Recovery4Me
MyPTSD Pro
@Junebug :hug::hug:
My opinion...
Churches (albeit for some are quintessential for community as well as spirituality) are just a building where people congregate...and sometimes God enters.;) Much has to do with the leadership, over all congregation and if religiosity prevails with right- fight thinking concerning Old Testament Law versus New Testaments of grace with tolerance. Churches centered on minor precepts are often deemed cults by theological study.
So when wrestling with ‘a longing’, spiritual call or emptiness inside it becomes an deeply personal choice that may be found for the individual within teachings of the chosen Higher Power or within the some type of community or fold. With that being said, may I offer some love and support of who you are already- along with your journey of daily spiritual navigation.
Not everyone receives an deity in the same fashion, embraces life in the same manner or has the same need sets. That is why the deity relationship is considered a personal testimony or search. Your feelings of not fitting in among the congregation may be from the PTSD, principles variation, from some root of inner self criticism or perhaps the church just may not fit your needs in the moment.
Being LGBTQ for me, presented several quagmires in fitting in among some churches if I was to be authentic. There is finally tolerance within some buildings or church denominations which allow membership. They are mostly Methodist (no disrespect) in this geographical area which is why I often chose sermons on-line or on TV to worship.
I am glad that you attend and hope you find peace. Xx
My opinion...
Churches (albeit for some are quintessential for community as well as spirituality) are just a building where people congregate...and sometimes God enters.;) Much has to do with the leadership, over all congregation and if religiosity prevails with right- fight thinking concerning Old Testament Law versus New Testaments of grace with tolerance. Churches centered on minor precepts are often deemed cults by theological study.
So when wrestling with ‘a longing’, spiritual call or emptiness inside it becomes an deeply personal choice that may be found for the individual within teachings of the chosen Higher Power or within the some type of community or fold. With that being said, may I offer some love and support of who you are already- along with your journey of daily spiritual navigation.
Not everyone receives an deity in the same fashion, embraces life in the same manner or has the same need sets. That is why the deity relationship is considered a personal testimony or search. Your feelings of not fitting in among the congregation may be from the PTSD, principles variation, from some root of inner self criticism or perhaps the church just may not fit your needs in the moment.
Being LGBTQ for me, presented several quagmires in fitting in among some churches if I was to be authentic. There is finally tolerance within some buildings or church denominations which allow membership. They are mostly Methodist (no disrespect) in this geographical area which is why I often chose sermons on-line or on TV to worship.
I am glad that you attend and hope you find peace. Xx