Blaze Readers: Hurt By Your Church? Here Are Your Faith Poll Results
- Posted on April 5, 2012 at 7:18am by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Last week, we asked Blaze readers, “Have you ever been hurt by your church?” The question, though far from simplistic and certainly multifaceted, offered people the opportunity to provide honest assessments regarding how they’ve been impacted by their faith leaders and houses of worship. Overall, we received more than 29,000 answers to 13 questions surrounding this complex subject.
(Related: Blaze Poll: Have You Ever Been Hurt By Your Church?)
The results of the poll, based on Lifetree Cafe’s examination of the issue, were intriguing. Among the more than 2,600 people who participated, 97 percent claim that they are Christians (this is consistent with past Blaze polling that found the same).
Overall, a majority — 58 percent — report that they have, indeed, had their feelings hurt by a faith leader in their church (42 percent say that this has not happened). Perhaps more startling, 44 percent of respondents say that having their feelings hurt by a faith leader has, at some point, led to them leave a church; 56 percent claim that they have not abandoned a house of worship as a result of having their feelings hurt by a pastor or church leader.
When it comes to examining this issue, it’s common for faith leaders to take the brunt of the blame for church conflict. But it’s entirely possible that congregants have experienced negative interactions with fellow church members, while fully enjoying their experiences with worship leaders. When asked, “Have fellow parishioners ever hurt your feelings?,” a majority — 64 percent — answered “yes,” with only 36 percent claiming that they have not experienced this.
Interestingly, when asked if respondents, themselves, have ever hurt the feelings of fellow parishioners or faith leaders, only 33 percent reported that they have. On the flip side, 77 percent claim that they have not been guilty of such an offense. While it is important to note that fewer people (just under 2,000) answered this question, there does seem to be somewhat of a disconnect.
Among those who answered whether they left their faith as a result of being hurt by their church — a much more extreme action than simply leaving a church — 78 percent reported that they have not, with 22 percent saying that such pain did cause them to leave their faith.
In other interesting findings, 47 percent of respondents claim that church conflict and disunity have impacted their willingness to commit to a church. Additionally, 41 percent say that they have left a church as a result of mismanagement or corruption.
All images credited to Shutterstock.com.
Popular Stories
MSNBC Host Snaps in Heated Segment: ‘What in the World Is Riskier Than Being a Poor Person in America?’ 694 Comments
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 662 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 525 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 364 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 353 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 235 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 246 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order Read More- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 147 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 235 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (130)
Cowboyup
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:50amArminius23 Keep coming back. The struggle is about doing the next right thing and the best example you can be. You are being prepared by God. Let let him be right and act as good example of his wisdom, the Bible says not all will get the message, some will reject. They are blind by the fathers wish. Fix the world with the best you available. God’s got the rest
Report Post »snooop1e
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:43pmJesus was murdered by his own, the ones who were awaiting His arrival. Rejoice in your sufferings for Christ.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:45am“Interestingly, when asked if respondents, themselves, have ever hurt the feelings of fellow parishioners or faith leaders, only 33 percent reported that they have. On the flip side, 77 percent claim that they have not been guilty of such an offense.”
“The Blaze at this time has no comment as to how 110% of posters answered this question. A followup question, ‘Has your church affected your math skills?’ was returned with 15% saying yes, while 95% said no.”
Report Post »Mannax
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 12:59pmLOCKED
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:45am
“Interestingly, when asked if respondents, themselves, have ever hurt the feelings of fellow parishioners or faith leaders, only 33 percent reported that they have. On the flip side, 77 percent claim that they have not been guilty of such an offense.”
“The Blaze at this time has no comment as to how 110% of posters answered this question. A followup question, ‘Has your church affected your math skills?’ was returned with 15% saying yes, while 95% said no.”
—————————————————————–
To explain basic math: the 33% was the answer to yes they have been offended by someone at their church. And the 77% no, they have not offended anyone at their church. Two different answers to two different questions. The math is fine, your reading comprehension is lacking.
So my advice is to look before you snark.
Report Post »FreedomPurveyor
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 1:17pm“To explain basic math: the 33% was the answer to yes they have been offended by someone at their church…”
Nope -
“when asked if respondents, themselves, >have ever hurt the feelings of fellow parishioners or faith leaders<, only 33 percent reported that they have."
Report Post »Mannax
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 1:18pmOr to explain a bit further.
