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Moe on the outside looking in. This is how most organized religions, make me feel. I grew up in the country where the preacher would scream Hell, Fire and Damnation. Even as a child, I knew deep in my soul that there had to be more to religion than this. My father was a outcast of his Church of Christ due to his life style and my Mother was raised a Methodist. I started out Baptist, tried Methodist, Church of Christ and then Catholic. I felt more at ease at the Catholic Church than I had in any other and then I balked at joining when only Catholics could take communion and the NUNS tried to tell me what to do. Then I met Prince and as he was an Episcopalian and it was enough like the Catholic Church I joined. Now, with all the hoopla in the Church and women taking leader roles, once again I have the feeling of being outside looking in. I go with Prince and enjoy the service but then I want to get out quickly and not hob knob.
The kitty justice is you ask me my religion I just say I'm a Christian.
Comments
I don't believe they need to be having committees all the time to be making money for one thing or another. It's like the schools, once you volunteer, you're hooked, because they know you will help out. And it gets pretty tiresome being one of the few that ALWAYS volunteers.
I always hated to say no when asked to help out. Then I read an article about saying no and how hard it is the first time. So I tired it, and believe it or not it worked. First time was terrible, but each time I was able to say no to someone asking me to do something, I felt better about myself. Now when my kids say Mom, can you do this or that, and before they tell me what it is, I say I can try.
As for church, I was baptized into the Church of the Brethren, which was a hit and miss sort of church going, except every Sunday if I was staying with my Grandmother. Then I tried the Methodist church with a girl friend when I was in my teens. Then when Abe and I got married, he was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. I didn't mind the Bible studies, but I told him, there was no way I could join the church, because if my child needed blood they would receive it and one of their beliefs is no blood. The kids and I did enjoy the Bible studies, but Abe had way too many questions that no one seemed to be able to answer for him, so we stopped going. At the moment we don't attend anyplace. Our children, except for one, has all joined one religion or another and been baptized. That's not to say i don't believe in prayer and etc. Prayer is very, very important. My Mother, since she can no longer get out, views her Sunday service on TV and is very happy with it. But she continues to send money to the church they use to attend, and when my Father passed away, not one of the ministers from that church called her or went by to see her. Even now, she still continues to give them a check once a month and she hears from no one at that church. I told her to use it to give to charities of her choice. I'm sure once the checks stop coming in, someone will call or visit her and that's when I would tell them she's found better use for her money.
Sounds like we are on the same page concerning organized religions. I have seen the same thing happen at our church concerning older people. After years of service etc, when they are no longer there they are tossed aside like old news. I do not believe that is what Jesus would do as the bracelets say. Peace
BUT--when I retired, I did not want to go back to the Methodist Church (for fear of getting sucked back into all of the jobs they need people to do). I also was looking for a really good worship service (without all of the added announcements, etc.).
My new hubby was Episcopalian --so we joined a small Episcopal Church in our area. I told them that I was there to worship --and was not interested in any other job in the church... That has worked pretty well for me. I love their worship services --with 3 scripture readings.
I agree that no church is perfect. Churches are run by humans. Each church just does the best it can. Some people love a specific church and others don't. That's why there are many choices. People go where THEIR needs are met.
The good thing about organized religion is that people can find other Christians who are looking for friendship and Christian Love. When people live alone, churches can provide many outlets of fellowship together--and help with some of the loneliness.
I agree about the older people. My mother-in-law recently died. Her church (where she had been active in for years until she got too old) literally ignored her death. She used to sing in the choir for years --yet the choir director didn't offer to play or provide music for the funeral, or even attend. The minister did show up---but the family had to pay him $100 UPFRONT. It was not a good situation... I was furious with that church... Typical with many churches though.
Well---each to his or her own.. I became clergy in 1997--and I'm a woman in ministry. I have NO problems with women in the ministry...
Well--enough thoughts for today.
Hugs,
Betsy
In the end it isn't about the religion or church but about our relationship with Christ and as for me it is a on going struggle.
Sounds like we both joined the Episcopal Church due to meeting our wonderful husbands. Your story of your MIL is too common and I feel the churches that they attended and did so much service should be ashamed. Congratulations on being a woman of ministry. If that was your calling then I feel any woman should become a clergy. However when our women clergy give the sermons on Sunday, I find my mind drifting or as some would say asleep. I find their voices and the tone of their voices too low to keep my attention. Also I am not happy with Katherine our Bishop. Peace
Monica
Yes just as I said I am a Christian and have no Church even though I joined and attend the services. I love the Book of Common Prayer and there are days that reading it can sooth the beast in Kitty Justice. Peace