So you think you want to try Christianity?
So you think you want to try Christianity, huh? You’ve been casting about for some system of belief for years. You have what we might call a spiritual itch, and you’d like to try and scratch it. Only there are a few problems.
First, you aren’t sure if you believe in God. It’s an intellectual problem, really. You just aren’t sure if there IS a God. And if there is, you’re not sure you would trust the Bible to teach you anything about that God.
Second, you don’t know anything about the practice of Christianity, and you don’t even know where to start. What church should you attend? Who should you listen to? What exactly would be required of you? How much would you need to do so you could honestly say you gave it a try?
To start things off, you are now officially one of my favorite people. I don’t know why this is, and I don’t feel like unpacking it right now, but some of my favorite people don’t believe in God but are looking for something spiritual. Perhaps. Kind of open to the idea. Kind of in a maybe state about the whole God thing. Kind of sort of.
I love people like that. And my experience is that they are often incredibly nice, kind, open to new ideas. Just cool people.
I wish we could start things off for you with a big convention of misfit spiritual thinkers. That’s always been a fantasy of mine anyway. It would be mostly agnostics with some seriously troubled and doubting Christians thrown in the mix. We’d get rooms in a hotel somewhere and meet during the day to talk about God, the absence of God, the meaning of life, whether or not there IS a meaning of life. That kind of stuff. No one would think anyone else is going to hell. So we could all relax about that. At night we would drink beer, watch movies, and sit around laughing. We might play some pranks around the hotel. I’m not saying we would; I’m not saying we wouldn’t. But pranks would definitely be on the table and open for discussion.
Yeah, that would be nice. It probably won’t happen though. A lot of people who would want to be there couldn’t afford to go or couldn’t get away. That would bum me out. Plus, I tend to come up with cool ideas, but I’m not so good with the follow-up detail work. I’m pretty lousy at that, actually. I haven’t even picked up my dirty clothes from yesterday. They’re behind the door in the bathroom. So what, I’m going to organize some huge convention thing now?
Still, it’s a nice thought, right?
So anyway, back to the whole “So you want to try Christianity” thing I was talking about. We won’t be able to kick this off with a convention, so you’ll probably need to find a church.
Hoo boy, this is going to be hard. Um, don’t go to a Baptist church. I say this in love, as a Baptist myself, but the odds of you finding a bunch of Baptists who would be excited to hear about your agnostic, quasi-spiritual journey are about a thousand to one.
Try...oh...I don’t know...the Episcopal Church. I’ve always thought they were the smartest Christians, exceptions duly noted of course. And they’re used to dealing with cerebral questions of ontological and existential meaning, like “Should we keep having this prayer service even though no one shows up anymore?”
My Episcopalian brothers and sisters would treat you right. Maybe. Some of them would.
Okay, so I have two suggestions for you on this journey. Both of them are insanely unorthodox, from a Christian perspective. Don’t worry. I’ll handle all the objections and outrage from the brothers and sisters. And you don’t know any better, so you’ll be fine with these.
First, it’s okay that you don’t believe in God. What can you do about that anyway, except be honest about it? Hell, I don’t believe in God myself sometimes. I come and go with that one. Sometimes life seems rather bleak, and I just can’t see it, you know? I want to. Just can’t. But mostly I believe in God now. Mostly.
It’s okay. You’re really looking for a spiritual practice anyway. Whether or not you end up believing in God isn’t important right now. I’ve always thought that what you do with your life and your body is more important than what you say and think. You’re curious and open. That’s all you need, because anywhere you begin is a good place to be.
Second - and this one is counter-intuitive - you should understand that prayer and worship and all that ritual stuff will be very important to you, since you're not sure if you believe in God. You won’t have any nice, lovey-dovey God feelings to sustain you, so you’ll need to lean into what you have. Show up and do the singing and praying and liturgy stuff. Enjoy the archetypal beauty of it. Let go and be ancient for awhile. Go to church. Talk to “God.” Talk to people you meet. Be about the journey and be listening. You’ll be fine.
And finally, this: If any church doesn’t treat you with complete respect and hospitality while you hang around there, trying things out and listening for any voice you might hear, send me an email. Send me an email, and it will be ass-kicking time!
Not really. I’m not actually sure how to kick ass, to be honest. Do you literally have to kick someone in the ass? Anyway, that’s not my style. But we could bitch about it together, I guess.
And who knows? Maybe the two of us will get motivated to organize that agnostic/misfit-Christian convention thing. I’m thinking Chicago would be a nice place.
Yeah, Chicago.
