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For a long time I've been very hostile towards religon. Without going into too much detail, I grew up in a fundamentalist Baptist home and was very turned off by the way the Bible was used for control. There wasn't alot of conversation about issues; we only heard you can't do this or this is the way it is, "because the Bible said so." Needless to say, I grew up in an angry and cold home. I now know this isn't what Christianity is about but is has colored my perception.
Recently, I've become interested in religion again as I want that influence in my life. I believe I have lost my way and need the moral guidance and community religion can offer. However, I don't want to go to a church that preaches "evolution is evil" and that "the earth is 6,000 years old". I personally believe that God and evolution are not mutually exclusive ideas.
I've searched for a church that aligns with my beliefs but cannot find one. Unitarianism seemed to be promising but the more I read about it the more I felt this is not for me. Does anybody know of any church's or groups that fit within this belief system? Is anybody out there searching for something similar to me?
The Episcopal Church values the importance of independent thinking and education. While I am sure that there are ignorant and misimrormed ministers in that denomination as there are anywhere, I think that you will find that they are usually very well educated in science, etc.
Don't give up on all Baptist. Check out a Baptist General Conference (http://216.177.136.28/chdirect/CHURCHES_list.php - broken link) church. I know several where in adult classes they actually do compartive studies with Bible and Science. Not to dispute or discount science. One I went to actually had several professional scientists in it (and yes they believe the Bible).
There are many "spiritual traditions" as opposed to "religion" that are open and welcoming and uplifting without the baggage of judgment and evil and sin. There is a group of related churches that call themselves "practical Christianity" including Unity and and Church of Religious Science and Church of Divine Science, with loosely similar approach.
I love Unity churches and find them some of the most wonderful places. Unitarian churches are welcoming also, but I didn't get enough god to suit me, filled with wonderful people though. Best wishes on your path!
For a long time I've been very hostile towards religon. Without going into too much detail, I grew up in a fundamentalist Baptist home and was very turned off by the way the Bible was used for control. There wasn't alot of conversation about issues; we only heard you can't do this or this is the way it is, "because the Bible said so." Needless to say, I grew up in an angry and cold home. I now know this isn't what Christianity is about but is has colored my perception.
Recently, I've become interested in religion again as I want that influence in my life. I believe I have lost my way and need the moral guidance and community religion can offer. However, I don't want to go to a church that preaches "evolution is evil" and that "the earth is 6,000 years old". I personally believe that God and evolution are not mutually exclusive ideas.
I've searched for a church that aligns with my beliefs but cannot find one. Unitarianism seemed to be promising but the more I read about it the more I felt this is not for me. Does anybody know of any church's or groups that fit within this belief system? Is anybody out there searching for something similar to me?
I once felt the same.
I think within every denomination there are more progressive churches. I have attended Methodist and Presbyterian churches and found this sort of support.
I think there's some pretty good advice in those posts. There really is a wide variety to choose from if you feel a need to have religion in your life. I would think that alot of it would depend on what you actually believe yourself as far as religion is concerned. You might not find a perfect match but I'll bet you could at least pick a religion that's as close to what you personally think if you make an effort to learn about your choices. Good luck.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm researching all the denominations posted and I hope to find a good fit.
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How About Catholicism?
