Please serious answers only! How can I find a church?

Question

I am trying to find a christian church or at least a denomination that holds the same beliefs as me.

I personally dont believe that the historical accuracy (or lack there of) of the Bible matters. Reguardless of wether or not, say the Flood, actually happeded i dont think it matters. I believe that what matters is the message of God's providence. I also believe in evolution and the Big Bang, but i believe that God controlled these processes. I believe that Christians need to shut up about people saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" and stop trying to persecute gays and just let them live a happy life the way they want to live it. I believe that God is pro-life meaning that he detests abortion, war, and the death penalty. I also believe that religion, and especially Christianity, need to stay out of government.

Am I alone in these feelings? Are there churches which are based on these principles?

Answer 1

There's three main ways in which people choose a church:

1. If you were raised in a church as a kid, and you like it, then stick with it. Or go where your friends go if you have church going friends.

2. Test drive various churches until you find one you like.

3. Do some homework on the various religions, denominations and pick the one that makes the most sense. Don't rely on this web page for serious advice -- it's full of trolls and fools.

Don't forget that people go to church for the same reason they go to taverns and bars -- so socialize. It's the herding instinct. You don't need a church to worship and you don't need a tavern to drink. People go to a particular church (or tavern) because they like the music, the people, the atmosphere, the pictures on the wall, whatever. I think you'll find that these things are more important to most folks than the religious doctrine.
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Answer 2

Very interesting question. Let me first address the your question of being alone in your feelings, then I'll move on to some of the others you posed.
No, I don't think you're alone in your feelings. For the most part I agree with you. I'm not sure if we are on the same page concerning homosexuality - I believe it is a choice, but I do agree with you that they should not be persecuted, but allowed to live the lifestyle they choose to live. No one has the right to take away free choice, but it doesn't mean that I have to agree with it. I also agree that no religion should have a governing/policy making influence in the running of our government, however I do believe that trying to ban someone from a specific religion from holding office just because they practice a certain religion is just as wrong.

I am not aware of a church who believes and is based strictly on these principles you have outlined. You will probably find several who hold some of the same principles, and do not mind if you hold the rest of them.

I know when I was searching for a church/religion I was in college and went to the library and found a reference book that had all the religions in the world in it with a one - two page write up about each one. It provided a good start in my quest and helped me narrow down what I DIDN'T want in a church/faith/religion.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I've been down this route before. In order to find a church, you have to visit it. You ask friends if they can recommend any or go visit the church's website. So many churches have their own websites now. Then visit and see what the people are like. Are they friendly? Did anyone notice you were the new guy and introduce themself? Since you know what you believe, which is a great start, ask to see the church's Statement of Faith. Every church should have this. It outlines what they believe as a church. Of course there will be slight denominational differences but I always believed that as along as we share the same basic beliefs, i.e., God the loving and merciful creator, Jesus the Son who died for all, eternal life through the Son, etc. -- you should be able to avoid the cults out there. Any church outside of those beliefs, run. Hope you find a good church home soon.

Answer 4

Well lets see how I can help... If you dont believe the Bible matters, Christianity may not be for you (that goes for the Christmas greetings too). The liberal ideas could be Christian tho, the Episcopals recently ordained a gay person. I am Catholic and we believe that God could have created the big band etc. But of course we are "for the bible" and Merry Christmas and not really liberal in your sense. But it sounds like you may be more for Eastern religions. Try googling "eastern religions" and see what you get. But the best way to find a place you fit in is to make a list of the churches / temples / etc in your area and visit each one. Talk to the people and see what they say. Good luck!

Answer 5

You will never find a True Christian "church" that takes your stand against The Bible.

I personaly can agree with you on most of the rest of your positions... though not exactly.

To find a "church" congrigation you can join you need to visit several. more than once. And also take part in some of their activities. on the first visit ask for a copy of their doctrinal statement and, if they have one, a copy of their constitution. Also determin the larger orginization they are affiliated with.. and check them out as well.

I invite you to read some of my pov on the different "flavors" of Christians. and my statements which you will find in the menu.
http://pages.zdnet.com/mikevanauken/outreach/id24.html

the joke about the Good Samaritan at the bottom will tell you I too take a bit of a different stand on some things than others of The Faith...

Answer 6

If you really want to find a church that believes in God and what He says, check out this website: www.church-of-christ.org. No matter where in the world you live, you can find a Church of Christ listed there. Good luck.

Answer 7

No, I don't think you're alone in your feelings.

Sounds like you need to do a little research. Research religions and denominations and the core tenets of each of them. Find one (or more than one) that comes close to the beliefs that ring true in your soul.

Then, go and visit these churches. Talk to the people there. When it feels good, then you're home.

Answer 8

Do you want a church that believes in the Word of God, the actual Truth or do you want "just a church" that believes in what you are influenced or taught? Do you believe in the Power of God? How bad do you want to know Him? Go to Him in prayer and He will direct you to where He will reveal all of your questions. He will lead you and put others in your path to let you find Him and settle the issues in your heart.

Answer 9

Unitarian Church.
They follow pretty much as you described and are about the most tolerant denomination of Christianity with the exception of the Amish and Mennonites.

Answer 10

You are not alone, I agree with most of what you have to say. All I can suggest is for you to visit different churches and see which one you like best. I cannot tell you which religion is most closely related to what you agree with. Good luck.