This entry is in no way artistic – so you have been warned.
Yes I am unashamedly a Christian, I find no other even slightly reasonable answer to the great questions of life; but do not misunderstand me. I am NOT pro church; in fact I think 99.9% of the time church sucks. But Jesus rocks.
I am totally fed up with what most churches are on about – maintaining the institution. Christ centred Christianity is about relationship Jesus and each other. These things I am very pro.
This is not an uneducated nor and inexperienced voice. I have been a part of the beast called the church for over 50 years & I have two degrees in theology. Most of what is talked about in church is concerned with building the institution, something we are NEVER charged to do, or maintaining the institution, something which takes too much energy, corruption, manipulation and money.
Even the churches that say outwardly that they are not about buildings and programs, eventually get around to being about building and maintaining something.
What about relationships? People do not know each other nearly well enough, let alone care about one another. E.g. I had a few days away (a very rare treat) which went over a weekend, so we missed church two weeks in a row & 6-7 days of RB. I did NOT receive any communication from church folks, but quite a number of fellow RBers asked if all was OK? So pat yourselves on the back & if you are a church member try to take that caring into that community too, or else what future does the church have… not much.
Regards & blessings to all
Max :)
Carol & Kev Ha..., 4 months ago
Well said Max, I consider myself to be of christian values, but never go to church, find them all too hypocritical for me….my motto is to always treat others as you would like to be treated…..
Maximus in reply to Carol & Kev Haberle’s comment, 4 months ago
yes Carol I fully understand that, I suppose I long for close relationships with like minded folks. :)
SharonD, 4 months ago
Well written Maximus.A lot of churches are dead nowdays.So many have changed God’s word to please the people.They just want pew warmers. A relationship with Christ should be foremost in every Christians life.The greatest commandment is LOVE.
Maximus in reply to SharonD’s comment, 4 months ago
Maybe I just getting old, but the genuine care I feel here on RB is stronger than that of most churches I have ever been connected to.
Max :)
Warren Anthon..., 4 months ago
I hear you Max and agree with you.
Take care.
Maximus in reply to Warren Anthony Williams’s comment, 4 months ago
Thanx Warren, one of your visits we will eventually meet up. :)
PhotogeniquE IPA, 4 months ago
AMEN
My wife, Jan (gothgirl) and I hold very similar views to this
For those whom conventional, denominational church, ‘floats their boat’, we have no argument whatsoever. We are striving to find a different way to be ‘Church’; we are still striving!
Interesting what you say about the care you feel within RB; I agree entirely. The only sadness is that we are all spread out around the world and may never, in this life anyway, ever meet.
I regard the LIVING CHRITIANITY GROUP? as Church; virtual though it may be. It is two or three gathering together, just in a different way.
Maximus in reply to PhotogeniquE IPA’s comment, 4 months ago
Thanx Dave, I am constantly amazed at the genuineness of these global Christians. :)
beast, 4 months ago
I myself am of atheistic persuasion, but I can see exactly what you are saying, too much of what used to be ‘sacred’ or special to people is now becoming institutionalised and impersonal, and its not just confined to the churches but community spaces and more. Well written max, and good points.
Randy Monteith, 4 months ago
Max – In No way shape or from am I religious , but I do like people that go out of their way for others. Glad to hear your doing well. Just remember I’ll never throw you to the lions !
gothgirl, 4 months ago
you were missed and I was about to contact you when I saw infinity. It is this sort of contact that is so important – that someone cannot slip under the radar and go missing.
Bootiewootsy, 4 months ago
Very nicely written . I agree with you… Caring about each other is so important.
Maximus in reply to gothgirl’s comment, 4 months ago
Thanx Jan, you & Dave are awesome. :)
Maximus in reply to Randy Monteith’s comment, 4 months ago
Randy, I wouldn’t say I’m religious either – just a person of faith – but I do like honesty & taking people as they are. :)
Maximus in reply to Bootiewootsy’s comment, 4 months ago
Sure is, appreciate your candor. :)
Maximus in reply to beast’s comment, 4 months ago
Thanx beast… feels a liittle strange calling you beast! :)
GailD, 4 months ago
All too true Max. Church is a body of people. A ’’relationship’’ with Jesus & people. Not an institution or a set of rules (I know we do need guidelines though). I often think Jesus would be so sad if he saw the ’’church’ today. It’s not how he ’’did’ church.
