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CMatt25
Guest
Summer, I hope and pray your serious family crisis had a good resolution. And amen to Christians all being Christians and for love, care, and prayer for one another. Peace.
- Status
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BMCD
Guest
Well you guys made it the whole thread without be chiming in, but I felt the need to do that here. I have been Church of Christ my entire life and attended Church of Christ schools from preschool through college, so I feel that I am a good source on this subject.
First, it has been pointed out in this thread that the CofC varies quite a bit from one congregation to the next, and that is very true.
Second, I listened to a sermon a year or so ago from out preacher, who was trained at Alabama Bible College (now Faulkner), about the Trinity. In his sermon he went through all the different views of the Trinity and then said that the Catholic Church has the correct view on the Trinity and then said that is who we should look to on that matter. I would hardly call that viewing the Catholic Church as the end product of total apostasy.
Third, it is quite sad that your family views Catholics with utter hatred. The Church of Christ people who raised me would have had a terrible time at all of the Cathedrals in Europe if they felt that way.
Some of the people I admire most spiritually are Catholics and it was that way before I started considering converting to Catholicism. I’ll put it this way, I have never considered becoming Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc. My upbringing had a lot to do with that.
Yes the Church of Christ does take sola scriptura to an extreme level, but my congregation has never jumped on the statuary and icon thing. It may have something to do with our backlighted cross behind the baptistry.
I just felt the need to chime in and point out that the Church of Christ is very diverse due to no governing body. Colleges and Universities keep the belief system roughly in check, but things vary wildly from one congregation to the other. Just because someone attends a Church of Christ does not mean that they hate Catholics or believe they are the only ones going to heaven.
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CMatt25
Guest
It’s always good to hear from an “actual” as a source whichever faith is being discussed. My mother was Catholic and one of her good friends was CoC. Her friend’s son was the preacher at the CoC in town. My Catholic mother and her CoC friend were also friends with women who were Baptist, UMC, Presbyterian to name a few. No one hated anyone.
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BMCD
Guest
No one hating anyone has been my experience. I enjoy fellowship with fellow Christians whether they be Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Church of Christ, etc. My Church of Christ sister doesn’t care what denomination puts on her weekly Bible study, she is just glad that someone is putting it on. When someone has a sick loved one they don’t care what denomination prays for them, they are just touched that someone cares enough to pray for them. Sure there are some things denominations don’t agree on, but there is much more that unites us than divides us.
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solarguy17
Guest
JustaServant - Apparently I have ruffled a feather or two. You seem to be upset about some or all of what I said. I actually don’t think for the most part what I said about the formation of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church most Catholics would disagree with. It is a fact that NT doesn’t mention the concept of a Priest being in charge of a Christian church, or a Bishop being in charge of multiple church, or the Pope being in charge of the whole of the church.
If it clearly says it some where in the NT that I am many other non-Catholic Christians would be very interested, but that simply is the truth about what the Bible says regarding the organization of the church. And remember, yes, I did do my own interpolation or multiple different books coming from different point of views but I also realize I could be in error as to the formation of the Catholic Church. And ultimently, how the Catholic Church came to be today or in 400AD really doesn’t matter one bit.
Also, I never mentioned anything about faith and works or the concept of Eucharist vs Communion.
1 - I do agree with faith without works is pointless. I don’t know why you implied that me or non-Catholics believe that only faith is needed. I simply think that is a false premise. Yes, there are plenty of people that believe that either faith or works are all that is needed, but those people are wrong. And both are needed.
2 - As far as Eucharist/Communion goes. The church of Christ members believe that the bread and wine (grape juice actually) are symbolic of Christ’s shed blood and flesh. The is a pretty complicated topic from whichever view point you have. But the basic reason hinges on 2 things, one Christ first broke bread and drank the wine prior to his death, if they are real presence that action doesn’t make sense. The 2nd main reason is because of the phrase “in remembrance of me”, this phrase is similar to phrases in the OT in which people made alters to remember specific events. Obviously the alter is a physically the same as the event but reminds people of the event when they see or use the alter.
Obviously this is a pretty complicated topic and those 3 lines aren’t going to completely explain it and of course their are verses that explain this better. And being that I’m not a theological scholar, I couldn’t argue or explain it best anyway.
If you are truly interested in know why we believe communion is to be symbolic then I would suggest talking to an elder or preacher at a local church of Christ.
