James, what do you need to know. I am a Christian too, and went through a phase where I was confused about my religion. I found that there were too many political elements veiled behind the spiritual. So, I stop attending mass and started reading on other religions. I found conflict between politics and spirituality is a universal theme among all organized religions... I guess that is the human nature element. I have found much solace in my investigation though. I beleive that the journey to discover God and also yourself should be more than just attending mass regularly. By reading Bahai and Buddhists teachings, I think I am learning much more about Christianity than ever before. Branch out, extend your mind, this may help.

Hi there, and no, you are not alone in questioning the church as a institution, I've grown up in a lot of different congregations and am currently in a Church of Christ church.  Its difficult to understand all the myriad differences in denominations and sad how so many (including the Church of Christ) unilaterally condem the others.  The key is staying grounded in the Bible and with others who share your faith. Growing
up in different churched I've seen a lot of what you talk about, (and in truth done some of it too) where one thing is preached and another agreed to, Todays Christian music abounds with lyrics lamenting just that and crying for change.  My suggestions are this, Study hard the Bible, immerse yourself in prayer and ask God to bring others around you to help you. As a whole I belive the Catholic church is a bit farther of base that most denominations so I would suggest going to a non-catholic church.  But whatever denomination/chruch you settle on be sure it fits the Bible's mold. Lastly, Become a 'Jesus Freak'.  The only way to counteract the apathy and hypocrisy in the church today is by standing out against it. Even the smallest things
will start to make others come down on you but stand your ground always, not on pride 
or yourself, but in the Bible and God.  I hope I've helped and may God be with you as you search for him.

Dear Confused Christian:

It is very unfortunate and, I believe, very saddening to God that there is so much strife and division among His children.  However, God - extending His grace and mercy - continues to be patient with us.  Most importantly, we have to always keep our eyes on the Lord, not on man.  Man will always diappoint us.  Man will always fail. Man will always "fall short of the glory of God".  But God will never fail.  He is always true and faithful!

When we learn to live our lives based on the Word of God and keep our focus on Him and His will for us, we become less open to be confused and frustrated by the mistakes (or sometimes out-right sins) of those in leadership at various churches or ministries.  Only God knows their hearts and ours.

There are churches still preaching the Word and ministers, as well as many other Christians, still "living" the Word.  Just keep in mind:  You and I need God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness every single day that we take in breath.  God also wants us to extend that grace to others; and when they are not "living" the Word, we need to honestly and fervently lift them up to God in prayer.  His conviction, as well as His judgement, is greater and more effective than anything we could ever do or say.

 

I guess everbody else is about as confused as you are

listen. I am here to tell you that there is no religin that is true. The only truth is God. the Jesus that saves is true, was He a religious man. i think not. He only followed what He knew was true. yet He was all man and all God. times will be confusing. continuin to read the Bible and pray to God for truth. that is waht I do. Trust Him and you will never be lead wrong from Him. No there are more people that wonder about the institution. What happend to following God?

Dear Confused Christian,

I was so happy to run across your question because it is such an important one. I agree that some modern day churches  ( i won't even capitalize) are responsible for confusing people and it is so sad because it is not just people that they are confusing, it is souls that are at stake for being lost. There are a few of us out there that stand and believe for living Holy and righteous, sin-free and consecrated lives. Yes I did say sin-free!! Once you repent of your sins, if you are willing to be obdient to God's word, and die out daily to those fleshly and selfish desires to go outside of God's will for you, you can accomplish living free from all willful acts of sin, and if there is something that you do ignorantly that is sin, God is so faithful to show you and bring you to humble repentence and give you guidence on perfecting yourself in that particular area. I am posting a link to my blog which has websites that I am confident that you will find enlightning and fufilling. You can live a life that is pleasing to God, you can live a testimony of holiness , all it takes is turning away from the pleasures of worldiness and total submission to our Heavanly Father. Some people call us extreme, but when you truly love God and believe that he sent his son Jesus to die for your sins, and have a strong desire to turn away from your life as you know it and put your full trust in him, it is extreme and it is an honor to be called extreme. I could go on and on and post lots of Scripture to back up my points of view but I would like to hear  from you to see what you think of what I have posted so far. My blogsite is

http://singlegodlymom.blogspot.com/

email: singlemomforgod@yahoo.com

 

 

I hope this may answer or generate more conversation I so look forward to speaking with you and will be praying that God directs you to his truth!

Be Blessed

A True Child of God