how did you

[cotton_tail_lion]

... get over being uncomfortable in "religious type" places?

ok, so I suppose a little intro is in order here. I am 23 and married, and last month decided to start going to a methodist church. It was almost an out of the blue decision. I spent several years without any set of beliefs, a few as a pagan, and then just got curious about christianity. I had kind of been a christian as a child; went to christian schools and such, but really was not raised in a religious family at all. as the years went by, i started to hate christianity as a whole (won't go into that here, but i guess anyone who cares to know can pm me). well, i finally "grew up" and realized that I was being hypocritical to one of my most dearly held ideas; don't blame the masses for the actions of a few. besides, some of my friends were chrisians, and they were obviously fairly normal. so i started reading online, and that's how i found the methodist chrurch.

anyway, back to my point. I've ALWAYS (even as a child) felt weird in churches. not too bad now though, as i can just "sneak in" and sit down and listen to a good story, and i met the pastor (met her via email first actually, which i think helped things ALOT). but I was in a religious book store today with someone (it was beardsley's for those who are curious), and i swear i just wanted to freaking RUN out of there! I don't get it. I LOVE bookstores, and this one is no different other than the christian music playing and the christian theme to all the books. anybody else had this or a similar problem? if so, how'd you deal?

I've been looking at these boards for quite some time now, I just recently made a profile though (I am very much an observer before i get involved in anything)

 

[bfly]

... get over being uncomfortable in "religious type" places?

ok, so I suppose a little intro is in order here. I am 23 and married, and last month decided to start going to a methodist church. It was almost an out of the blue decision. I spent several years without any set of beliefs, a few as a pagan, and then just got curious about christianity. I had kind of been a christian as a child; went to christian schools and such, but really was not raised in a religious family at all. as the years went by, i started to hate christianity as a whole (won't go into that here, but i guess anyone who cares to know can pm me). well, i finally "grew up" and realized that I was being hypocritical to one of my most dearly held ideas; don't blame the masses for the actions of a few. besides, some of my friends were chrisians, and they were obviously fairly normal. so i started reading online, and that's how i found the methodist chrurch.

anyway, back to my point. I've ALWAYS (even as a child) felt weird in churches. not too bad now though, as i can just "sneak in" and sit down and listen to a good story, and i met the pastor (met her via email first actually, which i think helped things ALOT). but I was in a religious book store today with someone (it was beardsley's for those who are curious), and i swear i just wanted to freaking RUN out of there! I don't get it. I LOVE bookstores, and this one is no different other than the christian music playing and the christian theme to all the books. anybody else had this or a similar problem? if so, how'd you deal?

I've been looking at these boards for quite some time now, I just recently made a profile though (I am very much an observer before i get involved in anything)

Hello and Welcome

We are so proud to have you join our family.
May your time here be spent well and you find all your answers.
Please come often and invite all your friends.
Your will find the most wonderful refreshments provided free.
I pray your cup will be full and running over with:
Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
and may the
Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with your spirit.

​

 

[dalej42]

Probably a lot of it is because you'r visiting a different place. Every church I've been to does things a bit different.

I've been to a few Christian bookstores. For the most part, I was ignored.

 

[DawnTillery]

I know I have always felt uncomfortable around anyone that was a Christian, Church, anything that had to do with God, untill I became a Christian myself. I use to think if I visited a church, they didnt really want me there - blah blah blah.. I use to wish they wouldnt come around and shake my hand or try to talk to me.. Just leave me alone.......Being a Christian and a Church member has really changed my outlook on that - --- the church is there for the unsaved ..... Thats what it was created for.
Maybe you still have reservations because of past situations you mentioned.. ??

