Ashamed of the Church
I’m ashamed of the Church. I am not ashamed of Jesus nor am I ashamed of the Gospel. As today is Ash Wednesday, I’ve decided to give up the censoring filter over my critical thoughts about Christians and the Church.
You are likely familiar with the traditional Christian observance of Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter. During this time, many Christian traditions encourage the faithful to give something up for the season as a way of remembering what Jesus did (and continues to do) for them. My particular denomination doesn’t encourage this, but I took up the practice a few years ago and have found it helpful to me.
I couldn’t think of anything to give up this year. Then the idea struck me that I could give up being critical of Christians and the Church. Something about that didn’t feel right. Most of those thoughts never become public. Then I thought, what would happen if I stopped censoring those thoughts and let them fly? At first it was just funny, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Perhaps something I say with be convicting and be a loving intervention. Perhaps I will learn to express myself better in critical situations. Perhaps my heart will change.
So over the next 40 days, expect to see entries here detailing some of my disappointments with Christians and with the Church. And I invite you into conversation about them.
If you know Jesus, please know first of all that my relationship with Jesus is strong and is not wavering. Second, it is not my intent to attack or tear down, but to express my honest opinions and build up. I’ll be basing these writings on my own experiences (9 years as a church member/regular attender and 4 years as a volunteer/leader in ministry), but try to be general enough that I don’t embarrass anyone. If I touch a nerve and you believe I’m referring to you specifically, send me a note. If it involves you, I’ll expound upon those thoughts with you privately.
If you do not know Jesus, please do not allow anything I say to push you away from Him. The Church is a family of sorts and as such, has disagreements. Do not necessarily follow the followers of Jesus. Follow Jesus Himself.
UPDATE 2/18/2010: The opinions I express here are my own on the church and Christian culture in the United States. They do not represent those of any group I’m affiliated with. And I am a member of a great church, even though we disagree on minor, non-doctrinal issues at times.
Photo credit: claudinec
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