I would SO be there.
rlp



Man, is this a hot-button topic for me.
Submitted by Satchel Pooch on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:27.Not to mention entirely relevant and critically important.
I could probably suggest a whole bunch of danger signals and pitfalls to avoid from my own experience, but I'll keep my screed until the Chicago convention.
The Chicago thing would be
Submitted by rlp on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:33.The Chicago thing would be cool, right? You'd go?
Totally!
Submitted by Satchel Pooch on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:51.Totally!
I would! I'm in California,
Submitted by Amanda (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 15:54.I would! I'm in California, but for that? I'd make a way.
Yeah, IMO, Chicago is much
Submitted by Joe (not verified) on Sat, 05/02/2009 - 23:07.Yeah, IMO, Chicago is much better option. :)
I’m not actually sure how
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/05/2009 - 11:39.I’m not actually sure how to kick ass, to be honest. Do you literally have to kick someone in the ass? Anyway, that’s not my style.
essay help
Thanks for this tip. I
Submitted by Role play (not verified) on Sat, 06/13/2009 - 05:04.Thanks for this tip. I regularly get emails from people looking for something like this near them. Someone near Boston might find this.
I'm not so sure about
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:35.I'm not so sure about Chicago, but it sounds like a good idea otherwise. I'm from Illinois originally, I've never liked Chicago, just don't get the attraction.
Besides, there's better beer in other parts of the country. Portland, Boulder, Bend, etc. I vote Portland, I've never been there and I've heard lots of good things about it.
Portland's lovely
Submitted by Wendy (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 15:53.Portland's lovely, though I do have the habit of lapsing back into Roman Catholicism when there.
I fell into the Episcopal church much the same way the hypothetical seeker in RLP's entry today might. Happy to have done so.
And I'd love a conference like this. I'd want to bring my husband, who would probably not like the daytime sessions, because he says he believes in God, but he's pissed off at him. The beer, movies, laughter, and pranks might just get a hook in him, though.
...lapsing back into Roman Catholicism
Submitted by Dave on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 10:59.Hmmm... can I be Roman Catholic and still love this blog? (I say this tongue in cheek). I would think so, which is why I love being Catholic. While some see only rules and ritual, I see a wide berth and respect for free choice. Some express it better then others-- in my mind, Pope John Paul II was a champion of respect for all people. I haven't subscribed to this blog for very long (I found it through http://www.edgeoutreach.com by the way) but what I've read so far, well, I've loved. So I'll keep being Roman Catholic and reading... and I'd even meet all of you in Chicago!
I was brought up Catholic
Submitted by Thomas82 on Sun, 07/19/2009 - 09:10.I was brought up Catholic, which didn't suit me at all (except for the words which are beautiful) - and now after a long fallow period, I attend the local Quaker meeting where I live in the UK. It's quite a lot like what you describe - at least, that's what I value in it. There's a lot of people there who would call themselves Christian, and quite a number of agnostics and atheists, and some people from other religions. But none of that really matters either way.
Somehow, getting my spiritual groove on somewhere no-one expects me to believe in God makes the whole bizarre hypothesis more tenable than being expected to (or surrounded by people who) believe for sure.
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Convention?
Submitted by Anna (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:52.I'd go in a heartbeat. But I could suggest St. Louis - a terribly overlooked town my friend. Besides there's probably some misfit Quakers, Unitarians, members of the Ethical Society and Pagans willing to toss into the mix.
Appreciated the post RLP. Especially from one who also believes in God, mostly but has her moments in this insane world.
Peace,
anna
Been to Chicago and St.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 08:53.Been to Chicago and St. Louis both, so either would be good for me. And I'm both a misfit Quaker and lapsed Catholic, so I'd bring some ideas and stuff along we could play with.
I haven't seen Gordon in awhile, and it would be nice to talk with him some more. And I sure fit into the other categories he's describing here.
Maybe we could do an e-conference?
Chuck Nolan
weightlifting forum
Submitted by weightlifting forum (not verified) on Fri, 04/17/2009 - 13:50.I don't get this post. Is this post a joke? Im confused.
I vote Chicago
Submitted by Cate (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:56.I've never been there so that sounds good to me! Although not in the winter - too cold. Spring would be nice.
Yeah, I gave up trying to make everything I 'believe' line up with what it's supposedly supposed to line up with. I'm a complete heretic by most Christian definitions and that's fine with me. I just like that Jesus guy.
Can I come too?
