I have Left the UPC Church

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

You have not left the Church ... or God ... just a mindset ... a paradigm.

Well said, excellent post!

[berkeley]

Mich,

You are no longer 'oneness'?

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

I can not rejoice over this.

I have only left the UPC organization, not the church as in the body of Christ.

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

You have not left the Church ... or God ... just a mindset ... a paradigm.

I agree

Originally Posted by Malvaro

surprise, surprise....

May God keep you in your journeys....

Ahhhh....I can SO feel the love

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Michlow

I haven't been around much lately, and when I am, I mainly lurk. Many of you on here, have known me for over 3 years now, through all the various incarnations of the forum. You saw me liberal, and then conservative, and then go back to the liberal side of things. You have witnessed many changes in my character, some good, some bad.

I have always tried to be transparent and honest about my spriritual journey. I have never been one to shy away from admitting my struggles or doubts.

So with that in mind, I share the lastest chapter. Several weeks back, I made the decision to leave the apostolic church completely. Truth be told, for a long time, I was only halfway in. Yes, I questioned standards. But there were many other things I questioned as well. Recently I realized that I had reached a point where there was more that I disagreed with, that what I agreed with. I also realized that I no longer identified myself as "apostolic" or "upc", but simply as "christian" or a "believer". So the change is pretty minimal.

So Ultra-Con's, you can put on your sackcloth and ashes; and liberals you can rejoice

Hmmmm. Where are you going to church now?

Originally Posted by Berkeley

Mich,

You are no longer 'oneness'?

I don't think she said she no longer believes God is one.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Margies3

Just curious, Mich. Can you share what some of the other things you disagree with are?

In a nutshell? Tithing or your money is cursed (I believe tithing if of the LAw and the NT mandate is to give as the Lord directs)

Separation of ministry and laity. Elevation of ministry. Focus on church buildings and programs. And of course, the ever mentioned standards.

Originally Posted by Ronzo

Nice.

LOL, I am used to it Ron! Ever since I turned liberal he is mean to me! *Cry*

Originally Posted by Malvaro

Leave the UPC if you must, but don't leave the Apostolic doctrine.... the principles contained in the scriptures are the only thing that can keep you....

I can't say that I am necessarily "leaving" the doctrine. Right now I am not doing anything with the doctrine. Right now, I am trying correct the warped image of God that I received. Because if I don't know who God really is. If I don't believe that he is good, or loving, or anything, what does the rest matter? And no, I don't blame that entirely on the UPC, as I attended a spiritually abusive UPC church, of which you are already aware.

Originally Posted by Ronzo

Been there myself for a long time.

That's why I love having you and Nate and DT to talk to !

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

Mich,

You are no longer 'oneness'?

I am no more or no less oneness than I have ever been. I am no more or no less pentecostal than I have ever been. To be honest, doctrine is not really a prime concern for me right now. The fact that I have always had a distorted image of God is the focus of my energies.

But beyond that, when it comes to the Godhead, I view it the same as I have always, which could be labeled "oneness".

Originally Posted by Rico

Hmmmm. Where are you going to church now?

In my living room :sshhh

[Malvaro]

Originally Posted by Michlow

LOL, I am used to it Ron! Ever since I turned liberal he is mean to me! *Cry*

Do you honestly think that I'm being "mean"???

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Malvaro

Do you honestly think that I'm being "mean"???

Actually to borrow a word from my friend Chax, "snarky" would be more appropriate

[Malvaro]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Actually to borrow a word from my friend Chax, "snarky" would be more appropriate

where is Chax, I haven't seen her in quite some time....