Like said earlier. I’m not attempting to convince or prove anyone wrong, just trying to explain what the church of Christ teaches and in particular what I believe.
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PumpkinSeed
Guest
Everyday I hear of new churches and new denominations.
Why are they always sprouting? Why are there so many different denominations? Who is thinking them up? I don’t understand why we need more and more. There’s 100s of different Christian denominations and I think that is just insane. What is the point? Why? Who needs that many?
Why are they always sprouting? Why are there so many different denominations? Who is thinking them up? I don’t understand why we need more and more. There’s 100s of different Christian denominations and I think that is just insane. What is the point? Why? Who needs that many?
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solarguy17
Guest
Actually for non-institution churches, the most popular college is Florida College in temple terrace, FL. They have a very good preaching program and very good Bible courses. However, most of the preachers and elders I have met taught themselves or were taught by other brothers.
Its interesting because I can tell when preacher went to FC because their styles are very similar and laced with loads of Bible verses (mind you, not a bad thing) but it does appear sometimes that are a bit anal-retentive with greek word meanings and such.
I would argue when it come to God and His church, there is no nonsense. Everything should be looked at very closely to ensure it is truly what God wants.
This is something I have put a lot of thought into and discussion because of that exact reason. The reason I was given for multiple cups was because THE CUP mentioned is the actual juice and not the actually a literal cup. Personally I don’t think it matters because of that reason.
Again, somewhat completed, but the basic thought is what is the purpose of the building, If you meeting house then the church money wasn’t used to purchase a kitchen. Or a fellowship hall. But again a complicated not very easy to understand topic.
Also, what is golden theory?
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CMatt25
Guest
Brother, I’m far from being CoC but amen! You bringing up praying for the sick reminded me of when my Catholic mother was in the hospital many yrs ago. A Presbyterian pastor who was beloved by the whole community and who the Catholic priest in town was good friends with, was making his hospital rounds and saw my mother’s name on the patient list. He stopped by her room and asked if she minded if he prayed with her. Of course not. James taught to pray for one another afterall!
No one hating anyone has been my experience. I enjoy fellowship with fellow Christians whether they be Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Church of Christ, etc. My Church of Christ sister doesn’t care what denomination puts on her weekly Bible study, she is just glad that someone is putting it on. When someone has a sick loved one they don’t care what denomination prays for them, they are just touched that someone cares enough to pray for them. Sure there are some things denominations don’t agree on, but there is much more that unites us than divides us.
God bless and peace.
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buinuepope
Guest
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SaintPatrick333
Guest
Actually there are tens of thousands. And isn’t it obvious who is thinking them up? Satan. Look how much division is sown between brothers in Christ. With every new “church” that’s just one more obstacle in the way of unity and reuniting Christendom. Ultimately the Catholic Church will win out because this is the one Church Christ created and the one Church Christ intends everyone to be in. Our countless protestant and non denominational brothers and sisters out there are (for the most part) earnestly searching for Christ with all their heart. It is because they do this that they will eventually find their way back to the Catholic Church and the Communion of Saints.
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novusCatholic
Guest
*“Jesus replied: In all truth I tell you, before Abraham ever was, I am.” - John 8:58
“In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God.” - John 1:1*
The Real Presence before the crucifixion can indeed make sense when you consider that God is not bound by time. Jesus said this “is” my body…
Considering first century Jewish culture and their beliefs about the Passover, the Manna from heaven, the Bread of the Presence, and the sacrifices at the Temple… It all provides strong support for the Church’s teachings on the Real Presense.
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summer1052
Guest
You have a backlit cross in your auditorium? Liberal! 
I remember a brouhaha over whether or no to do that in a congregation. The spirit and truth and no externals group won out.
Solarguy, thanks for illustrating my points! I would offer that many c o C folks I know – and I’m NOT tagging you specifically – are good at this kind of discussion, and straining at gnats and swallowing camels. My own POV is that some details are not mentioned in the NT because they simply weren’t relevant. We are to be baptized, but details of sprinkling, dunking, white robes, loincloths, etc. are not discussed because they are not the point. The baptism is.
The 'golden theory" which you reference is a common phrase called the “Golden Thread”. Among Restorationists, there is a popular belief in a “Golden Thread” of believers throughout history who rejected their contemporary Christianity and “kept alive” the “true” form of Christianity Jesus left the Disciples. Those people who did that, who shared opinions with the Restoration Movement, are therefore the only “true” Christians. There is no historical or scriptural proof for this. I’ve been looking for 30 years.