33% said that they had been offended by someone connected with their church. 67% did not.
23% said that they have offended someone at their church while 77% say that they have not.
I tend to believe that the 77% is probably a little high and they aren’t aware that they did but the math still works.
Report Post »drphil69
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 1:21pm@mannax – read closer, @locked is right.
Report Post »hologram5
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:43amThe Apostle Paul wrote and warned of this in the letters to Corinth. He spoke of mega-churches and warned that they are luke warm and will be spit out. He also wrote that in small groups, (Home Groups) you will learn more and gain a better sense of spirituality. Organized religion is a bane on society. Going to church every sunday doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. It all comes from within. Another scripture states that God constantly searches people’s hearts for the goodness. People need to realize that the “BIBLE” was not written for “CHURCHES” it was not written for one man to teach others. It was written for man, a guideline per se. To be a moral compass if you will and we can each guide each other with what we’ve learned ourselves. It’s ALL on US, one man in a pulpit will interpret the book one way and you will another. Just because he‘s a pastor doesn’t mean he’s always right.
Report Post »Tracker3
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 12:26pmYou are so right. One should go by the Word, not by what someone intreprets it to mean. And I have always felt that God inspired the writing of it as one person to another. Churches are vital to a country, and community, but they don’t make you a Christian.
Report Post »red_white_blue2
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 2:10pmI agree. It is the connection one-on-one that matters most. He lives in our hearts and souls, not churches.
Report Post »rob_a
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 3:55pmI believe it is the “one on one”, “personal relationship” theology that is destroying the American Church. There is no connection with fellow congregants, no desire to be your brother’s keeper.The loneliness is crushing to those who have so many unanswered question that there church leader can never answer. The place I did find communion and fellowship and answers was at the very place that I had mocked each Sunday (without knowing any wiser,) was at an “old fashion”, “out of date”, “dead in tradition” “religious” Orthodox Lutheran Church. I had never heard the Gospel preached until then. The connection with my fellow brothers and sisters was nothing I have ever experienced at any Baptist, non denom., Pentecostal churches, it is a true family united in Christ. The Church is supposed to be a physical community, not an emotion fixation on ones spirituality, how inward and selfish is that.
Report Post »ScienceIsNotEvil
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:09pmTracker3,
Sorry, but no as I refuse to kill my child for said child being rude as the bible tells me to. I also refuse to kill my neighbors who work on the sabith.
Report Post »by faith
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 6:01pmSo what you are saying is:
“When I read the Bible, I am infallible in my comprehension and understanding of context. My understanding of the text is truth”
Sounds like New-Age we are all gods mumbo jumbo
Report Post »In That Day
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:24amPerhaps pastors who’ve built buildings during boom years, could sell those buildings (and rent out local high school for meetings) and give cash to needy sheep during bust years.
But pastors don’t do this, as they tend to hide their self-interest always.
Since they hide their self-interest, their sheep hide their self-interest.
And church tends to be a sham…. hiding a lot of self-interest and self-dealing.
For example, who owns the assets of the nondom church? (Hint: the pastor, wife original funding group that runs everything).
Report Post »In That Day
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:55amFurther, Pastors will preach about the story of Joseph… but not do what Joseph did. (Save during boom, sell (or give back) during bust.)
Since Pastors preach without doing what the bible says, the sheep do the same. This hurts all.
Report Post »workinghard
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:55amToo many churches practice the separation of church and bible
Report Post »CS_GUY
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 12:04pmGreat comment……….truth.
Report Post »Seede
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:55amBelonged to several churches and have visited many more. Don’t attend these clubs anymore. Social climbing and money are the main interests of most all who join. Every church I ever attended had their own little groups of best, better, and a bother. Most all are not even interested in biblical teachings and only know what they are spoon fed. More like clubs anymore.
Report Post »princeman26
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:49amI think most who join the church are looking for connection. Aside from worship. In my experience, churches welcome new faces, and try to bring them into the fold. But quickly the courting wears off, and the motivation to retain members just isn’t there. Constantly they look to expand their congregation, without much of a concern for retention and growth of current members. This a large part of the being hurt by the church, and or other members. When a new member extends their sphere to try to include, and be included, it is a fragile time in their experience. If there is no reciprocation, it can be very hurtful, and lead to rapid disillusionment. Therefore, churches should be just as concerned with keeping members, as expansion. Small group leaders, and elders, not just the clergy are extremely important in this regard, and need to commit to outreach, contact, and inclusion.
