How can I get myself back into going to church?
I used to be a devout Christan a long time ago, but ever since the incidents with Hareld Camping, and me making friends online with people who are not Christan I have sort of been in doubt about whether or not Christians are really serving God right as we should be, now I am not saying I am atheists, but I do wonder if when I go to church was it all a big Neurotypical social event? I go there and people talk, play music, and yell. I would like to have an aspie friendly church as well, one that is about an deeper meaning of the Bible and does not do things without seeing the true meaning of the principles behind them. I admit I am a person who searches for reason in the Bible and that may dampen my faith, but I do this only because I want to know what the absolute good is in the Bible and I know the Church has become corrupt over the years.
It is strange. I do believe in doing the right thing, but I am also always questioning people's so called "ethics." Most people I know see the world as black and white, but my experiences with meeting people online has shown many shades of grey. For instance I do not believe people who where born into another religion should go to Hell if they where not as fortunate as me to be able to have the freedom on religion. Also I believe people who may not believe, but still are good people should go to Hell. It is my belief that they might go into the new Earth as specified i the Bible, they would not be able to enter Heaven, but they would just live on the new Earth and basically live in small communities.
I know that is not what our current churches say will happen, but I wonder if the god I belive in that is all good would show mercy on these people who believe in goodness? I know this is from a human's standpoint, but if it was up to me I would not send people to Hell unless they absolutely deserve it.
I see. I believe my problem is basically logic vs faith. I do so yearn to be on the good side of the world, but my logic always questions my faith.
You seem to be confusing being religious with being a moral person in general. Ultimately, people will use anything to justify what they do, whether it's altruistic, opportunistic or sadistic. It is also possible to worship using the Bible without being part of any organised church, especially if you don't enjoy the socialisation of being in one. I'd also recommend actually reading the Bible if you haven't already, because it's very common for people to cherry pick what they'll actually tell you from it in order to make it agree with their beliefs. If you want to try going to a church, then do so, and try to find the one that fits what you personally believe in best.
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Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil.
Maybe you´ll feel more at home in a church that has no strict dogma and encourages discussion about things like the meaning of the bible and what ethical behaviour is. Such churches do exist, but they generally don´t have many adherents, so it might be difficult to find one in your area. I don´t know where you are from, so I can´t suggest specific churches other than the Unitarian Universalists that have churches nearly all over the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitarian_Universalism
For me, I'm Eastern Orthodox partially because I couldn't really handle the socializing in my old Charismatic Protestant Church. A liturgical church might be in order. The only caveat in liturgical churches is because there's less socializing with your faith if you would, lots of people are there who seemingly don't care. However, I like it better, despite the flaw that it's hard to find other people who you can really discuss stuff with. My priest is really really smart, though, and is always up for discussions. Same with the deacons and whatnot there. Always up for lots of theological discussion. Liturgical churches tend to have more older members, too. I get along better with older folks in general. My old church had more younger people.
It depends, as much as it's nice to have a supportive group of people sort of pushing you on, in the end, it's you. It's your life. If you want to be faithful to God, you have to be. In some sense, it's a better test, being able to be faithful without peer pressure.
The structure of liturgical churches is more based upon actual worship of God. Not just emotional singing, and big fiery messages. My priest's homilies are like 30 minutes max. It's not about him. In Orthodox tradition even, the priest faces his back to the congregation, towards God. Also, the readings and days are determined by the liturgical calender, so the priest can't just go "THE HOLY SPIRIT TOLD ME TO PREACH ABOUT HOW MOVIES ARE BAD TODAY!" or something. Also, everywhere in the world it's gonna be the same readings for the service, so it's portable. Due to the centralized nature, too, it's better. If your priest says something crazy, you can report him to the bishop of your area, you can even take your complaints all the way to Rome or wherever the head of your church is, compared to nondenominational where you can only report it to...the pastor, who's saying the bad things.
