) denominations. Don't be afraid of churches that use tounges because tounges done in the right way provide spiritual healing. That is what you need. I am Pentecostal and love it now. *Regards, MissSCD* quote: ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl I'm looking for a church to attend that focuses on peace and helping others instead of all the hellfire and damnation stuff. I currently attend a Brethren church in my town that fits that description, but I'm moving to a city an hour and a half away. I just found out the closest Brethren church to my new location will be an hour drive one way. Are there any other denominations that are similar? I think it is a great question to ask here... a lot of us are people of faith.. one faith or another.. and all of us being alternative.. and outside of "the Norm" for most.... it is good to know what churches others go to.. and would reconmend. Knowing that many of us would be percsicuted for what we believe in some churches.. it is good to find out before you go... others have done the trial and error. At least the OP is taking a step twords thier spiritual journey.. and I commend them on that. smiles Gwyn

pinkieplum -> RE: a question for Christians (6/21/2008 6:11:03 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl I'm looking for a church to attend that focuses on peace and helping others instead of all the hellfire and damnation stuff. I currently attend a Brethren church in my town that fits that description, but I'm moving to a city an hour and a half away. I just found out the closest Brethren church to my new location will be an hour drive one way. Are there any other denominations that are similar? One of my girlfriends is Jewish, married a Catholic Man, adopted a black baby (They are white) and generally did everything she could to confuse P/pl, lol. She and her husband finally found acceptance and gratification in a Unitarian Church. Hope this helps. pinkieplum

Gwynvyd -> RE: a question for Christians (6/21/2008 6:32:01 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Alumbrado There haven't been any Unitarian congregations in America for decades. The Universalists pretty much took over and changed the focus to its current blended approach. The Brethren on the other hand, have a very specific Christian scriptural orientation as do most Quakers (minus the baptism part). acutaly.... ( having gone to a UU 101, and 102, and oh hell loads of classes on the history...) The Unitarians, and Universlaists decided that thier messages were so simular.. that they combined thier congregations together back in 1961. http://books.google.com/books?id=wVp8HNS2p-IC We have puritan roots though. http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/108175.shtml I think it works well though. Gwyn, A lay leader in her church

MissSCD -> RE: a question for Christians (6/21/2008 6:35:46 AM)
Agree with this one. Run from the small Southern Baptist Church. They hate women, and most of the pastors are rediculous. I was born and raised Southern Baptist and stayed in the church for 44 years until I just went crazy. Pentecostal works for me. Regards, MissSCD quote: ORIGINAL: lronitulstahp Just a small heads up on the Southern Baptist church visit...don't bring along an interracial date...apparently it's a sin.[8\|]

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