I Don't Like It!
 

Sectarianism, Denominational Pride, False Piety

This stuff really stinks and it's alive and well.

When I am exposed to this stuff I get repulsed to the point that it scares me. Sometimes I fear my rejection of it allows me to swing to far in the opposite direction.

And no, I am not saying I have never had these etc. ... just that I now hate what it has done to those I love - including my own family and friends.

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

Might as well throw a disclaimer in right off the bat.


This includes UPC, but I am not talking UPC only! In fact the more I am exposed to various other denominations, I am shocked that it's very alive in most all churches.

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

it took my leaving to realize just how strong the hold is on people...and they do not see it. I thought I saw it, but it still had its hold... took a while after stepping back.

Sometimes I have to stop myself in doing things and ask myself why I have chosen to think, say or do something... because I don't want to swing too far the opposite way either. I wouldn't step foot in my home church where I was raised for over a year because I was upset and repulsed by it... only now am I able to pray for people instead of being mad.

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

its the religious spirit.. and you are correct, is in other churches, not just. My personal experience was UPC. I've gone to a non denominational church for over two years now.

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

Mmmm... Could you be possibly be referring to another poster who is not affiliated with the UPC and posting with a certain amount of venom?

Nawwww, probably not.

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

Welcome my brother to the spiritual warfare section of life. It really doesn't make much difference if we feel as you do or if we feel as they do, either way someone will also look at us and feel the same toward us.
This is an old trick of the devil. Either people will appear too religious and self-righteous, or they will appear sinful and permissive to us. Either it's the sinful world of unbelief that's affecting our families or it's the over zealous church world.
I've learned a long time ago, to keep my eyes upon Jesus and look into His face and not the face of another. People in general are ignorant and often go too far no matter what they are involved in and in doing so become reckless and that affects others in so many ways..

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

I agree 110%. Not just within a certain group; it's viral across the entire denominational spectrum. So while our own personal convictions should be strong enough not to be affected by those contrary, perhaps our methods of delivering them could stand a re-evaluation in order to see this issue be disolved...

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

No. I wish I was talking about an internet experience, but no.

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

Kinda bugs me to be told I'm a sinner, deserving of eternal torment in hell. But hey, that's just me. :lol

Re: I Don't Like It!
 

It's all about belonging to Jesus and not a denominational or a organization,and it's about following the word and not a manual or a creed or bylaws.
It's about a relationship and not religion and religious orders.
We must know what we believe and why we believe it for ourselves.