2008 Woodie Awards
Epiphanies
Religion and church
by Rebekah Scruggs
Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: Opinion
As a Christian, I realize that what I am about to talk about may sound like I'm a hypocrite or totally against my religion. This isn't true. I know that to speak against something usually isn't taken in a positive way, but if you hear me out, you might understand my reasoning.
Throughout years of attending church, I have learned a lot. I have a good understanding of the Bible, and I believe in it. However, there are aspects of some people's Christianity that I disagree with such as you have to attend church in order to be saved.
Since the church's creation, it has been the center of controversy. This is not only because it's a religious institution, but because of the controversies within the church community itself.
Most churches believe that when you attend their house of worship, you have to abide by their rules. I understand the rules of reverence and respect. These are two courtesies that go without saying. What I'm talking about is the fact that in some of today's churches, children who are a part of the youth aren't allowed to see their parents during service. This rule is followed out of respect for fellow worshipers and reverence of God. But what if it's an emergency?
Another rule I don't agree with is the must-tithe rule. In the Bible, God commands Christians to give 10 percent of everything they earn. This is not a ridiculous command, as 10 percent is only a small fraction of a person's earnings. But what if you need that money for something else such as groceries or rent? Most churches become angry if members of their congregations don't keep up with tithing. God commands 10 percent for the tithe. He also doesn't hold people to tithing if they need the money or want to bless someone else with it.
I hope no one sees me as a hypocrite or a "bad Christian" for speaking my mind. I feel that you don't need to belong to a church and follow their rules and regulations. Having a personal relationship with Christ is between you and him. I have enough faith to know that as long as I love God and believe in him, I don't have to belong to a church to prove it.
Throughout years of attending church, I have learned a lot. I have a good understanding of the Bible, and I believe in it. However, there are aspects of some people's Christianity that I disagree with such as you have to attend church in order to be saved.
Since the church's creation, it has been the center of controversy. This is not only because it's a religious institution, but because of the controversies within the church community itself.
Most churches believe that when you attend their house of worship, you have to abide by their rules. I understand the rules of reverence and respect. These are two courtesies that go without saying. What I'm talking about is the fact that in some of today's churches, children who are a part of the youth aren't allowed to see their parents during service. This rule is followed out of respect for fellow worshipers and reverence of God. But what if it's an emergency?
Another rule I don't agree with is the must-tithe rule. In the Bible, God commands Christians to give 10 percent of everything they earn. This is not a ridiculous command, as 10 percent is only a small fraction of a person's earnings. But what if you need that money for something else such as groceries or rent? Most churches become angry if members of their congregations don't keep up with tithing. God commands 10 percent for the tithe. He also doesn't hold people to tithing if they need the money or want to bless someone else with it.
I hope no one sees me as a hypocrite or a "bad Christian" for speaking my mind. I feel that you don't need to belong to a church and follow their rules and regulations. Having a personal relationship with Christ is between you and him. I have enough faith to know that as long as I love God and believe in him, I don't have to belong to a church to prove it.
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