Submitted by Shannon (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:57.I grew up in the Christian church but after a few years of spiritual wandering I am now totally at that place. And I would LOVE to come to that conference. :)
If anyone in the Boston area wants to try out a spiritual practice in a place where you won't feel like you have to fake something you're not sure you believe, you should check out the Mennonite Congregation of Boston. Small and informal, they meet on Sunday evenings in another church's building and instead of a pastor, they have their members do everything. The only Bible-focused part of the service is a very short scripture passage and someone sharing a reflection. Then they have a guest speaker. The last one I went to was a wonderfully educated African American man who became a doctor during the civil rights movement and shared with us the experiences he had living and working at that time. He had published books on race relations and works as a consultant for the government on that topic. He spoke and church members asked questions and discussed things and then we all had coffee. It was the first time I've EVER experienced church in such a fulfilling and rational and even -gasp!- academic way. Fantastic.
Thanks for this tip. I
Submitted by rlp on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:13.Thanks for this tip. I regularly get emails from people looking for something like this near them. Someone near Boston might find this.
What is the Menonite
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 18:38.What is the Menonite tradition?
I know they are Christians, I wanna say that they are actually cousins to the Baptist tradition, but I really dont know anything about them...
That Mennnonite thing
Submitted by Emily (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 08:00.check out this website to get to know Mennonites. Like all denominations they come in all stripes and colors. http://www.thirdway.com/
You are probably thinking of
Submitted by HD (not verified) on Sat, 11/08/2008 - 08:53.You are probably thinking of the Anabaptists, the radical wing of the Reformation who are the ancestors of modern day Mennonites and Amish.
Tip for DC seekers
Submitted by Wendy (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 15:54.Episcopal: St. Alban's, at the intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin -- a little parish church right next to the big ol' National Cathedral.
I vote Chicago too
Submitted by Jonathan Stegall (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 12:39.Such a conference would be wonderful. Chicago is an awesome city. I resonated with your post (posts?) about your visit there, as an Atlanta resident who gets to go there for work on a regular basis. I guess your post/first visit was last year? The hot dogs and such.
I'd vote for having such a conference at Giordano's Pizza, for what it's worth. Chicago deep dish...
Ditto on St. Louis
Submitted by Simon on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 12:44.-
The city with the arch is one of the few places in the States where I've been for any significant visit, and I loved it. Plus? Their microbrewery industry is phenomenal!! The beer there rocks. In fact, they dub themselves "Beer Capital USA".
I'd try my damndest to get to a Misfit Convention. That would be one helluva weekend, or however long it lasted. I spurned my Catholic upbringing many years ago, and have no idea exactly what I would like to define as God. That sort of discussion symposium would be right up my alley.
Thank you for this!
Submitted by Stacy McKenna Seip on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:05.I wish we could reliably recommend more places where this kind of intellectual and spiritual journey would be welcomed and supported within the Christian faith. Thank you for being one of those people/places.
I'd go to Chicago for that
Submitted by txredd grrr (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:16.And thanks for the advice. I'm a few years into that program and it's going really well.
No ass-kicking needed, I'm attending a great church in Fort Worth. The only tough part is explaining why they don't want me to join up just now. It's hard to convince people that you're an atheist (or whatever) when you are doing all the same Christian stuff that they do, and singing in the choir and reciting the creeds. I usually just say "I have theological issues" and they usually respond "I can respect that".
Thanks, though, for giving me permission to not believe in God. Not today, but when I read "The Preacher's Story..." I was struggling -- you know what I mean -- and felt wrong about going the directions I was going without first settling whether God exists or not. Your story freed me from that and I'm grateful.
There?
Submitted by Brian Peace (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:20.Of course I'd be there. In fact, I wish it could be in Atlanta, just so I could help with the prepwork. Totally selfish, but what the hey.
That's not really selfish to
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/08/2008 - 10:59.That's not really selfish to want to help .. just sayin'
Me too, me too! I'd love to
Submitted by Kate (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:39.Me too, me too! I'd love to come, too. If I hadn't been getting married this summer I totally would've traveled down for the get-togethers you had. I think the popularity of your site certainly shows there is a thirst for this conversation out there.
Napal
Submitted by Matt (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 13:41.If you really want to do this right, let's go to Napal and sit with some Buddhists. Talk about spiritual journies with the folks who know spiritual journies.
But that defeats the "Can't aford it" deal you wrote about. Asheville is really nice. I'm from Atlanta, so I'd help with prep work if it were around here too. Just sayin'.
