I discredit a religion that was formed by the hands of men
made to control me
and that would require me,
to give 10% of my income and when I am unable,
throws me and my children out of the building
A religion that would rather I support them,
than feed my own children
And then tell me I’m going to hell
I discredit a church,
that because I worked days, weekends and nights
just trying to make ends meet
and because I was unable to attend every Sunday
would not baptize my daughter,
because they said that I did not know God.
I discredit a religion who tells me,
that I cannot celebrate my own child’s birthday
A gift that God gave to me, His blessing
I do not believe in the church or the pastor
I believe in God, a loving, gracious and understanding God
Author notes
***** just to clarify, I am NOT bitter. I know God, I have faith in Him and he lives in my Heart ******
The things in this poem, are things that really happened to my mother. It goes to show that religion is more about community and seperating yourself from those with different views and opinions than you, than it is about God.
I have faith in a God, who depending on how you were raised, where you come from or the life you were born into, goes by a different name. Buddha, Allah, Christ. Native American, Egyptian and Pagan Gods. They all fall back to the same place, a guide to live your life by. The belief in a being greater than yourself.
I don’t believe that giving my money to the church is benefiting God. I believe that contributing to organization that help children, battered women and people who are in need, is just as noble. Sacrifice is Sacrifice, period. I believe that "going to church doesn’t make you any more a Christian, than standing in a garage makes you a car." I don’t need church to know God. He lives here, in my heart.
"Grace is never bought on Sunday mornings and sermons alone never set a man free" - Benjamin Pontius
In a list
A contest entry
- God, Faith, Bitterness and Learning to Overcome by Away From the Sun.
700 points, ended November 12, 2008, 23 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
love hurts...
Comments
1 - 64 of 64
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When I was a child and attended church regularly, we sang a hymn "They Will Know You Are Christians By Your Love." It still remains the true message to me. I have written several poems about hypocristy and pseudo-religious people who are merely bigots in church clothing. I feel your poem expresses the difference between spirtuality and adherence to an organized group. Well done. Peace, Liz
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I love your honesty! I understand your sentiments, and how you Mom must have suffered through these unnecessary judgments. Jesus Christ shows us that many who sat in the church and pointed fingers at others really did not know Him. The God I know does not teach with the hand that scorns. My question; why didn't the leaders of the church lend a hand to help your Mom. I know you well enough to know that you are not bitter but have every right to voice how you feel. I think the Lord will deal harshly with those who did not see after the children. A very passionate poem you’ve written dear heart. I wish you well in the challenge.
Always ♥
Renee
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Beautiful,
I dont think all churches are bad... I just dont believe that I have to go to church to know God. I have been to some really amazing churches. I just dont understand a church who tells a woman she cant baptize her child because she cant go to church every Sunday (because she is trying to keep a roof over her kids heads)... you know... I just cant see God doing that.. and I dont think a church who does it... knows God....
I love God and I have Faith in Him despite the wrong doings of people who claim to serve him. There will always be wolves in sheeps clothing.
xoxox,
Criss
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love it.
I have been struggling with religion lately and the church that I used to attend and I could just definitely relate to this in some ways. Really great piece, beautifully put together.
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You are so right
religion should be about interpretation, and your own, religion is the last place where we need to be gulible. (that sounds wierd doesn't it) You should interpret what you belive yourself.
(ps. thanks for the comment on mine)
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Cna i hug you, i wanna hug you right now, i know weird thing for a stranger to say but this was a moving and just honest poem, keep it flowing and congrads on the contest
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I could always use a hug!!
I am glad you saw the honesty.
Take care,
Criss
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Amen to that
Actually____ you still have more 'Faith, than I.
" I am on disability...The agency that hires the disabled 'down-sized' me". Go figger. lol
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This was incredibly wonderful...and heartfelt. I related to this so well, as I've been there myself. The "church" (as a building and sometimes even as a people inside it's walls) is often NOT representative of people who truly care. (I think people who truly care are rare but that's just my rather jaded opinion). As I said, been there, been turned-away after years for such silly reasons, been neglected by those who should care, been hurting and in poverty and ignored - ugh. Congratulations and thank you so much for being so gracious throughout - although words such as yours drove me NUTS trying to decide! LOL Debbie
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Faith Rises from Bitterness
I applaud your faith that shines through an overwhelming bitterness. Churches of all kinds exist. They can most be likened to hospitals for sick souls rather than tabernacles of Saints. They exist in so many configurations that a dilligent search should bring you to one that is compatable with your soul. Overall, a great write!
