I’m sick of religion.
Note: I did not say I’m sick of the Bible or sick of Jesus. I’m sick of religion.
I’ve attended many churches in my life. First there was a little rural Catholic church where I was baptized as an infant. Since then, I’ve attended (and cooked for and cleaned for and played music for and a plethora of other things) many churches: Catholic, Protestant, nondenominational and even home churches.
Churches have been a good place to get out of isolation. For pioneers, the church was an integral part of not only their spiritual life but their social life as well. Even the Bible talks about how we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Yet unfortunately, because flawed humans attend churches, they are also an assembly of broken people. And broken people can break other people.
In my mind, I have a picture of an ideal church. First and foremost there’s love there. There’s so much love between people even visitors can feel it. Visitors are greeted, not interrogated, not judged, just made to feel welcome because visiting a church is a scary thing. Then the music and the message from the pulpit needs to lift up Jesus and equip the saints. Then people need to talk with one another and go home, ready to face another week. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
I’m sure if you’ve read this far, more than likely you have stories of your own how religion has hurt you. Perhaps you too have stories of pastors abusing people from the pulpit, of sermons going on for hours, of jealousy and strife going on between people. I’ve had people presume things of me that weren’t true under the guise of “discernment.” I’ve seen so much discrimination of all kinds and manipulating the word to support it, I could fill volumes. I’ve seen people hate themselves trying to achieve holiness. This is all religion and is not Christianity.
Even today, I at times want to quit going to church because I’m tired of the drama that comes with dealing with others.
But then, I’d miss out on talking to beautiful people. I’d miss out on hearing God’s Word explained in a way I’ve never thought of before. I’d miss the praise and worship to the only One who deserves praise and worship.
So in case any pastors are reading this, may I offer a few suggestions from the other side of the pulpit?
- Make your church a safe place. If hurting people come in, make sure they aren’t hurt any more by mean-spirited sermons or the bullies in your congregation.
- Keep your sermons to the point.
- Music will bring people in and it will also drive them away. I’ve attended a church where the praise and worship is so loud during prayer time, I can’t think, much less pray. Worship leaders can have musical ability but no tenderness toward other people or God. Musical ability is an important attribute for a worship leader, but it needs to be flavored with love or it isn’t worship.
- Nurture your relationship with your spouse and your children. They have to sacrifice so much for you and your calling.
- Do everything you can to nurture your church from being a place to meet to a family where members learn to serve one another. Your job is to equip the saints, you aren’t supposed to do everything yourself.
When I was basically bedridden for three years I could not go to church during most of that time because I could not sit more than a few minutes. So now that I’m mobile again I very much appreciate my church. The body of Christ helped me to come out of the pit I was in, the pit of grief and pain. In hindsight now, I remember certain people God placed in my life at crucial junctions. Even though I felt so alone, I had God and He sent important people to speak life back into me.
Religion harmed me, but God never did.
When you read this next sentence, keep in mind that I’m saying this as a person who has been hurt by religion.
I encourage you to try again.
Try again to find a church that is a good fit for you and your family. Your church needs you just as much as you need the church. God didn’t make a mistake when He fashioned you with your unique abilities. He made you so you can help someone else. He fashioned you for fellowship which is why the isolation you’re in makes you so lonely at times. Religion will make you sick, but Jesus and His true followers will help you to step out of isolation and into the love that will make you whole.
Catfish says
March 21, 2016 at 9:26 pmYes I agree. Thanks
debbiewonser@yahoo.com says
March 27, 2016 at 8:04 pmYou are welcome!
Cathy Larson says
March 22, 2016 at 8:27 amMy sweet friend Debbie, the Lord sent here from the north country for such a time as this…
Oh yes religion, I have spent the first 60 years of my life in traditional religion. Need I say more, ok I will. In 1992 I was BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. For those who don’t know what that means I received the Holy Spirit internally, to dwell with in. The Holy Spirit is part of the triun God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. If you have never experienced this I encourage you too receive the Holy Spirit because it will change who you are. You will no longer struggle through life on your oun accord but you will be lead by this amazing Devine Power.
Once you have received the Holy Spirit it will be difficult to exist in a tradition religion. Traditional religion says we don’t want to hear about the Holy Spirit we don’t want your kind around here. Traditional religion says follow this religious formula and stay in this BOX AND MAKE SURE THE LID IS ON THIGHT, we don’t want the Holy Spirit in here. Traditional religion says sit in your spot in the church pew and endure the dryness…
By the grace of God and the Holy Spirit I was released from this bondage, for the first time I now move and breath in the freedom God had planned for me all along. Jesus had a plan for my life and ministry all planned out but I could not receive it because I was LOCKED IN THE BOX. If you feel unfulfilled in where you are in your faith walk the Holy Spirit holds the KEY TO FREEDOM… the key is right in front of you reach out and take it. Freedom sweet freedom awaits you….in Jesus name amen. Cathy
debbiewonser@yahoo.com says
March 22, 2016 at 9:16 amThank you for your dynamic testimony, my sweet friend! I’m so glad you have been set free from religion! Thanks for stopping by!