Before submitting my post I noticed more responses and will read them later tonight.
Christianity is more than a list of beliefs: it is a relationship with God through Christ.
Renaia, I admire perseverance but not bullheadedness. It’s like beating a dead horse. You have made up your mind. For the most part I want to address some of the things you have said for those that may be lurking and I think that may be the case for many of us here. You speak untruths, we want to set the record straight.
I read an article recently about trying to feed those that didn’t want to be fed. Meanwhile those going hungry wanting to be fed were ignored. This could be the case in this thread. Yes Renaia, you readily swallow what food the discreet slave offers you but I believe it’s the wrong food. It doesn’t nourish you; it enslaves you like a drug.
I agree that some like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons believe that they are the only way. I know that the Roman Catholic church at one time taught that they were the only true church but don’t know where they stand now.
Mormons believe they are the only way. My mom almost went to a Mormon church about a month ago because the two men at the door seemed so sincere. Nothing like trading in one cult for another. Needless to say she is very confused. Instead she went with us.
I have spoken to people of many different denominations. I have yet to meet someone that says that you must belong to their denomination because they have the only truth. We embrace each other in spite of the differences. We are all imperfect human beings. There is no such thing as one true church. In spite of our differences, we see ourselves as the body of Christ. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
I left one church after 14 years because of a doctrine that I disagreed with. Does that mean I don’t care for them anymore; that they are not part of the body of Christ? No.
I am slowly separating from another church because of a doctrine that I disagree with. The church that I have attended these past three weeks is, for me, closer to what the Bible says. Does that mean that I dismiss the other church that I have attended for the past 5 years? No.
I am so grateful for what this church has done for me, for my family. Even though I am walking away from this church over a doctrine I disagree with, they are still my brothers and sisters in Christ. This church was the catalyst for my mom starting to leave. When she was grieving over her husbands death, the organization wasn’t there for her. This church was. They are embracing her. Even though there are beliefs she disagrees with she senses a warmth and genuine caring people. I love these people.
Yesterday we went to the one denomination in the morning and the other in the evening. Did I feel any conflict? No. I felt fed at both in different ways.
For me, these churches have been like markers in my journey. All have molded and strengthened me in my walk. I am grateful to all of them. We have a strong common bond. The love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
...OUTLAW