TOTALLY GEEKED!

Tangerine · Guru

Let me have it - Religious thread

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

In my opinion, NO.

Our Quaker Meeting welcomes everyone, whether or not they believe in Christ.

Church can also be a place to connect with other people who are trying to live their lives as best they can.

Do what feels right for YOU.

flan

karl271 · Guru

I do not see anything wrong in it. And, who knows, as you continue to attend you may come to believe in Jesus Christ. The Lord works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform....

Domestic Engineer · Guru

Before I can answer, I have a question. Why would you want to send your son somewhere you don't believe in their practices? Why not just send him to the Boys Club or Y?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Tangerine wrote:
I've been dying to get some opinions on this for some time. I can't think of a better place to get unvarished opinions on religion.

So, here it is: I do not believe that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior. I do miss the fellowship and community offered by attending church. I also think my son could benefit from the youth services offered by most churches.

Is is it wrong to attend a Christian church if you don't believe in Christ?

No, not wrong at all. Unless you are there to try to convince believers not to believe, then i think that would be wrong. But, if you are going to for fun and fellowship then go for it.

Tangerine · Guru

Domestic Engineer wrote:
Before I can answer, I have a question. Why would you want to send your son somewhere you don't believe in their practices? Why not just send him to the Boys Club or Y?

I guess I am remembering all the nice family activities our church had when I was little.

I just checked and there actually aren't any y's or boys clubs near us.

I was really thinking of gaining a community and friends for our whole family.

Husband was not raised going to any church and is not very enthused about trying it out.

Maybe I am just feeling nostalgic.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Nothing wrong at all. You may find Jesus while going!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

No problem.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Tangerine wrote:
Domestic Engineer wrote:
Before I can answer, I have a question. Why would you want to send your son somewhere you don't believe in their practices? Why not just send him to the Boys Club or Y?
I guess I am remembering all the nice family activities our church had when I was little.
I just checked and there actually aren't any y's or boys clubs near us.
I was really thinking of gaining a community and friends for our whole family.
Husband was not raised going to any church and is not very enthused about trying it out.
Maybe I am just feeling nostalgic.

Why don't you go by yourself & see what you think?

flan

weltschmerz · Guru

You might want to try a gurdwara which is a Sikh temple. I had some very positive experiences there. Very welcoming people.
Or a tranquil Buddhist vihara. Lovely sense of peace and harmony.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

weltschmerz wrote:
You might want to try a gurdwara which is a Sikh temple. I had some very positive experiences there. Very welcoming people.
Or a tranquil Buddhist vihara. Lovely sense of peace and harmony.

Oh, that does sound nice.

flan

chef · Guru

If you're not looking to become a member of the Church, then you're fine. A lot of people come to Christ after going to Church for awhile.

If you want to become a member (official member, not just regular attendee), one of the requirements is likely to be believing in Christ as your Lord and Savior.

DS loves his Sunday School and AWANA classes. Bunny probably will too. DS knows when it's a Church day and will follow you around all day saying bye bye. He claps when we turn into the Church parking lot every time without fail.

If you'd like a secular option as well, check your local malls for a Kids Club. DS is still a bit shy but is definitely warming up and interacting more. He likes giving Dewper (one of the characters in our Kids Club) a high five. I've noticed that DS is really building up his vocabulary with all the activities he does. They sing the ABCs at Kids Club and he said most of the alphabet this morning. He got through the first few letters on his own, which made me very proud, and we helped him with the rest.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Why would you want to join a group that espouses nonsense according to you? I can't understand why someone would want to be part of something they don't believe in?

Honeys_Mom · Mod & Permanent Board Sweetheart

LGS, I didn't see Tang say she thought anything was 'nonsense', she just said she doesn't believe. That may not matter to everyone, but the way I see things that's a very important distinction.

