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.
Topic: How important is going to Temple to you? (Read 26412 times)