Re: My current state of belief
Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2019 5:08 am
Some are others are enlightening. You do have to be careful.kneedeep wrote: Apologists are inherently dishonest..but that's just my opinion.
For former members of the fire and brimstone Churches of Christ
http://www.ex-churchofchrist.com/SupportBoard/
http://www.ex-churchofchrist.com/SupportBoard/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2088
Some are others are enlightening. You do have to be careful.kneedeep wrote: Apologists are inherently dishonest..but that's just my opinion.
Just stumbled upon this thread. I came to ex-CoC years ago with the idea that I really wanted to change the CoC from within. I had recently realized, after a conversation with a guy at work, that what I call "baptism for the remission of sins" for the remission of sins (sounds redundant but it isn't) was not scriptural. (That is, in the CoC it's taught that if you didn't understand that salvation occurs at the point of baptism, your obedience doesn't count.) I didn't stay around long because 1) that wasn't going to work and 2) that wasn't what this board was about, and I was politely discouraged from hanging around. (And I agreed that this wasn't the place for me.)kneedeep wrote:I don't post often, but wanted share an update. After 3 years of research and deliberation, I have decided that I am no longer Christian.
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If any of you read my earlier posts, you will see a completely different tone. At this point I am trying to figure who or what is God. I am not atheist, but still seeking information. I don't believe that the god character in the bible is the true god. Recently, I wrote a withdrawal letter to elders telling them my beliefs have changed. Also told my mom last night. At this time I'm trying to deal with whatever fall out comes from it. I will admit that coming to this conclusion has been very difficult. However, I hope to get closer to the truth.
Thanks, Lerk! I hope you will be free from attending this church soon! Yet I do understand the need to keep appearances. What finally led you to atheism? Right now I consider myself agnostic with some leanings towards spirituality.Lerk wrote:Just stumbled upon this thread. I came to ex-CoC years ago with the idea that I really wanted to change the CoC from within. I had recently realized, after a conversation with a guy at work, that what I call "baptism for the remission of sins" for the remission of sins (sounds redundant but it isn't) was not scriptural. (That is, in the CoC it's taught that if you didn't understand that salvation occurs at the point of baptism, your obedience doesn't count.) I didn't stay around long because 1) that wasn't going to work and 2) that wasn't what this board was about, and I was politely discouraged from hanging around. (And I agreed that this wasn't the place for me.)
Years later I came back as an atheist. But I still attend a CoC! (Due to family and the risk of being kept at arm's length. But not 3 times a week, and hopefully not much longer, as I see attitudes changing with this particular family member.)
Anyway, wherever you wind up, good for you for thinking for yourself about what's real and what's right!
Short answer: Reading the Bible.kneedeep wrote:Thanks, Lerk! I hope you will be free from attending this church soon! Yet I do understand the need to keep appearances. What finally led you to atheism? Right now I consider myself agnostic with some leanings towards spirituality.
I've looked into a UU Church. They are very liberal and don't force religious dogma down your throat. I enjoyed my first visit yesterday. The sermon was peaceful and uplifting. Not filled with guilt & shame, unlike the coc. There was no mention of God or anything other religious figures. I think there was always be a part of me that misses the community aspect. Five years ago you wouldn't catch me anywhere near a Unitarian Universalist church!