The Arrogant Church

Every one has a reason on why they believe what they believe in. Whether it's because of how they were raised, or because of some life event that lead them there, we are all different in what we think about when it comes to God. I'll admit that it frustrates me when I meet and talk to people who are unyielding in their beliefs, with absolutely no possibility that they could be wrong. It must be nice to have it all figured out, and to be so much smarter than everyone else. How can people be so arrogant about something that is really above our mental capacity?

The Bible. Some people treat this as the end all to all discussions about God. Even though it has been translated over a thousand times, was wrote by man, and can be contextually irrelevant, some think it is the only answer. What kills me is that the different interpretations alone have lead to so many different denominations, all with varying beliefs that can be completely contrary to the other. Some think, no, they KNOW their way is the right way. Their interpretation is correct, and to think otherwise is ridiculous and incorrect. These are probably my least favorite type of Christians. They grew up Southern Baptist or Catholic, and to them, it is the only correct way. I've been to churches where they actually preach about other churches being wrong and terrible. This sucks people. We are suppose to be united..... Separating people out into wrong or right categories to suite what you believe in is not only absurd, it is prideful and self gratifying. Sins right? Accept that your opinion is just that, an opinion, and be open to others who have different thoughts regarding the Bible and God. I know that some readers are going to be upset by this, but if they are, they are exactly who I'm talking about. It's tiring. Every time an issue or event occurs, these people quote Bible verses, often with no compassion or love to the actual subject at hand. We learn about God in our day to day life, through prayer, through our handling of certain things, and deep self exploration, not JUST in the reading of the Bible. I am not against the Bible, mind you, It just annoys me when people can't see God in the bigger picture. As a friend put it to me, you cannot limit God to just one book, he is limitless and ever expanding, far past our comprehension and our set thoughts. Why not push yourself to really define your relationship with God further? Why just say, "The Bible says this, so it is, and nothing more." The Bible is wonderful and can be extremely helpful in multiple aspects of our lives, but I think to limit our perception of God to this one book, can be harmful to our growth in Lord.

I had breakfast with a couple of friends last Saturday, and some things were put into a better light. If a non-believer came into a room, with two types of Christianity represented by two individuals, what would happen? In one corner, you have the "set in stone, I am right about everything, Bible quoting machine, repent or you're doomed" and in the other you have the "open arms, I love everyone, I know what you are going through and can relate." Who do you think the average person will go to? Probably the second. People don't like to be preached to, nor do they like to be treated like they are villains and below the common Christian. But what if the first option is the only one in the room? This person may be permanently turned off to Christ because of the actions of one person, whether it's right or wrong.  This is what bothers me about the state of the Church in today's society. Most people don't feel comfortable going to their own church members or staff to talk about the major issues they are feeling, due to either embarrassment or the fear of being judged. Christians really need to get off this judging trend. Some don't even realize they are doing it, but when you present your way as being the only answer, you are, in fact, saying that the other is wrong.

It's hard to be a light, in the light. Don't tell me about all the amazing things you do at your church. Tell me about the actual difference you make in the Dark. Most people who are conflicted, confused, and hurt, are not in the pews of your church, singing hymns, and reading the Bible. They are in the darkness, afraid of the Church and it's congregation. You cannot reach people by limiting yourself, your actions, your scenery, to just one thing. Expand. Be willing to open your heart to all types of people, all suffering from different types of sin, and don't worry about what your "fellow Christian" thinks about it. Some of the best discussions I've ever had about God have come with a beer in one hand and a cigar in the other. Think about that. Some of you just heard beer and God and quivered like I just committed a travesty. Others may have thought, "man I could relate to this guy, he won't condemn me like the others."

I believe going to Church is important to some people. I enjoy going from time to time. What I'm trying to say is that you can miss a Sunday and be as close to God as any person, in any congregation, in the world. Some people find more growth in God in a different setting, and this is OK, too. Stop putting all these rules and regulations on the followers of God, and let people worship and grow in their own way. You are not right about everything, and I'm not either, so let's just accept each other and respect our difference in opinions. You are not God, so stop telling me how God feels and deals with certain things in our world. These things are better left for God to determine, not man.