And Tang, my 2 cents is there's absolutely nothing wrong with attending a church strictly for the positive or family-oriented influence it (or it's activities) it can have on your kids. There is no law that I'm aware of governing belief and church attendance. Plus if they're a good church, they'll be very glad you're there.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I just don't know why you would want to bother for nonsense?

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Honeys_Mom wrote:
LGS, I didn't see Tang say she thought anything was 'nonsense', she just said she doesn't believe. That may not matter to everyone, but the way I see things that's a very important distinction.
And Tang, my 2 cents is there's absolutely nothing wrong with attending a church strictly for the positive or family-oriented influence it (or it's activities) it can have on your kids. There is no law that I'm aware of governing belief and church attendance. Plus if they're a good church, they'll be very glad you're there.

Exactly.

Don't put words in her mouth.

flan

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I just don't know why you would want to bother for nonsense?

So the only people who should attend church are those that already believe 100% of what the church teaches. How very welcoming. And one question...how is one supposed to learn about those beliefs without attending the church?

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I just don't know why you would want to bother for nonsense?

She has given you her reasons: fellowship & friendship, among others.

flan

FNW · Guru

I can only speak from experience. My ex was never taken to church. Whether or not he believed, he didn't know. He was never exposed, so he couldn't decide. He always felt like something was missing. Maybe it was his lack of exposure? Maybe it was the fact he was unable to decide because he was never given the chance.

Take him. Let him experience the camaraderie.

Whether or not you believe, it's called "faith" for a reason.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

It seems silly to me. Why waste your time? Join a chess club or something. Sorry but i personally would need to be true to myself.

huskerbb · Guru

You can go--but I hope if you do that your heart and mind would be open to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For most, it's not just a social club. Sure, there are SOME, undoubtedly, who use church for that purpose, but for most people, they do deeply believe. They would certainly welcome (I would hope) new members--but they would assume that you have the same beliefs they do, or would at least be interested in holding those beliefs.

Ohfour · Hooker

I totally understand what you are dealing with Tang. I left the church as a teen. After my DD was born, I went back...not for me, but for her. My fondest memories were as a child in church. I wanted her to experience that. After a while, I became involved again too...
But I feel you. I think you should go...

Honeys_Mom · Mod & Permanent Board Sweetheart

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
It seems silly to me. Why waste your time? Join a chess club or something. Sorry but i personally would need to be true to myself.

This is striking me as very strange. confuse Did I misinterpret your beliefs, LGS?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

What do u mean?

Divine Geek · Guru

Tang, I think there is nothing wrong with going to church. I think there is everything right about it. There is some reason you are choosing church over other activities/organizations. Go with an open, joyful heart and you will not be disappointed.

Ohfour · Hooker

weltschmerz wrote:
You might want to try a gurdwara which is a Sikh temple. I had some very positive experiences there. Very welcoming people.
Or a tranquil Buddhist vihara. Lovely sense of peace and harmony.

I honestly doubt that she has either anywhere near her. We have neither within 200 miles of my house...

burns07 · Guru

good advice on mysterious ways and open minds ( and hearts )--whether you need to go or not isn't the most important issue--maybe someone there needs YOU to attend

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Mellow Momma wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I just don't know why you would want to bother for nonsense?
So the only people who should attend church are those that already believe 100% of what the church teaches. How very welcoming. And one question...how is one supposed to learn about those beliefs without attending the church?

Absolutely not. Everyone is welcome at church.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Tangerine wrote:
I've been dying to get some opinions on this for some time. I can't think of a better place to get unvarished opinions on religion.

So, here it is: I do not believe that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior. I do miss the fellowship and community offered by attending church. I also think my son could benefit from the youth services offered by most churches.

Is is it wrong to attend a Christian church if you don't believe in Christ?

Honestly, Tang, any church should welcome you. And they are supposed to WANT unbelievers to come so they have the opportunity to share the gospel with you. Of course you should go if you want to.