Doors
Submitted by Laura (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:28.I've been in the "vaguely thinking about systems of belief" camp for a
long time. Some years ago, a friend and I went on a road trip to see
an old college friend be ordained as a priest. He's a good guy, and
I'm honored to know him. On that trip, we were invited to go to his
first Mass, at the church he'd be... um, an assistant deacon or
something at. It seemed like a church full of really nice people. We
sang songs. When we shook hands with the people next to us, they
seemed genuinely welcoming and interested in who we were.
The older priest gave the sermon, and he talked about how priests were
a doorway through which people could step, to reach God. It was
inspiring, and I could see how it was not just a belief but a
community. I started thinking "Hey, there could be something to this
church thing after all." Then he got to the point in the sermon when
he started warning about how everyone's faith was being tested, about
how the forces of evil were threatening families, putting forward gay
couples, unmarried couples having sex, as these mockeries of families
that you had to beware of.
And I (living with the man I would later marry) and my friend (gay),
saw that door to God slammed shut against us.
Thank you for being an open door.
If you want to come to
Submitted by Martin (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:53.If you want to come to Chicago, I'll be here.
OMG!
Submitted by Jason J Brunet (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 17:00.Gordon, you HAVE to organize this retreat! Nothing could be more amazing. I would definitely attend, no matter where in the country it is.
In the meantime, does anyone in Washington or Oregon want to meet up?
I was brought up Catholic,
Submitted by Marie (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 17:05.I was brought up Catholic, which didn't suit me at all (except for the words which are beautiful) - and now after a long fallow period, I attend the local Quaker meeting where I live in the UK. It's quite a lot like what you describe - at least, that's what I value in it. There's a lot of people there who would call themselves Christian, and quite a number of agnostics and atheists, and some people from other religions. But none of that really matters either way.
Somehow, getting my spiritual groove on somewhere no-one expects me to believe in God makes the whole bizarre hypothesis more tenable than being expected to (or surrounded by people who) believe for sure.
Item Two
Submitted by Superfantastic (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 17:26.It does seem counterintuitive to do the church stuff when you don't think you believe in God, but it's working for me. I like being there and knowing that there are people who can believe. That's comforting to me somehow. And feeling that I'm in a place where, if everybody knew that's why I was there, they'd be ok with that. That's good too.
So you think you...
Submitted by Sean (not verified) on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 20:03.I wish we could start things off for you with a big convention of misfit spiritual thinkers. That’s always been a fantasy of mine anyway. It would be mostly agnostics with some seriously troubled and doubting Christians thrown in the mix. We’d get rooms in a hotel somewhere and meet during the day to talk about God, the absence of God, the meaning of life, whether or not there IS a meaning of life. That kind of stuff. No one would think anyone else is going to hell. So we could all relax about that.
Um, Preacher...you just described my church. Are you sure you're not a UU?
Some have said so. Or gently
Submitted by rlp on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 20:39.Some have said so. Or gently suggested I might be more at home there. Or not so gently. ;-)
Yea, I was about to say that too
Submitted by Kena (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 21:38.When I find myself in that kind of weird spiritual place, I usually go to the local Unitarian church for a couple of Sundays. I'm still not sure if it's a right fit for me (and frankly, waking up on Sundays just sucks) but they're certainly the most open-minded and non-pushy church people you can find.
Can we do this in Blighty?
Submitted by Gary (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 10:05.I'm thinking hiring out a old school house in the heart of Cornwall. Walking to the local pub and drinking some 'home-brew'. Maybe even trying to darts, Aunt Sally and all that Jazz. We could even have Cornish Pasties for lunch.
One thing though; don't forget your coats.
What about Cali
Submitted by wfinley on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 10:27.I'm in a little town between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
Its called Ventura. We have hotel spaces and a few churches that might be willing to host something. The interfaith alliance is led by the Rabbi and the UU minister is very active.
As a former evangelical (current pastor in an evangelical denomination) I would love the gathering.
Besides we have the freekin ocean.
Just a thought.
But if it is elsewhere I'd try to go.
Blessing,
Bill
bill.finley@gmail.com
StL
Submitted by Elle (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 13:00.St. Louis is a great option and I say this not just because I live there. We're all going to need hotel rooms somewhere that we can all afford without getting into roach territory; St. Louis is more affordable (and probably easier to book) than Chicago. We've got Amtrak, an airport, BEER, ooh and we should have this misfit convention during baseball season so that we can drink beer in the stands and discuss... in between Albert's long fly balls... I would SO be in.
Another vote for St. Louie, or wherever...
