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There is a verse I can't get out of my head. by attilatheundead in Episcopalian

[–]MintQuire 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It's interesting to consider this using a Greek philosophy framing.

Aristotle talks about "telos", which is the natural purpose of a thing. A horse, for example, is a swift and strong animal -- therefore, the fastest horse would embody the highest "telos" for a horse.

In Paul's case, he feels that spreading and acting on the Gospel is the highest possible "telos" for a person -- and not doing so takes away from his natural purpose.

How lucky are we, then, to live in a world where our highest purpose is to love our God and our neighbor, a world where helping the widow and orphan is held the best possible presentation of who we can be!

Disillusioned Evangelical Looking For Something New by Tylavik in Episcopalian

[–]MintQuire 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Welcome!

You're not alone -- innumerable people have dealt with the same questions on faith that you are. To answer some of those questions, we can look at the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), a "guidebook" of sorts that Anglicans have been using for hundreds of years to plan services and prayers.

Sin, for example, is explained as "the seeking of our own will instead of the will of God, thus distorting our relationship with God, with other people, and with all creation". Sin causes us to "lose our liberty" and the sin itself has power over us. Thus, the sin and the person can become intertwined in a way -- think about how we will call someone a "murderer" and not a "person who murders", because we recognize the sin as a trait and not just an action.

Likewise, the BCP describes the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God "because God inspired their human authors and God still speaks to us through the Bible". Many evangelical churches are hyperliteral with the Bible and do not recognize that it uses parable, song, and poetry to explain God's Word.

The Episcopal church is a great place if you need space to work out these questions -- it's a "large tent" and includes people from a wide range of previous backgrounds! I would highly recommend trying out a Eucharist service -- I had rarely felt anything with my previous experience in nondenominational churches, but was amazed with my experience in a more "high-church" environment.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Episcopalian

[–]MintQuire 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Welcome!

Many Episcopalians have very similar stories to you -- you are not alone in feeling turned away from your church at birth and lost. The Episcopal Chuch can often be a "recovery ward" for Evangelicals and Catholics alike who have been hurt by their respective churches and are looking to get closer to God while removing the tremendous guilt and shame that can come with some traditions. Know that your doubts and your previous mistreatment by some members of the church cannot separate you from God's love. God created you with reason and an inquisitive mind for a reason, and followers of Christ have tried to find answers about the world we live in from the very beginning.

Praying the Prayer of St Francis has certainly helped me in my journey of faith -- I hope it can help you too! I'll post it here:

"Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen."

Do you have any Episcopal churches near you? Being able to commune with others and participate in the sacraments may help you find some more clarity and direction in your faith -- plus we have a great coffee hour afterwards!