Report Post »altops
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 12:11pmRomans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Report Post »Dead folk dont get hurt feelings, they suffer them for Christ’s sake. Plus feelings are not permanent always real, and change when new info comes to light, so chill out. Church is the Body of Christ and King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life
workinghard
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:53amWow! I thought I was a loner freak, guess I‘m just one of the 47’ers.
Bonhoeffer wrote in Life Together (I’m paraphrasing) Church is a great concept until you let the humans in.
How do you find a church that isn’t run by the same people we complain about on this site all the time. Seems like even church councils are bogged down with retired government beaurocrats, busybodies, retired leftist teachers, etc? They are like their own mini-municipality where a small minority drive the church in the direction they see fit. I have been a member of churches where the council president hasn’t even bothered to read the Bible.
We “home church” our kids. We get to teach them the Bible as we understand it and take the time to make sure they really understand the lessons. We had them in Sunday school for a short while when they were younger, but when I overheard a teacher telling 3rd graders that “war is bad” we pulled them out immediately. It had nothing to do with the lesson, just another chance for the goofball left to indoctrinate our kids.
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:16amhome churches must be gaining in popularity as a move by the Spirit. Or, I know you!
Report Post »kralspaces
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:44amFinally found an Internet Church that we like. Tried the House Church for a few years, but ended up with some very strange people. Been there and done that with all the mega churches. We were not their ideal because we live together unmarried. Never understood this position. For us, Southern Baptist in the 80′s were the worst. I am a Freemason and if you know your history, you’ll understand.
Report Post »JL320
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:42amYou guys understand this is marketing research for Beck right?
Report Post »sirocco78
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:40am58 percent of respondents had their feelings hurt???? Are you serious? Perhaps this is because they were told what they were doing was immoral, selfish, and stupid. As far as I’m concerned, more people need to have their feelings hurt.
Report Post »johnnylingo
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 12:49pmRIGHT ON. If a Pastor tells someone in confidence that they are committing adultery or fornication, some respond with a negative attitude about that person.. There is a difference between churches that are basically social clubs and those attempting their God given charge to help PERFECT the members.
Report Post »11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, (New Testament | Ephesians 4:11 – 12)
wbwhitt6
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:36amThe key is this: The message is true. Do not judge the message through the actions of people. People are not perfact and make mistakes. Go to church for the message of Jesus.
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:25amWe left a chruch a few years ago and we are still shopping for a new one. I did not toss God to the side, on the contrary, I feel closer now than ever before. I had to decide for myself. I hope to find a new church home soon.
Report Post »Arminius23
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:22amChristian Problem: (Prepare to be offended)
Jew: The creator of the Universe is ours alone. “WE ARE THE CHOSEN PEOPLE!”
Catholic: The Roman Emperor speaks for God and the Catechism supersedes biblical teaching.
Arian: Ignore half of what the New Testament says, our Messiah is more palatable.
Islam: Refried Arianism with a carnal monster as the final prophet and a whole slew of new and improved (violent) teachings.
Eastern Orthodox: The Emperor of Rome is not the representative of God and Catholic teachings before 1000 AD are valid. There will be no graven images.
Anglican/ Episcopalian: The monarch of England is the head of the Church.
Lutheran: No more victimizing the uneducated saps for money. Down with Rome. Sola Scriptura.
Presbyterian: Discipline, and more DISCIPLINE!
Baptist: Here say this prayer and a dunk: Wala! A Christian.
Calvinist: God punishes people that did not have a choice but to sin.
Quaker/ Non-Denominational: Not sure what they believe varies from member to member.
Pentecostal: Same as Baptist but you creep me out.
Amish/Mennonite/Seven day Adventist: Pick and choose then zealously enslave yourself to the ideal.
Mormon: Where did you get this stuff Joe? Where’s the plates?
Jehovah’s Witness: You rewrote your own Bible?
Messianic Jew: Interprets the New Testament through Talmud and Torah. Slightly exclusionist toward Gentiles. The Bible is not about salvation but about Israel.
Comment designed to get y
Report Post »CS_GUY
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:29amMuch thought to no end?
Report Post »hi
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:35amI’ve tried many of the named churches. I found the Bible church. They go through the Bible and teach it….not catchy stuff or doctrines stuff. They throw in translations of Greek and Hebrew words, history, science, apologetics…it’s awesome.