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Hey Oldbear,
I think you got the wrong impression. I am not bitter. I dont believe that the church is a representation of God, so to be bitter wouldn't matter.
I believe that "resentment and bitterness is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die".
Bitterness does no one good. I forgive the people who treated my mom with such disregard. I also believe in Karma, what goes around comes around. No one ever gets away with doing evil things. They will learn their lesson.
I believe in God and His Grace. No the church.
Thank you for your comment,
Criss
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Amazing, amazing! I can understand you point of view completely!! I never really believed in going to church just for the sake of going. I believe that a church is NOT a building, it is actually a group (small or large) of people that have Christ as their Savoir, worshipping God together. That is why my parents and I have had 'church' in other's homes. Even if two gather in His name, is a joyous experience.
*Christ is my Savoir and Music is my Religion*
Great write with full of emotions..love it!
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Very well said. Religion can sometimes get too full of itself and lose God in the process. I have a feeling I know which church you are talking about and grew up in a similar one. I left too, and the bitterness remains. I love what you said about God living in your heart. I agree completely with that statement.
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I am not bitter though... I just learned that church is not a place I want to worship God. Church is supposed to be a place to be closer to God but I dont find that to be the case most of the time.
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This is a pretty interesting poem. What religion were you talking about in particular? I myself am at times anti-religion and I can definitly relate to this poem.
Very well done keep it up.
Samuel -
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I'm not talking abut any specific religion. I'm talking about religion as a whole.
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You are so very right...the Bible talks about tithing but...do you know it doesnt actually say you should? ... and the "church" isnt the building...but rather its the body of Christ...there are so many ppl suffering in this world...at yet some many ppl who claim to be christian...simply have a chip on their shoulders.... its embarrassing...
great job
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I think that Church is supposed to be the body of Christ, but church doesnt have to be in a big fancy building. Church can be in your home with a few friends.
I have never met a chuch that doesnt expect you to give.
Thank you for your comment.
Criss -
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Yeah i agree..the church doesnt have to be in a fancy building..
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But churches spend millions of dollars to build big fancy buildings instead of putting that money back into the community. I did go to a church I loved once. The church was held at different locations every week. In the park, at a home, at a hotel conference room that was donated... They didnt take money. They encouraged you to volunteer, to help each other out, to give to the community.
I think that was better than any fancy building I've ever been to a service at.
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Superb plus
I totally agree with the thoughts you have expressed. My spiritual beliefs do not require me to attend religious services, unless I voluntarily choose to do so. Your mother, and you, have my empathy. Far too many religious leaders are more interested in dominating; manipulating and controlling their congregations, than they are in teaching them about the un-conditional and non-judgemental love of God (Supreme Being(s). A very fine write indeed. Here's a poem, which if you haven't read it, you might like:
MY CHURCH
My church has but one temple,
Wide as the world is wide,
Set with a million stars,
Where a million hearts abide.
My church has no creed to bar
A single brother man
But says, "come thou and worship"
To every one who can.
My church has no roof; no walls,
Nor floors save the beautiful sod-
For fear, I would seem to limit
The love of the illimitable God.
Author Unknown
Seperation of Church & State:
http://candst.tripod.com/tnppage/qmadison.htm
James Madison, 4th Pres of U.S.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Madison
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This is FANTASTIC. I wish I could give more than 3 applauses, but alas, I can't -__- EXCELLENT work though...wow
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Dance:
Well before I just thought you were ignorant... but I think now maybe you can understand the struggles that my family went through. My mom believed in God, she went to church and she was cast away because she could not afford what the church thought she could give. I am not saying all churches are this way, I am just saying that from what I have experienced, I would rather know God on a personal level. I dont think I need to go to church. I am glad that God took care of your family, but He didnt take care of mine. And I still believe in His Grace. I never said buying my neighbor a computer makes me a Christian, that makes me a good person. I dont need to contribute to a church who spends millions of dollars to build a new church when that money could go to families or children who dont have a place to live. Its about priorities. It sounds to me like you are a good person. It also sounds like you are leading your family down the path of God.