The Catholic POV is that there IS a Golden Thread of believers, who have been doing what the early church did. And they are Catholic. That’s why we say, “One, holy, catholic (universal) and Apostolic (as handed down directly from the Apostles) Church.”
C o C ers who have posted here, welcome! But don’t expect to proselytize. We’re glad for your (name removed by moderator)ut, but please don’t inform us of our errors in faith, as you see them. This is a Catholic forum. And realize that those of us who reconciled to Catholicism from the c o C will have different experiences with the c o C than you did. That doesn’t make us wrong, it makes us different.
Love,
Summer
I remember a brouhaha over whether or no to do that in a congregation. The spirit and truth and no externals group won out.Solarguy, thanks for illustrating my points! I would offer that many c o C folks I know – and I’m NOT tagging you specifically – are good at this kind of discussion, and straining at gnats and swallowing camels. My own POV is that some details are not mentioned in the NT because they simply weren’t relevant. We are to be baptized, but details of sprinkling, dunking, white robes, loincloths, etc. are not discussed because they are not the point. The baptism is.
The 'golden theory" which you reference is a common phrase called the “Golden Thread”. Among Restorationists, there is a popular belief in a “Golden Thread” of believers throughout history who rejected their contemporary Christianity and “kept alive” the “true” form of Christianity Jesus left the Disciples. Those people who did that, who shared opinions with the Restoration Movement, are therefore the only “true” Christians. There is no historical or scriptural proof for this. I’ve been looking for 30 years.
The Catholic POV is that there IS a Golden Thread of believers, who have been doing what the early church did. And they are Catholic. That’s why we say, “One, holy, catholic (universal) and Apostolic (as handed down directly from the Apostles) Church.”
C o C ers who have posted here, welcome! But don’t expect to proselytize.
We’re glad for your (name removed by moderator)ut, but please don’t inform us of our errors in faith, as you see them. This is a Catholic forum. And realize that those of us who reconciled to Catholicism from the c o C will have different experiences with the c o C than you did. That doesn’t make us wrong, it makes us different.Love,
Summer
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andrewstx
Guest
I came to the Orthodox Catholic church from reading and studying history in my freshman history class in high school. The teacher was a Baptist, not Catholic, and this was a secular public school.
When it came to the history of the medival and renaisence the church was reffered to often and it was obvious which church he was talking about, the only church that existed in the west.
When one examines history subjectively it becomes obvious that the very founding basis of the Campbellites is non-sense, the apostacy/restoration theory is absolutely false.
Putting is simply it is impossible to “restore” or bring back to being something that never existed. And a clergyless group poring over the bible seeking permission for ever tiny thing, never existed.
The Campbellite idea of the original chrurch could have never happened when the bible would not be canonised for nearly 400 years, when the majority was illiterate, and when all books were written by hand and very expensive makes the apostacy/restoration theory ludicrous from the outset.
The true history of the so-called “churches of Christ” is a series of schisms from schisms from schisms.
The “restorers” were from the Presbyterian chruch of Scotland. They broke away to the seceders Presbyterian church, then they broke away to be part of the Baptist church to establish the Disciples of Christ, there is one episode of sucessfull reunion when the southern Disciples of Christ united with the New England Christian church to become the Christian church Disciples of Christ. The civil war ensued when the southeners who could not afford organs for their churches decided that pipe organs were an “unauthorised innovation”.
More factors entered into the equation, like seminaries, inter-congregational missionary societies, calling the ministers Reverend and Pastor. And then another schism happened when the churches of Christ schismed from the Disciples.
And then the csofC splintered into more denominations which I have already pointed out.
Intstituional vs anti institutional, sunday school. one cup vs multi cup. kitchen vs anti kitchen etc.
It just goes on and on and on.
The reason I think for the extreme anti-Catholicism is that the Campbells and Stone origiginally were from Ulster where virulent hatred for Catholics is still current.
In the end I think the csof c majors in minors.
When it came to the history of the medival and renaisence the church was reffered to often and it was obvious which church he was talking about, the only church that existed in the west.
When one examines history subjectively it becomes obvious that the very founding basis of the Campbellites is non-sense, the apostacy/restoration theory is absolutely false.
