Protestant religion - would I be welcome?

Question

I used to go to Sunday school and was brough up as a Protestant. As I got older though, I rejected the church as I felt that I didn't agree with the concept. I saw lots of hypocrites there i.e. people who had sex before marriage taking sunday school classes. I didn't want to be such, and because I believed in sex before marriage I turned away from organised religion.

Now however, I feel that perhaps I made the wrong decision. I agree with a lot of what the church stands for, and I feel that many children today miss out on the valuable lessons that the church teaches. Would I be welcome in the church even if I don't believe in everything? I don't even know if I think it's right to pick and choose what you agree with. I'm really confused. Can anyone offer any advice?

I don't think you need a church to teach these lessons, but I think RE is lacking in schools today, and doesn't offer the type of spiritual guidance that I feel would be adventageous to children.

My personal belief is that it is only God that judges, so society and indeed the church should not judge, for instance, homosexuals. This is what I worry about.

Answer 1

I can offer you advice, but the choice is ultimately up to you.

I think it is GREAT that you are feeling like you might want to get back into church.

First of all - just so you know - there are still hypocrites in church - there always have been and there always will be.

I say that everywhere you go in life - not just church - there are going to be people who will not accept us as we are. So try not to let that ever be a motivating / un-motivating factor.

I think you don't need to be concerned with being picky and choosey at this time. What all you believe and don't...it's been awhile (from what I gather) and you probably just need some time to re-adjust - truth for you will be revealed as you venture on your new journey.

I DO think you should seriously follow the call on your heart and pray for guidance to find the right church. You might have to try a few until you know where you're supposed to be.

I offer thanksgiving that you are being called to re-new your thinking and are willing to even try again.

You have officially made my day - and it's still early!

Answer 2

My Dad was brought up in the C of E and was a Sunday School teacher. He became very disillusioned and wanted nothing More to do with religion but did feel it was important that his children learnt about the faith.

When Mam wanted us to go to a Sunday school, he said any but a C of E one. He never got over their offence.

However, the church closest to our home when I was a baby was a Pentecostal church, we moved across town and went to a Bethesda Sunday School - still evangelical.

I left when I was about 12 but when we moved yet again, I was invited to go to another Pentecostal church where I finally became a Christian - 24 years ago when I was 17.

I'm not saying Pentecostal churches are for everyone, they are very lively and up beat but I would recommend you do find an evangelical church ... Bethesda is one such. The Free Churches are evangelical as are Baptists and they run the full gamut from quiet to rip roaring, dancing in the isles.

I have been surrounded by evangelicals all my life and although we aren't perfect, we do try to live up to the standard the Bible lays down for the main part.

You're right we don't agree with premarital sex, however, we're all human and I gave in myself. The lovely thing is that it really doesn't matter what anyone else says. God loves me and He loves you and wants us to be comfortable with Him. If we know we've done wrong and apologise, fully intending not to repeat, then he forgives ... and then he forgives when we give in to temptation again ... and again.

I apologised to God and I haven't repeated the offence but I have done other things that He's not keen on ... there are no degrees of severity of sin, a white lie is a sin just the same as any other.

Anyone who doesn't welcome you into their church should be reminded that it's not their church, it's God's. Everyone should be made welcome. Christ spent more time with sinners and doubters than He did with those who thought themselves to be 'better than that'

What I would suggest (before you start nodding off) is that you see if you can have a chat with a local Pastor. I'm sure he'll jump at the chance of answering your questions. Don't go into anything blindly.

Answer 3

Sure there are a lot of hypocrites in Church because they really are not Christians, only posing as one. You probably fell away, or backslid, as it is commonly called because you were most likely a 'False Convert', one who didn't really slide forward in the first place, this happens a lot.

What has happened in the modern church is that they no longer preach on Sin, Judgment day, and the wrath to come to those who do not believe. It is not meant to be preached as 'Fire and Brimstone' but simply as the Bible so clearly puts it that all sin will be punished on Judgment day; no liars, no thieves, no fornicators, idolators, etc., will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

What is happening to you now is that your Conscience is bearing witness to your spirit that God is calling you back, he is a Gentleman and will not force you to do anything against your will, you must decide to go to him on your own.

As Jesus says, 'No man can enter into Heaven except by me'. So, if you are concerned about your eternal salvation, confess and repent (turn away) from your sins and put your Faith in Jesus. Become a real Christian this time and follow Jesus, when you do the Holy Spirit will come to comfort and give your the guidance you are seeking.

