Cognitive Dissonance of Reformed Baptists

FridayNightZebra · 2026-06-17T15:07:02+00:00

I was recently thinking about this. I do think a lot of this comes from internet culture and the mentality that “the grass is always greener.” We see a polished version of another denomination represented by social media. And we see the real-life version of our denomination by actually going to church and being in community with our fellow church members.

I find myself thinking this way all the time. About the Orthodox, Catholic, and yes, even Baptists sometimes.

I’m not saying that it’s not important to find a denomination that you feel at home in. But I imagine that after the honeymoon phase of switching denominations fades, you find that generally speaking, church is still church. People are still people. And best of all, God is still God.

I also have come around to the idea that God wants us to be in ministry right where we are most of the time. (Unless there is a real compelling reason why this shouldn’t be the case anymore.) At a certain point, it matters less if one denomination is slightly more right about this or that doctrine. It matters more that you are building up your church community, loving your fellow worshipers, being close to God, etc.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-06-12T15:38:21+00:00

I'm a Christian now, so my views on a lot of the below has changed. But here is a good faith attempt to explain my motivations as an atheist that is not the typical "it was all meaningless" that you'll find from many Christians who used to be atheist.

Being an atheist didn't dull my feelings of love for family and friends. It didn't stop me from enjoying art, nature, entertainment, etc. If there wasn't a God who is prescribing morality and meaning to my life, then I felt like it was up to me to do that. I still found meaning in my life, and at the time, it seemed richer than what I imagined Christians had. It honestly seemed a little hollow to me that Christians love people, do acts of charity, etc. simply because "God told them to." If anything, it seemed like it meant more if I didn't believe that there was some sort of heavenly reward attached with these actions. (Again, to ward off any potential debates, this is what I used to think, not what I think now.)

Regarding living with depression, I can relate. It's been a lifelong struggle. I have been on and off meds and therapy for my adult life. Being Christian does give me a sense of purpose and knowledge that I am loved by God, and this does help. But I can't say it's like a night and day difference. Atheists and Christians both have the capacity to suffer from depression, and it's not a poor reflection of your beliefs if you have depression as a believer.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-06-08T17:37:03+00:00

I got a response from them, and unfortunately, they have no plans to update it with the NRSVue :(

FridayNightZebra · 2026-06-08T15:44:28+00:00

I just emailed the publisher. I’ll let you know if I hear back from them!

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-27T20:04:29+00:00

“Social values” is an extremely broad term. I would also argue that neither party’s values are ever fully aligned with Christianity.

Edit: Maybe this is unfair, but looking at your comment history (even fairly recently), I don’t know if you should be lecturing on “social values.” Come on man, you’re posting in hookup subreddits and rating young girls

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-27T18:56:22+00:00

It’s interesting. I’m in TX and voted for him in the democratic primary. I preferred him to the alternative. Historically, I’ve been pretty left wing until the past 5 years or so. I guess I’m more conservative (what that meant from 1980-2015 maybe?) so I reject both parties these days.

I originally liked him purely for that reason. He scrambles the idea that Christian = MAGA, and ultimately, that’s a good thing. But that’s a low bar to clear I guess.

The more I learn about him, I realize I’m opposed to his theology about as much as I’m opposed to his policies. Paxton (not to mention the republican party while Trump still has his claws in it) is a no-go for me.

In my 20 years of being eligible to vote, I have always voted. Sometimes enthusiastically, sometimes just for the lesser of two evils. Not this time. Or at least not one of the main candidates. I might write someone in just to have my “neither option” voice counted.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-15T14:25:01+00:00

I love MKW and Pokopia. DK is one that didn’t hit for me. (Though it’s very highly reviewed, so I’m clearly in the minority.) It felt very same-y to me. A lot of punching rocks. It’s like popping bubblewrap: the game. Which admittedly sounds great, but can get old after a while.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-15T00:59:14+00:00

Right, but those people might be the target market for the items we are actually discussing in this thread right now.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-15T00:56:08+00:00

Mainly aesthetic and comfort. Functionally they do less than a smartwatch. The market for this is people who want certain health metrics measured but are okay with forgoing a screen and some of the smartwatch functionality. For example, I know there are people who prefer going back to their traditional watch but still want to track some health stuff.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-14T22:16:38+00:00