Putting is simply it is impossible to “restore” or bring back to being something that never existed. And a clergyless group poring over the bible seeking permission for ever tiny thing, never existed.
The Campbellite idea of the original chrurch could have never happened when the bible would not be canonised for nearly 400 years, when the majority was illiterate, and when all books were written by hand and very expensive makes the apostacy/restoration theory ludicrous from the outset.
The true history of the so-called “churches of Christ” is a series of schisms from schisms from schisms.
The “restorers” were from the Presbyterian chruch of Scotland. They broke away to the seceders Presbyterian church, then they broke away to be part of the Baptist church to establish the Disciples of Christ, there is one episode of sucessfull reunion when the southern Disciples of Christ united with the New England Christian church to become the Christian church Disciples of Christ. The civil war ensued when the southeners who could not afford organs for their churches decided that pipe organs were an “unauthorised innovation”.
More factors entered into the equation, like seminaries, inter-congregational missionary societies, calling the ministers Reverend and Pastor. And then another schism happened when the churches of Christ schismed from the Disciples.
And then the csofC splintered into more denominations which I have already pointed out.
Intstituional vs anti institutional, sunday school. one cup vs multi cup. kitchen vs anti kitchen etc.
It just goes on and on and on.
The reason I think for the extreme anti-Catholicism is that the Campbells and Stone origiginally were from Ulster where virulent hatred for Catholics is still current.
In the end I think the csof c majors in minors.
B
BMCD
Guest
My congregation gets called liberal quite a bit.You have a backlit cross in your auditorium? Liberal!
You don’t have to worry about me trying to proselytize.C o C ers who have posted here, welcome! But don’t expect to proselytize.
I came to this forum about four years ago to learn more about the Catholic faith. I went to a Catholic wedding and I became curious. As I dug deeper I started to think about the history of Christianity. That search made me consider converting to Catholicism. The problem is I have learned that in order to be Catholic I would have to agree with everything the Church teaches and I currently do not. The things I disagree with the Catholic Church on are actually very few in number, but those items are a topic for another day.I actually don’t buy much of what the Church of Christ teaches. It has gotten to the point where I show up about once a month or so. I love seeing everyone and being around good people, but I don’t agree with them. That said I felt the need to post in this thread because a good portion of my family is very active in the Church of Christ. They may not agree with the Catholic Church on some matters, but they certainly don’t hate it.
The problem with the Church of Christ and the church of Christ is that each congregation can vary wildly. My congregation will show the lyrics to the hymns on a big screen, dim the lights, put a spotlight on the baptistry for a baptism, and sometimes have a guy with a booming voice read scripture from the sound room while putting the spotlight on an empty podium. Other congregations will make women wear head coverings and would be appalled at the thought of using a spotlight during worship. In my experience the little c churches of Christ are more conservative than the big C Churches of Christ, and the bigger congregations are typically more liberal than the smaller congregations. I think this is why you see such a wide array of experiences with current and former members of this particular group in this thread.
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andrewstx
Guest
The story of my association with the csofC is brief and unhappy. I was raised by my mother and very abusive step dad until I was 16, and he threw me out.
Then I went to stay with my dad, and equally abusive step mother. She was cofC and insanely jealous of myself and my grandmother.
For three weeks I was allowed to explore church and religion on my own.
After that I was forced to go to the CofC, institutional, sunday school, multi shot glass branch.
I had never been baptised, yet I knew from my studies with Catholics and Lutherans that I had to be baptised. So even though I dissagreed with the cofC about age and ammount of water, I allowed them to dunk me.
When I graduated high school I got “home” to realise my belongings were packed and I was never allowed to spend another night.
As soon as I was away I instantly fled the “church of Christ”, never to return.
When step-mom found out that I Had left the cofC denomiation for another I was told that I had left Christ and his only church and would go to hell.
When my Father died I was allowed to spend a night at last, following the 2 1/2 hour funeral I learned that I had been disinherited and disowned.
When step-mom died I only learned from the obit in the newspaper.
Now the only contact I have is when step-sister has a letter to the editor, infoming everyone one the CofC is the only valid church and shoulding others for dishonesty. This from a person who stole everypiece of grans jewelry when she died.
Bitter? Me?
Then I went to stay with my dad, and equally abusive step mother. She was cofC and insanely jealous of myself and my grandmother.
For three weeks I was allowed to explore church and religion on my own.
