tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768695610888201656.post928726972333696414..comments2023-04-01T08:26:38.516-04:00Comments on westjourn: Church - Part 3About Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09912995482134665033noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768695610888201656.post-92180186079781325682009-06-10T16:06:18.456-04:002009-06-10T16:06:18.456-04:00I feel this way too Gary. I feel the "church&...I feel this way too Gary. I feel the "church" is a community of members who believe in Christianity. Christianity is not a secret society even though some people may have a tendency to try to make it that way. It is a way of life that involves every part of my life, often in a very public way.It isn't a hobby or something that only belongs in my private life. It affects every aspect of my life. it needs to shine with kindness,forgiveness,and concern for the weak and poor. This way of life can be risky cause not everyone agrees with these beliefs. it can never be a private way of life and should affect the way I see, think, and act. Non-negotiable.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05286206899526070489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768695610888201656.post-41813174584115461612009-06-06T18:34:03.674-04:002009-06-06T18:34:03.674-04:00Hey Gary, I am very much enjoying your writing and...Hey Gary, I am very much enjoying your writing and the comments of those who choose to respond. Much of my recent reading has explored this subject of " the church" vs. the idea of spirituality or getting in touch with God. It seems that all religions start as a response to an experience that was truly transformational for those who were involved. As they tell their stories and share their experiences they do the best they can to put into words that which cannot be explained in words. Then as the groups form and it gains momentum, more of the original experience is lost. When it gets written down and then becomes "official" it loses even more. Then it becomes a human institution, and often institutions wind up being more about the continued existence of the institution than they are about the original transformational experience. I think I know that you and I both believe that something extrodinary happened to those who followed Jesus in his day, but what? I also believe that there are many in "the church" who are very well intentioned, but cannot see the water in the fishbowl in which we swim. So let us seek in our search for God that enlarges us and asks more of us. Let us become as conscious as we can of the way we are exploring our religous life, and let us always remember that its not really about us, but it is about "the other".<br />Many Blessings,<br />JackJack Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14657256015241068187noreply@blogger.com