Secular Christianity?

CircuitousPath · May 27, 2012

Perhaps I am alone in this experience, but as a new Christian searching for a community of believers with which to practice my faith I find that I am often running up against a strong secularist mindset.

I mentioned in my introductory post that God has been extraordinarily patient with me considering the number of spiritual identities that I've assumed over the years. Some of those identities took me to the religions of the East and more specifically to their mystical/esoteric schools, where the spiritual underpinnings of our reality were regularly affirmed and explored. I have taken that heightened awareness from my past experiences and brought it to my understanding of scripture. Suffice it to say, I have a healthy respect for and belief in the supernatural elements that we find throughout the Bible.

My peers don't share my worldview. I've visited many a congregation that seemed more like a philosophy group than a church. It's as if they've accepted a watered down Christianity, one without the miraculous and the inexplicable.

Can anyone relate to what I'm talking about?

caligirl89 · May 27, 2012

I think so. Except in my experience, it's opposite and the people at my church are SO far into the miracles and healing aspect, that you get judged when you show up with a cold because you "haven't accepted your healing". I feel like I need a middle ground lol.

parsley · May 27, 2012

Ask around for a Charismatic church. They don't usually include that in the name, but will have a statement on exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their "about" page.

These organization unofficially link many of the Charismatic churches (and others).

Partner | Generals.org
MorningStar Partners | MorningStar Ministries
Voice of Evangelism - Perry Stone Ministries
Most Recent Articles - Sid Roth - It's Supernatural
http://www.kimclement.com/index.php?menu=29
A Brief History of 24/7 Prayer | International House of Prayer | 24/7 Prayer Room

These groups sometimes get mashed in together with contemporary churches, and worship in similar ways, but they have a spiritual intensity that is different; they focus on hearing from God, and delivering His gifts to each other.

Each Charismatic church will vary, so don't just go to one and give up. Keep trying until you land in one where you feel like God is actively working in the moment.

Years ago, Pentecostal churches were the place to go for this, but some got wrapped up in denominational rules...so just go and see.

hedrick · May 27, 2012

A number of people suggest that the next generation of Christians tend naturally to be deists.

Incarnational Youth Ministry [Part 4]: Moral Therapeutic Deism | Erin Haligowski

I've noticed a similar tendency among youth at my church. It's certainly not what is preached or taught there.

parsley · May 27, 2012

Interesting.

I'd like to add -- if you are looking for a church that teaches on the supernatural, also make sure they raise up members to participate, not just sit and watch. Jesus sent out the people to heal the people.

CircuitousPath · May 27, 2012

caligirl89 said:
I think so. Except in my experience, it's opposite and the people at my church are SO far into the miracles and healing aspect, that you get judged when you show up with a cold because you "haven't accepted your healing". I feel like I need a middle ground lol.

You raise a good point in the necessity of the middle ground. Extremism, regardless of which end of the spectrum it occurs in, is distortion. A Christianity that eschews the supernatural is lacking because the reality of God can only be above the natural, hence the prefix. Likewise, too strong an emphasis on the same subject blinds us to the simpler causes at work in the world around us. A sickness can be just that--a naturally occurring illness. Not every cough need be rebuked !

parsley said:
Ask around for a Charismatic church. They don't usually include that in the name, but will have a statement on exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their "about" page.

Thank you for that advice, Parsley. It just so happens that a couple of the churches I visited talked about either exercising or receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but upon meeting the congregations I discovered that these activities were tackled in a very general way (i.e. the HS manifesting as a intuition or hunch rather than in tongues or other charismatic hallmarks). Still, as you said, I can't just drop the matter on my first two or three attempts.

parsley said:
These organization unofficially link many of the Charismatic churches (and others)...

I appreciate those links as well (although I can't yet display them in replies). I'll look into them thoroughly.

hedrick said:
A number of people suggest that the next generation of Christians tend naturally to be deists.

I've noticed a similar tendency among youth at my church. It's certainly not what is preached or taught there.

It makes sense.

I'm no longer a teenager, but my more youthful years do, I think, constitute the demographics that Kendra speaks about in that piece. I can recall adopting a somewhat deist perspective as a prelude to the mystical traditions that I got involved in. Everything fit so well into the worldview. I was already a religious pluralist, very into the "active" part of communication with God (prayer, mantras, energy exercises, etc.) when I needed favor but not really interested in forging a real relationship, and convinced that good works/disposition ensured heaven.

parsley said:
Interesting.

I'd like to add -- if you are looking for a church that teaches on the supernatural, also make sure they raise up members to participate, not just sit and watch. Jesus sent out the people to heal the people.

It never even occurred to me that the sending forth of the flock wouldn't be within the agenda of the charismatic group. Excellent advice and awareness raising, thank you.

razeontherock · May 30, 2012

CircuitousPath said:
It's as if they've accepted a watered down Christianity, one without the miraculous and the inexplicable.

Can anyone relate to what I'm talking about?

ABSOLUTELY!!

Seek out a GOOD Church. No matter how long it takes. This journey may be long, and involve all sorts of things. Make this a part of your prayer life, but do know it is not the most important part of your Faith. (At least not until G-d Himself might change that, anyway)

Seek ye first the kingdom of God ...

Tnmusicman · Jun 3, 2012

CircuitousPath said:
Perhaps I am alone in this experience, but as a new Christian searching for a community of believers with which to practice my faith I find that I am often running up against a strong secularist mindset.

