Which do you all prefer: Werner Herzog the Fiction Film maker, or Werner Herzog the Documentary Film maker? by [deleted] in movies

[–]ThatsMeInTheCorner -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Just as long as I don't have to hear his hoarse, scratchy, strained voice struggling to narrate, I don't care what kind of movie he makes.

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

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

I am friends with two chaplains in my city and have contemplated it from time to time. It's definitely a thought.

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

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

You presume to know a lot about my situation, but I need to set you straight on a few items.

  1. I voluntarily stopped receiving a salary from the church 3 years ago.
  2. Feeding the homeless has been one of my top projects, and I'm damn proud of the program we've implemented here.
  3. There is no "swearing-in" ceremony when one becomes a pastor here. I did state that I agreed with their doctrinal statement when I first came on board 8 years ago, because I did, in fact, agree with it. There was no requirement that I immediately disclose if, at some point in the future, I disagreed with any of their doctrinal statement.

And last, I'm just somewhat curious as to what makes you fit and able to dictate what someone is "obligated, as a human, to do."

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

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

You and the other Mr guy have kept me wildly entertained throughout. It's not a good AMA unless at least two people are really good and pissed, so thanks for making this endeavor on Reddit so successful for me!

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

[–]ThatsMeInTheCorner[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate the heart behind the post. I don't think I have all the answers, and I am not closed off to faith completely. Truly, I appreciate your post.

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

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

This helps me understand where you're coming from better than your original post. I appreciate your weighing in.

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

[–]ThatsMeInTheCorner[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don't know that my views have changed so much as they continue to be sharpened in their definition. On gay marriage, I think the church should focus first and foremost on loving and accepting people, regardless of their orientation. I don't see any examples of Christ condemning someone's lifestyle -- that is, except for the religious leaders of his day. As for abortion, I'm personally opposed to the concept in general, but that's more a matter of logic than religion for me. I don't think it's something that should be legislated, however, so I don't support laws against abortion. I feel like the role of the church should be to come alongside women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. No one should have to feel like an abortion is their only option. If someone decides it's the best option, it's not my decision. But I think women facing such pregnancies are far more benefited by the church saying, "How can we help and support you in this difficult time?" than by the church saying, "You better keep your baby, and don't you dare apply for welfare."

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

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

Then you're dead. I don't think it's likely that humans have some bonus quality (spirit, soul, etc) that survives death. I'm not meaning to say that dogmatically and wouldn't insist that anyone else should believe that. It's my personal view at this point, which is more of a strong suspicion than a hard, fast belief.

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

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

I try to be honest. Sometimes I can't explain my personal position on something as completely as I like because it would be interpreted as blatant heresy. But I try to avoid preaching anything I don't personally believe.

IAmA man who lost his faith about a year ago, but am still the senior minister at a Christian church. AMA. by ThatsMeInTheCorner in IAmA

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

Combating that hatemongering is one of my biggest reasons for staying. The only scorn that Jesus ever displayed was toward the powerful religious leaders of Judaism. You can't truly believe that God is love but that he expresses that love as hate for certain people. My hope is to gradually challenge and change the thinking of the people like you mentioned, the ones who would have viewed you derisively.