Think about it and read your Bible. For more thorough information and better said than I am capable of, go to 'The Way of the Master.com' website and you will find some pretty good information.

Answer 4

I am not sure what kind of Protestants you are talking about. In Europe nobody would get the idea to leave his/her church because of the question of sex before marriage. Well, I been told there are many very strict denominations in the USA, but also others. You just need to find out where you might be at home for the rest of your life.
I am a Lutheran Pastor in Italy, German mother language, and have served in Germany for a long time, but never been in any English-speaking country, just was told and have read a lot about the States. They are said to have so many little churches in your country, I am sure you find one to welcome you.

Answer 5

First off, if you didn't want to go to church because there were hypocrites there, then that was the dumbest reason ever! If they are hypocrites, where else do they need to be but in God's house to learn about Him? There are hypocrites at baseball games, the grocery store, your work, the mall, but you don't stop going to those places! "Hypocrites are at church" is just a cop-out for laziness or rebellion to God.

Second, any true church will accept you. They may not agree with you completely, but that's no reason to reject you. Sex outside of marriage is wrong, as is homosexuality, and should be taught against in EVERY church, as God speaks about it as well.

Now, children today DO INDEED miss out as you said. That is why I plead with people to go to church and be there for every service to set an example for today's young ones growing up. If we don't want rapists, gangsters, and criminals, then our society needs to quit raising them and get in church.

Amen, and amen!

now let's eat!

Answer 6

If you would like an honest "opinion" or "advice" from an open minded (on some things) and closed minded (on others) but out spoken Minister who does not belong to any denomination,

you are welcome to email me a list of the things you do and don't believe and I can give you a pretty good idea where you stand with different denominations.

And if you have questions I can tell you what I believe and teach, but the choice is yours.

I now live and minister in the Philippines so you don't have to worry about me showing up on your door.

In my 30 years of ministry I have studied with many denominations and have been ordained with several.

Rev. R. Ross

Answer 7

I'm quite certain they will welcome you. It is important to join in. To allow your church to become a part of your extended family. That's what religion means. Community.

Yes, picking and choosing (i.e., "cafeteria christianity") is frowned upon. However, experience has shown me over and over again, that ideals which most people dislike are simply things they do not understand.

So too - all faiths should welcome a challenge. If someone can politely and correctly articulate an opposing view of any theology - it is a wonderful gift! Hearty debate is satisfying and helps us grow. As long as it doesn't take a nose-dive into anger or hostility. It should always be done in the spirit of Christ. That is for good. Not to "prove a point" or to "get through to you that you are wrong."

If the church nearest you does not suit you, you should also feel comfortable traveling to one that does. One that feeds your soul.

Answer 8

There's lots of different protestant denominations out there. Some more strict than others.

In the little town I moved into, there are 2. I chose one, not necessarily 100% what I was taught as a kid, but as close as I think I'll get. . One Sunday morning, I walked in there with a smile on my face. Lots of people came over to greet me that morning. I still go there.

So, I feel sure you'll be welcomed into most any of them.

Answer 9

I would say that the amount of welcome would depend on the church. True Christians do not turn away sinners because that would mean all of us would not be allowed either.

Just because you attend Sunday School classes does not mean you are perfect. It means you are looking for answers to make you a better person.

I would recommend 'shopping' for a church. Go to different denominations and see what makes you most comfortable.

***shameless plug*** The United Methodist Church is a good place to start. We are very middle-of-the-road in most aspects.

Answer 10

As you get older you require more structure to your life, the rejections of your fathers beliefs are a normal process for young people, but as you get older you find your Dad wasn't so dumb, all religions is a set of rules that are to help you in life, you don't have to practise or preach them they are only guidelines for a smoother way of life. most people think in order for you to be saved you must fall to your knees and give our all to God,
Take a few seconds and imagine you were God in Heaven listening to all the prayers in the world,
how could he ever understand a man whose praying for a safe business decision against a kid that was praying for his mother who is dyeing of Cancer,
Gods no fool ,
religion is for our souls what we do with it , how far we go with it ,
is our choice,
but first we must all agree maybe we should really think about our personal requests from God,
Just consider others ,
that's all God wants,
Jew's Catholic protestants Muslim and all the rest it is the same God just another name Just live a good life be the best you can be. Honour thy Father and Mother,
all the rest will fall into place.
simple? I think not ,
but I truly believe you are headed in the proper area,
keep looking your getting warmer.