I struggle with this. I am Christian, and I grew up Christian. While I lived under my parents' roof I went to church every Sunday and attended Sunday school since the day I was born. I was fine with this. After I moved out and went to college I began to go to church less and less on my own, but despite this my faith strengthened. My faith became my own, outside of the confines of organized religion. I have great spiritual discussions with my friends of varying faiths and pray daily. Some of my beliefs and biblical viewpoints differ from mainstream Christianity. This probably further perpetuates me shying away from regularly attending a church.
If I am visiting my parents (or inlaws) on a Sunday or religious holiday, we go to church. I do enjoy this. And on a rare occasion will attend a church on my own. I did this more often where we lived before (probably once a month), but since moving here I haven't found a church that I really like... probably find myself in a sanctuary 2 or 3 times a year. My husband grew up the same way as me, and also seems to feel similar now about not needing to attend. Though I know his personal faith has dwindled, so that's where we differ.
ANyways, the point of this thread is sort of to those who also feel like this, or to any Christian for that matter. Am I missing out? If I don't feel a huge desire to attend a church regularly, should I just leave it at that? Or should I push myself to go? Should I push my husband to go with me? For those that know my story they know he isn't here a lot, so I know that this would fall into the category of mostly a personal decision rather than a decision for our marriage. I'm just not sure how I feel additionally about being a regular attender as a married single person.
I do know it can be a wonderful community of support, but at the same time I do feel rather private and selective about who knows about my personal life. I also don't know if me not being as conservative or legalistic about my beliefs could cause tension and/or make it impossible for me to integrate. I don't want to be judged. The churches here are small and in the midst of the bible belt. I'm not sure if they have what I am looking for. The church that I attended before we moved was a large non-denominational church that was very modern in its worship and sermons. I didn't involve myself in any groups there though, just attended the services once every month or 2. They were very uplifting.
I'm not sure if I'm wondering if this will help more for myself or for my marriage. Or even if I should change my views. I don't know. Thoughts from my fellow believers?
If I am visiting my parents (or inlaws) on a Sunday or religious holiday, we go to church. I do enjoy this. And on a rare occasion will attend a church on my own. I did this more often where we lived before (probably once a month), but since moving here I haven't found a church that I really like... probably find myself in a sanctuary 2 or 3 times a year. My husband grew up the same way as me, and also seems to feel similar now about not needing to attend. Though I know his personal faith has dwindled, so that's where we differ.
ANyways, the point of this thread is sort of to those who also feel like this, or to any Christian for that matter. Am I missing out? If I don't feel a huge desire to attend a church regularly, should I just leave it at that? Or should I push myself to go? Should I push my husband to go with me? For those that know my story they know he isn't here a lot, so I know that this would fall into the category of mostly a personal decision rather than a decision for our marriage. I'm just not sure how I feel additionally about being a regular attender as a married single person.
I do know it can be a wonderful community of support, but at the same time I do feel rather private and selective about who knows about my personal life. I also don't know if me not being as conservative or legalistic about my beliefs could cause tension and/or make it impossible for me to integrate. I don't want to be judged. The churches here are small and in the midst of the bible belt. I'm not sure if they have what I am looking for. The church that I attended before we moved was a large non-denominational church that was very modern in its worship and sermons. I didn't involve myself in any groups there though, just attended the services once every month or 2. They were very uplifting.
I'm not sure if I'm wondering if this will help more for myself or for my marriage. Or even if I should change my views. I don't know. Thoughts from my fellow believers?
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