I mentioned in my introductory post that God has been extraordinarily patient with me considering the number of spiritual identities that I've assumed over the years. Some of those identities took me to the religions of the East and more specifically to their mystical/esoteric schools, where the spiritual underpinnings of our reality were regularly affirmed and explored. I have taken that heightened awareness from my past experiences and brought it to my understanding of scripture. Suffice it to say, I have a healthy respect for and belief in the supernatural elements that we find throughout the Bible.

My peers don't share my worldview. I've visited many a congregation that seemed more like a philosophy group than a church. It's as if they've accepted a watered down Christianity, one without the miraculous and the inexplicable.

Can anyone relate to what I'm talking about?

OH YES!!!! Do you know how many people have tried to argue with me that you can be a Secular Humanist and a Christian at the same time?
Yes, makes sense that Christians would align themselves with a "group" that doesnt believe in ANYTHING supernatural ( the Ascension,Resurection ect...).
It took me a long LONG time to find a good church but I promise you its the backbone of my spiritual journey. Im trying to become more of a servent and the church is just the thing to give you strength. I pray your journey is a fruitfull one.

parsley · Jun 4, 2012

It never even occurred to me that the sending forth of the flock wouldn't be within the agenda of the charismatic group.... It just so happens that a couple of the churches I visited talked about either exercising or receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but upon meeting the congregations I discovered that these activities were tackled in a very general way (i.e. the HS manifesting as a intuition or hunch rather than in tongues or other charismatic hallmarks). Still, as you said, I can't just drop the matter on my first two or three attempts.

A Charismatic Sunday morning service is usually less intense or controversial than other more optional services, to make room for visitors. That may seem too controlled, but it's just what people find from experience -- they want to feel free to bring friends without scaring them off. Ask to visit the staff's morning prayer group if it's open, or attend a Sunday night/midweek service, and you might find more of the activity you're looking for.

Churches also go through waves and seasons. I have been seeing a lot more caution in the last five years -- more people who know "how to do" things but also learned from seeing mistakes. It's probably a pause, taking a breath for another intense phase. God is still with anyone who seeks Him, and will answer our prayers for His involvement.

AmbryRye · Jun 4, 2012

CircuitousPath said:
Perhaps I am alone in this experience, but as a new Christian searching for a community of believers with which to practice my faith I find that I am often running up against a strong secularist mindset.

I mentioned in my introductory post that God has been extraordinarily patient with me considering the number of spiritual identities that I've assumed over the years. Some of those identities took me to the religions of the East and more specifically to their mystical/esoteric schools, where the spiritual underpinnings of our reality were regularly affirmed and explored. I have taken that heightened awareness from my past experiences and brought it to my understanding of scripture. Suffice it to say, I have a healthy respect for and belief in the supernatural elements that we find throughout the Bible.

My peers don't share my worldview. I've visited many a congregation that seemed more like a philosophy group than a church. It's as if they've accepted a watered down Christianity, one without the miraculous and the inexplicable.

Can anyone relate to what I'm talking about?

I had the same issues. I searched and searched, knowing that the Bible was true - the WHOLE Bible. But many of the churches I found would take the Bible apart as if they could pick and choose which parts they liked.

That was not for me. I went from church to church and always left hungry.

Then I found an Apostolic church. My whole life changed. They embrace every part of the Bible and live by it the very best that they can. They teach by the Bible.

They believe in the supernatural occurrences that are detailed in the Bible (and still happen today - look up about Brother Jeff Arnold being raised from the dead - that was just last year). We speak in tongues as evidence of baptism in the Holy Ghost.

We are healed, I have seen it and I have had it happen to me (although no one has said my faith wasn't strong enough because I was ill - that is strange). I have, through the power of Jesus Christ, healed people.

I love it and cannot imagine my life without the Apostolic church. Now, there are still some carnal people, you will find that in any congregation, but the teaching is not carnal.

The first time I walked in I knew I was home.

parsley · Jun 5, 2012

The first time I walked in I knew I was home.

Once you experience it, everything else seems like a shadow of it, or a mirror's reflection. There are imperfections of course, but at least everyone operates on a similar premise.

TheGuide · Jun 5, 2012

I'm from Los Angeles, California, so I know exactly what you're talking about. I've participated in other forms of spirituality and have friends who have participated in others, so I understand.

The Bible tells us that Jesus sat down with scholars who likely brought to the table their various philosophies for discussion. He was learning and preparing, and I'm sure he took from it what God intended. What you have learned is a part of you but you, too, will come to take what is needed and shelf the rest.

There is no magic on our plain of existence, we're just too young. However, life itself is our evidence of the supernatural, and God's word is what we use to fuel our faith. We are powerful through Jesus Christ. However, the spiritual gifts God give us is not because we want them but rather when He can trusts that we will use them to His glory.

Find a Bible Teaching church or ministry. For an example check out Dr. Stanley or Fredrick K. Price on television or on YouTube.

AmbryRye · Jun 5, 2012

parsley said:
Once you experience it, everything else seems like a shadow of it, or a mirror's reflection. There are imperfections of course, but at least everyone operates on a similar premise.

It was like I could finally breathe. There is nothing like this, to know I am in truth. I love being in a church where God shows up! I have grown so much so quickly. It can only be God. I have never been happier.

Of course there are the imperfections, but we are all human. I'm glad Jesus doesn't throw up His hands and walk away from me when I mess up. And if He is willing to do that for me, who am I to not do it for my brothers and sisters?

It is still the body of Christ.

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