Submitted by Donna Young (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 14:09.This sounds great. I'm pretty good on the God question, but have some serious conflict with Jesus (who I love) having to die to save everyone and how him being executed gets everybody else off on the sin rap. So, I could use some time on that topic at our conference, if anyone else has the same issues.
Also, I was recently in Chicago, and basically, it scared the crap out of me. And I didn't even have to drive! I'm not overly crazy about St. Louis either, but at least it's more home territory. I like the California idea, too. The ocean would be a lovely presence in this kind of gathering.
Maybe whoever is willing to take on the planning of the conference gets to have it on their own turf?
Yeah, this is pretty much
Submitted by ml (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 18:41.Yeah, this is pretty much exactly where I am.
Another idea
Submitted by Spartiken (not verified) on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 21:03.rlp,
I grew up a very strict baptist. After a mid-life enlightenment, and 6 straight months studying the origins of the bible, along with the rationality of things like hell, original sin, and a theistic god, I ended up with the Quakers. Friends General Conference to be exact (there are different flavors, and FCG is the one that follows most closely to the original tradition). We sit in silence for an hour every week. All are open, and there is a very interesting bond that is created between members of the group. Can't explain it, but would recommend those who are looking for a spiritual outlet to check it out. Check out the founder, George Fox, and what he went through.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Fox
Can I be on the planning committee???
Submitted by karla (not verified) on Sat, 11/08/2008 - 00:27.Sounds AWESOME to this (proudly beaming) Episcopalian.
But barring the conference, and someone took you up of the suggestion of an Episcopal church and ventured into my stomping grounds, I'd be so with you for the (metaphorical!) ass-kicking if I learned my bro's and sis's didn't treat you right. Let's just say, we'd have some words if I caught wind of it. But little danger of that. We've got some great people, and my bishop is always happy to proclaim "we don't make you check your brain at the door when you come pray with us."
But back to the main thing, all cutesy denominational pridefulness aside --- relationship with GOD. The conference sounds like a blast! I'd be there in a heartbeat.
Peace!
leave it to the episcopalian
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/12/2008 - 23:53.to ask to be on the planning committee. how many episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb? 4. One to form a committee, one to pour the wine, one to change the bulb and one to talk about how much better the old bulb was.
as a non-cradle episcopalian, i give theological tours of our church. the best part is describing the mystigogical aspect of communion and the altar of sacrifice/heavenly banquet table. my favorite folks are those who have never been to a liturgical service. i get to explain why they might all of a sudden feel like they're amongst an invasion of the body snatchers.
so, have we dubbed this the "misfit" convention? that's so fitting- don't we all kind of feel "miss-fit" for this world? :)
The United Church of Christ
Submitted by The Raven (not verified) on Sat, 11/08/2008 - 14:54.There are some congregations that seem like they'd welcome seekers. The Unitarian Universalists are also very open, but perhaps too open for most seekers.
Me, I'm all for Odin. Caw!
Interested in Religion
Submitted by Red Jester (not verified) on Sat, 11/08/2008 - 23:15.This is something that's been on my mind a lot recently. I was born Mennonite, but I was never baptized. I lean to some strange mix of Mennoniteism and Buddhism these days. I havn't been a part of a church well, ever really.
But the call to service runs deep in me, even though I ignore it too often. Many times I feel like reaching out to God again, or a church, or something. Usually this is when I make the mistake.
I look at what people say about God online.
I think my problem here is one of language, you see. I encounter words like glory, which for some reason have always had a military feel for it. I hear people talk about a throne, when we've known for a long time that monarchy is often corrupt.
But that's just the minor stuff. Pushing past that, I hit a wall of rules and judgements. I am no anarchist, I know that rules in life are necessary but once again, the words. I see people talk about love towards people doing thing X (being homosexual, getting a divorce, getting an abortion, eating shellfish) then usually I see that followed up with a knife covered in nice soft words, which usually ammounts to "We should hate what they are doing, and probably them too."
We should love BUT we must also hate. And so rarely does this seem to be talking about people as people. Rarely does it call for understanding. I mean, how does this not make your heart hard as stone, reducing people to this checklist?
Is there any real happyness to be found there?
I don't know, this probably isn't even the right forum for these thoughts. I just needed to say them to someone.
I was born Catholic. As a
Submitted by Irmagination (not verified) on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 01:02.I was born Catholic. As a teenager, I rebelled against what I saw as empty rituals. At 14, became an enthusiastic born again Baptist.
...
30 years of life happened. Now, at 50, I am...? Not sure.
...
I do not really think I belong in any church. Churches kinda scare me.
...
