Well, RM95's Girl and I will be looking for a church to go to whenever we figure out where in the hell (could be literally...Dallas) we're going to be come August. We can now scratch the Catholic and Lutheran churches off our list. Down at the bottom: http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/today/news_6.html <B>Pastor told to apologize NEW YORK-- A high-ranking Lutheran pastor has been suspended from his duties and ordered to apologize to all Christians for participating with Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Hindus in an interfaith prayer service in Yankee Stadium after Sept. 11. The Rev. David Benke, a district president in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, has until Wednesday to apologize or appeal, or else be defrocked. "To participate with pagans in an interfaith service and . . . give the impression that there might be more than one God is an extremely serious offense," read the suspension letter from church officials.</B> Now, I understand that the vast majority of Catholics (sex abuse scandal, not this) and Lutherans are good people, but I'd never be associated with such leadership like this. I guess I should've suspected something about the Lutheran church when one in El Campo kicked my ex-girlfriend's parents out because they hadn't been there in a year.
RM95, we have too much in common going on right now. Pimp's girl and I have been talking about the same thing recently.
Man, this WAS my denomination growing up. My grandfather was a part of the Synod leadership for years. This is all too common and sad. But, it is their business. If they want to de-frock someone and it is against their rules, that is up to them. I'm sure my grandfather would have led the charge if he was still alive, but if you don't like the club, don't join it I guess.
RM95 - It may be a bit odd for an aethist to defend a church but seeing as how I grew up a Lutheran I just have to mention one thing: the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) is NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT the same thing as the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS). The ELCA is much larger and more liberal (when I was going to church growing up, we had an openly gay couple etc). The LCMS is much more conservative (no women pastors, etc). So feel free to scratch the LCMS off your list but you might want to consider the ELCA if you are still shopping churches.
True GettingBranded. But if you're a Christian and a Protestant, then you can shop around. These denominations are virtually the same. They have differences but it's nothing REALLY major. Choosing one Protestant denomination isn't going to keep you out of heaven. I grew up in the Episcopal church and now I go to a Baptist one. The message is pretty much the same, the format is just different.
And has god spoken to you to tell you what he wants? How do you know for sure yours is the right one?
"Shopping" for a religion mystifies me. It's not about what humans want. It's about what God wants. What if God wants people to shop for a religion? Now you've got yourself a paradox.
...in a book, written by men, nearly 2 millennia ago. If you want to believe it that's fine but you shouldn't discount other possibilities. Kudos to RM95 for looking for a faith that is compatible with his personal morality. It's better than just believing in something because your parents or your government require you to.
Which brings up an interesting question... Which denomination do you (would you) choose and why? Personally, I tried Baptist, Lutheran and Methodist. I've even been to Unitarian. If I were still a Christian, I would probably choose something like Unity Church of Christianity down here. Sort of New Age Jesus. "Liberal Quaker" as it is often termed seems pretty much in line with my beliefs as well. Lutheran was really pretty harsh. It was tough going to church and having to hear a sermon that was not only boring and, at times, bordering on oppressive but often filled with political rhetoric and even a voting guide around election time. Ugh. No fun. I did go to an Evangelical Lutheran church once and dylan is right. It is much different from the Missouri Synod.
Here's an odd one for me. If I move to Houston, the first church I'll visit is the Katy Church of Christ. While generally a conservative "denomination" (they <B>hate</B> being referred as a domination...at least mine did), mine was a somewhat liberal church. I can't remember any fire and broomstone sermons, most were about the love of Christ and God. I also loved the way the sermons were presented, much like a well-thought out lecture, complete with outlines for you to easily follow along.
You should try Unity if you come to Houston. It's a pretty unique place and definitely fits in with your ideologies. I actually like Rev. Hinson (sp?) at the big Methodist Church downtown (is that First Methodist?). His sermons are usually good and he seems like a really nice person. The Unitarian Church that I've been to here (First Unitarian) was REALLY boring, unfortunately, but I've been there to see other speakers, etc.
Lisa, Jr.: Amy said that there are lots of religions. Which is the right one? Homer: Well, not the Unitarians. If that's the one true faith, I'll eat my hat. Ak: If the Lord is all-powerful, why does He care whether we worship Him or not? Ak just saying. Homer: Well, Ak, it's because God is powerful, but also insecure, like Barbara Streisand before James Brolin. Oh, he's been a rock.
C'mon, are you saying that any president has never done anything you wouldn't want to "be associated" with? There are non-denominational churches, by the way.
You could've just said "kudos to RM95 for being a liberal". That's really what you meant. Why don't you question him for wanting to learn more about "a book, written by men, nearly 2 millennia ago"?