If you've never really been exposed to a liturgical church, you know, there's a few. The biggest choices are Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox. Protestant you'd have Lutheran, Anglican, and Presbyterian for your main ones. Roman Catholic has a bunch actually, there's Eastern Catholic Churches that basically are Orthodox Churches under Rome. And of course, there's the Orthodox. Obviously being Orthodox, I'd recommend Orthodox, but do your reading on them and decide for yourself what you think is truest theologically, Orthodox, Protestant, or Roman Catholic.
I went through a similar crisis, though. Church was the place that made me realize the reality of my NVLD/Aspergers, due to all the social stuff. I ended up just going to the Orthodox Church in my area because it was most palatable to me theologically (I went through a big theological crisis of Calvinism vs Armenianism.) It was easier socially to handle, too. Sure, there was coffee hour (Which you can skip) but no like "hanging out." At my old Charismatic Church, how much you "hung out" with other church people almost equated to your Godliness, if you would. In the Orthodox tradition, though, there's monks, and even hermits. So yeah.
To put it simply, go to some churches really. Read up, go check out one locally after reading, and once you find one that fits you, keep going. In my case due to my conditions, the Orthodox Church works best for me. If things had been different, or I was given a different set of circumstances or I played my circumstances in my old church better, maybe God would have wanted me at my old church. But, it is better to go to church and hear the word, and be exposed to other Christians and talk a little. It won't be perfect, nothing in this world is, but it's better than nothing, I think. If you don't take my suggestion of a liturgical church, then go somewhere. Anywhere that's a Trinitarian Christian Church. And keep going.
John_Browning
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Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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I guess search around and try a new one every few weeks for a while. The pastors will have different styles, even in the same denomination, but that does not automatically mean different doctrines. Probably your biggest variables will be sensory issues and the attitude of the congregation as a whole.
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Tell that guy to get his hands off me, Misslizard!
What if it's an attractive female member of the congregation??Just think what a view you will have wrapped around her shoulders!
_________________
I am the dust that dances in the light. - Rumi
It is strange. I do believe in doing the right thing, but I am also always questioning people's so called "ethics." Most people I know see the world as black and white, but my experiences with meeting people online has shown many shades of grey. For instance I do not believe people who where born into another religion should go to Hell if they where not as fortunate as me to be able to have the freedom on religion. Also I believe people who may not believe, but still are good people should go to Hell. It is my belief that they might go into the new Earth as specified i the Bible, they would not be able to enter Heaven, but they would just live on the new Earth and basically live in small communities.
I know that is not what our current churches say will happen, but I wonder if the god I belive in that is all good would show mercy on these people who believe in goodness? I know this is from a human's standpoint, but if it was up to me I would not send people to Hell unless they absolutely deserve it.
If you aleady know the difference between right and wrong (as does every intelligent person) why do you need to go to church? What else can they teach your that you don't already know?
ruveyn
Tell that guy to get his hands off me, Misslizard!
What if it's an attractive female member of the congregation??Just think what a view you will have wrapped around her shoulders!
No thanks. That always makes me dizzy. I keep seeing double when looking down...
It is strange. I do believe in doing the right thing, but I am also always questioning people's so called "ethics." Most people I know see the world as black and white, but my experiences with meeting people online has shown many shades of grey. For instance I do not believe people who where born into another religion should go to Hell if they where not as fortunate as me to be able to have the freedom on religion. Also I believe people who may not believe, but still are good people should go to Hell. It is my belief that they might go into the new Earth as specified i the Bible, they would not be able to enter Heaven, but they would just live on the new Earth and basically live in small communities.
I know that is not what our current churches say will happen, but I wonder if the god I belive in that is all good would show mercy on these people who believe in goodness? I know this is from a human's standpoint, but if it was up to me I would not send people to Hell unless they absolutely deserve it.
If you aleady know the difference between right and wrong (as does every intelligent person) why do you need to go to church? What else can they teach your that you don't already know?
ruveyn
I suppose you are right, but I am kind of fearful of my soul being damnified for all eternity.
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