Report Post »sirocco78
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:45amThe Catholic catechism and biblical teaching are one and the same. Don‘t comment if you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Report Post »jncarlos007
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:06amoverall, not a bad analysis.
Report Post »WhiteFang
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:13amArminius and jncarlos007,
Report Post »Not a bad analysis…….But not accurate.
If you want to insult a particular faith, at least be accurate in your criticism. otherwise you look foolish.
Arminius23
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:15amOy! I forgot Methodist.
Anyways my point: Half the people don‘t know what they believe because they don’t read their own books or see the relation between their religion and history.
Bottom line: If there is a God then science should align with it. Then which God is it. Then we should do what it tells us to do. All evidence and EMPIRICAL science points to the God of the Bible (see through the smoke of the Atheists and the Universe is so much more beautiful). What is the bottom line teaching of the Bible? Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Do this and all will be made clear. There are Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists that will be at the table of God before many of you. They may not have known the Bible but every one on Earth is drawn at some point in their life to the character of God and is ingrained with a sense of Justice. A Messiah is necessary lest God violate his own character as a Just God. The Universe paused when Jesus died for that which was innocent was unjustly murdered hence Death violated a principle of existence. Death and Immortality are now given into the hands of the one who was wronged that gives freely to those that would obey the greatest commandement. Our fate is in the hands of the Messiah and let us be thankful that our God is who he is for there is none like Him.
Report Post »Dauh
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:30am“Prepare to be offended.”
That’s actually kind of a funny way to introduce an insulting post. :)
Report Post »viking48
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 12:03pmhi, i like your insight. i been working for years to understand, you seemed to hit the nail direct on the head.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 12:42pmGreat post.
You are part German, it seems.
Report Post »Arminius23
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 1:56pm@Sirocco78 If one claims authority backed by his own authority then it tis circular reasoning. One only need read secular and Church history to know what happened at Nicea. I believe in God’s authority not the self-proclamations of a mortal emperor and his successors.
@Whitefang If you are going to attack someone’s credibility without demonstrating their error then on what basis is my knowledge insufficient. If the mirror were turned around your own argument incinerates your accusation.
@Walkabout Chatti and proud of it. Thanks.
Report Post »WhiteFang
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 2:23pmArminius23,
I do not want to argue with you on this point. I merely said if you make inaccurate statements you will do yourself no favor by posting misleading comments.
Don’t turn this around to accuse me in my comment, your the one who made inaccurate statements. If you do not know where those statements are then, do some research. And I am not impressed with your clever sentence structures.
Report Post »WhiteFang
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 2:54pmMaybe I am being unfair with you. I do appreciate your zeal, but I focused on your statement; “Jehovah’s Witness: You rewrote your own Bible?”
Would you like to explain that?
Report Post »rob_a
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 6:26pmI can hang with most of that :P
Report Post »wolverine
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:02amI have maintained that Christianity is a great religion but Christian religious organizations are completely worthless
Report Post »Sh3LLz
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:01amRead the bible. Pray for understanding. Your church is LYING to you. Jesus is NOT God. There is no “hell” (place of torment). All good people DO not go the heaven (”The MEEK shall possess the EARTH Psalms 37:11). Holiday are rooted in FLASE RELIGION.
Seek the Truth. Humble yourself under God‘s hand and STOP telling him what what He’s going to accept from you.
Report Post »rt elms
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:13amI did read it: “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:15am!………… . .
a
Report Post »momsense
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:41amI’m really disgusted with my church because they have adopted Marxism as their faith , not the Gospel of Christ. Everything is ” social justice’ which puts a moral face on government confiscation of resources and make it a matter of morality, not charity and mandatory to boot.
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:55amWe, humans have a fatal tendency to try to adjust the truth to fit our desires rather than adjusting our desires to fit the truth
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:14am^^^ exactly
Report Post »c.foster4722
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 2:07pmMy dear MOMSENCE, with out a dout find a new church! Or you mighr try this! And again I say might try this? Don’t find another church, just go by the ten comandments, and try to be the person that God wants you to be, and follow your hart as well as God! I find this to work for me! As long as you beleve God will always love ,protect and provide you with every thing you need to prosper in these troubled times, he might even through in one or two wants! What i’m trying to say is this, you don’t have to belong to any one church or faith, Just do the best you can to live by Gods rules and be a good person. And remember this! Any place where that people gather to prey, read the bible and give thanks to the lord, is a house of the lord! May God bless you and your family! I hope you find what your looking for. Hope what I said helps you!