I go back and forth between there is something out there, to there is nothing out there. Okay, most of the time, I think there may be something out there, but it probably bears little resemblance to what we term as "God." Hey, maybe that is a good thing.
...
I think of myself as spiritual because I think we are more than the physical form we can see and touch. But that "more" could just be the energy that animates us and when we die that energy will just get transferred into another physical form.
...
Hope I come back as a bird.
the "second"
Submitted by dana (not verified) on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 01:08.I've been attending the Episcopal Church for about three years and what you say about the liturgy, the "prayer and worship and all that ritual stuff will be very important to you, since you're not sure if you believe in God. You won’t have any nice, lovey-dovey God feelings to sustain you, so you’ll need to lean into what you have." is very true. It is what brought me back into the church and what keeps me coming back, both to corporate and private worship. The Book of Common Prayer is a beautiful work.
I hope that somehow it matters less what you feel you believe and more what you do for your faith.
Thank you for this.
~dana.
Count me in for the misfits
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 06:12.Count me in for the misfits convention too...
You say "I’ve always thought that what you do with your life and your body is more important than what you say and think" and I agree with you on one level. But I always have sense of discomfort when, for example, I recite the creed with the rest of the congregation, because I don't know if I believe in "one God, Father omnipotent, maker of Heaven and Earth..."
Although I can tell myself "just join in, it's part of the ritual," I still feel like it's just not honest of me to say that stuff. And intellecutal honesty and integrity have become more and more important to me over the years...
I usually get around somewhat by swapping all the 'I's for 'we's. Then I can justify it to myself by saying the creed is about what the Christian community believes, not what I personally believe.
For me it is helpful to
Submitted by rlp on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 12:56.For me it is helpful to think of the idea of submitting myself to the community at some levels. So some things I affirm, without worrying too much about the details. But when asked, I believe it is good to be straight and honest. This blog has helped me with that over the years.
And this blog has helped
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 16:36.And this blog has helped many of us with that too. Thank you.
There's something called
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/12/2008 - 23:27.There's something called "lex orandi lex credendi," or "prayer shapes belief." Everything we do forms us because our bodies, minds and souls are one. It's ok if you don't believe everything in the creed. I think you'd find few people who do, but that's why we recite it every week, we're letting it shape who we are. :)
creed
Submitted by Carrie (not verified) on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 08:57.My husband (son of Presbyterian pastors and missionaries) has the same problem. And this is something I think the church gets wrong a lot, some flavors more than others. Jesus was definitely Jewish. He knew his Scriptures and he worshipped God. And there are a few comments in the Synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke, who draw on a lot of the same traditions) about the need to believe in Jesus as God's Son/Messiah. The Gospel of John (very different from the other three) has a lot of that. Think John 3:16.
But most of the other gospels talk about, and show Jesus teaching about, attitudes and actions rather than theological checklists. Jesus said the two greatest commandments were, "Love God," and "Love your neighbor." In Jesus' parable in Matthew 25, the peoples are judged not by what they believe but by how they treat others.
On the other hand, we get our understanding of God and what God wants of us from the story of Jesus Christ. The Apostles' Creed is one early (and universal, I think) summary of the story.
It was written to address issues that may not be our issues today, or that we may not understand, or that we understand in different ways. The Presbyterian Church at its best understands all creeds as maps drawn for us by previous pilgrims in faith--good for showing where the roads are and pointing out landmarks, but looking at the map is a far cry from traveling the road yourself. (I may have gotten that image from C.S. Lewis; I don't remember.) No creed is absolute. That's why our Book of Confessions contains 11 different documents, from the Apostles' Creed to A Brief Statement of Faith, written in the 1980's. They contradict each other in places. They are the church's best efforts at addressing important issues in particular contexts. Now, that's not the way creeds have always been understood, but we seem to be *beginning* to find our way into postmodern life without losing touch with our roots.
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Thanks rlp, I 'came out' to
Submitted by Esther Richards (not verified) on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 17:00.Thanks rlp, I 'came out' to some good Christian friends this weekend as a not-always-able-to-believe-in-God kind of a Christian as opposed to the i-know-what-i-believe-all-the-time kind of Christian they always knew me as when we first became friends as undergraduates...
They were actually wonderfully understanding and having just read this latest blog, I feel even more affirmed in my choice to be more open with people about the fact I just don't believe in all of it anymore - just some of it, and only some of the time.
The convention I go to every year to meet with similar 'unbelieving' types is the British Christian Arts Festival 'Greenbelt' - a place you would be most welcome.
mysterious barricades.