 

[cotton_tail_lion]

"Maybe you still have reservations because of past situations you mentioned.. ??"

maybe, but it just seems weird to me that i can go into and out of a church more comfortably than a bookstore. just odd. but i think if i just make myself start going on occasion, it'll get less weird. I just don't understand it at all meh, whatever, probably something to do with the fact that i am new to this whole "christian" thing (not counting when i was little)

 

[AvgJoe]

i am new to this whole "christian" thing

Welcome to CF and to Christianity. Following are links to two free books that will help you understand Christianity:

What Is A Personal Relationship With God?
http://www.rbc.org/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/31028.aspx

Religion Or Christ: What’s The Difference?
http://www.rbc.org/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/31001.aspx

After you click the link, then click on "View PDF" to view the book online.

God bless!

 

[ElijahSK]

cotton tail,

I began meeting from house to house like the church in the Bible did. As often as possible meeting with the brethren and with one mouth glorifying God together. Breaking bread and continuing in the apostles doctrine. When we come together everyone brings a teaching, a psalm, etc. Instead of going to church, I became the church. Now the "'religious type' places" are anywhere I am.

Sometimes I go to my dad's temple style worship center erroneously called a "church". It's good Christian enterainment.

That's what helped me get over feeling weird about it.

 

[tateziwin]

I can remember well that feeling of wanting to run out of Church, almost as soon as I walked in!
I wanted to go there but felt so out of place, now when I look back I think it was perhaps the work of Satan, trying to pull me over to his side before I really knew the Truth and made a commitment.
However, that was before I was born-again.
Now I can't wait to get to Church, sure I still feel uncomfortable at times ( I go by myself ) but I realise I am there soley to worship God and listen to His Word.
The fact that I found a Church that is small and treats everyone like family also made it easier ( I did a bit of church-surfing til I felt I comfortable).
Pray to God for guidance and give yourself over to His leading.

 

[christianmomof3]

I still don't like "religious type places" - I find them boring. I like the group I meet with because we have small home group meetings as well as the big Sunday morning meeting. It is easier to ask questions and get to know people in the small groups than in a big meeting and when you know people, it is more comfortable.

 

[Aela]

I remember when i was 10 i once went to Mass with my best friend, who was a Catholic, and i really felt ill-at-ease and out of place. I had the impression that everybody was looking at me as a stranger who had nothing to do in their church.
I have been a Christian for a year now, and my being comfortable in church depends on the pastor and the other members. I have been to 2 SDA churches, and in the first the pastor made me feel ill-at-ease, reproaching me in public not to come every week... I did not want anyone to compel me to attend church, i wanted to do it for the Lord only, so i tried another church and i found very welcoming people who respected me as a new believer.

Well, i'm not sure this post will help you much... sorry if it does not. :o

 

[Pasat_14]

The way I got over feeling like that was by starting small, and going to Christian places with people I knew. Like, when I first saw myself as a Christian I didnt go to church, coz I saw it really big and intimidating (i get intimidated easily) anyways, so instead I just went to the prayer group we have going out our school. Then a friend invited me along to her chuch, and at first I said no, but in the end I went, and haven't stopped!
So yeah...try going with someone you know, or just pray the whole time. Like if you're starting to feel uneasy think of Jesus standing next to you, I do that alot, and it almost always works...apart from my fear of hospitals...but anyways, that doesnt matter...the point is, think of Jesus being there with you, it's heaps relaxing.

 

[JPPT1974]

Jesus has and always will be with you
Even if you are not at church
Because He lives inside of you!

 

[Galadriel]

You know, I too get that feeling, and I am a Christian!

I don't know what it is, sometimes I feel like a freak, but yea I totally know what you mean about the Christian bookstore thing. Barnes and Noble I am fine in, but I go in Arrowhead (a Christian bookstore) and the music playing and such yeah I just want to get the hey out of there. I also have this problem with gatherings of well say like youth meetings and such sometimes. Like almost like I can't stand being around them just cause Id feel so out of place like I was faking it or something, but the thing is I am one of them, I am a Christian! Its like gah! I don't get it....

 

[AllTalkNoAction]

Acts 7:48: Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands

John 14:20: At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Acts 2:4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

It's not where you are but what you are, without the Lord indwelling, you are a religious-type person.