In Reply to: Re: I see it differently though posted by CB on December 08, 2009 at 11:42:19:
You wrote: "Thinker, you've identified yourself as a spiritual person and a believer in God. You haven't identified yourself as a Christian. If you identify yourself as a Christian, you cannot reject the Body of Christ as a place of communion with God. It may not be your only place of communion with God--it certainly isn't my only place--it's just that I've recognized that the church needs me as much if not more than I need it."
When it comes down to it, I will not deny Christ in my life or my faith in Him. But what I have trouble with is the word "Christian" and all the connotations and interpreted conditions around it, not least one of which you voiced above. I heard someone say once, "Thank God Jesus wasn't a Christian." I think there is a lot of truth to that. Christianity incarnate doesn't resemble the Christ I've come to know.
So much wrong has been done in the name of Christianity, of God. Yet there are good Christians too. And by the same token, there are also good and bad Muslims, good and bad atheists. So in the end, for me, it's a lot simpler to relate to people as people first, not as Christian or non-Christian. It's when I meet Christians and identify myself as one too, that all the bullshit begins. It is a pleasure when I am together with other Christians and we're getting along just fine, but this is usually limited to funerals. I find Christians to be some of the most contentious people on the face of the earth.
I also have trouble with spiritual authority figures. It is part of human nature that in any gathering, leaders will arise and the general masses prefer to be led around--I accept that. But no matter how wrapped in servant philosophy, I still have trouble with the role of priests, pastors, elders, etc. in my own life. I do understand that others might need that.
As far as the church needing me, I can't envision myself serving one. I am presently finding a lot of fulfillment in serving the needs of my fellow man outside of the church through voluntary work. If one day my services coincide with those of a church, I will be happy to work together with Christians.
It's great that you've found a church that you like after all these years.