Submitted by C_lane (not verified) on Sun, 11/09/2008 - 22:26.As someone who is: a) not a christian and b) a frequent reader of your blog, it always amazes me how well you write about the feelings of non-believers.
It has been years since I have graced a church doorstep but there are days when I think that it really might be the answer. Then I remember all the past experiences and how much happier I am now. I don't know if it is because churches don't do a good job of explaining the answer or if it simply does not rest inside them, but I always feel disappointed after I leave a service. Like I wanted so much more but its just not there.
To add to the unrest, I have recently moved to San Antonio and am only minutes away from the Real Live Preacher. A very strange thought for someone who has been reading your blog for...(pause to think)...about 4 years now. I'd like to visit this little church that is written about so often but looking for God online and meeting him in person are two very different things.
So, why not just come for a
Submitted by rlp on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 17:55.So, why not just come for a visit? I'd love to say hello.
What about us agnostics who
Submitted by Scout (not verified) on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 10:22.What about us agnostics who know a lot about Christianity, but have panic attacks every time we come within 50 feet of an actual church? At least, that's what I think they are - heart racing, cold sweats, light-headedness...you know? I even threw up and nearly fainted at my Grandma's funeral.
Anyway, Chicago would be sweet. I can actually drive to Chicago.
Shall we call it PTSD,
Submitted by Satchel Pooch on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 16:55.Shall we call it PTSD, Scout?
I don't know. I guess you'd
Submitted by rlp on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 17:56.I don't know. I guess you'd have to decide if you wanted to hang out with us. Just as people.
Sure, I could do that. I'm
Submitted by Scout (not verified) on Tue, 11/11/2008 - 09:19.Sure, I could do that. I'm just not certain where a newfound spirituality would bring me...which is probably why I avoid it.
PTSD? I don't know...maybe. I'm otherwise so normal though.
fear of
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/12/2008 - 23:35.fear of disappointment? of conviction? of truth? of lies? perhaps nothing so great as these- fear of apathy and cynicism? are you repelled or called? :)
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Submitted by Scout (not verified) on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 08:35.Repelled.
Great idea, but only if ...
Submitted by David Henson (not verified) on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 15:10.the goal isn't to get us to be something other than what we already are. I think power of something like this would be in explaining that there is no goal to get folks in church or thinking in a certain direction, that doubt isn't necessarily something that must be worked through, but something that must be experienced.
And, I don't think we should limit it to Christianity. Why not, So You Want to Try God? And invite Sufis, Hindus, etc. For me, my faith in God was renewed by finding God active in other religions other than the one of my birth.
Anyway, all that to say, if I can find a babysitter, I am totally there. Wherever, whenever.
Sure, give Christianity a
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 17:16.Sure, give Christianity a try. Why not? It means nothing more or less than any other system of belief, and believing in God or even that God exists or the divinity of Jesus is pretty optional too. You can rest assured that God, if there is one, loves you...that is, if you think you could possibly know the "mind" of a being that does or does not exist, that is all-powerful, all-knowing, etc., etc.
Thank you for writing this.
Submitted by Molly (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 16:28.Thank you for writing this. It describes exactly how I feel and how I wish I could communicate my personally confusing and often conflicting beliefs about God and Christianity to my friends. Chicago ho!
Why not Christian UUs?
Submitted by Chutney (not verified) on Mon, 11/17/2008 - 12:54.Sounds like you want a congregation that's both pro-doubt and Christian. Sounds like Christian Unitarian Universalists are exactly what you want.
"I don’t know why this is,
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/22/2008 - 06:50."I don’t know why this is, and I don’t feel like unpacking it right now, but some of my favorite people don’t believe in God but are looking for something spiritual."
I can tell you why it is. It is because they are more open than either Christians or atheists, who think they have got it all sown up.
Most Christians are assholes
Submitted by SisterMarie (not verified) on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 10:19.Your idea of a convention sounds very intriguing. The problem is that we would require some kind of screening at the door because I'm not sure that I could abide the presence of the "real Christians" because most of them are real flaming assholes who have done more to screw things up than any contribution. Christianity in America is now epitomized by the hucksters on TV and their extravagant life styles.
Portland, Eugene? Open Space!
Submitted by John Abbe (not verified) on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 18:34.(RLP, we exchanged some email in March 2004 after i wrote http://ourpla.net/cgi/pikie?RedemptiveLoveAndOriginalNonSin )
The conference sounds like a lot of fun. I'd be more likely to go in Portland, Oregon. Or heck, Eugene (which is where i actually live). Even though i'm not so much in doubt about god as i am about institutionalized religion, but i have a feeling you'd welcome my kind as well.
