Yesterday's post seemed whiny, as usual. I didn't really intend for it to be about the critics themselves, so much as about my need to quit listening for a while. As far as people leaving church, or those who have problems with the church... I honestly do understand in many cases. In fact, I am one of them. I simply could not be a part of a whole lotta churches. That doesn't mean some of them are wrong though - they obviously work for many people. Just not me. But I fear, in fact I KNOW, there are many critics who are just plain critical people. And I am not mad at them near so much as I am sad for them. Because I can tend to be a bit critical myself from time to time, and it's a lonely, sad state to be in. It's usually because there is something else wrong. But at the same time, there are some people who are critical of the church, and they have very good reason to be. I don't want to minimize those who have been deeply wounded, used, taken advantage of, or harmed in any way. As I said yesterday, sometimes pastors/church leaders are very much to blame.I think the thing that's been on my mind lately is just that I need a break from reading/hearing about it. Certainly, if someone has been hurt, they need to deal with it. And a blog is a nice way to do that sometimes. But there also comes a point where one can only hear so much negative talk without it totally demoralizing them. I mean... the church is not ALL bad; all pastors aren't wrong in everything they do; and sometimes, yes sometimes, the fault does lie with the people spewing the venom.
So, if anyone was offended yesterday... you know, perhaps it was conviction. Or perhaps it was because I didn't state my case very well (I'm not a writer, this blog is just a place to put my personal ramblings). In any event, let it be known that I love the church. Even with all of it's problems, it is still the hope of the world; it is still the body of Christ; it is still a magnificant thing indeed. My life would be incomplete without it. My world would be dark and meaningless. My employment status would be jeopardized! :) Maybe what I should have said was simply: I need to do more reading for personal spiritual growth, rather than church-type stuff. Oh, and I did read some from Kerouac's "On The Road."
Peace, peeps.
(sculpture from New Englad Scupltors Gallery)
4 comments:
I debated about whether or not to comment on these two posts...wondering if any of it is directed at me - if not, it should be. I'll forgive you if you've stopped reading my rants. ;-)
Fact is, what you have said about critics is true. I prefer to call myself a complainer, because critic seems to evoke notions of something intellectual. But same difference.
I will be the first to admit that I complain. A. Lot. But I do see it as a part of the growth process. Sometimes we have to unload before we can see what's underneath. As time goes by and I read what I've written, I see myself in a more realistic light: if I am still in the same place I was two years ago, then I have to face the fact that I haven't grown.
I believe I have grown. That's not to say I haven't said a bundle of things I'm ashamed of. But as I go back and read my blog posts, I do gain perspective about how much of this really is my fault. Not that what I experienced under controlling church leadership was my fault - but my ongoing negative responses to it are. People say "get over it". I'm trying. Really.
It's said that "No one can MAKE you mad; you are in charge of your own emotions", and so much of that is true. When it carries on and on because it's easier to blame others, and even easier to blame an entity as a whole, rather than accepting responsibility for my part in this mess, there is a problem.
Anyhow I like your blog because your perspective is different and you challenge me to consider that not all Pastors are on a power trip. That's something.
Peace.
Hi Lily,
I did notice your recent series on leaving church, but I wasn't singling out anyone specifically. It seems like a hot topic in the blogsphere and all the books seem to be selling well too. There's never a shortage of personal examples either.
At any rate, I appreciate your willingness to "own your own crap" as Donald Miller so aptly said. I'm sure everyone who reads here knows I'm a complainer too. And I agree with you - a blog is a good way to work through it.
Thanks for sharing.
One: you didn't come across whiny in your previous post.
Two: I had often found that many churches, not all, had too many protocols and traditions that got in the way of spirituality. There is a church, which my folks attend, that doesn't have the hallmarks of some of these "hangups" as there were.
I have gone with them a few times, but do not make a habit of it. Now, with working every stinking weekend and long drives -- going there when they do on Sunday is impossible.
So, while humbuggers will always exist and MR (Mike blogger) will attest, I tened to brush off things hurriedly, perhaps too much so. Often, I have a complex system of thinking, but in expressing it, it comes out faulty. Generally, I don't attend, even if I have time, because I favor God and Christ on my time (always) and don't feel better or worse when sharing it with others. For this reason I do not regularly attend even that church.
mdh,
Hey... thanks for stopping by; and for sharing. I certainly appreciate the feedback, and I agree about the protocols and traditions. Apparently it is meaningful to many people, but, like you, I am not one of them.
Sorry you have to work weekends - whether you attend church or not!
Thanks again for dropping in and giving input.
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