Want to help me pick a new religion?

[scotty]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

Scotty, while I agree that it is a people thing...people or pastor's who teach the UPC Apostolic Doctrine call it "truth". They become "representatives" of the denomination and it's teachings. How they represent this teaching is what is at issue here.

Many people around the country enjoy this same teaching that is done with love, honor and respect to the people in the congregation by the pastor.

Others around the country are not treated with respect by the pastor teaching the UPC Apostolic Doctrine. If you attend one or more UPC sponsored churches that teach "truth" and they are teaching and treating others disrespectfully, what is one to think?

This is a free country. So why do some UPC Pastors feel that they can be little dictators in the name of Jesus?

Apparently, the UPC leadership's right hand in Hazelwood MO has no idea what it's left hand in the rest of the country is doing concerning how some teach it's doctrine.

Of course, the same is true with any denomination. Doesn't make the "messege" wrong, just the "messenger". In these cases, despite common understanding, you CAN shoot the messenger.

[AreYouReady?]

I have not read where T2W believes the message of Jesus Name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost is wrong. That IS the message is it not?

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by scotty

Of course, the same is true with any denomination. Doesn't make the "messege" wrong, just the "messenger". In these cases, despite common understanding, you CAN shoot the messenger.

LOL I hope you were not being literal, because in this country you cannot shoot the messenger. All you can do is leave the premises.

[BeenThinkin]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

Ahhh...Scotty, but for T2W, it is mainstream. It is all she knows in her area. She has nothing else to go by. The churches in her area pretty much follow UPC teachings, but they do it their way. It's like the little child growing up in a third world country making bricks all day long. The child does not know that in other countries, there is a better life. The child doesn't know that there is food, shelter with modern conveniences and education. For T2W, the UPC in her area IS the broad brush. You and others who say it is not common in UPC, do not live in the "poverty area" analogy I just posted. You live in the land of the plenty. Looks like UPC should send missions to some of it's churches in areas of the USA.

Basher thread? Why is it that those who have no idea what it is like to live under a mean, controlling pastor always end up accusing those who is trying to express their feelings call them bashers? You are trying to take away her right to express her feelings in hopes that some of the "leadership" will listen and want to help make their churches to be true sanctuaries. It's an awful feeling when you must work out in the world everyday and then go into a "sanctuary" for rest only to find it just as bad as the world except a different face and a different set of rules.

[bbyrd009]

I have had several sources of spiritual food at this point, most of which I disagree with in some respect. I don't think you are supposed to agree with everything anyone says; right now.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

I have had several sources of spiritual food at this point, most of which I disagree with in some respect. I don't think you are supposed to agree with everything anyone says; right now.

Well said. I don't think anyone has God in a box.

We have actually found a paramount idea for the new religion we seek... We want a church that admits that they do not know everything about God... Hummm.... what are the chances?

[AreYouReady?]

What a concept!

[RandyWayne]

Who else besides me has had REM's Losing My Religion going through their head at some point while reading this thread?

[houston]

raises hand

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Who else besides me has had REM's Losing My Religion going through their head at some point while reading this thread?

.....Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

(Luke 10:27)

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

(James 1:27)

Who says that one has to obey a pastor in nilly-willy whims of rules and ordinances that are designed for control rather than salvation?