General Chat

Harry, I went to Sunday School for years and learned the lessons. Now I am out in the World trying to live by the principles I was taught. I see no benefit in going back every week to be taught the same things over and over and over and......

I understand why people do not believe the Bible, but it is in no way a lie. A vast amount of the stories and events did actually happen (there is Archaeological evidence to support it), but not quite in the way that it has been written. As an old History Tutor said to me once - you have to be empathetic when looking at History....the Bible was written a long, long time ago and you need to put yourself in the shoes of the people who were there at the time - like with Noah's Flood, there was a huge flood which fits with the story, but obviously it was not worldwide - but to the people there at that time it must have seemed worldwide as it engulfed all they could see! I believe that it is very open to interpretation and should not be taken literally, but is still a good guide to go by. Sorry, I know I've gone a bit off topic. Kaye x

I would just like to add that not all the people that go to church at total hypocrites. My Mother and Step Father (who is a retired Minister) go to church every Sunday and also join in with many activities organised by the Church. They are both very good, kind and generous people - true Christians - who go out of their way to help others. They enjoy sharing their faith with others. I have met people who are hypocritical though and agree that some hide behind their religion, but I like to believe that they are in the minority. Kaye x

Course they're not Kaye. I go every so often cos I want to, cos it suits me and cos I feel a bit replenished for going. I have never tried to persuade anyone to go to church or believe in anything religious in my life and I never would but my life is better for it:)

Ok Wendy, I'll rephrase - I'm not in church because I do not follow/believe in ANY religion

Some good thinking going on - thank you so much. at the moment I have no loyalty to the church. About half the membership go for somewhere to go - a club if you like. The other half practice what they preach. They go out and be do gooders in the proper sense of the word. They have my admiration. A couple of us don,t believe,but use the church for baptisms, weddings and the like( in my case -a funeral). What,s the point if we are non believers.? (I ask the question, but don,t know the answer). Happy days

I imagine most non-believers attend other peoples Weddings, Christenings and Funerals out of respect for others? Perhaps it's a bit like a Methodist attending a Catholic Funeral or similar - they don't practice that faith, but they have respect for the person who did? Maybe others attend in the hope that they will discover/feel something to make them believe? My Husband says he doesn't think he believes in God, but is unsure about it - I think he would like to believe but just can't seem to find the faith? Kaye x

Harry, I was brought up as a Christian but my parents told us that when we were older we could make our own decisions. I have read the bible beginning to end and to me the bible is an over exaggerated history book. As is most history we know. My beliefs now lean more to buddism as it is more a philosophy than a religion. My God is Life and Death itself. Everything from the smallest microbe to the vastness of outer space is my God. The beauty in a sunset or sunrise is God. The ugliness of a toad is God. All we have to do is love it all. And as Jesus said.....'Love one another'. Fran

Once again thanks for your views - lovely to read them. Kaye, I say 'amen; to your last paragraph. that,s just how I feel. Happy days

I wasn't brought up in a particular faith. My mother has always been a believer, but my father was strongly against church (or what he thought it represented). I went to Methodist sunday school for a few weeks to keep a friend company, but I wasn't ever very committed. I have never been baptised and was married in a register office. But I have long felt a something missing in my life and have been going to meeting at my local Society of Friends Meeting House. I didn't go this morning though, because I overslept and woke with a ghastly cold! I have found the silent waiting way of worship meets my particular needs. I am also reading C.S. Lewis' 'Mere Christianity' at the moment, which I think Harry would find thought-provoking. nell

Those of you who have used the LDS website and family history libraries... Have any of you been to that church on a Sunday?

Thanks Helen. will look that one up. unfortunately I have a shelf-ful of such?books in my attempts to re-find my faith. Been said in other contexts - the harder you try, the more elusive it becomes. Louise, interesting question. many thanks. Happy days

Harry, I came across this quite a few years ago. It may not help with your current situation, but is a nice reminder in a way: When I chance upon a church I pay a little visit So when at last my time has come The Lord won't say 'who is it?'

Hi Harry I dont believe in god. I think god is just an 'icon' for people to focus their beliefs and prayers, hence the vast amounts of different types of faiths, gods and religions. I do believe there is life after death and all that and I believe that we are just here to learn and grow before going onto 'the next level' so to speak. Religion is a very touchy subject - especially when people speak out against it. I think alot of the worlds problems are cause by conflicts with different religions and it does cause alot of wars. It has alot to answer for. I dont go to church, never got married in one and will be cremated at the local crematorium without a religious ceremony. Vikki xx

My faith left me when my brother died. 5 years ago. It might still be there somewhere - if it is i dont know where, and if it will return then i have no idea what will make its return. each to his own though - Jess

HI I dont go cos I do and dont believe in religion, I have read the bible and when I have questions no one can answer them. Only go cos of the usual, weddings etc. Regards Yvonne

Lots more interesting replies. Margaret - lovely verse. Faith may come back, but it,s been dormant for a good while now and i,m getting very , very old...... happy days

Harry Have you ever looked into humanism? Debby

I like the one where he says to the vicar that he doesn't go to church because it is full of hypocrites and the vicar replies no ,do come along there is always room for one more

Debby, No, an interesting thought though. Colin - excellent, very funny; very true. Happy days