I spend late nights with my best friend also having "church". God is a strong hold in my life. He is the only reason I am still here today. My belief in Him and the Angels He has sent to hold my hand and remind me of His grace is what has gotten me to the place I am today. My heart is whole because of His love and the amazing things he has done in my life.
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This is true and dear to my own feelings.The saddness that has be become of the way some churches only want to see is truely sad.I have felt much the same as you and I believe that many share your same feelings.You wrote this really well and the choice of title was perfect.You were bruetely honest and spoke to where I believe many can relate.Great job and good luck in the contest.You oughtta win.
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Frankly this brought tears to my eyes. The straight truth and simple brevity was refreshing.I completely agree and felt as though I could have written this myself. Excellent!
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hi,thats reality allover,well said,we are over popullated and polluted with the demands of being human,good one
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i liked it
im not all to sure about churches in general but i do believe in good peacenlove
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I liken God to the sands of a beach and religion to the people who scoop
up one bucketful and say follow me for I know the way. To see the bucket
full is to but see one part of God, to fully know God you must walk the entire
length of the beach and study each individual grain of sand...
Hugs...Eddy
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Eddy! I agree with you!
HUGS! Criss
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No, the bible is NOT suppose to adapt to the times. Read Revelations. It says anyone that adds to, or takes away from the book will be punished. I suppose we alll have our own beliefs. For me, I choose to believe what God says when the bible says that He is the same today, tomorrow and yesterday.
You think God is going to send you to hell if you dont give a MAN MADE church 10%.... do you think a gracious God would rather you give your money to a church instead of feeding your children?
I cannot tell you what God will do with those that do not give 10%. I choose to live by faith, which is to believe what I cannot see. So, therefore, I would rather tithe and trust God to meet the needs of my children. What I can tell you is that God's grace is not a license to sin, or disobey His laws; or interpret them however you wish. The bible states that what is in it is not open for interpretation.
Should I support the priest in the Catholic church who are molesting our children?
Absolutely not. However, Catholic Priests are not the only ones that molest children.
We have children who are homeless, why is the church not encouraging us contribute to them... or the children who are dying of Cancer... I would rather give my money to a research hospital who provides care to families who cant afford it and doesnt ask for one penny, or the the Ronald McDonald House who houses families with ill children so they can stay close the hospital?
Most churches do give to the community they are in. You are stereotyping whether you choose to believe it or not. I understand why. It is easy for us to group things together once we have been hurt by one part of the group.
Can you tell me knowing this, that God would not be proud of what I am doing? Would He disgaurd this because I am not giving to a church that he did not create?
What I can tell you is that God is not proud of us. Pride is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. What you do is wonderful. It is an offering from your heart. However, we are told to tithe and offer what we can beyond that, from our heart. Doing half of what we are told is like not doing it at all.
Yes, where two or more are gathered is considered church. We do not need fancy buildings to meet and worship the Lord. However, how are houses suppose to contain all the members? It makes sense to have the buildings. When you give to the church it pays for the building you worship in, the bills of the building, the Pastor who is leading his flock, to feed, cloth and give to the community. It also provides a way for missionaries that are involved to serve the needs of other countries.
Did I get all the questions?
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I think that you never had to decide if you should pay your light bill or feed your children. I think giving to the church instead of feeding your children and hoping that God nurishes them, is nieve.
Where in the bible does it say that you have to give to the church? I dont need a church to know God. If you do, that is your choice. If we followed the bible to a t, women would be subordinate to their husbands.
The bible is a guide. God knows my heart and that is all that matters. I attend "church" just not one in a big fancy building where people walk in Christians and walk out themselves until the next Sunday. Going to church does not make you a Christian.
If you have something else to say, use the IM feature.
Criss -
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Please, do not be offended with anything I say. It is not my intent to offend. I agree with what you are saying to an extent. I am truly sorry that there are churches out there so unwilling to help those in need. I am sorry that your mother had to endure such cruelty from that church.
As a member of a church that helps to pay for more than half of my college education and helps me in my time of need (which is often seeing as I'm 18 and living primarily on my own) I tithe. 10% is the suggested amount. But you know what? Sometimes I can only possibly afford 1% of that 10% to give. Well, my church is in debt and there were a series of "disciple reflections" from members in the church. They talked about how they gave their 10% every week and they had enough to make it through all of the bills and what not. Like I said, I sometimes can only afford to give 1% of that 10%... I was really confused and thought "Am I going to hell because I can't give enough?" And I talked to my associate pastor and she told me this:
Give what you can. God will provide. She said that yes, 10% is the ideal, but sometimes there are some things that cannot be avoided. Like "dance for me" said, she also said that we should try to "live by faith, which is to believe what [you] cannot see." She then also told me that my church could eliminate their debt by cutting her job.