Maximus in reply to GailD’s comment, 4 months ago
Just airing some frustration Gail… thanx for your comment. :)
Olga, 4 months ago
You are right on Max. Church is so man-made and orchestrated today… I believe the only church will stand is the one literally LEAD by the HOLY SPIRIT! And it should be the same with the relationships between the saints.
susan davies, 4 months ago
i beleive in god, jesus, bible but church know as i feel and this is just me many views are not bible based, so i wiill be judged on me, dont know if thats a good or bad thing mind lol
Susie Mac, 4 months ago
Wonderful piece of writing Max and i agree totally… i too am a Christian… i have been so disillusioned with the churches in my area that i went to that i am not a church goer at the moment…. i am not ashamed of that tho…because i feel God will lead me to a church i will feel comfortable with in His time… my relationship with God and Jesus is optimum!!! I felt exactly the same about my last church …. when a friend of mine with mental health issues had problems, she got more love and attention from neighbours, professionals and myself. I was the only one from our church who contacted her. That was my decision to leave there. I am so glad you posted this Maximus God Bless Susie :) <><
Maximus in reply to Susie Mac’s comment, 4 months ago
Know what you mean, I have suffered from depression for more than 30 years but the curch just doesn’t want to know, & when I was a Pastor I just could not tell anyone. bless ya :)
Phil Thomson IPA, 4 months ago
“Preach, Brother !!!” Well said, Max !!! I hear what you are saying and agree too, especially with a lot of the sentiments expressed above. The Body of Christ is the people and community, and not just the buildings etc., and many people find they have fellowship and ministries that extend a lot further and wider than the “four walls”and often have a more profound effect on those around us, either in business(as we did in the 80’s with our motel ) workplaces and in the street, by Divine appointments. I agree with Olga and that we, as a Body should be led by the Holy Spirit. I,like you have found a lot more fellowship here on RB especially in the L.C. group.
God’s Blessings on you for raising the issue and being prepared to make a stand and may He watch over you and continue to empower you in the days ahead…. Phil
Maximus in reply to Olga’s comment, 4 months ago
Oh to be free of the institution… :)
Maximus in reply to susan davies’s comment, 4 months ago
Maybe I’m the wrong person to respond, but I would keep away from Church & hook up with the likes of Gothgirl etc.
Maximus in reply to Phil Thomson IPA’s comment, 4 months ago
Thank you Phil, I got to the end of my tether last weekend & had to write something somewhere. The love & kindness here has been very touching.
Max :)
susan davies, 4 months ago
i dont bother with church, i have my beleiefs based on a religion however im no longer a member of that religion even tho i firmly endorse their beleifs as in my opinion they follow the bible including not going to war so as they say never talk politics or religion so on that note lol
susan davies, 4 months ago
i dont bother with church, i have my beleiefs based on a religion however im no longer a member of that religion even tho i firmly endorse their beleifs as in my opinion they follow the bible including not going to war so as they say never talk politics or religion so on that note lol
Maximus in reply to susan davies’s comment, 4 months ago
I think my Tshirt says it all… bless you :)
Susie Mac, 4 months ago
Hi Maximus, bless ya too… i too suffer from depression… same story as yours about the church…no support… i found the only friend i could talk to is Jesus!! Susie :)
C J Lewis, 4 months ago
Good on you Max for saying what you have above. It is very true the church organisations do only consider their own staff, not necessarily the members of their congregation apart from the tithes they get off them…have had a number of interesting encounters myself over the years with different denominations.
Maximus in reply to C J Lewis’s comment, 4 months ago
Bless you Chris, I just keep my relationship with the Father in tact and don’t worry about much else these days. :)
C J Lewis, 4 months ago
Know what you mean Max…have done that all my life…and told off a lot of Church authorities…of different denominations…lol :)