I do not have a lot to add to this terrific piece. It seems to sum up what a lot of us "former devout Christians" struggled with (and still struggle with) in terms of our relationship(s) with religion. It often seems to me, that much of what I studied, read and heard when I was an active Catholic and heavily engaged in my Church, is contrary to what is being actively practiced and promoted by Christians throughout the world. Polar opposite actually. It still confounds me how hypocritical and exclusive religions can be and how fearful I was as a young Catholic. I despised that. Still do.
On a side note ... last year I read the book "American Cosmic" by Diana Walsh Pasulka. Very interesting read and I recommend. I am fascinated by evidence of long lost civilizations on Earth (I am talking about much older than ancient Sumerians), our Universe and potential alternative life forms and how they all have something do with our existence here on Earth. This book is a different subject altogether focusing more on the religious aspects of ufology. I came to it through my interest in those other subjects. It is worth the read (if you are willing to be a touch open minded on the subject). It helped me refine my understanding of how religions form and what drives their "success" or longevity.
Church, with a capital C, has always been a challenge for me. So many people are coming out of traumatized now. A lot of my generation is now seeing that God encompasses so much more than the little box the Church puts him in. I completely empathize with what you experienced in the Church.
I haven't read that book, but I always like to keep an open mind. Ultimately, what drives people TO the Church and religion is the desire for community, for belonging. Most of us have the human nature to feel like we belong somewhere. And Churches have always advertised that this is the place to come for acceptance. But many have discovered that it's acceptance with expectations, restrictions, and conditions. It's incredibly frustrating because it is completely opposite of what Jesus's message was all about. And that's a topic for another letter! :)
I do not have a lot to add to this terrific piece. It seems to sum up what a lot of us "former devout Christians" struggled with (and still struggle with) in terms of our relationship(s) with religion. It often seems to me, that much of what I studied, read and heard when I was an active Catholic and heavily engaged in my Church, is contrary to what is being actively practiced and promoted by Christians throughout the world. Polar opposite actually. It still confounds me how hypocritical and exclusive religions can be and how fearful I was as a young Catholic. I despised that. Still do.
On a side note ... last year I read the book "American Cosmic" by Diana Walsh Pasulka. Very interesting read and I recommend. I am fascinated by evidence of long lost civilizations on Earth (I am talking about much older than ancient Sumerians), our Universe and potential alternative life forms and how they all have something do with our existence here on Earth. This book is a different subject altogether focusing more on the religious aspects of ufology. I came to it through my interest in those other subjects. It is worth the read (if you are willing to be a touch open minded on the subject). It helped me refine my understanding of how religions form and what drives their "success" or longevity.
Church, with a capital C, has always been a challenge for me. So many people are coming out of traumatized now. A lot of my generation is now seeing that God encompasses so much more than the little box the Church puts him in. I completely empathize with what you experienced in the Church.
I haven't read that book, but I always like to keep an open mind. Ultimately, what drives people TO the Church and religion is the desire for community, for belonging. Most of us have the human nature to feel like we belong somewhere. And Churches have always advertised that this is the place to come for acceptance. But many have discovered that it's acceptance with expectations, restrictions, and conditions. It's incredibly frustrating because it is completely opposite of what Jesus's message was all about. And that's a topic for another letter! :)