Quote:
Originally Posted by cneasttx
I have recently returned to church. It is a UPCI church. Just because I am not a pastor or preacher does not mean it doesn't affect me when people are so critical. My local church and pastor are nothing like the way most are portrayed here, nor have I known but 1 UPC preacher that I can honestly say I have no respect for. I am not God therefore I cannot judge anyone and yet I feel so affected by some of the rhetoric here and the absolute joy some seem to feel in criticizing and belittleing preachers. Their excuses are tiresome, their agendas plain, and yet they continue to use this forum as if anyone here can change what they feel is wrong with the UPCI and it's leadership. I really pray for a lot of people here on this forum and I just feel hurt.
I guess I will just have to continue to pray for a right spirit and that I treat others here on AFF the way I believe I as a christian should.
|
Thanks for sharing this, and I can understand your frustration now.
I pretty much try to overlook the extremists on both sides, although sometimes I do allow myself to get dragged into the conversations, and then I'm upset with myself, lol.
Sounds like you're doing the right thing in praying for a right spirit. I enjoy reading your posts here, and would hate to see you leave. Some days you just have to shut the computer off and get away from it, and then come back.
Whatever you decide, I'd support you, but trust me, not all of us hate the UPC, even those of us who left it. And, not all who post what might appear to be anti-UPC threads are UPC haters, either. Sometimes it's catharctic, when you've been entrenched in something for so many years, it's hard to leave it and find balance immediately. You go back and forth a few times, and in the process come off as an extremist on either side - sometimes both at the same time!
But, we love you here, and I hope you can find the peace of mind you need to stay and post on the threads that uplift you, and avoid the ones that bring you down!