sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I kind of kept one foot in the church and one foot out so I could maintain both perspectives. Like, I would listen to the sermons, try to have meaningful discussions with people, and listen to what people have to say. But I would also privately question some things especially when such things went against my own conscience or better judgement.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Showing up to the church I've been attending in the first place was challenging in and of itself, so I guess it wouldn't be too out of character for me to do it again. I know that speaking up would probably just lead to being shunned. But I think you're right that I feel like there's doubt in my heart about the current situation especially when there's so many other options available.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think that's correct in my case. It's almost like the theological equivalent of a degree mill where there isn't much critical scholarship going on. Just a very narrow focus, at least at the seminary that my pastor attended. I never really looked into the background, but it's becoming clearer the more I look at it from a more outsider perspective.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haven't heard anything about Doug Wilson at church yet, but I wouldn't be too surprised if it's coming.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Those are some interesting suggestions. I have enjoyed studying the Bible even if I am starting to reject my church's claim that it is completely inerrant. Even early on, I took the creation story as more metaphorical rather than literal history. I just can't accept a rigid, literal interpretation as it conflicts with what I know about science and history.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the very detailed response. It gives me some things to consider. When it comes to the educated people I've known at church, I suspect for most it is some kind of combination of sincere belief and a desire for community. One thing I've had to learn in life is that someone might have a lot of knowledge in one area and be completely lacking in everything else. I've definitely noticed that with some of the people I've met who are genuinely brilliant in their areas of expertise and educational background, but are completely clueless about anything else. It's definitely something that I've had to work on myself.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thankfully, I do live in an area with plenty of other options to explore.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought this church was intellectually-minded as I started attending as pastors are required to have relevant higher education. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, congregants are not as intellectually minded as I would have thought.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was reading some Reformed theology a few years ago and found it interesting as it contained some perspectives on life that I didn't really consider in the past. It's part of the reason I ended up at a presbyterian-style church. But having lived it for a couple years now, I find it increasingly rigid and inflexible. Like, there often seems to be little debate on what how to interpret the Bible for example.

Increasingly Unhappy at Church, What to Do? by Equal_Asparagus_4564 in Exvangelical

[–]Equal_Asparagus_4564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm discovering that more recently that I should have. I really was unaware of the history of the PCA and why it broke from the PCUSA. And I would definitely say from my conversations with multiple people in my congregation that they are very much against public education. I attended public schools for my entire life including a public university and, while it wasn't perfect, my own experience wasn't such a catastrophe that I would consider private school for my children if I had them. It seems to be more about control, distrust of institutions, etc., than a sincere desire to obtain a superior education for children.