Church then and now

Class of 1998 Joined : 10 Apr 2008 Posts : 3

How big of a role does church or God play in everyones lives now compared to High school?

Subject: Re: Church then and now Mon May 05, 2008 4:05 pm

For me its alot lees now then it was then. Even then the only religious connection I had was at school. Now its zero.
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The world is going crazy, I am just cutting in line.

Subject: Re: Church then and now Mon May 05, 2008 4:34 pm

Hmm - this question is sure to create a hot debate. And it makes me feel like devils spawn.

I think I've been to church maybe 5 times in the last 10 years. I've lived in Phoenix for 8, and I've been to church about 4 times since I've lived here.

I wouldn't exactly say that I'm a religious person now, but I've become more spiritual than I ever was before.

I guess I've somehow over the years become Agnostic, even though I still identify as Christian because of my upbringing. I believe more in a higher power, per se. Whether you want to call it God, Goddess, Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Allah, Shiva, the Universe, etc, I think that's up to the individual.

I wouldn't exactly say that Goodpasture tried to "brainwash" us, but I would say that they failed greatly in teaching us about other cultures and their religions. But then again, it's a Christian school, so I guess they don't have to teach about other religions if they don't want to.

And if you were in Chorus with Mr. Johnson like I was, I don't even remember opening the Bible in his class. Well, I'll say we opened the Bible at least once in the course of five years. And that is just to give him the benefit of the doubt. Most of the time our "Bible Day" consisted of filling out some type of worksheet that was better suited for kids in Sunday School or VBC, than teenagers in High School. No one took that day seriously. That was the day everyone skipped class, did homework for their "real" classes, or just screwed around.

Subject: Re: Church then and now Mon May 05, 2008 9:19 pm

First, I might be moving this to the taboo section soon, but I will let it get some attention here first.

Christ has played a huge role in my life. I used to think I was a Christian in school, but I was not. Just a kid that knew some Bible stories. The more I learn about Christ, the more I realize I don't know.

I went through a lot of hard times went I got out of high school, all of which could have been avoided had I followed His teachings. When I started to read my Bible, pray, attend Church, and follow the way of life the Bible had set out for us, things started getting better. Things have been great since then. Hard times still come, but I know I can make it through them, because I trust in the Lord and believe His word that He will never put more upon us than we can handle. What a stress reliever that is.

It really angers me when people talk bad about the Church b/c of crap they see in movies or on tv. 95% of which has to do with the Catholic church, who I personally believe are not Christians. Their teachings are so far apart from Christs' and other Christian sects they might as well be Hindu. If you notice, every time the church is represented in tv or movies, it is represented by the Catholic church. Just the church Hollywood wants you to think about.

And you are right David, I learned absolutely nothing about anything regarding religion in that school. Don't get me wrong, I love GP, but it might has well have been just any other private school. They taught us nothing about salvation, Jesus, the Bible, nothing. I spent 4 years in that school and should have been prepped for seminary, some of you spent 12 years and should be able to quote the Bible and explain and word from Pharisees to the Holy Trinity. But most of us are far from that. I hope they realize this soon.
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Class of 1998 Joined : 09 Apr 2008 Posts : 125

I will admit that in the high school, there wasn't as much in the form of lessons than there was in experiencing mainly faculty's faith. I listened to my Bible teachers. I craved to seek the truth in what they were saying. It worked for me.

I saw that they truly did believe in the sovereignty of God. Coach Phillips said it best one day, "Imagine that we are walking along, burdened by huge rocks or boulders of sin on our backs. We are yoked like oxen by these sins. But Jesus, when we believe in Him, unburthens us and carries those rocks for us." I can't tell you how much that simple image struck me. That is, that Christ is what life is all about, and that He could aid me in my journey.

I saw similar strong faith in Mr. Hayes. Now Mr. Hayes has a son named Steven, who was in the band when we was in high school. And as we were marching into the football stadium, I would always see Mr. Hayes there, and he would say "Nick!" It was like he was proud of me, cheering me to do what I loved. So when I got him in class the year after, I did diligent study of what he offered us (which I admit is certainly memorizing Scriptures and filling in blanks). I saw the same enthusiasm in him once I started getting good grades in Bible. It wouldn't be so unless he actually cared.