But she is a large part in our youth ministry.
I have been trying my hardest to live by faith. But I can tell you this:
My church, going into debt by helping people, has survived 175 years helping others and has survived by having faith and trust in God. We are in debt now, but we continue to help others. We help local families with a food bank, we host homeless families for a week each month, and we do various missions around the area as well as around the world. But we wouldn't be able to do these things if it weren't for people helping by tithing or leaving trusts for these instances.
I do not know if I can agree with putting yourself in debt or not feeding your children to give to the church. I don't think God expects that. But He does expect trust. I imagine you trust Him. You said you believe in Him, and part of a relationship is trust, at least that's what I believe.
It's not a religion. It's a relationship. I don't know that church is included in the equation. I have friends who do not go to church. They believe in God but they don't agree with a lot of the things that the churches do. They instead worship God in their own way. Which is fine. I don't agree with things my church does sometimes. But do you agree with everything anyone does? I don't. But they end up working out, or they don't, and that's that.
I am the same person when I walk into church as a Christian, and I am the same person when I walk out of the church as a Christian. I do not pretend on Sundays. There are a lot who do, which is where I totally agree with you. That is wrong. I read somewhere that in the U.S. about 80% of the country considers themselves Christians but there is only 20% who really practice "Christianity." I don't know that I'm sure how to explain what "Christianity is. But I think you are right. Going to church does not make you a Christian.
I am sorry your mother encountered such awful situations with the church. I certainly do not condemn you, in fact, I applaud you immensely for still keeping a faith in God. With all of those awful things, I say that for me it would be a sort of rocky relationship.
As for the Bible being adapted over time, the only reason it was adapted from the Old Testament was because Jesus came. The New Testament was written, less strictly because Jesus came. I have not heard about Jesus coming again, so I am going to say that there is no reason to "adapt" to the times. The Jewish people have not adapted the Torah to the times. The Muslim people have not adapted the Koran to the times.
Why should the Bible be adapted to the times?
~God Bless, K
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You are rather offended. I apologize as it was not my intention. For you to stereotype churches because of what one did to your mother is wrong. Period. I have been to so many churches, and not one would ever do such a thing. As for the Catholic religion, well I disagree with almost everything about it. The bible is seperated by the new and old testaments. The old testament was more strict than the new, because Jesus had not yet died for our sins. However, if you read the new testament, even though it says the law is void, it says you must give.
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I'm not stereotyping all churches. I asked a few questions that I see you didnt answer. And you made my point here. The laws changed from one part of the bible to the next.. it is supposed to be adapted to the times.
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You are right.
I agree with you, I have found churches per se as organized religion to be vain. I am morre impressed with a church that opens doors to feed the neighborhood than one that boasts of thousands of members. I am out of applause but I do applaud this. -
I feel so sad that the church you mentioned did not support or help you and your mother. A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for the perfect! None of us are perfect, we all have our off days, down times and trials, but if we are proffessing to lead a church then our concern and compassion for others should come before our own problems and opinions. God's whole message from start to end is 'love one another'. It is only when we begin to care that we see any part of what God is about. He didn't give his only son so that we can vaunt ourselves above each other! Your works of kindness are your 'fruit' and if you can't find him, he will surely find you, for you have great compassion on your neighbour. Keep up the wonderful work you do sweet soul.
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I was just a baby when these things happened. And she never asked the church for anything, she just wanted to worship God and teach her kids about the Lord.. but they threw her out on her ass because she was unable to fit their standars. Not just one church either, there were several. And I know other people who have experienced the same thing.
Thank you for your comment,
Criss
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Those elders and the pastor of that church need to find their way back to the altar.
I believe in giving tithes to the Lord, but I have never known a church to disown you because you don't.
I also think a child should be baptized when they decide to, after accepting Christ as their Savior. I dedicated my children to God when they were young, but didn't baptize them. My son got baptized after gaining Salvation, and my daughter has given her heart to the Lord and will get baptized at her time too.