After that I was forced to go to the CofC, institutional, sunday school, multi shot glass branch.
I had never been baptised, yet I knew from my studies with Catholics and Lutherans that I had to be baptised. So even though I dissagreed with the cofC about age and ammount of water, I allowed them to dunk me.
When I graduated high school I got “home” to realise my belongings were packed and I was never allowed to spend another night.
As soon as I was away I instantly fled the “church of Christ”, never to return.
When step-mom found out that I Had left the cofC denomiation for another I was told that I had left Christ and his only church and would go to hell.
When my Father died I was allowed to spend a night at last, following the 2 1/2 hour funeral I learned that I had been disinherited and disowned.
When step-mom died I only learned from the obit in the newspaper.
Now the only contact I have is when step-sister has a letter to the editor, infoming everyone one the CofC is the only valid church and shoulding others for dishonesty. This from a person who stole everypiece of grans jewelry when she died.
Bitter? Me?
B
BMCD
Guest
That is a very sad story. 
The only semi-positive thing that happened in that story is that a C of C baptism is considered valid by the Catholic Church. I don’t know about the Orthodox.
One thing that I find ironic about the step-mother is that the C of C is very dogmatic when it comes to divorce. They do allow divorce, but only for adultery. I have even seen some congregations refuse to perform second marriage ceremonies if both parties to the divorce are still living. While I have no intention of judging the divorced and remarried, I simply find it strange that someone so rabid in their C of C beliefs would be in a category that is somewhat ostracized by likewise members of that particular group.
I have seen some very judgmental people in the C of C (as well as other denominations) who love to condemn others for disagreeing with their particular group while hardly living the Christian life. Some people love to use religion to feel superior to others, but they don’t practice the religion themselves. Those people tend to appear in every religious group in my experience.
At the same time I have seen people in the C of C (as well as other denominations) who do incredible acts of charity. People who spend all night preparing meals for the hungry. People who go to foreign countries to bring food and medical supplies to the needy. People who are there at the hospital for the family of someone who is in the final moments of his or her life. Fortunately those people also tend to appear in every religious group in my experience.
The only semi-positive thing that happened in that story is that a C of C baptism is considered valid by the Catholic Church. I don’t know about the Orthodox.
One thing that I find ironic about the step-mother is that the C of C is very dogmatic when it comes to divorce. They do allow divorce, but only for adultery. I have even seen some congregations refuse to perform second marriage ceremonies if both parties to the divorce are still living. While I have no intention of judging the divorced and remarried, I simply find it strange that someone so rabid in their C of C beliefs would be in a category that is somewhat ostracized by likewise members of that particular group.
I have seen some very judgmental people in the C of C (as well as other denominations) who love to condemn others for disagreeing with their particular group while hardly living the Christian life. Some people love to use religion to feel superior to others, but they don’t practice the religion themselves. Those people tend to appear in every religious group in my experience.
At the same time I have seen people in the C of C (as well as other denominations) who do incredible acts of charity. People who spend all night preparing meals for the hungry. People who go to foreign countries to bring food and medical supplies to the needy. People who are there at the hospital for the family of someone who is in the final moments of his or her life. Fortunately those people also tend to appear in every religious group in my experience.
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andrewstx
Guest
I assure you everyword I said about my history with the cofC is true.That is a very sad story.
The only semi-positive thing that happened in that story is that a C of C baptism is considered valid by the Catholic Church. I don’t know about the Orthodox.
One thing that I find ironic about the step-mother is that the C of C is very dogmatic when it comes to divorce. They do allow divorce, but only for adultery. I have even seen some congregations refuse to perform second marriage ceremonies if both parties to the divorce are still living. While I have no intention of judging the divorced and remarried, I simply find it strange that someone so rabid in their C of C beliefs would be in a category that is somewhat ostracized by likewise members of that particular group.
I have seen some very judgmental people in the C of C (as well as other denominations) who love to condemn others for disagreeing with their particular group while hardly living the Christian life. Some people love to use religion to feel superior to others, but they don’t practice the religion themselves. Those people tend to appear in every religious group in my experience.
At the same time I have seen people in the C of C (as well as other denominations) who do incredible acts of charity. People who spend all night preparing meals for the hungry. People who go to foreign countries to bring food and medical supplies to the needy. People who are there at the hospital for the family of someone who is in the final moments of his or her life. Fortunately those people also tend to appear in every religious group in my experience.