I know what Allen means by hard times, and there were specific obstacles that appeared in my life, at the hands of merciless upperclassmen which caused deep fear in my soul. And I turned to Christ for guidance, and He helped me. When I could find no one else who would intervene, and they actually probably *could* not, and were unable to do so, I kept silent and trusted in Him to guide me. A simple "No" or "stop" was all I uttered, but I did not raise a hand to strike out. I did not believe that was what Christ wanted me to do. Of course we know that such behavior is against Him. I have never, ever punched anyone - as silly as that may seem to some people. But I have to admit that I was infuriated and that my carnal self wanted to. That being said, I knew that there is no way to solve a problem by such means. So I resorted to just being me, and letting the people know when they were crossing the line.

This strategy kept me safe, and kept me sane. After a year, I moved on and threw myself into my studies. I did well. Well enough that when I didn't do so hot my last year, I still had the grades to go on and get a scholarship. If that process didn't strengthen me, I don't know what strength is.

As it is said in Phil. 4:13, "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." It worked in Galatia and Ephesus, and it works wherever it is employed. I hope someone out there reads this and knows what I am talking about. If not, just the same, I hope they see in me that I believe. Sometimes in life you get a tough time. But it can also, by the same token, be the starting point, and at the same time the impetus, for living the rest of your life in thanksgiving and fellowship with others. I still go to worship and participate in Communion. Aiding the homeless through the Room at the Inn program has blessed my life in many ways. I pray not just for me anymore. I pray for everyone.

I also think that God works in mysterious ways, and that this was his plan for me from the beginning, to show me how much good a man can do by sticking to his beliefs and ideals.

Class of 1998 Joined : 08 Apr 2008 Posts : 80

well.........here I go.....(breathes in)

I believe in Christianity. I believe in trying to be like Christ. Everyone should respect one another and be loving. We should accept all people no matter what they choose to do or the way they want to be. Church at Northside taught me how to be a Christian. That congregation has some really great people, including Clint and Courtney (haha). In high school I tried to be a good Christian. I was more innocent back then.
Now, I have done many great sins. I have the full extent of the knowledge of good and evil. I believe that makes me feel even stronger about the morals of being a child of a loving and just GOD.

Clint, I know you guys have not seen me at church in a while. I love all you people at Northside. I do not think Northside is for me for several reasons. It is not at all Northside's fault. I would like to worship differently. I am looking into churches that have instrumental music. I still have the same Christian views, but I believe I could play an instrument and sing and make melody in my heart. Another personal issue I have, Northside does not have a lot of women in my age group. I am single and looking for a wife now.
This does not mean I will not ever be at Northside again. I must take this journey on my own, and I may return permanently. Who knows!!!!!

I miss all of you and love you guys!!!!

Class of 1998 Joined : 01 May 2008 Posts : 12

Subject: Re: Church then and now Tue May 06, 2008 10:33 pm

This Topic has been moved to the Taboo Section. Please post any responses in the taboo section now.
_________________
The world is going crazy, I am just cutting in line.

Subject: Re: Church then and now Tue May 06, 2008 10:48 pm

Well, being raised by a pseudo-Jew and a reformed athiest who, for whatever reason, decided to send me to Church of Christ school, I consider myself to be somewhat of a religious mut. Back n the day I attended a non-denominational church. That said, I consider myself a Christian, but I have had many Christians tell me that my beliefs are not Christian.

I guess because I do not believe that the Bible is "the infallible word of God." I think it's crazy to think that the people in charge back in the day didn't select translations that favored their position of power. And you can't ignore the fact that at some point the Catholics got together and essentially voted on what texts would actually be in the Bible and which would not. In a nutshell, men wrote the Bible. God did not. But I do believe that it is a great guide and full if life changing insight. I just don't get too legalistic about it.

It's difficult to find a church that fits with those beliefs. Joe and I have spent the last 2 years studying the Bah'ia Faith, but ultimately I found Ba'haullah (their major prophet) to be more of a philosopher than and actual prophet of God. All of this solidified my belief in Christ, but I can't seem to find a church home around these parts that isn't all tied to the "we're right and everyone else is wrong" doctorine. No matter what you believe, when you die you could very well find out that you were completely wrong and if you do, you'd better hope that whoever was right has more mercy on you than you did on those who you condemed.

Not to mention the fact that church shopping is difficult with 3 kids under 5. The Mormons came to the door and asked why we don't go to church and I said, "We have too many kids for a church nursery." When they peeked in to see the full crew they actually said, "Yeah...that's a lot." If you have too many for the Mormons, you know no other church wants to take you in.