This is a powerful write. I hope you find peace in Him and allow Him to lead you through your life.
Best to you in the contest.
Sam
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My Beautiful Sam,
I believe in tithes also. But I dont feel like you have to give them to the church. Church is not God. God is everywhere. I can praise Him at home just as well as I can at Church.
It is not that my mom didnt want to give tithes, it was that she could not afford to, There is a huge difference.
God is in my heart.
love to you,
Criss -
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agreed..
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Our God is an awesome God!
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Outstanding
An amazing write. I believe in a word that tells me I do not have to sit among hypocrites, a word that says I can still serve him if I choose to go into my closet and pray he will still listen. Fine job, felt deeply.
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Exactly Rmh! God hears you whether you pray in a church or in your closet. He knows your heart even before you tell him and He loves you for the person you are, with your flaws. He is the only being allowed to judge me. I answer only to Him!!!
Thank you for your lovely comment.
Criss
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The Words that you speak!
Are filled with wisdom, I too feel the same way, Legalisim. in the church distroys the love God built in the foundations of His heart, Love one another,
I see it every where, it sadden me very much, I am truly a bad example of Christainity in the rawest form, But i know i Have a God that died for my sins,
and the grace that is given to me
Blessings
Rend
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A truly wonderful poem, signifying what I know that I feel so often! And I love your statement to going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car! Excellent - and, as an agoraphobic and fear of humans, I truly relate to your words! Thank you so much for entering my contest...and spreading the Word of what is real and what is hypocracy! Debbie
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Do you believe in the bible? Just wondering, because the bible is what tells us that above all else we must give the ten percent. We are all entitled to believe what we believe.
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And let me add one more thing, the bible also says that 2 or more people that come together in His name is a "church". I congregate with othere people, we talk about God, about the Bible. And we contribute our time and what money we can to the community. Just because I dont believe in traditional churches, doesnt mean that I dont witness and share God with other people. And I give as much as I can to people who need it. Like the 12 year old girl down the street from me who's single mom had to come home from work and then take her daughter to the library so that she could do her homework. I bought them a computer. So that the child could do her homework, so the mother could come home and make her children dinner, so they could spend time together and enjoy the family that God gave to them. Or the time I went and paid my neighbors childcare for a month because she had fallen on hard times. Or when I bought groceries for a friend because she was struggling. I took them to her house, put them in her fridge and didnt take the credit. Its not about the credit, it's about helping someone who NEEDS help. Could I really afford to do these things? NO. But I have had people help me when I was struggling and so I rode my bike to work instead of driving, and I took that money and gave it to someone who was really struggling more than I was. These are just examples. Can you tell me knowing this, that God would not be proud of what I am doing? Would He disgaurd this because I am not giving to a church that he did not create?
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I do believe in the Bible Yes, the bible says you must give ten percent... it also says that if your children disobey you to take them to the courtyard and stone them to death, but we wouldnt enforce that rule, now would we? You think God is going to send you to hell if you dont give a MAN MADE church 10%.... do you think a gracious God would rather you give your money to a church instead of feeding your children? Sacrifice is Sacrifice... we can give in other ways. My money going to the church is not benefiting God. He doesnt have a need for my money. The point is, the Bible is to be interpreted into the modern world. Should I support the priest in the Catholic church who are molesting our children? Millions of people still support the Catholic church. The Catholic church knew there was molestation going on and they hid it, moved the preist to different churches... What about a single parent (who is a single parent not by her own choice) Raising 3 children under the age of 5, who works 3 jobs just to make ends meet and the church telling her she cant attend because she cant afford to contribute what they think she should? Would you support that church? What about a church that would deny an innocent child baptism because the same mother can not attend church every Sunday because she is working trying to keep a roof over her childrens heads? Would you support that church? The church system now, for the most part is not about God. We have children who are homeless, why is the church not encouraging us contribute to them... or the children who are dying of Cancer... I would rather give my money to a research hospital who provides care to families who cant afford it and doesnt ask for one penny, or the the Ronald McDonald House who houses families with ill children so they can stay close the hospital? There is so much suffering in our world.. I think God would accept my time and what little money I do have going to help my brothers and sisters in Christ.. than to a church that I dont trust. If you make the argument that the church gives money to help the community, why is it wrong for me to contribute directly to the community to know in my heart that, that is where my money is going?
