I'm a Christian Aspie

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About as well as I do in any other NT dominated segment of society - - which is usually not well. Oh, I can become the center of attention during intellectual discussions in Bible study class, but socializing with other church members can be difficult, as I more often than not will start rattling off facts, or some current event on the news rather than just making small talk. Luckily, my Asperger's is well known of in my congregation. That, and my wife and I stand out among the more socially conservative crowd at church, as we're clearly the poorest and most liberal family there, especially when it comes to the defense of social programs, evolution and other stances taken by modern science, and gay rights.

It surprises me to hear that the Episcopal Church would be talking this much about it.

Personally, I think those topics should stay out of the pulpit and remain in personal conversations. People have various convictions on the matters at hand, and any disagreements between believers are not going to be hashed out by someone hammering it from the pulpit. Some individuals in our church are quite vocal about some current topics (not from the pulpit), but we try to "lower the volume", so to speak, and promote a more low-key, inclusive discussion. (I am, dare I say it, "Baptist", but at an unaffiliated church.)

I'd like to try out other denominations, go visit and see what the church service is like. I've been to a few Catholic services and one Episcopal service (a LONG time ago), but never to a Lutheran service. That is what I am most curious about these days... BUT, as the pastor's wife and the music director at our church, I'm not going to get that opportunity any time soon, LOL.

As you're familiar with Catholic and Episcopal worship, then Lutheran worship would be quite familiar to you, as very much the same kind of liturgy is used, with the same sort of reverence for baptism and communion as sacraments (including infant baptism and belief in the real presence in the Lord's Supper), along with observance of holy days.

I should have been clear that I haven't attended for years and never heard statements of the kind I described within any liturgy during that time. It was predominantly within the non-liturgical arena wherein the statements were made. But, I consider the non-litugrical conversation to have at least the social sway that the liturgical conversation should. That is why I cringed when politicized statements were made with little basis in doctrine.

Nerdygirl;

In working with ministers of other denominations, I have seen that sometimes they do things differently than Baptists, like doing Sunday School differently or not having Wednesday Night Prayer meeting, so you could check what other churches in your area offer on other nights.

It's good to see other churches may worship differently but the basic faith in God's mercy and grace is still there.

Kraichgauer; the Lutheran chaplains I've know were solid Biblical scholars, and generally had a better understanding of the Reformation and church history than I did. It's been several years now since I retired but there did seem to be some tension between those from the Missouri Synod and those who were ELCA, is that anything that you even see at the local church level?

There is that tension there, though many Lutherans, like myself, have family in both churches, and so are more tolerant to different views of Lutheranism. Unfortunately, some people take church politics too personally, because leaders and theologians of both church bodies have in the past behaved in an Unchristian fashion by lobbing hurtful criticisms at one another.

...No one seemed to say anything in response to the post i put up here (Still , it's possible that someone did and I missed it .) - I don't know nessecarily when I will post again so i don't want to start something that would be seen as " being argument7ative " , I just am u9ncertain about my relationship with - would-be?? - Christian belief/association recently .

Here you go, ASS-P.

...Thank you , saymorelater , maybe ?
No disagreement with the " all need redeption , " " not one righteous " concept expressed here .



quote="nerdygirl"]

Here you go, ASS-P.[/quote]

...I just - wonder - about my feeling toward " renewed/aroused Chrisian/church feeling " on my part . I presume most if
not all here would encourage me in that direction...........

As far as ASS-P's dilemma, to say that drinking, etc. is sinful is a dogma issue, not a biblical issue. The only references in the Bible that refer to not drinking is when someone drinks in excess. I can see your problem with being force-fed Calvinism, but they are far from being the only denomination. Look around, I'm sure you will find what your looking for. To refer to the Missouri/ ELCA divide in theology, the church that I attend left the ELCA about 5 years ago over several matters of theology. We felt that the ELCA was bringing politics into the sanctuary where it doesn't belong. We also rejected the Missouri Synod as being too far the other way, so as you can see, there are a number of Synods in the Lutheran Churches, and we probably all have it wrong.

Are you attending any Lutheran church now?

Greetings,

The important issue is whether or not God is drawing you to Himself. Do you love, or want to love Jesus, knowing what He has done for you. And are you willing to lay your own life down to Him moment to moment.

These "renewed/aroused Chrisian/church feeling" sound like an act of God's mercy. I would encourage you to take this seriously, and seek after Him. I could do no better.

Hebrews 3:7-8a - So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion,[...]"

Reading your profile alone, it seems that God has allowed you to go through much trial in life, yet He loves and preserves you every day. Here is another scripture that comes to mind:

Acts 17:26-27 - From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

What are you wanting to do?

Much Love in Christ,
marcb0t

...Frankly , I have some REAL material/health problems ~ Some of them involving things , attempted on my part , that Iimagine many would see as " praiseworthy attempts to improve myself " that , however , I would need much help in doing now , especially with my health situation - See other posts of mine today .

As a matter of fact, I am. I am quite active in my local church ( Properties Manager, Reader, etc. ).

I think if you reached out to the the right church body, you would find that you will find many people who would be willing to help you, both physically and spiritually. Many urban churches have programs to help people in need, and even small rural churches like the one I attend can be very supportive. I found much support when I came back to the church after my wife died ten years ago, and instead of treating me like a freak when they found out I have Asperger's, they are quite understanding ( except when people encourage me to get involved in things I am uncomfortable about ).