That’s a good question. What is your experience of a mean church?
I also think the pastorate attracts narcissists who can set up those toxic groups.
Also does the Narrative about the church highlight how mean it is but doesn’t say much about the quiet congregations?
I think the church in America is dying and may need to die. That something new is rising.
We keep going because it’s the only place we can get the body and blood which changes us on the cellular level. There’s a discipline in taking communion with those difficult people in that community.
Finally we live in a mean culture. Outrage permeates and unfortunately church folks catch that wave and do their own version of outrage.
We’ve forgotten how to die before we die...
Well those are my thoughts. So glad you are having a fruitful and restful time.
I'm writing about that church (and others) now but it's for a book, Katie. You'll just have to wait. :) I agree about narcissists and our mean culture. I don't agree that we have to keep going there - but we do have to be serious about the practice of our faith and in seeking out others like ourselves.. And I agree that the church is dying. Long live the ecclesia!
I also think the theology many people believe is mean.If someone doesn’t say the sinners prayer or believe exactly right, they go to eternal conscious torment after death.
Christianity is so much more than right beliefs. As you say we need to live the beatitudes, walk toward what it means to be loved by God. This is not we all get off scot free because we will all be cleansed by fire.
That’s a good question. What is your experience of a mean church?
I also think the pastorate attracts narcissists who can set up those toxic groups.
Also does the Narrative about the church highlight how mean it is but doesn’t say much about the quiet congregations?
I think the church in America is dying and may need to die. That something new is rising.
We keep going because it’s the only place we can get the body and blood which changes us on the cellular level. There’s a discipline in taking communion with those difficult people in that community.
Finally we live in a mean culture. Outrage permeates and unfortunately church folks catch that wave and do their own version of outrage.
We’ve forgotten how to die before we die...
Well those are my thoughts. So glad you are having a fruitful and restful time.
I'm writing about that church (and others) now but it's for a book, Katie. You'll just have to wait. :) I agree about narcissists and our mean culture. I don't agree that we have to keep going there - but we do have to be serious about the practice of our faith and in seeking out others like ourselves.. And I agree that the church is dying. Long live the ecclesia!
I also think the theology many people believe is mean.If someone doesn’t say the sinners prayer or believe exactly right, they go to eternal conscious torment after death.
Christianity is so much more than right beliefs. As you say we need to live the beatitudes, walk toward what it means to be loved by God. This is not we all get off scot free because we will all be cleansed by fire.
And Godspeed on your book.
Still trying!