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Again I agree
I agree with you here. If you do not go to a "traditional" church, at least you can give to others around you.
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Oh my...I agree with every eloquent point you make...Faith is a wonderful thing when it causes no harm to the self or any other person...God is a faith...church is a man made building where we congregate to worship but what has happened in some churches is that there has been a separation of being a good samaritan to all and instead we find some acting like demi-gods...I have never understood the hypocrisy of saying an unbaptized child can't be buried in consecrated land or refusing to baptize a child born out of wedlock... the same donations required from the poor as the rich...the Catholic church is the richest on the planet...watch a fact based movie called Evelyn starring the guy that used to play James Bond...I can't think of his name...the lovely Irish actor...the movie is a true account of how a Catholic guy whose wife ran off and left him with their children not only had to fight the Church because he couldn't afford the donations the priest kept calling for but had to fight them in court because they took his children away from him and placed them in a harsh catholic childrens home which was actually a cheap labour camp as the children were made to do laundry all day...an Irish American civil rights lawyer helped him go to court and fight for his children and they changed the law in the process...the little girl Evelyn was hurt by the Nuns and they try to say her Daddy did it..in court she gives a magnifenct performance and well...the movie is a must-see full of heartbreak but triumphant...He never loses his faith in God but what the body of the church does to him and his family...And we only have to look at the Westboro Baptist Church said and did to disaffect so many in their community...oops am rambling again...I should perhaps have just applauded..am doing that now!
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this is good
the absurdities of church can be rediculous
and according to my scorekeeping
God reigns victorious
that's a lot to think about,
but yeah this is good
Keeping faith in God when church fails in love.
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I love that! God does reign victorious.
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..this might be lengthy, but..
Hi, darling;
I know about the separation factor and have been through all this before and with many who are mentored by me and others. Religion is not the answer. Our churches are broken, and many are so 'affiliated', that we hinder.
A church ( that means 'us', believers) should be about the original idea of congregated fellowship with others. It is the celebration in unison of a common belief that , on what we call 'Sabbath', a special day, can be shared. It is about servants ( not dictators) giving when there are needs. It is about worshipping, loving, learning, rebuking, supporting, healing, praying, and being in someone's corner when others forget. It is about coming to someone's sick or death bed to show the same compassion that Jesus did. Asking, seeking, knocking is included in this quest for others to help us. Guarding the salvation already awarded is our only duty. It includes whatever is before us in our paths toward holiness.
The thing is, church is a good one that supports believers at any place and angle without judgement, but standing in the gap when they fall. Honesty, confession, the hyssop of sin remission. That is what makes a group of believers accountable and worthy to reflect Christ.
In short, I had a family member try suicide, and they were 'there'. I had another die, and they anointed them with oil. I had to counsel about things of the heart that were conflicting, and they touched me, prayed with me, believed in me when I did not.
As for tithing, I give because it is out of love and obedience and there is a biblical promise that we will be blessed. ( the only thing we are suggested to test is about money. believe it or not) It contributes to the work among the lowly and those who do not know His love, the missions. If there is doubt, then, God STILL will honor our contributions.
Church fellowship is a party that shares what God is worthy of, no matter how broken or shoddy the people. It is the sinners hospital. I belong there.
My granddaughter is raised within this premise and when her sparkling eyes come to me on a late Sunday morning, "Nanah, aren't we going to church?" I know that is the voice of the Lord through her need to carry on.
It can be a good thing long as we are part of something that is within order ( Matthew 10-13)_ I have been on both sides of the coin. I have been in business and hired both secular and Christian rooted people. Those who attend church are healthier, happier and contain less discord and anxiety.
Love this piece that gives us much to think about.
Thank you! Love, Dianne the CookieZeal
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Dianne,
I do believe in the "idea" of church and what it is supposed to be but I dont believe in the execution. I know that there are some churches that dont judge and dont kick single moms and their children out because they are unable to participate in tides and offering.
I was never baptized because the church my mom had been attending for years told her she had not contributed enough to the church in the form of monetary contributations and because she did not attend enough. They told her that she did not know God and so she could not have me blessed by Him though baptism.
The bible says that when 2 or more people get together in HIs name than that is considered a congregation.. or church. As for tides and offering... I think that as long as you give what you can, your time or money to any organization that helps people... that you have sacrificed and that is what offering is all about anyway.
