Going to Church for the first time? Christian forums?

Janepig

Torry_Quine wrote: »

It's hard to explain but if you get the relationship with God right He will help you for instance to be the best spouse or parent you can be. It doesn't mean ignoring their needs or at least it shouldn't.:o

No, that makes sense, I understand what you mean. In the case of the fella I've been on about, although he's not a minister or anything, he does a bit of lay preaching and organises community "events" and so on. They have quite a young congregation. But it appears to me (and others who know my friend) that he would see his wife and young children go without in order to advance the church. Don't get me wrong, she clearly adores him, but her and the kids most definitely play second fiddle in his life.

I've gone off topic with this a bit - it's a special gift I have :D.

Jx

Torry_Quine

meritaten wrote: »

yes, I believe that you don't have to be A 'Christian' to be a Christian. and that other religions have equal parity. most religions have equal goals.

Tolerance is really important. of other peoples beliefs.

While not wanting to disparage other people and their faith Christianity does not teach that all religions are equal

Heamol wrote: »

Hi OP,

Unsurprisingly (given my pic!) I'm Catholic and love my Faith. My cousin's husband recently converted. He approached our parish priest asking for more information and, liking what he learned, he began what we call "instruction", which is when you learn more about the Faith with the aim of becoming a Catholic. He was convinced by what he learnt and is now a practicing Catholic. It would be worth at least looking at Catholicism.

Also, while we can all give our different ideas about which is and isn't the right church/beliefs, God is the one to ask! Why not make a simple prayer to God asking Him to show you the truth and ask Him where He wants you to be? He will show you the right church if you ask Him.

The right church for you is something I would agree with but the phrase at question was the 'true' church which isn't the same thing.

meritaten

I know what you mean Jane - I wouldn't 100% trust him either!

meritaten

Torry_Quine wrote: »

While not wanting to disparage other people and their faith Christianity does not teach that all religions are equal



The right church for you is something I would agree with but the phrase at question was the 'true' church which isn't the same thing.

but my religion does!

meg72

I dont feel I need to belong to a particular church,I just like them, especially very old ones, I do believe in Jesus, in that I think he did exist,

But what I think are really wonderful are the 10 comandments, just think if we all followed them how much better off the human race would be.
So I probably wouldnt be regarded as a christian but think I am a better person for knowing about the comandments and doing my best to live y them

meg72

meritaten wrote: »

yes, I believe that you don't have to be A 'Christian' to be a Christian. and that other religions have equal parity. most religions have equal goals.

Tolerance is really important. of other peoples beliefs.

How true this is and how many wars and misery could hae been avoided if everyone were tolerant of each other.

WolfSong2000

Torry_Quine wrote: »

While not wanting to disparage other people and their faith Christianity does not teach that all religions are equal.

I am personally agnostic, but what you said made me think of a quote I love by Rumi:

“The truth was a mirror in the hands of God. It fell, and broke into pieces. Everybody took a piece of it, and they looked at it and thought they had the truth.”

Torry_Quine

WolfSong2000 wrote: »

I am personally agnostic, but what you said made me think of a quote I love by Rumi:

“The truth was a mirror in the hands of God. It fell, and broke into pieces. Everybody took a piece of it, and they looked at it and thought they had the truth.”

Lovely quote.

LondonDiva

OP - have a look at http://www.ship-of-fools.com/. It's a great site with forums etc and they also 'mystery shop' churches.

Bear in mind that if you attend a particular church that's not for you that you may find it worth while to attend a differently timed service. My church has three services which decrease in formality as the day progresses and while I'm (surprisingly) usually at the most formal, there are days when the other services are what I want / need.

The one thing I would suggest is that you start the search for the best fit in your local area and work outwards.

Enjoy the journey discovery.

Savvy_Sue

Tiglath wrote: »

http://www.findachurch.co.uk/

http://www.shipoffools.com/mystery/index.html

LondonDiva wrote: »

OP - have a look at http://www.ship-of-fools.com/. It's a great site with forums etc and they also 'mystery shop' churches.

And then there's St Pixels, which also has a facebook page.