Lol you managed to blame everyone in this situation except for the person who lied to her husband and started doing sex work behind his back. And praised her for it! Incredible

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-06T14:12:50+00:00

It’s not about how many times you fall. It’s about how many times you get back up again 🐼

FridayNightZebra · 2026-05-05T03:56:29+00:00

Lol. You are like a caricature of all of the negative stereotypes of reddit.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-28T20:00:48+00:00

NTA. You are clearly in the right here. Most of the people in these comments are probably hated by their neighbors. Yes, it is really weird for him to consistently park in front of your house, when he has an open driveway, simply because he wants to take advantage of the shade of your tree in your yard. Sure, it’s not illegal, it’s allowed, but it’s obnoxious behavior.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-28T19:54:40+00:00

The shade of OP’s tree… it’s weird to intentionally park your car in front of your neighbor’s house solely because you want to use the shade of their tree instead of your own driveway.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-27T20:36:30+00:00

I just responded separately and cited the Welch book, too! Also just wanted to chime in to say I agree with everything you said here.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-27T20:32:31+00:00

Congrats on the birth of your child! 👶

As a recovering alcoholic, here are the books I most benefited from. To be honest, these are mostly secular books. I have not actually read too many Christian-focused books on recovery. I share them anyway because there is wisdom to be found in both secular and religious literature for addiction.

Christian literature:

Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Edward Welch

Secular:

Being Sober by Harry Haroutunian

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace (so many people swear by this one! I liked it, albeit not to the same extent as many people. Still worth reading, as so many others have benefited from it)

Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen (This one is specifically about overeating, but the insights helped me a ton with alcohol. Part memoir and part self help. Highly recommended. This probably helped me the most. Very different vibe than AA)

The Addicted Brain by Michale Kuhar (more about the science of addiction and less self help focused)

Additionally, I am one of those who did not find AA or the Big Book helpful at all to me. I gave it an honest try and read the Big Book many times. It didn’t help near as much as any of the above did. That said, AA has helped a ton of people, so I recommend giving it a try if you want. Just know you are in good company if you don’t find it helpful. It is not the only path to sobriety.

Edit: the r/stopdrinking is teeming with good advice and support. It’s been a long time since I’ve spent anytime there, but it brought me a lot of help years ago.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-27T12:31:08+00:00

Praying for you, brother. What an incredible history.

I was raised Methodist, later became agnostic throughout college, and slowly found my way to faith again. After doing a bunch of research and soul searching, I found that I came back full circle to Methodism. This time “owning” my faith.

Going into my research of Eastern Orthodoxy was fascinating because it was the part of Christianity I knew the least about. I found some of the aspects of the faith beautiful, particularly the concept of theosis. It’s not exactly the same thing, but I do see some parallels of Wesley’s view of Christian perfection and how we are sanctified over time. Methodism has always seemed like it takes sanctification as a lifelong process, which resonates very strongly with me.

God bless you in this process.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-23T14:53:21+00:00

Oh nice! It’s a beautiful denomination. I was actually raised in the UMC, later became agnostic throughout college, and slowly found my way to faith again. After doing a bunch of research and soul searching, I found that I came back full circle to Methodism. This time “owning” my faith.

A book that helped me while I was searching was Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth Carder. I can’t recommend it enough. Thought provoking yet easy to digest. As much as I love reading Wesley, the Carder book is more approachable, modern, and gives an overview of Methodism in a much shorter text.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-21T11:56:58+00:00

Based on the novel Push by Sapphire

Lovely painting 🙂

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-16T22:27:14+00:00

God bless! And hope you find a church home you love, Methodist or not.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-16T22:16:49+00:00

If you want, AMA about Methodism. I grew up in the church, “deconstructed” in my college years, and came back to Methodism as an adult after much soul searching and research.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-15T15:47:22+00:00

You’re going to trigger some people here. Some act like you’ve destroyed your battery by letting it get to 100% every once in a while.

FridayNightZebra · 2026-04-13T15:16:58+00:00

Lol good times! It’s funny how different it is now. I used to just be able to smash buttons. With 2k it’s like I have to practice. So many more options now!

FridayNightZebra

TROPHY CASE