This Is Why We Get a Bad Rap!!

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

In the circles I'm in, let me ASSURE you it's not years ago!! Come get in the car with me some Sunday, and we'll go visit some churches. (well, it'd probably take several Sunday to hit them all..... several years worth of Sundays as a matter of fact)

My kids were JUST at a youth conference where they heard that everyone was sinning who had or did any of the below (and much more):

... So when *I* say conservative, the above is what I'm referring to. Generally not talking about the UPC at all.

The UPC at times does represent a sort of balance. The current leadership and most of the past leadership had nothing but sympathy from me. They were faced with dealing with a rather toxic sub-culture at times.

Did you ever notice- most of the churches and "ministries" that are described as "cultic" and such are also places and people that have run afoul of UPC leaders? Just Google it, or I'm sure most people here have seen the stories over the years.

Basically, what I see in the "overly controlling" types of churches are churches that the UPC itself is concerned about. This appears to be a problem that they have gingerly tried to deal with over the years; too "gingerly" for my tastes.

[rgcraig]

PO,

Not sure I can express this how I really feel it. I feel about this like you do when someone talks about blue denim whales or stringy, oily hair.

It disappoints me when someone leaves the org and acts like they do which in turn lumps all ex-org people in the same boat. I believe that's what Sherri is saying too.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Michlow

I wonder, is it the fact that I am now at peace with my past, myself, my faith and God that people are sensing? (and therefore more willing to read what I am writing?)

Or is the fact that I am at peace changing the way I present what I am saying, and therefore the way that people respond to it?

It's really a Zen kind of thing. Nobody really understands the Zen either, but it's pretty cool to make cultural references like that.

Oh, and things like... "Michlow is in the zone..." Being "in the zone" is pretty cool too.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I think it's because you are at peace and that has changed the way you are presenting yourself. The snarky is gone.

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I was going to post that and deleted it!!!

It's amazing to me how you can feel for so long like you are going nowhere and then suddenly wake up one day and you've traveled miles overnight. That's what I feel like sometimes. I never thought I would say this, but I am amazingly grateful for everything I've experienced, because through it I've learned so much and gained so much strength.

[Aquila]

I thought we weren't supposed to receive an accusation against the ministry unless it was in light of two witnesses? I'd have to see her blog myself. But if this is true...it's definately not cool.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by pelathais

The UPC at times does represent a sort of balance.

I pretty much agree with you. I think most UPC churches are fairly balanced. The extreme "rules" churches are mostly independent, or a few of the other organizations.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I thought we weren't supposed to receive an accusation against the ministry unless it was in light of two witnesses? I'd have to see her blog myself. But if this is true...it's definately not cool.

Look at what the cat dragged in!!!

oops! Too "snarky?"

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I thought we weren't supposed to receive an accusation against the ministry unless it was in light of two witnesses? I'd have to see her blog myself. But if this is true...it's definately not cool.

Count me as your second witness and I won't be telling either.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

PO,

Not sure I can express this how I really feel it. I feel about this like you do when someone talks about blue denim whales or stringy, oily hair.

It disappoints me when someone leaves the org and acts like they do which in turn lumps all ex-org people in the same boat. I believe that's what Sherri is saying too.

I totally understand. So now we all know how each other feels. That's a good thing!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Look at what the cat dragged in!!!

oops! Too "snarky?"