Penelope · Newbie

I'm coming out of lurkdome to respond to this. These are also religions. It's not like being Sikh or Buddist is just a lifestyle, they are serious religions with serious beliefs. The OP would have the same questions about whether or not it's right to go to a religious temple that does not meet her same belief system with any of these. If she feels more drawn/comfortable with attending a Christian church I see no reason to tell her to go somewhere else.

I am not a Christian , but my understanding is that church is supposed to welcome all who want to attend and be respectful, I see no reason for OP not to go if that is where she feels drawn.

Edit: I was responding to the suggestion that she seek out a different religion. I so often see people with a rudimentary understanding of these religions act like they are sight seeing adventures rather than serious religions with just as many "rules" as any other.

-- Edited by Penelope on Sunday 21st of February 2016 02:31:43 AM

weltschmerz · Guru

Penelope wrote:
I'm coming out of lurkdome to respond to this. These are also religions. It's not like being Sikh or Buddist is just a lifestyle, they are serious religions with serious beliefs. The OP would have the same questions about whether or not it's right to go to a religious temple that does not meet her same belief system with any of these. If she feels more drawn/comfortable with attending a Christian church I see no reason to tell her to go somewhere else.
I am not a Christian , but my understanding is that church is supposed to welcome all who want to attend and be respectful, I see no reason for OP not to go if that is where she feels drawn.

Edit: I was responding to the suggestion that she seek out a different religion. I so often see people with a rudimentary understanding of these religions act like they are sight seeing adventures rather than serious religions with just as many "rules" as any other.

-- Edited by Penelope on Sunday 21st of February 2016 02:31:43 AM

Well, of course they do! I was responding to this...

"So, here it is: I do not believe that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior. I do miss the fellowship and community offered by attending church. I also think my son could benefit from the youth services offered by most churches"

Since she doesn't believe Jesus Christ is her lord and savior, she may want to explore other venues besides Christianity.

Just as others are saying she may have a Come To Jesus epiphany while attending a Christian church, it's entirely possible that she could become interested in other religions. They also offer fellowship and community.

These temples can have interesting youth programs and activities as well.

-- Edited by weltschmerz on Sunday 21st of February 2016 02:45:58 AM

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

She doesn want to shave her head and sell flowers at the airport.

weltschmerz · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
She doesn want to shave her head and sell flowers at the airport.

What a spectacularly ignorant retort.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Or , you could actually laugh when someone makes a joke.

weltschmerz · Guru

Well, why go to a Christian church?
Maybe she doesn't want to convulse on the floor and start speaking in tongues.

FNW · Guru

Whatever you decide, please do not turn to radical Islam.

Buddhists, Shinto, those seem like peaceful religions to me.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Tang --

What color is your hair now?

flan

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Tang --

I attended Meeting for the first time in a few months. (Often it comes down to a choice between seeing Itty Bitty & going to Meeting...)

Anyway, I thought of you during the Message (sermon):

It was about the difference between believing (in God) and belonging (to community, etc).

The former could easily be just words, while the latter takes time & energy.

flan

huskerbb · Guru

flan327 wrote:
Tang --

I attended Meeting for the first time in a few months. (Often it comes down to a choice between seeing Itty Bitty & going to Meeting...)

Anyway, I thought of you during the Message (sermon):

It was about the difference between believing (in God) and belonging (to community, etc).

The former could easily be just words, while the latter takes time & energy.

flan

That makes zero sense. If it's truly just "words"--then you don't really believe, so believing in God is NOT "just words".

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

huskerbb wrote:
flan327 wrote:
Tang --

I attended Meeting for the first time in a few months. (Often it comes down to a choice between seeing Itty Bitty & going to Meeting...)

Anyway, I thought of you during the Message (sermon):

It was about the difference between believing (in God) and belonging (to community, etc).

The former could easily be just words, while the latter takes time & energy.

flan
That makes zero sense. If it's truly just "words"--then you don't really believe, so believing in God is NOT "just words".

husker, I'm not arguing with you.