When I arrived on the scene my dad and step mom did not go to church at all, they drank and stepmom was a ciggarette addict. Both huge no-nos amoungst cofcers, and the congregation they attended was very large with a reputation amoung other cofcers in the area as being “liberal”.
My dad dreamed of becoming an elder, but the divorce and that I was an “unbeleiving child” made that impossible for him.
The Orthodox of course accepted my baptism, they use dunking as well.
My step-sister was divorced and remarried as well, and so was one of her daughters.
I am not aware of other cofC congs, and I am not aware if they cooked all night for others.
You may find it odd my family being accepted with all the divorces and remmariges, all I know is that particular congregation has never “disfellowshiped” any one.
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summer1052
Guest
A baptism from a c o C will be accepted by the Catholic church ONLY if done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A few c o Cs baptize in the name of Jesus only, and that would not be acceptable.
How odd that divorce and remarriage were allowed, and not disfellowshipped. As a child of divorced parents, I was often asked if I had repented of my parents’ sin.
Unfortunately, the c o C does have a reputation (along with other churches, and some pre Vatican II Catholic folks) of “shooting their wounded”. We forget about charity in our quest for purity. When I found it necessary to leave and divorce my first husband due to his chronic violent behavior, I was counseled endlessly about Pauline doctrine on “submission” of wives, but they conveniently forgot it was supposed to be mutual submission of spouses to each other, and to God.
It was my love of Scripture, and questions I had about the same that led me to “rabble rousing” – asking questions they could not answer, which eventually led to being dis fellowshipped, which led to years of study and prayer. That eventually led me here.
But not without bumps in the road. The first priest I spoke with about Annulment, RCIA, reconciling to the Church, etc., advised me to just become Episcopalian instead, as it was “a lot easier, and almost the same, except without the Pope.” That put a kink in my tail for some time. But I realized his problems didn’t need to become mine, and had nothing to do with my own faith.
The c o C has many, many fine people in it. And a belief system based on circular logic, misinformation about Catholic teaching, and often, a limited exposure to Classical thinking. But God in His heaven rejoices at their singing! And he loves us all very much. I don’t think it’s the “error” of one way or the other that matters, it’s the obstinacy of refusing to learn, and refusal of charity that gets us in real trouble.
With Love,
Summer
How odd that divorce and remarriage were allowed, and not disfellowshipped. As a child of divorced parents, I was often asked if I had repented of my parents’ sin.
Unfortunately, the c o C does have a reputation (along with other churches, and some pre Vatican II Catholic folks) of “shooting their wounded”. We forget about charity in our quest for purity. When I found it necessary to leave and divorce my first husband due to his chronic violent behavior, I was counseled endlessly about Pauline doctrine on “submission” of wives, but they conveniently forgot it was supposed to be mutual submission of spouses to each other, and to God.
It was my love of Scripture, and questions I had about the same that led me to “rabble rousing” – asking questions they could not answer, which eventually led to being dis fellowshipped, which led to years of study and prayer. That eventually led me here.
But not without bumps in the road. The first priest I spoke with about Annulment, RCIA, reconciling to the Church, etc., advised me to just become Episcopalian instead, as it was “a lot easier, and almost the same, except without the Pope.”
That put a kink in my tail for some time. But I realized his problems didn’t need to become mine, and had nothing to do with my own faith.The c o C has many, many fine people in it. And a belief system based on circular logic, misinformation about Catholic teaching, and often, a limited exposure to Classical thinking. But God in His heaven rejoices at their singing! And he loves us all very much. I don’t think it’s the “error” of one way or the other that matters, it’s the obstinacy of refusing to learn, and refusal of charity that gets us in real trouble.
With Love,
Summer
B
BMCD
Guest
My congregation has never disfellowshiped anyone either. They did publicly humiliate someone one time for having an affair and that really didn’t sit well with me. Your step-mother’s actions did not sit well with me either. In my most devout days as a member of the C of C I did not have a problem with divorced people coming to my congregation, however your step mom was basically trying to force you to adopt the beliefs of this group while she was not practicing them herself.
Andrewstx, I hope that someday you can find peace if you haven’t already. What happened to you was terrible. I am happy that you were able to find Orthodoxy because I have seen people raised in environments like that who give up Christianity altogether.
B
BMCD
Guest
I think you really hit the nail on the head with this part.
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