How does church work?

kacie

I've done the Alpha course (well last session next week) there was no brainwashing there, it has been very informal, often very funny at times, and mainly people talking about their experiences. Also having a chat over some food, I've made some good friends through it.

Yorkie1

Glad you made it through the doors, OP, and hope you enjoy the clubs you mention too!

split_second

I was always brought up to believe and do the right thing but religion was never forced upon me. My parents are both catholic but stopped going to church when they were old enough to decide for themselves and my fianc!e was brought up catholic but when her mum passed away her dad stopped going to church and she was still a young child.

When we got engaged we considered where to have the wedding and decided church was best. We weren't linked to a church as both of us were from other areas, we went to one and while my fianc!e seemed to love it I wasn't so sure, there seemed to be a lot of inverted snobbery (it was in a very affluent part of town, and was one of our most local churches) and because we were from the next town it seemed like a clique that we weren't welcome into, didn't help when the vicar/priest (not sure of correct term) came across like a shrill headmistress, mentioning we were planning getting married was the worst thing we could do, we arranged to have the meeting at the vicaridge and we were ignored, we rang the doorbell, saw a shadow walk to the hallway, turn lights off and move the dog.

We went to our local church and it was much better, we even took our parents for midnight mass on Christmas eve. The only part I don't like is people that stay catholic for the schools, one of my sister in laws to be was most put out when we arranged the wedding for a c of e church and what about any prospective children? Catholic schools are better she said- I nearly said 'when did you last go to church?' her wedding was registry office too lol

Lavendyr

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Brainwashed into atheism...much lolz had there. Haven't heard of anything quite so brainwashy as the Alpha course in a long time!

Have you been on an Alpha course? If so I'm sorry for the experience you had - it sounds like it was very different from the Alpha course I went on. No brainwashing there - just an open, friendly chat, good food, nice people and a chance to ask 'stupid' questions about Christianity. Trust me, having been brought up without much in the way of religious education, I had plenty of questions to ask!

I'm not sure why you found my comment amusing though. It's just a fact - it is possible to be brainwashed into believing many things, including the existence or non-existence of God. I'm not denying that some Christian organisations do try to take the brainwashing approach (as it were). As do branches of other faiths. I don't agree with it myself and nor do many, many other Christians.

But nor do I agree with forbidding a child from being involved in activities that have any religious connotations and embedding in them a disdain for faith - which is what my parents pushed upon me growing up. That won't help to develop an open mind and respect for others' beliefs. There is a healthy balance - both for Christians and non-Christians.

carefullycautious

Glad everything is going well for you wiggywoo. You are doing the right thing getting involved in what your community has to offer as you will make friends and not feel so isolated. Your son will benefit as well.

Have you settled into your flat ok and did you manage to get it furnished?

Gloomendoom

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

The 'community' churches have been the well disguised evangelical ones round here. The type where they talk the talk of peace and tolerance in public, but as soon as they forget there's an observer in the group, the burn the gays, evolution is the deception of Satan and let's campaign to have the primary head moved because he and his partner must be a danger to our children all comes out to play.

I've attended a few different churches up and down the country as well as abroad. I always stay for the weak cuppa and a biscuit but I've never heard any of the rubbish you talk about above.

Are you sure that you aren't confusing your church experiences with watching the Greater Good?

geoffky

I got held up at gunpoint in a church and five of us were stripped of our belongings...In port of Spain.. Trinidad..I wish god had struck them down that day..

PurpleJay

Have a look if local churches are advertising family services or events for Easter. Our main CE church often gives details on a board outside or leaflets. They even have a website. It would be a good way to dip your toe in. Try different ones if you have them, you may find some more comfortable than others. I am sure you will be made welcome. Our main church has 'little church' on a weekday too, basically a mum and baby/toddler group and a good chance to ask questions and meet other mums. Good luck.

Savvy_Sue

Probably too late, but it's Palm Sunday! some churches will have a procession, maybe with a donkey if there's a local one, and most will give out Palm crosses.

In other words, can be a little bit chaotic, and therefore no-one will notice if you don't know what 'normal' is, because it won't be 'normal'.