Report Post »nakoapa
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:05amI have tried several churches in different states, and I must say the main reason why I would leave was due to gossip and infighting within the congregations within the church. Seems a big problem is younger people wanting to update the church and make it more relevant, and older folks wanting it to stay the same as they feel it should be. Worst case was when during a Sunday service, the youth pastor, and music director, both quit, with the youth pastor telling the congregation why during service, then falling to his knees and praying for the church, then walking out the door. Having listened to the mess as I was also in the Choir and such, I got up and followed them out. It is sad that it comes to this.
Report Post »kralspaces
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:55amI read a lot of comments before I found this one. A church is a microcosm of society. Therefore, you have all the same issues.
Report Post »janedough1
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:39amI hate to say it folks, but if you use getting your feelings hurt as an excuse to leave the church or to turn your back on God, then you weren’t a Christian to begin with. Using hurt feelings as an excuse is making it all about you, and if you are a Christian, then the whole point is that it isn’t about you. Being a Christian puts God in the center of your life, not your self. Christ suffered the cross for us, and if you are following him, how can you expect to suffer less? If hurt feelings are all you get in your Christian walk, count yourself very blessed. Across the world, many Christians suffer death for their faith. Look at Pastor Youcef Nadarkani: if he is still alive, he is suffering tremendous pressure to recant his faith or be executed for it. If hurt feelings are all it takes to get you to recant, then you are like the seed that was sown where the soil wasn’t deep: you received the message gladly and sprang up like a young shoot, but your roots weren’t deep and you withered on the vine. Pray God sends you rain and soil.
Report Post »lala76
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:49amYou took the words out of my mouth.
Report Post »Mr Galt
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:54amIt’s not necessarily about “turning your back on God”, but turning your back on the toxicity of political and manipulative churches. I just love the line “you were never a Christian to begin with”. Seems I had that line used on me when I rightfully challenged a pastor to his face for talking about me behind my back. He was so special, he didn’t feel he had a need to explain why he did what he did. Of course, after I left, I was proclaimed “not Christian” to the entire congregation (again behind my back).
Isn’t that convenient? You don’t have to take responsibility for your own behavior, just point a finger, judge and name call. Kinda reminds me of how the minority community and our current president deal with legitimate criticism. Thanks for making my point.
Report Post »J_Ruben_Kincaid
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:46amBut clearly Jane you have reserved the judgement part for yourself.
Report Post »sallyredneck
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:52amExactly
Report Post »Crus8r
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:12amI thought the purpose of going to church was to get your feelings hurt. I mean that if you are perfect, then you will never have your feelings hurt, but none of us are perfect so there is always going to be something that we will have to acknowledge as a failure. Who likes having their failures put in their face? I know I don’t, but we need to be made aware of them if we are to concure them and grow as Christians. If you just want to feel good about how you are living your life your way and not God’s way, feel free to drop out of church or find one that will never challenge you. Feel free to put your Bible in storage for a time when you realise that you are not perfect and need a better understanding of what you should do to move closer to God and his grace. It will cause tears and remorse, then you will find joy and happiness, but I garrantee, your feeling are going to get hurt along the way. Good Luck and I will pray for you feelings to heal quickly.
Report Post »MyzPhoenyx
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:36amI haven’t turned my back on God. I love God. People don‘t understand why I love a being that I can’t see, but hey, I don’t care what other people think of me to be brutally honest. I live my life trying to be as good to the people around me as my fallen self can possibly be. I talk to God many times a day, not just when I hit my knees in prayer. I can never seem to get anyone to understand that my walk with God is not determined, or led, by fallible men that seem to think that they have the only in with the Almighty. I have been severely burned by every church that I’ve ever attended. Not just by the Elders that can’t seem to practice what they preach, but by the congregants as well. I understand that churches are filled with fallible, fallen people. But I’ve yet to find a pastor that understands that. And that rubs off on the people that attend. I watched a fine man and his wife that ran a fellowship ministry, get torn apart by gossip and in fighting. The fellowship exploded when he took over, it was beautiful! Then after the fall out, nothing remained.
I would LOVE to find a church home that I could offer my services to. Through faith, I feel that I am to serve the needs of those around me. I’m not trying to get into heaven by doing works, but through faith, I know that works are needed. Not for my glory, but for His.