Wherever you do it, i highly recommend getting a decent Open Space facilitator to provide the kind of framing/structure that won't be noticed because it works so well. I might do it if it's here in Oregon. Or i can point you to some very cool Open Space facilitators in Chicago.
You can do this cheaply - work your network to get a free or low-cost venue, and have people travelling stay with friends (yours or theirs) in town. Use http://couchsurfing.com/ and you'll probly get even more interesting people to come.
Thanks
Submitted by David (not verified) on Sat, 11/29/2008 - 23:11.Thanks for this post. It made me smile. I'm very much the agnostic-y sort of guy, except I've been around the church loop more than once. I feel like I've been, how do we say, Bart Ehrman-ed in my faith, so it's kind of gone. But after all the scariness it's sort of okay, whether I believe in God or don't. Maybe, sort of. And I've found I have more appreciation for the Anglicans now, but maybe that's just the Compline talking.
Anyways, thanks. You and my select few emergent-Catholic-Orthodox-heretic (at least to most Baptists) friends are what make me think that there may after all be something to Christianity besides a bunch of hot air.
Discussion on another blog
Submitted by benjdm (not verified) on Tue, 12/02/2008 - 21:18.http://thinktoomuch.net/2008/12/01/so-you-think-you-want-to-try-christia... - we have another 20 comments there, though few of us are your intended audience.
To believe in god or not to
Submitted by Christian Answers (not verified) on Sun, 01/25/2009 - 14:42.To believe in god or not to believe in god that is the question...We have answers..
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Submitted by Goldspan (not verified) on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 19:53.Hi rlp, I'd just like you to know that your my new favorite person right now.
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Submitted by russian dating (not verified) on Sat, 05/23/2009 - 11:55.Show up and do the singing and praying and liturgy stuff. Enjoy the archetypal beauty of it. Let go and be ancient for awhile. Go to church. Talk to “God.” Talk to people you meet. Be about the journey and be listening. You’ll be fine.
I just noticed the newer
Submitted by rlp on Sat, 05/23/2009 - 18:48.I just noticed the newer string of comments. I have it setup to email me now. I never had that before. I tend to read comments for a few days then move on.
As a writer, and having posted about 2000 things over the years, I move on. Right now I can't even remember what I said. Isn't that funny? I'd have to read it.
I did go to the site where there was further discussion, mostly from atheists I think. Wonderful. I assure all of you that, as a philosophy major and a person who reads broadly and, I hope, thinks broadly, I've considered this question from many angles. And since I gave up the rather out-dated idea that people are going to hell, I feel fine. Why would I care if someone thinks something that I don't think?
I really can't understand people getting into arguments about, essentially, metaphysical questions. You think what you think. You try to figure out life as best you can. And hopefully you listen to others along the way. Only insecure people get angry over someone else's honestly held, peacefully held, beliefs.
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Submitted by Affordable SEO Services (not verified) on Fri, 06/05/2009 - 08:46.I did go to the site where there was further discussion, mostly from atheists I think. Wonderful. I assure all of you that, as a philosophy major and a person who reads broadly and, I hope, thinks broadly, I've considered this question from many angles. And since I gave up the rather out-dated idea that people are going to hell, I feel fine. Why would I care if someone thinks something that I don't think?
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Submitted by dark (not verified) on Sat, 06/27/2009 - 07:40.And I'd love a conference like this. I'd want to bring my husband, who would probably not like the daytime sessions, because he says he believes in God, but he's pissed off at him. The beer, movies, laughter, and pranks might just get a hook in him, though.Zevkli-Forum
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Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 04:01.I'd go in a heartbeat. But I could suggest St. Louis - a terribly overlooked town my friend. Besides there's probably some misfit Quakers, Unitarians, members of the Ethical Society and Pagans willing to toss into the mix.
Appreciated the post RLP. Especially from one who also believes in God, mostly but has her moments in this insane world.
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I've thought several times that for me the liturgy is so important, especially on those days when the rational/scientific side of the brain kicks in and belief in God isn't so much happening. I am reminded of the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path... where (simplification:)the correct intentions lead to correct actions which eventually leads to correct knowledge. Sometimes, the knowledge isn't there, but continuing with the actions of the faith and actions of worship helps to build that knowledge and assurance. There is peace and welcoming in the liturgy... one of the many reasons I stick with the Episcopal Church, and a non-liturgical church is not for me! (Though I miss Praise & Worship music)
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