When you walk into your church, how do you feel? (women, pastor)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Isn't it a bit narcissistic to think others despise you when in all actuality they couldn't care less whether or not you exist? or that you are the least possible thought on their minds? How can you despise something that is irrelevant to you? If your neighbor is a liar, you may or may not despise them, but just because one doesn't want to engage in a lying fest with their neighbor doesn't mean that you hate them.
I was fine going to Church, until I saw that things were not as they appeared.
Now, I am even better not going, especially were the hypocrisy is prevalent.
"You cannot love your neighbor, while despising those not of your faith."
Quote:
Originally Posted by gabfest
Isn't it a bit narcissistic to think others despise you when in all actuality they couldn't care less whether or not you exist? or that you are the least possible thought on their minds? How can you despise something that is irrelevant to you? If your neighbor is a liar, you may or may not despise them, but just because one doesn't want to engage in a lying fest with their neighbor doesn't mean that you hate them.
Many talk out both sides of their mouth, and behind your back.
There was way too much hypocrisy for me, wasn't interested.
Many talk out both sides of their mouth, and behind your back.
There was way too much hypocrisy for me, wasn't interested.
Not sure why you quoted my post, but I don't think most people are that concerned with other's personal beliefs/afterlife etc. Most people are concerned with their own selves, offspring, household, etc. Sure, how someone believes could make it harder to date that person and/or their offspring but it's their right until the government says otherwise.
As to thread topic, I was told to view the church as a hospital for some and filling station for others. But yes, trolls are everywhere, including the various churches.
this has been tried but unfortunately the church communities in this area reflect the general attitude of the people's non acceptance of new comers and the priest leaders are over extended with current catholic ongoing issues .
It used to be healthy and worthwhile, but went downhill dramatically. I agree with Jerwade above.
I very rarely go anymore, and when I do, it's suffocating with all the walls, trappings, and tightly-controlled environment. And that's just the building and surroundings. The people run the gamut between genuine and loving, and hate-filled and political. Instead of worshipping God, it's become worshipping and promoting the worst in man (power-trips, judgement, political boostering, racism, division, etc.)
Where the spirit isn't welcome, I'm going to avoid as well. There are better alternatives to that junk.
Sometimes that's the best way to go. I loved my first Episcopal Church, which I found around the age of 33 when I was pregnant. Warm and wonderful and welcoming. After five years, the priest who was there when I came there left, and after a series of rotating priests taking care of several churches, one stayed. His sermons became rants against taxes. I left and didn't seek another church community for more than a decade.
I’m just curious. For those of you responding so negatively about how you feel in church, give us some details about it.
What denomination?
How big/small is the congregation?
Have you been in that denomination long or recently joined?
I’m amazed at how many are responding with negative feelings.
Really? Church can be a terribly lonely place if you aren't acceptable there or don't fit in.
I used to say this all the time: What good is it to sit somewhere and be told that "God/Jesus loves you" if you feel absolutely no love?" Yeah, there are the oft-quoted verses about how you "should" believe, have faith, yada yada yada, but what good does it do? You are then PRETENDING you believe in this love, but you don'tfeel loved, you feel abandoned and lonely and cheated. You feel despair, and your prayers go unanswered. After a while, you ask yourself what you are sticking with this for, and you stop pretending.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.