Oh, and my handle.. there is a reason for it.
Risen from the ashes, by HIS stripes. Those close to me understand. :)
Report Post »Balrog28
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:07am@janedough1
Report Post »Completely agreed
If anyone has not read Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Life Together: A Discussion of Christian Fellowship, please do – amazing book I’ve just finished and have recommended to all of my friends and relatives.
Also – @Crus8r
“Comfort the afflicted” and “Afflict the comfortable” – completely agree with your thoughts as well. We are all sinners – noone likes to admit their failures and faults – but everyone has them – everyone!
I don’t want to sound like a Blasphemer – but this is a legitimate question –> didn’t Jesus himself have a failure point just before he died on the cross – when he said – “Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani?” (”My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Did He not know and fully understand what God had in store for him?
MyzPhoenyx
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:34amBALROG28
When Jesus was hung on the cross, He took upon Himself all of the sins of mankind. Past, present and future. God, being a just God, could not stand to look upon the face of His own Son. Jesus felt that disconnection with God in that moment. Imagine living with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God for your entire life, then that suddenly being ripped away from you in an agonizing instant. Over the sins of others and nothing that He had done.
Report Post »Torturous physical agony had already been visited upon His mortal form. If that wasn’t bad enough, He felt a part of His own Spirit get ripped away from Him in the moments of His physical death.
I think I’d cry out in agony too, even if I did know all the plans ahead of time.
GrandmaPatriot
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:33amI have been a Christian since 1968. I stopped going to church in 1996. It had nothing to to with “hurt feelings”. I find that perspective childish and weak. I left because church attendance had become less about building a relationship with the Lord and more about getting large numbners of people in the pews, and then getting them to feel guilty for not giving 10% of their income to support the administration of the community.
My “feelings” had nothing to do with my choice to seek God, and God alone apart from the institution of organized relgion. Once I stopped being “religious”, I found out that being a Christian was a wonderful relationship with the Lord, not a building fund or a “spiritual gifts survey” to see what jobs you were going to be assigned.
Organized religion may meet the needs of some people, but I didn’t find Christ there.
Report Post »JRJSRJ
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:29amThe very Christ that came and bled on the cross and died did so for His church. Christ used the aposltes to build the church. The church is the body of believers. Not a single individual tucked off in a corner somewhere nursing hurt feeling or misgivings about other peoples motives. Which is what the vast majority of the comments from people who claim to not go to church because…. The facts are simple. Jesus didnt die for you to get your feelings hurts and walk away. If you claim to be a Christian prepare to be judged by other Christians, thats the biblical mandate. We are not to judge those who are outside the church. 1 Cor 5:12. It is a shallow faith that does not feel the need to serve Christ and the very church he died for. So yes one can legitimately wonder if you are indeed a Christian. It takes more than faith to be a Christian.James the brother of Christ tells us even the demons believe and tremble. So there is another component that works with faith. I am not advocating a works based salvation, but I am telling you the bible teaches that if you are saved you will love what Jesus loves. Each of the apostles abandoned Christ in his toughest time and he took them back and restored them. Yet each of you that declare your disdain for the church dont have the grace to look past their issues or even find another church to serve? It seems you are indeed not much in the way of a follower of Christ, you are merely a believer. Matthew 7:21-23 might be for you
Report Post »acovenantinblood
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:34amAmen Grandmapatriot. I stopped recently after about 10 years of attendance because I was crying out to God on my knees after seeing how bad Obama was and how far this country has fallen. My question to God was, “How can this happen if we are a Christian nation?” His answer, “Your not. If you were then this nation would not be in the state it’s in.” It was at that point that I truly was born again, a sheep that hears Christ’s voice alone. He led me to study the Puritans and their theology and it is night and day compared to the weak dribble that pours form the pulpits now days. I teach it to my family and we have cleaned the garbage from our lives. This nation was built more on the Pilgrims and Puritans than it was on the Founding Fathers (I don’t say that in any way to negate their all important contribution).
Let us search and try our ways and turn again to the LORD. lam. 3:40
This verse does not say let us search and try our ways and if they are wrong then let us fix them. The implication is that when a godly nation is dying it is because their ways are wrong.
Report Post »Granny58
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:46amThank you Grandmapatriot, well said. I respectfully disagree wtih JRJSJR. The body of the church is the body of believers the world over, not in a building. If being in that building works for you, excellent. If not, but you are still a believer, that is excellent too. True, sitting in a corner sulking is useless, so there we are agreed. But my faith goes beyond the useless sermons I was hearing and rote responses I was doing for years.
