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I love my best friend, and in many ways, I try to emulate her. She is Christian (as am I) however, she regularly attends church (which when I go, I attend hers) and is very active in it. Her husband was the youth pastor for a couple of years, until he decided to go back to seminary to further his education (couldnt juggle 3 kids, wife, FT job school and pastorship! lol)
I'm not upset with her, because what she did, was done with love in her heart- which I know and understand-although I still don't agree.
Late Saturday night she sent an email. A rather lengthy one, which is unusual for her. The letter was talking about how I should find a church family and participate. Not necessarily her church if I didn't choose- but I should find a good church.
Now, if I could find a church which handled their finances the way I believe Jesus would handle them, I would have no problem with that. Management of tithes is my biggest opposition to 'churches'.
I really feel as though I am being judged and not considered a true Christian (by someone I really do admire) because I CHOOSE not to go to church, because as I see it, their finances are not handled biblically. While it certainly does not shake my faith, or my friendship, it really does HURT.
I think there was a time (pre-internet) when churches and bible study groups were the only way to study your faith, and be held accountable for your knowledge. But with the internet and a gazillion chat rooms and message boards discussing Christianity, I feel there are ample ways to discuss, grow and learn.
Last time I checked, a Christian is someone who follows the Bible and Jesus. Church has nothing to do with that. I swear, the religious make up new rules every day. I can't keep up with what you guys are doing, lol.
I have heard many Christians say that if you do not belong to a church then in no way you are a Christian.
I do not agree with that statement. It is really hard to find a church which is filled with the Holy Spirit. I have yet to find one. I am not saying there are not good churches, but where i live, we are limited as to what we have to choose from. One of the last churches I went to was a really small church, less than 50 members. The pastor announced one Sunday morning that he was quitting his day job to focus on being a pastor full time. He asked the members for "extra" donations/contributions to help him and his family on a personal level. I never went back. (( Remember, the church was small- 50 including children)).
I have a really close relationship with my Heavenly Father and with my Savior, Jesus. I study the bible. Everyday, I learn something new and I grow in my knowledge of the truth.
you know that I am an atheist, so you may or may not give any weight to what I say. However, let me tell you this -- you need to follow your own convictions. To do any less is to be untrue to yourself.
Your friend probably has your best intentions at heart. If it were me, I would thank her graciously and tell her that you are secure in your relationship with your god. But if she brings up the subject again, gently tell her that you value her friendship but don't want your differences of opinion to come between you.
For what it's worth, I don't think you're being overly sensitive, and if she's that good of a friend she'll understand whatever your response happens to be.
you know that I am an atheist, so you may or may not give any weight to what I say. However, let me tell you this -- you need to follow your own convictions. To do any less is to be untrue to yourself.
Your friend probably has your best intentions at heart. If it were me, I would thank her graciously and tell her that you are secure in your relationship with your god. But if she brings up the subject again, gently tell her that you value her friendship but don't want your differences of opinion to come between you.
For what it's worth, I don't think you're being overly sensitive, and if she's that good of a friend she'll understand whatever your response happens to be.
I replied to her (this morning- had to let some time pass before I said anything) that I love her too, and that I had learned much from her and thanked her for her concern...but that as far as the role of a 'church' our opinions varied greatly, and that I found my methods of learning and studying were effective for me...
I spoke to her this morning, although we didn't mention 'the email'....lol
I replied to her (this morning- had to let some time pass before I said anything) that I love her too, and that I had learned much from her and thanked her for her concern...but that as far as the role of a 'church' our opinions varied greatly, and that I found my methods of learning and studying were effective for me...
I spoke to her this morning, although we didn't mention 'the email'....lol
Good deal. If she's a true friend, she'll understand.
I love my best friend, and in many ways, I try to emulate her. She is Christian (as am I) however, she regularly attends church (which when I go, I attend hers) and is very active in it. Her husband was the youth pastor for a couple of years, until he decided to go back to seminary to further his education (couldnt juggle 3 kids, wife, FT job school and pastorship! lol)
I'm not upset with her, because what she did, was done with love in her heart- which I know and understand-although I still don't agree.
Late Saturday night she sent an email. A rather lengthy one, which is unusual for her. The letter was talking about how I should find a church family and participate. Not necessarily her church if I didn't choose- but I should find a good church.
Now, if I could find a church which handled their finances the way I believe Jesus would handle them, I would have no problem with that. Management of tithes is my biggest opposition to 'churches'.
I really feel as though I am being judged and not considered a true Christian (by someone I really do admire) because I CHOOSE not to go to church, because as I see it, their finances are not handled biblically. While it certainly does not shake my faith, or my friendship, it really does HURT.
I think there was a time (pre-internet) when churches and bible study groups were the only way to study your faith, and be held accountable for your knowledge. But with the internet and a gazillion chat rooms and message boards discussing Christianity, I feel there are ample ways to discuss, grow and learn.
Am I right? or being overly sensitive?
The first question that came to my mind was why she would say this in an e-mail, and not in person. It sounds like something she has wanted to say for a while, and not something she thought of on a spur of the moment.
Having said that I don't think you are being over sensitive. I also believe the samething as has been said by others. I think that the "CHURCH" is the people not the "BUILDING". I also agree that there are other ways to learn ie Internet. If you live each day believing in Christ, and you show love to others ie "The Golden Rule" you are a far better "Christian" than a lot of regular churchgoers.
The first question that came to my mind was why she would say this in an e-mail, and not in person. It sounds like something she has wanted to say for a while, and not something she thought of on a spur of the moment.....
Be at peace YOUR SOUL IS SAFE!
It was very well thought out and very long- so it must have been weighing on her for quite some time. It would have been a moving letter if I wasn't already a believer....lol
There was a thread here not long ago, "Are You A Christian If You Dont Belong To A Church." You will find many posters on these threads that do not have a home church. As for myself, I don't miss the melting pot doctrines I've found in different churchs-and believe me I've been to many different churchs, with every kind of denomination invented! The churchs will be judged at the end of our time.Certainly, most of them
have preached false doctrines and have led many to
confusion,aloneness,maybe even darkness.Ofcourse,there are reputable churchs ,but even they at times have something that will take your eyes off of Him.
What I miss about having a church family is the love you receive when you are part of the body of Christ.Also,there is a lot to be said about accountability.Even studying alone can lead to luke warmness when you haven't anyone to discuss holy/biblical issues with.
The internet is a wonderful source of re-enforcing Christian knowledge, but it isn't being physically present with other believers.Also,the internet can be quite deceptive as to whom is giving the message and the motivation within it...
It was very well thought out and very long- so it must have been weighing on her for quite some time. It would have been a moving letter if I wasn't already a believer....lol
Glad to know my soul is still safe. lmao
I'm sure that if the saying "you can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends" is right and you chose well you two will still be great friends for years.
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