For those who want to know...RULES at my church!

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Sheltiedad

That post makes me sick...

Yeah, we are on the same page

[Thad]

Originally Posted by Sheltiedad

That post makes me sick...

which one? sis Beezer's or the one written just above your post by mizpeh?

[Thad]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Non-fundamentalist Christianity?



I honestly don't know if I will ever get to that point, or if I even WANT to get to that point. I do have 3 people that I trust implicitly and discuss spiritual issues with them. 2 of them are ex-UPC'ers that have been through similar experiences to mine, but are further along on the road to healing. The 3rd is still technically UPC, but along the lines of how I was for the last year or so before I left; not ready to leave, but not willing to play by the "rules" either.
I guess I never thought of them as being "suicidal" thoughts, but definitely along the lines of "God, since I can't seem to be everything you want me to be, and since I can't stand the thought of living the next 50 years in this miserable state, just kill me now..."
What you call flashbacks, I call triggers, and they seem to be hidden everywhere, christian music, the Bible, church, even on AFF (which is why I usually only show up once a month or so when I am unaccountably bored)

So how do you define "non-fundamental" ? like " mainline denominational" or what ?

Originally Posted by Thad

which one? sis Beezer's or the one written just above your post by mizpeh?

Trouvere's post was the one I was referring to. I literally cannot post my response... admin would have to remove it as soon as they saw it.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Thad

So how do you define "non-fundamental" ? like " mainline denominational" or what ?

When I think of fundamentalist Christianity, I think of those who claim to have the only and ultimate truth, and who send everyone else who is not in their little group to hell.

This includes, but is not limited to most conservative Christian denominations, and politically the religious right.

As for denominations and such, I pretty much scorn organized religion as a whole.

Though I might consider myself unorthodox or "out of the box", you and 99% of the people on this board would probably prefer the following labels:

Backslidden
Reprobate
Sinner
Deceived
Apostate
Fool
Heretic

Feel free to use whichever one you feel is most descriptive

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Trouvere

I am so glad my relationship with Jesus has been about relationship first.
I found truth after loving the truth personified.I don't do what I do because of
anyone selling or convincing me.That wonderful presense of the Holy Ghost cemented the deal.Sometimes you have to get back to the basics and just
start from scratch.I am glad it did not involve others pushing anything on me
or trying to make me feel guilty.I just love God.I hope that some who have walked away from churches that teach the truth about salvation would find a church that does and start over.Not every church is the same.I see alot have posted the initials UPC.Sorry but if your relationship with God was based on a religous organization then you were based not on truth.Truth is what the bible teaches.Not all churches that belong to the org UPC are the same.People are not the same.Culture is not the same.Mindset is not the same.Live and learn some things.Be willing to recognize maybe its you that
had your priorities out of order.Its better to be drawn to Jesus by his spirit than be sold like you bought a used car.Relationships change over the years.
Some change for better and some for worse.If your relationship with your pastor and congregation has soured then maybe its time for a checkup with
Dr.Jesus.No one abuses us unless we allow them or we are children who are cornered.Those I feel for but for a adult who has a pair of shoes on their feet I have never known a church to practice entrapment.You just get in your car and drive.No one is making you.I refuse to hear rants and raves about those
boo whoo hooo who were so hurt by a certain kind of church and are still
so mad that they are holding such a grudge that they won't go to a church that teaches at least the truth about salvation.Come on.Jesus didn't do it to you man did.Don't hold Jesus accountable.He doesn't have to take you to heaven if you don't want to go.Be honest.Did they abuse you or did you allow them to abuse you and now you are voicing how mad you are at them when you should be kicking yourself in the pants instead? There is a difference.

Who are you responding to?

Unless you have walked in their shoes, I would be VERY careful of how you are speaking here.

[Thad]

Originally Posted by Sheltiedad

Trouvere's post was the one I was referring to. I literally cannot post my response... admin would have to remove it as soon as they saw it.

trouvere, after reading your post, i went away thinking that perhaps you were placing all the blame on the victim ?? as if it was all their fault and never can someone in leadership be in the wrong?? I am only asking - you can clarify were i perhaps misread your thoughts.

Sheltiedad, is this what you was thinking too ?

[Thad]

Originally Posted by Michlow

When I think of fundamentalist Christianity, I think of those who claim to have the only and ultimate truth, and who send everyone else who is not in their little group to hell.
This includes, but is not limited to most conservative Christian denominations, and politically the religious right.
As for denominations and such, I pretty much scorn organized religion as a whole.
Though I might consider myself unorthodox or "out of the box", you and 99% of the people on this board would probably prefer the following labels:
Backslidden
Reprobate
Sinner
Deceived
Apostate
Fool
Heretic

Feel free to use whichever one you feel is most descriptive

So where does this place your belief system specifically? how is one saved outside of christianity ? what is the opposite of organized religion?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Thad

trouvere, after reading your post, i went away thinking that perhaps you were placing all the blame on the victim ?? as if it was all their fault and never can someone in leadership be in the wrong?? I am only asking - you can clarify were i perhaps misread your thoughts.

Sheltiedad, is this what you was thinking too ?

It sure reads that way - - and then I wonder if the "obey those that have rule over you" would ever come into play for Trouvere?

When people are made to feel that what the minister says is straight from GOD and if they do not comply that they are rebelling against God, how could someone blame them.

Now, it's easy for us to say "well, I would never put up with that" or "I'd never give the key to my house to my pastor", but that's because we aren't UNDER that authority. When someone is - they only feel they are obeying and doing what's right.

I'm appalled to think that someone would "blame" this poor lady. Like I said, until you walk in their shoes, you need to not carry that big ole stick.

[Thad]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

It sure reads that way - - and then I wonder if the "obey those that have rule over you" would ever come into play for Trouvere?

When people are made to feel that what the minister says is straight from GOD and if they do not comply that they are rebelling against God, how could someone blame them.

Now, it's easy for us to say "well, I would never put up with that" or "I'd never give the key to my house to my pastor", but that's because we aren't UNDER that authority. When someone is - they only feel they are obeying and doing what's right.

I'm appalled to think that someone would "blame" this poor lady. Like I said, until you walk in their shoes, you need to not carry that big ole stick.

I am too Renda. It bothers me a great deal.

this is an excellent observation. I realize there is a fine line in showing respect for the office and the human side of the nature of Man. in normal situations, things can be handled with dignity and respect. but this is NOT a normal situation at all - as far as i'm concerned, all gloves are off when they are NOT a Man of God, only in name. when you physically assult a member in the name of the Lord, you are not a man of God period.