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:04amIt’s not a matter of being hurt! I’m never hurt by the scriptures, perhaps convicted, but not hurt. I don‘t want to waste my time listening to watered down messages because they’re afraid to teach from the bible. For years, I’d walk out wondering what that message was all about………just nice words to tickle the ears.
Report Post »I want to go to church to learn to be a better person and worship Jesus. If the church doesn’t have that ability, I don’t want to attend. There are more ways to tithe. Help people who need help with your time if you don’t have the money. The church is not just a building, it’s believers.
Southern Rebel
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:45amAmen on that Grandma.
Report Post »So many people here confuse ‘christianity’ as being ‘the church’, when in fact, it is not ‘the church’ but a vessel that has kept His true Apostolic Church in spiritual captivity.
Christians always use the ‘do not forsake the fellowship….’ line constantly; not understanding what the term itself means. Fellowship does mean you have to go to a ‘club’ every Sunday to sit with the other pew warmers; it means to associate, talk to and hang with other believers in a myriad of situations, not shunning association with one another for fear of being persecuted.
I‘m not even a ’christian’, but am a spirit filled, new creation in the Lord…and I AM the church, as are others here who have left the religion behind and have a closer relationship w/the Lord than could ever be possible IN the walls of spiritual captivity.
“Come OUT of her my children, lest you share in her sins and partake of her plagues.” Rev 18:4
Stay in the ‘dead church’ if you wish…others have answered the Lord call and have already come out of her, and many more are following. Stay in at your own peril.
Baddoggy
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:29amIf a Pastor does not tick you off he isnt doing his job. The Bible is offensive to those who are not saved. I could preach a sermon and someone would always be mad. I said….”good, I did my job”. Too many pastors are worried about attendance and being liked. I was never. I had a Church that churned members like butter….
Report Post »I would never go back into the Ministry. Too many want you to tickle their ears and kiss their butts. No thanks. .Preach Christ crusified and turn or burn. Too late in life to cater to the sensetive. Let someone else waste their time.
Mr Galt
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:02amI have no problem with any pastor that is sincere in what he/she says and pursues it with honesty, integrity, and passion. Unfortunately, many pastors abuse their positions of authority for their own benefit and aggrandizement. They want sycophants not parishioners – bending the Bible to suit their purposes. That is not acceptable to me, and shouldn’t be to anyone else.
Report Post »Granny58
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:48amAmen to you! I don’t want to hear about being sweet and darling. There IS a place and time for a fire and brimstone sermon!
Report Post »TAXEVERYONE
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:26amWe have all been hurt by the Catholic church as a result of their helping to elect Obama in 2008.
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:24amThere are times when you have to leave a church, as we did, for serious reasons. So be it. Churches are filled with sinners, many of them saved by grace. We are bound to hurt one another, intentionally or accidentally. That‘s why Jesus’ command to love one another was so radical. It take a lot of work. Forgiveness is tough.
In one church we attended, the pastor started going down a questionable path of theology. There was a huge confrontation and many of us decided we did not want to deal with this issue. We moved on. Several months later in our new church, I saw someone from our former church who had been caught in the theological crossfire and went up to greet her. I told her it was good to see her and that I’d been concerned for her and her family. She told me she didn’t want to see me or talk to me ever again. Did it hurt? Yes, a lot. Did it drive me from the church, or my faith. No. It is simply a part of life.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:31amI had to correct my pastor on a Theological position. He did not take it well at first, but I showed him his error. We dont have people falling down on the floor anymore…Whoever started that crap was not reading their Bible.
Report Post »SLARTIBARTFAST
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:18amI think the bigger question is: Have you left your church because they have betrayed your beliefs, or that of the church or Bible? My wife and I left an Episcopal church that she had attended for four years before we’d married, because we realized that the Father there was into Liberation Theology. More and more we were being chastised for leading middle class lives while those south of the border were sufering, and he couldn’ help but remind us of how this was “our fault”. He’d grown up as a son of missionaries in South America, so I guess the whole Liberation Theology thing shouldn’t have been such a surprise.