Subject: Re: Church then and now Tue May 06, 2008 11:14 pm

Fucking-A Skyla. I have had many different feelings on religion and after reading fact and fiction, have come to my conclusion. I am starting my 2nd glass(not shot) of whiskey now so this could be long and rambling.
With so many different religions in the world who am I to guess who or what is right? The big originals have the same basic stories and themes. It is fact that there was a counsel that decided what gospels made it into the bible and which ones or what parts were edited to fit what the higher powers wanted. Its fact that the Pope was owned by the royals. Our Holidays are reproductions of old pagan holidays that we were raised to believe to be fact. How can anyone say that they are right and the others are crazy, fanatical, or wrong. When its all based on faith.
I agree without faith there would be total anarchy. I am glad that most people believe in some thing so strongly that they commit to not breaking the laws or commandments that were supposedly set forth so long ago. Until someone can tell me when the gospels that describe Christs life appeared I will continue to believe in me. Unless Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were written day to day at the moments that the miracle shit went down then I don't accept it. People need to believe in some thing so let it be. I how ever question what people believe in which usually makes me an outcast. I however don't give a shit what I am in any ones book.

I believe that something created something and that there is a higher power. What that higher power is I don't know and I honestly don't give a shit as long as that higher power doesn't come to fudge with me. Just let me be me.
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The world is going crazy, I am just cutting in line.

Subject: Re: Church then and now Tue May 06, 2008 11:28 pm

Do not include Skyla in my response. Her point and mine are not the same. I only mentioned her name because I agreeded with some things she said so think less of me not her. She is right finding some sort of distraction like multiple children will get the door knockers off your back. I always answer the door with a pistol in hand. Kinda sucks though when the UPS guy just drops your shit and power walks back to his truck. I did have a jw come to my door and tell me about the evil that was lurking about. I told her I was the evil lurking about and I have never been awaken by the jw again.
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The world is going crazy, I am just cutting in line.

Subject: Re: Church then and now Wed May 07, 2008 8:38 am

This is always a touchy subject no matter who you speak to or how you believe. I was raised by a church of christ preacher. My grandfather was also a coc preacher. I was taken to church every time the door was open. I do not consider myself a wild child like most preachers children but.... after I moved out to attend college I sowed some wild oats. It was fun for awhile but I always felt like I was missing something. As I have gotten older my need for Christ has grow. I feel I am closer to god now than I have ever been in my life and this is my choice not my parents. I attend church now and only consider myself a child of God not the"Church of Christ". My husband was raised episcopal. He was re baptized after we were married. He was sprinkled as a child. I never expected him to be re baptized he did it out of his own free will. He felt like it was his obligation to dedicate his life to Christ and that when he was sprinkled that was his parents choice. He also did not remember being baptized at a young age. To each their own is my thought on that. You must decide if your heart is right with God. I can only testify that God is present in my life. I am not a perfect person and I don't believe my religion is the "right" religion. I only believe I'm trying to make it to heaven and doing it the best way I know how. Church is a social gathering place to worship God and I need that support to be a better Christian. I am currently reading a book called the Purpose Driven Life. I am only half way through the book but I really like what I'm reading. You should check it out.

Class of 1998 Joined : 09 Apr 2008 Posts : 125

Kayla - at church, I read "The Purpose-Driven Life" with several people, and we discussed what we read each week. That book is phenomenal and Rick Warren is a great guy.

Now on to the general issue and away from that aside. I think that whatever ceremonies, practices, or the frequency of communion, etc. go on, each person has their own faith. My dad's grandmother was Methodist, and when he asked her questions using a tape recorder when she was in her 80s, she revealed that it was "Methodists as far back as I know." So sometimes these customs are about traditions of the families.

Being christened in the UMC is getting christened as a child, and then going through a "confirmation class" in which you confirm that you want to follow Christ. This class takes place in the teenage years. Such issues some people feel are divisive, but they seem to be nuances that distract people from the big issue - that we all worship the same Christ. We just all do it in our own way. If we remember we're all here for the same reason, nothing should come in the way of that shared faith, in my humble opinion.

Subject: Re: Church then and now Wed May 07, 2008 1:38 pm

My husband and I have been to different churches looking for one that suits us. I was raised church of christ and he was raised baptist. But we also believe that we do not need to be in church every sunday to give our heart to him, we live our life by him.

Class of 1998 Joined : 09 Apr 2008 Posts : 125