Torah and Jewish Idea > Torah and Jewish Idea
How important is going to Temple to you?
firster555:
Shamgar, I do envy you.
I was also very active in my church, Catholic church. Both my kids attended the Catholic school and one just graduated from Catholic high school(even if I was not Catholic I could not trust the public schools here). Anyway, at my church I was also very active, ran the youth sports program, Cub Scout program, was a church usher, used to be a lectern, volunteered numerous hours for school and parish events. Through all this I got much closer to the spiritual leaders of the church, the ones standing on altars in robes telling us all how sinful WE are. Problem is when I got to know these people on a more personal level I also got to know how deep their hypocrisy was. I know they are only human and make mistakes but this was not a matter of a mistake here and a mistake there, it was CHARACTER which I found questionable.
When parents are busting their butts to keep the school running get told that not only will tuition rise but services will be cut because the parish is having financial difficulties but a huge new statue of the pope is built in front of the church, I have issues with that.
When we are told that they want to cut certain youth programs because they do not THINK that these youth are going to church though we practically had to beg certian priests just to show their face at some events of these youth, I had issues with that.
When things get done behind people's backs just because they are not in the inner inner circle, no matter who else gets hurt by the trickle down effects, I have issues with that.
I could go on with many many examples but I was just turned off by the thought that hypocrites were preaching to me about salvation.
I have not been involved for a few years now, and yes, maybe it was just this particular church, but the experiences soured me on not my faith as a Christian, that I still have and have in the way I believe is right, but on man made religious mandates. Not saying I am right or wrong, just stating my experience and opinion.
Maybe this is what is meant by your body is a temple, it is not a building, it is in you.
For those of you who do attend church, temple, etc. I am happy for you. As for me, maybe I just became jaded with age, not sure.
One thing for certian though, you will never see me in a mosque, unless it is for demolition purposes.
Shamgar:
Firster, I can appreciate where you are coming from. I won't knock or promote one Christian denomination over another but noone in my church has ever called me a sinner or anyone else. We don't do that. We teach from the Bible on how we should strive to live in a more Godly manner and follow his commandments. Never would someone, especially the pastor, call out someone for a sin they committed. We support them and lead by example. We have fornicators, ex-criminals, a 16 year old girl who is pregnant, and members that have had battles with alcohol and drugs.
I think there are problems when a church becomes a business instead of a place of worship. We are a non-aligned independant Baptist denomination. Our pastor is the head of the church, he makes the decisions, and answers to God, not some committee in some remote metropolis that you pay hefty dues to.
Our church is small by most standards. We have about 700 members and typically about 400 average at worship service. I am very proud of our facility, it just appraised for over 6 million dollars. We have a beautiful state of the art media system, wonderful classrooms, nurseries choir rooms and other facilities. We have 3 gospel quartets and blessed with 2 solo singers that sing professionally. Our membership built that church. No one was forced to give to the building funds, people just gave when it was needed. Some gave money, others are business owners and craftsmen and gave of thier time, materials and skills.
Keep looking when you find the right church, you will know it and it will be a blessing. Firster, I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you.
Americanhero1:
I had a teacher call me the devil at the church I used to go to.
Shamgar:
--- Quote from: Americanhero on August 17, 2008, 08:58:55 PM ---I had a teacher call me the devil at the church I used to go to.
--- End quote ---
Yep, I can understand that... :::D
Americanhero1:
--- Quote from: Shamgar on August 17, 2008, 09:13:42 PM ---
--- Quote from: Americanhero on August 17, 2008, 08:58:55 PM ---I had a teacher call me the devil at the church I used to go to.
--- End quote ---
Yep, I can understand that... :::D
--- End quote ---
Hey Hey Hey ;D
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