Report Post »Two years later I looked into their website, hoping to find proof that we’d been wrong about him, as we’d missed his kindness and (most of) his services. I looked at the local charities that the church supported. One had a very nice sounding name about hope and pregnancy. Turns out we’d inadvertently been supporting, through our church with money and volunteers, a full blown abortion clinic, with even less non-abortion services than PPH. They did abortions through the 6th month, and their affiliate in the next city over did partial birth abortions. We’d have expected this in NY or CA, but not in Texas!
The point is that you need to look into who is guiding your spiritual life. The health of your soul may depend on it! And aways put your faith in God.
Granny58
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:03amWOW! That’s discouraging!
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 1:28pmI wanted to say unbelievable, but I know it’s not. I see so many people stand for their church creed first, instead of doing what God wants us to do. In my life, it’s Jesus first, Bible first and the rest is questionable. Don’t put social issues ahead of bible believing teaching. Everything in Jesus’ name.
Report Post »tallahasseelassie
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 7:52amThe answer is dealing with the pain/anger through forgiveness. Don‘t know how or youv’e tried it but it still hurts? I was like that until I learned the secret. Check out http://www.forgive123.com . I had to forgive a whole denomination and now I have peace.
Report Post »Rekindledfire
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:42am@ Wolf
Ok, no problem…if you are going to quote scripture, use the entire context.
Matthew 16: 18-19
“And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven. And whatever you shall release on earth shall be released , even in heaven.”
Peter later moved the head of the Church to Rome, where we was hung from a cross upside down and buried. He now lies in the crypt St. Peter’s Basilica.
Seems pretty obvious to anyone that studies actual history that all roads lead to Rome! Also is pretty obvious that Holy Tradition came before Holy Scripture. The books of the Bible were written by many authors over the course of the early Church. They were passing along instruction not through the Bible but by “Holy Tradition.” You need the Catholic Church and it’s Tradition to interpret the Scripture properly. Study the Church Fathers…all roads lead and point to Rome my friend!
2 Peter 1: 20-21 “Understand this first: that every prophecy of Scripture does not result from one’s own interpretation.”
2 Thess 2:15 “Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement of by a letter of ours.”
Report Post »Rekindledfire
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:55amMy comment was meant for “Wolf” in the “Chris P Bacon” feed below.
Report Post »chris p bacon
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 7:37amSo what…I have had my feelings hurt by my 5 year old, 11 year old, my wife, friend, etc. its called imperfection! If you want to find the TRUTH. Look for the one group, preaching the good news of Gods kingdom (government), through out the earth. As was instructed for us to do before the end in Matt. 24:14. There is ONLY one. There can only be ONE truth..
Report Post »Gr8ful1jim
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 7:53amAnd its seat is in Rome.
Report Post »taksavillage
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:11amGr8ful1jim- I agree. But even that one is run by imperfect men. But it is the only religion that, at the core of its belief system makes sense. And the conservative, traditional movement within the Church is where safety and sanctity reside.
Anyone who abandons a religion because of what someone has done had no faith to begin with.
Report Post »jcannon98188
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:23am@GR8FUL1JIM
I am sorry, you spelt “Salt Lake City, Utah” wrong ;) (Making a joke guys, lets not get offended)
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 8:33amrong…The truth’s seat is not in Rome. It is in HEAVEN.
Report Post »Nostraquedeo
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:14amAmen BADDOGGY.
Report Post »I don’t leave churches for any reason other than when I feel G-d tells me the time has come. Jesus came to decentralize the church. Look at what he said about the Pharisees distorting and getting in the way of the peoples walk with god. “John 10”
Wolf
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:19am@ Gr8fulJim… quote me the Scripture, chapter and verse, that says the ‘seat of truth’ is in Rome. All you’re doing is spouting some mythical catholic church wishful thinking.
Report Post »“There is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself ransom for all.” I don’t see Rome or catholic church or even Peter in that verse at all.
If you, or any other catholic, was intellectually honest rather than hung up on your theology, you’d see that Jesus did not tell Peter He was going to build his church upon Petra, but upon the truth he spoke when Jesus asked him, “Who do you say I am?”
But of course, catholics all know there’s only going to be catholics in heaven. Right beside the 144,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Sh3LLz
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:32amSome people just refuse to accept what the bible says………. Its like you show it to them in black and white and they refuse to see it…… So sad…
Shake the dust off your feet and move on.
Report Post »Blacktooth
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 2:14pmchris p bacon,
Your right, there can be only one truth. The task for all of us is, who has it? :-)
Report Post »