Faith wrote an entry that hit a nerve. As hard as it might be to believe, I grew up going to church and singing in the choir, but I always felt like an outsider and stopped going at the age of 13, much to the dismay of my parents. I think church provides a sense of community in addition to faith for people...I kind of miss it. But I have yet to find a church where I feel accepted and comfortable. The last minister at the church I grew up attending was the most uncaring, selfish person; why he EVER went into the ministry is beyond me. Far, far beyond me.

Something else Faith said made me stop and think: "We're taught at church and in the scriptures that if someone offends us, we're to go to that person and talk to them. And that's how I've tried to live my life. But despite those teachings, we've been told that people instead of coming to us have been going to each other. And the rumor mill goes on." I need to start living my life like that from this day forth. And further, I'm taking this opportunity to say if I've offended you, please talk to me about it.

That's it!

I grew up Catholic.....STRICT Catholic.

Now, I am not welcome in the Catholic Church......but thats another story.

I miss going to Church. I feel like I am a very spiritual person.....and if I could find a Church that I felt comfortable in I would go back in a heartbeat.

There are a lot of things about the Catholic Church that I dont agree with, but growing up - you NEVER questioned anything.....you just blindly followed. But I KNOW that religion is about more than that........

Its a shame how so many people have gotten away from the Church (no matter what religion they are) because of bad experience.

So, has anyone come talk to you yet?

I think you know this but I have been going to church more often since January and it feels right. I agree about the need to find the place where you feel comfortable. I am learning to take what works for me and leave the rest and not to get too caught up in all the whoo haa surrounding the church at times. I just go because it is peaceful, it gives me some things to think about and honestly I feel better when I do go.

To me there's such a huge difference between 'faith' and 'church'. I personally don't have any religious beliefs but have no problem with people who do - as long as they don't try to force those beliefs on me. And that is what churches (of all denominations and faiths) are all about - pushing their particular interpretations at the expense of tolerance and independent thinking.
If my opinion offends anyone, sorry.

I was also taught, although not in scripture, that if someone offends to talk to them about it, rather than to someone else about them. It is a profound thing to learn and very difficult to put into practice - although I continue to try.

Thank your for sharing your thoughts and the wise words of Faith.

Wise words, indeed. I hope to find the perfect spiritual home for myself someday. :)

You posted this entry the day I got visited by church ladies, hehe what a coincidence! Very true though about letting people know directly your beef with them.

Did you tell the minister he offended you? Maybe he doesn't know he's an a-hole.