Eclectic in the making?

[EarthMom]

We're not talking about a self-styled Christian. We're talking about a church-going Christian who is expected to act according to the tenets of her specific denomination. These tenets, in all likelihood, do not include peripherally pagan practices or beliefs. You can say it's no big deal, but just about every bit of scripture that discusses this boils down to "you shouldn't do that". It can be twisted to mean something less controversial or ignored outright, but it's still there, and agreed upon by every mainline Christian denomination.

I don't really have an issue with just believing . It's the church-going that bothers me.

Brina

Thank you both for sharing your thoughts. I really don't think either is wrong, but Brina hit the nail on the head here and this is my biggest issue. I feel like a fraud in my church lately...not because I don't believe in Christ's teachings, but because I don't necessarily believe ALL of it. I work with children on a regular basis at church. I'm expected to teach them in the Christian faith. It becomes a matter of consience when I don't believe something specific that I'm asked to teach.

This is why I'm having such a hard time with the Christian-meets-Pagan approach that so many others have no problem with. I don't think I'd have a problem simply attending a church and participating in that kind of corporate worship and fellowship when I have "divided" beliefs, but the issue becomes more complex when I consider my role in the structure of the church. I absolutely adore working with the kids and I feel obliged to continue doing so. Even more than the actual doctrines of my church, I a great loyalty and obligation to the clergy and the congregation there. Therein lies my biggest conflict.

[EarthMom]

Back to the OP: you might be interested in folk Christianity. Think the Pennsylvania Dutch-- good, god-fearing people that also had hex signs for fertility and protection, barn stars, good luck charms.

I don't know much about folk Christianity...I will look into that, thanks!

[ConjureWitchery]

I don't know much about folk Christianity...I will look into that, thanks!

A really good book on it is The Red Church by C. R. Bilardi. It's $24.95 on Amazon. Lucky Mojo (http://www.luckymojo.com) is also a great resource of information.

I can understand your situation with the Christian-meets-Pagan issue because of your "leadership" position. That's the tough part. Really don't know what to say to help you there.

Just take this as a way to learn more about God and yourself. Don't worry about divulging what you believe to others just yet. You will know when the time is right.

[Aster Breo]

I don't think I'd have a problem simply attending a church and participating in that kind of corporate worship and fellowship when I have "divided" beliefs, but the issue becomes more complex when I consider my role in the structure of the church. I absolutely adore working with the kids and I feel obliged to continue doing so. Even more than the actual doctrines of my church, I a great loyalty and obligation to the clergy and the congregation there. Therein lies my biggest conflict.

Maybe analyzing why you feel this obligation, especially to your teaching position, would help?

I mean, sometimes we feel obligations that we've sort of created ourselves and that aren't "real" obligations in the sense of having made an explicit bilateral agreement with someone else. For scamper, ave you made

[Aster Breo]

Maybe analyzing why you feel this obligation, especially to your teaching position, would help?

I mean, sometimes we feel obligations that we've sort of created ourselves and that aren't "real" obligations in the sense of having made an explicit bilateral agreement with someone else. For scamper, ave you made

Crap. Hit "submit" accidentally. Give me a minute to finish.

[Aster Breo]

Crap. Hit "submit" accidentally. Give me a minute to finish.

Ok. I was trying to say:

For example, have you made a commitment to the church's leadership that you'll teach for a specific period of time? (You don't have to answer, it's just an example.)

Even if you have made a commitment like that, I think most clergy and lay leaders fully understand that sometimes people need breaks -- especially from highly energetic or stressful things like working with kids. Maybe you could simply take a break for a couple of months, maybe over the summer, while you figure out how you want to proceed.

Your spirituality is too important to try to work it out while under so much pressure. I'd be concerned that I'd end up resenting the church.

Anyway, to me, it sounds like you need some time to just think, without any pressure to be one thing or another.

~ Aster

[yewberry]

Brina, hope I haven't aggravated or even offended you with my views on this.

Absolutely not! We debate like this all the time. I wouldn't want to offend you either, especially, as I mentioned, because I'm not a church-goer myself and probably don't fully grok the experience.

Brina

[yewberry]

Anyway, to me, it sounds like you need some time to just think, without any pressure to be one thing or another.

What you said. Some time to ponder (and presumably read) outside of a church setting.

Brina

[yewberry]

I belong to a United Church of Christ church.

One of my very favorite Christian denominations, due to their progressive inclusiveness. They're also fairly unusual in that regard (not so much here on the West Coast, but elsewhere in the US). I'm glad you found a church that can embrace your entire spiritual self rather than just parts of it. Per the creed you quoted, you're in no way being disrespectful to your fellow parishioners. Thanks for clearing that up.

I should note, however, that if you were a Southern Baptist, my point would still stand.

Brina

[ConjureWitchery]

Absolutely not! We debate like this all the time. I wouldn't want to offend you either, especially, as I mentioned, because I'm not a church-goer myself and probably don't fully grok the experience.

Brina

Glad that you weren't offended.

Actually, I know a few Southern Baptists who practice folk magic and hoodoo and lay some pretty good tricks.