AP,
I decided to break out of the original thread, since we've changed
the subject to discussing other religions.
(Was - Re: The posts about exJWs turning atheist)
You wrote: "It was a good experience b/c it taught me that other
Christians have just as much faith and spend just as much time
involved in church activities as the JWs. "
By attending the different Sunday church services, I am
realizing that too. Maybe checking out the different religions
is helping me get rid of any left over jw prejudice toward them.
I remember a time when just walking into a church building gave
me the creeps because, according to the jw's, it was part of the God
condemned Babylon the Great.
I've noticed I'm very "gun shy" too, like no way am I signing any
guest book and don't ask me too many questions. I have to
laugh at myself. I think this is leftover baggage from being
so controlled in the jw religion. Did you go thru anything
like that?
AP wrote: "I then began to really examine my own beliefs
and to change some of them."
May I ask which beliefs changed? I have changed a LOT
and am still changing. I see xjw's still searching for
"THE TRUTH"--that one absolute truth. I've let go of that.
Believing the "right" doctrines is just not important to me.
I'm more interested in whatever will help me spiritually and
draw me closer to God and his family.
Have you tried any Bible study meetings thru your church?
I tried one and I think I like it better than the Sunday worship
service. Or I should say that it fills a different need. I like
discussions and listening to different viewpoints.
AP wrote: "I then decided I wanted to find a different church
with more liberal views. I didn't really know where to start.
I knew of a few that I didn't want to attend. I saw some newspaper
ads for the local United Methodist Churches (UMC)..." snip
"...I checked out their website..."
What I did was go to the religioustolerance.org website and get a list
of Christian religions ranging from more conservative to most
liberal and I am checking out the liberal ones. United Methodist
is one of those and I've visited there and plan to return.
Hey, I unintentionally ended up at a charismatic church one
time. Boy, they really pump ya up emotionally--a little
too much. But I enjoyed it more than I thought I would,
so I am trying to be more open-minded.
Checking out the church website is a good idea too.
I really like the United Church of Christ website. (www.ucc.org)
They are one of the most liberal religions on my list. Not to be
confused with others of similar names like Church of God,
Church of Christ, etc. The local congregation is a little too
"reserved" for my tastes, although I liked what was said there,
ie. sermon, liturgy, prayers, etc.
AP wrote: "...this church is that it fit the requirements I had.
It is small and very welcoming towards new people. My kids
love it and are loved in return. They are active in the community.
The pastor is not full of herself. They don't care if my views on
things are a bit different. I don't have to agree with everything
they believe in order to be a member."
Sounds like a healthy spiritual environment. That is similar
to what I am looking for. The freedom to think for myself
and not have things forced on me. Female pastor sounds
great--what a change from the males-only-in-authority
discrimination , huh.
I am glad you joined in here and look forward to reading
more of your thoughts. Quester