Thankful For My Heritage?

[Jason B]

I often hear former "aposotlics", ex-UPC types talk about how they are "thankful for their heritage" or some such statement.

If someone is truly thankful for their heritage, why do they seemingly get joy as it falls apart?

The more worldly the churches become the better, it seems.

I left the upc. I don't hate the upc. I am against their doctrine on salvation. I think standards are misapplied and turned into legalism, I believe that emotionalism and sensationalism get a free pass as being the "Holy Ghost" when mostly it is just out of order carnality, and I'm sick of organizational politics.

That said, I think there are some good qualitites amongst some UPC types, namely a stong desire to get closer to God, a longing for prayer and revival. A desire to live a life of holiness and modesty. A desire to live seperate from the world (not necessarily using the same definition of separation as the UC's), and making the church a real priority.

When I left the UPC, I desired so much more than doctrine, legalism, and religion. I wanted a more authentic Chrisitanity. A Christianity more based on the Bible than tradition. A community of believers who walk in faith and righteousness before the Lord, whether they be pentecostal, baptist, church of christ, etc.

What I have found is that authentic Christianity is hard to find. That Christianity tends to follow pop culture, and that most "believers" seem to think the more like the world the church gets, they more we can "reach them."


I have to wonder, who's reaching who?

[houston]

Define "like the world."

[Praxeas]

I think people that attack the UPC and seem to revel in controversies but say they are thankful are contradictory and less than genuine. By attack I don't mean constructive criticisms but pejorative laced rants, belligerent attitudes etc etc

[houston]

I'm thankful for my heritage. I almost made a complete exit but I have nowhere else to go.

[Praxeas]

I wasn't born and raised Oneness or any other system. I have no heritage

[houston]

You've been in it long enough. It's your heritage.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by houston

Define "like the world."

Having the same or similar values and worldview as that of the unredeemed world at large. The same desires for popularity, sensuality, materialism, etc. To be completely consumed with the things that are passing away. To have a hunger for things which are anti-God, and to have little desire for the things which are truly spiritual, such as prayer, the Word, true holiness (not dress code holiness), and a burden for the lost.

In essence to allow oneself to be completely immersed and integrated into the culture of worldliness. To listen to the same music, to watch the same shows and movies, to dress the same way, and eventually to be swayed, if not completely accept, the philosphy of the world (moral relativism).


IMO, that is what I see more often than not from the ex-UPC crowd.

Some seem to have the attitude "I'm free to do all these things b/c of grace."

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by houston

You've been in it long enough. It's your heritage.

I don't consider it "my heritage".

[houston]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

Having the same or similar values and worldview as that of the unredeemed world at large. The same desires for popularity, sensuality, materialism, etc. To be completely consumed with the things that are passing away. To have a hunger for things which are anti-God, and to have little desire for the things which are truly spiritual, such as prayer, the Word, true holiness (not dress code holiness), and a burden for the lost.

In essence to allow oneself to be completely immersed and integrated into the culture of worldliness. To listen to the same music, to watch the same shows and movies, to dress the same way, and eventually to be swayed, if not completely accept, the philosphy of the world (moral relativism).

IMO, that is what I see more often than not from the ex-UPC crowd.

Some seem to have the attitude "I'm free to do all these things b/c of grace."

Ah. That's churchianity today...even amongst the dress code apostolics and pentecostals.

[houston]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I don't consider it "my heritage".

Traitor