I took a snippet out of a longer talk.

I believe the verse was from Matthew, The Sermon on the Mount.

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I believe Tang is looking for a church community that is more mainstream so as to be inclusive. What would be the point of going to a Buddhist temple if none of the people in their community go if it's not the religion aspect you are looking for?

FNW · Guru

I guess I'm not familiar with any "churches" that don't believe in Jesus as their savior, except Islam, Jewish, or the Asian religions.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
I believe Tang is looking for a church community that is more mainstream so as to be inclusive. What would be the point of going to a Buddhist temple if none of the people in their community go if it's not the religion aspect you are looking for?

It's not like there are Buddhist temples on every corner. I am sure there isnt' one until you get to the nearest city. But, churches, we got em in abundance! smile

weltschmerz · Guru

Do I know where Tang lives? No, I do not.
No mention of anything in her profile. Could be a tiny town. Could be New York City.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

weltschmerz wrote:
Do I know where Tang lives? No, I do not.
No mention of anything in her profile. Could be a tiny town. Could be New York City.

She lives in a fairly big city I believe.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

A family in town had a head sort of like this

stone-garden-buddha-head-statue-40cm-x-30cm-2-768-p-1.jpg

In front of their house. It was huge. It was as tall as the house and 12 feet wide at least.

But it had a fountain put through the middle and came out the top of the head.

Most of the time, it looked like it had cold. Eyes watery and a runny nose. It just didn't have the right pressure forcing the water.

They put it in during Spring break. That Winter, we had a hard freeze. Split the thing right down the middle.

Feel bad for them, that was a lot of money to have to haul of.

Tangerine · Guru

weltschmerz wrote:
Penelope wrote:
I'm coming out of lurkdome to respond to this. These are also religions. It's not like being Sikh or Buddist is just a lifestyle, they are serious religions with serious beliefs. The OP would have the same questions about whether or not it's right to go to a religious temple that does not meet her same belief system with any of these. If she feels more drawn/comfortable with attending a Christian church I see no reason to tell her to go somewhere else.
I am not a Christian , but my understanding is that church is supposed to welcome all who want to attend and be respectful, I see no reason for OP not to go if that is where she feels drawn.

Edit: I was responding to the suggestion that she seek out a different religion. I so often see people with a rudimentary understanding of these religions act like they are sight seeing adventures rather than serious religions with just as many "rules" as any other.

-- Edited by Penelope on Sunday 21st of February 2016 02:31:43 AM
Well, of course they do! I was responding to this...
"So, here it is: I do not believe that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior. I do miss the fellowship and community offered by attending church. I also think my son could benefit from the youth services offered by most churches"
Since she doesn't believe Jesus Christ is her lord and savior, she may want to explore other venues besides Christianity.
Just as others are saying she may have a Come To Jesus epiphany while attending a Christian church, it's entirely possible that she could become interested in other religions. They also offer fellowship and community.
These temples can have interesting youth programs and activities as well.

-- Edited by weltschmerz on Sunday 21st of February 2016 02:45:58 AM

I have considered other religions. While I find them very interesting, I don't feel they would be the right choice for me or my family.

We do live near a major city and there are many options as far as different kinds of churches, temples, and other places of worship to choose between.

Tangerine · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
She doesn want to shave her head and sell flowers at the airport.

This is a very rude thing to say.

Tangerine · Guru

flan327 wrote:
Tang --

What color is your hair now?

flan

It has changed somewhat. Still orange, closer to copper than neon.

Tangerine · Guru

flan327 wrote:
Tang --

I attended Meeting for the first time in a few months. (Often it comes down to a choice between seeing Itty Bitty & going to Meeting...)

Anyway, I thought of you during the Message (sermon):

It was about the difference between believing (in God) and belonging (to community, etc).

The former could easily be just words, while the latter takes time & energy.

flan

Thank you. i will think about this.