I do know that money collected by churces is used to help bring people to God, but I just dont think a church should make you feel bad if you cant contribute. I barely make enough money to pay my rent.. .but I still try to give in his name, in the form of volunteering or helping someone who I know needs help. It is all I have.. and to some churches, its not enough.
I think the most important thing is that we witness to people who don't know God and share our love for Him, our experiences with his love and our Faith.
I think it is precious that your little one is excited about God. It is all about how you feel in your heart and what you share.
Thank you very much for your comment and for sharing a piece of your life with me. I am blessed to know that you understand my point of view, even if you do not completely agree.
Criss
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We know the same one and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Glad to see our common ground.
And yes, there are some tacky things in some of the prayer houses. I hate that. It makes the others doubted.
The longer I stayed away from church fellowship, the more cynical I got. It still happens and I have to slap myself... lol. Not too hard. My face will hurt. 
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You are loved!
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You are honest and for that it is counted!
I hate that your Mother was a pinnacle of something expected, bless her heart. That is not right.
I just remember that when I pray, "Lord, what is it you want me to do?", that whatever follows is a beckoning. What is before me is where I must travel.
As for physical baptism, that is an outward sign of an inward change- not necessary for salvation, but an affirmation. I was baptized as a baby with the religion I was in. 33 years ago, when I was 'born again', I knew there must be the ritual to confirm. In effect, I was baptized which shows what happened to me inwardly. Nothing complicated, but it was a response to my salvation.
I believe that when we 'go' to an assembly, we are answered. We are honored.
When our human family faulters, or when they die away, we have a 'spiritual family' that is there for us. As it should be. I would try and find one that has credibility and who can be there 'for you' and you can use your personal gifts to offer to them.
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There is a website, "Afathersloveletter" that paraphrases old and new testament verses into a synopsis of God's love for each individual. I think you will like it. It has a line, "I have been missrepresented by people who don't know me- I am not far off...
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EXACTLY Parenchma,
That was exactly my point. People who are Christians when they are at church, but once they leave those doors they are completely different. I am not saying everyone who goes to church is this way, but I have experienced a lot of it.
"I have been misrepresented by peole who do not know me".... that is it!
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undecided
The experience upon which you base this write is, of course, intolerable.However, when it comes to you, I wonder how you believe in the conglomerate god that you've created from the numerous religions you've drawn from. If you keep the requirements of all those religions, you're a much better person than I. If you can't- or don't- then you had best look for one that extensds Saving Grace. Blessings.
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The ones I picked were examples. I believe in God. I believe different religions call him different things.. that was the true point. I myself believe in the teachings of the Bible. The 10 commandments, Mary, the cross... but I also believe in tolerance and in accepting that just because my culture calls Him God or Christ or Lord, doesnt mean that other cultures arent worshiping the same God. We have different languages and cultures... I guess.. my belief is that there is only one God, he is just called by different name depending on where you are from.
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I believe religious individuals need to reevaluate themselves before pushing their beliefs on other people. Hypocrisy is my least favorite thing. Great work!
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I dont think anyone of any religion should push their beliefs on you. The thing is... a person has to want to be witnessed to... I dont believe in religion because I dont really think that God is in church... some because of the experiences my mom had and some because I have seen religious godly people be just as cruel as anyone else. I think its a fasade.
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...If Jesus saves,
then he better save himself,
from the glory glory seekers
who use his name in death.
Excellent!
I often wonder why it is that the catholics always push their god down everyone's throats...
People in Africa..jews..athiests..pagans...our own st pat banished the pagans from Ireland ...ahh but those pagans were not to be dismissed so easily...the church had to take on some of their customs or no one would join...bless the little rebels of death....lol
You poem stirs enough emotion for me to babble...you have a sharp mind and great writing skills.
Well placed words and an articulate point of view kept me refitted to this piece.
How is it that men can have a say in abortion rights...or for that matter so many other things concerning women.
Jesus went to the market and destroyed it....money held no place there.
Your excellent point that God has little to do with organised religion shows how your sophisticated way of thinking will progress our path to the true way to God.
Great piece lass...really got me thinking.
Bless you little gypsy,
and I mean that
in the very best way...lol
Liam
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Brilliant thoughts and a brilliant way with words on this. I admire your honesty. Thanks!
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