This was taken out of a few Facebook comments I made, so if they seem choppy or going different directions...I'm sorry. Read each paragraph as a stand alone, maybe it'll make sense.
What if we’re all looking in the wrong place for examples of God’s love, protection, power? We’ve all been told that the church is the shinning example of God, but what if it isn’t? What if His protection is seen in the military, the police, the courts and laws? What if He knew that people would ultimately fail to show His example and so He devised ways that people could see Him, feel Him, experience Him—even outside the church walls? What if His love is seen in counselors, Pastors (not necessarily the people in the pews), in the lyrics of a true love song, or true friends (churched or not) who though flawed (and see your flaws) don’t lose sight of the friendship even if you do? Isn’t that what He did? What if His power is to be seen through nature, storms, miracles and regular people who fight against injustice?
I feel that there are not ample displays of God's love or protection--& sometimes not even His power--in Church services. Or within a lot of Church relationships. I don't know if it's becuz we don't get real with each other or if we've been hurt too many times b4 and surface relationships are easier/less painful.
As for relying on Him to fill the need and bring the people, i've lost faith in that. I don't think churched people listen or put aside the time to make those connections, with the people that are sitting next to them.
I guess my problem isn't necessarily with the church as an organization, but with how people relate in that organization. The Pastor can only do so much, right? What is Jesus' view of the church? Have we put our own spin on it? He pulled aside 12 people and had daily fellowship with them and then took them on "training missions" to impact people around them. How are we expected to have the same impact/example if we aren't as dedicated to relationships as He was? Is it impossible with this ages demands?
I don't know why really lousy people aren't dealt with. I feel hurt, angry and disgusted when those kids of people are allowed to inflict pain to those around them freely under the guise of grace or they are just imperfect people.
Sometimes it seems like a Perfect Storm scenio. Hurting people and hurtful people coming together, with no referees. I think everyone has a bit of the hypocrite in them...in certain areas--i.e. white lies or polite to someones face but talk behind their back. Maybe the church is afraid to be firm, thinking they'll lose people, when in reality a lot of people are getting hurt and walking away...not just from them but from God. I think Jesus needs to come and flip over some tables again. :-)
I've been assuming that the "christians hurting people" was a new phenomenon, but then I remembered several historical events (like the crusades) & think maybe it's been happening all along--we've just put rose colored glasses on. I googled "hurt by Chrisitans" and got this book: "When Bad Christians Happen to Good People: Where We Have Failed Each Other and How to Reverse the Damage" by Burchett. Might be worth a read..don't know. Anybody read it?
