Thank you for starting this thread. Editor, I think you know me well enough to know where my heart is. But for the past ten years or so I have distanced myself from corporate religion because of politics and conflict between denominations. No one denomination possesses the entire truth, but many believe they do, even to the point of condemning others to damnation. So, I am an unaffiliated Christian, and that might even be condemned by some (although not by Jesus which is all that really matters). And then there are other religions, which I admire because they devotedly practice their beliefs, like Christians, according to the best of their knowledge. I don't know where I am going with this other than just expressing myself a little. It just bothers me that people so often denounce others because of their particular beliefs.

Blessings to all,

Phil

Phil, I am greatly humbled that you would come.

I have learned to label myself, non-dom as a way of expressing how I feel my first encounter of God was like.

I have seen some loosen their grip on denominational labels and I have seen some tighten their grips on "religion".

We have only known each other briefly through Nick Danger's, This Day In History thread, yet I saw your spirit on the day we met as kindred.

I do not know where this thread will go either, other than I am no longer talking to a wall as you replied to this thread.

Perhaps, this is a way that we all tear down, brick by brick, the great barriers we have built up in our lives.

I no longer attend church, but not from distancing myself from God. I told my DH just today that I will attend with him one more time, soon, to see if I can view the current condition of his church with more favor than I do.

Don't get me started on "church channel TV."

I stand fast in my faith and I cannot be ruffled and have never looked back. Instead I look at the poor representation of individuals that claim they know the truth.

I am human and flawed as you are, but the heart is bigger than gold, open, seeking, growing, and attempting to know and please the God who created us all.

Thanks for kicking us off, and thanks for being a genuine person.

Like Phil, I'm glad you started this thread. I'm not to everyone's taste, but that's life. I really enjoy reading thought-provoking posts, even if I disagree with them. As a reader, I want the writer to show me something I haven't thought of, at least something that makes me think beyond the surface of what he or she is saying.

Ed, you and I have already talked about my debut here. I entered with a big splash. Why? Because I've learned people (including myself, chief of hypocrites) can say anything, but what they do reveals who they are and what they really believe. I wanted to declare my colors right away and see what kind of reception I got. I also wanted to put forth an antithesis to HB's posts which IMO smacked of Jesus rah-rah and painted a shallow and inaccurate portrait of God, of faith, and of the Christian life to people trying to live honestly as believers in the trenches of life.

Even though ljtreewalker and I got off to a bad start, we seem to be okay now. We'll see what happens next time we disagree.

Ken, glad to see you here. The portion of your post that I quoted reflects the entire point of my post. No one is to everyone's taste, but we are all creatures of the same God. Why can we not recognize that and overlook the petty differences? I agree that there is far too much emphasis on the bells and whistles rather than on what should lie within one's heart. Be still and know that I am God (Ps. 46-10) is one of the simplest yet most powerful and profound phrases in the Bible. I believe that is where one should start, within the heart, and then let our actions flow from there. John 6:28-29 is another example of the way I live my life, and again, everything flows from there.

This is an inherent truth.

The oft quoted phrase of judge not lest ye be judged is used to point out the hypocrisy of those who speak the word but do not live by the word. Whose actions are in conflict with their professions.

The greatest testament to our faith is in our changed attitudes, not in our ability to spout chapter and verse.

Therefore, we should be judged by our actions and not our words. And yet - we fall short of the glory everyday, in our words, our actions, our deeds our very thoughts. Truth be told we're all hypocrites in one way or another. Do not judge me for my shortcoming, as I lay on the ground after having stumbled. Give me hand and help me to my feet, and I'll do the same for you.

I know that many are turned off and have been disappointed and even betrayed byorganized religion. I am one of them. Does this stop me from seeking the fellowship of others Christians within the body of Christ? Nope.

Our truth is absolute and sometimes the Christian comes off as intolerant because we profess to be keepers of that truth. It is what it is and I can't straddle the fence or my faith is worthless.

I can only present you with the knowledge of this gift and what you choose to do with it is between you and God.

What is left after that? Prayer and faith in God's will.

Thank you Ken, Phil and Maggie for lending yourself to this thread.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

It is bad enough that Christians do not get it and do not practice it to others.

It is abhorant that in the name of "Christianity" we are the only army on earth to would our solders.

It would be unspeakable to imagine what we do to those we perceive as our "enemies".

I certainly know I am not everybody's cup of tea. It is with sincerity that I am grateful for each one of you that can and do express yourself so that it is abundantly apparent to me that you have pure hearts.

If this thread should catch on, I will be dependent on you three to be spokespeople and healers.

My disclaimer: I am not responsible for the love and wisdom that will be displayed here.

I, however, will be responsible for all the bad language and sarcasm. It's my ministry.