For many Christians, church is Easter and Christmas. For some, it is when it fits their schedule—football season is particularly challenge. For others, it is an every-week-must. For most, it is a habit that was—perhaps reluctantly—developed as a child. When asked “Why?”, I suspect, most respond, “Because…” and not really know why.
For me, the question is less about “why?” and more about “why here?”. I am a lifelong student, I want to be learning. I don’t go to church to “worship”. (Personally, I find contemporary Christian ‘worship’ music to be shallow and repetitive.) I go to grow. I go to be challenged. As a notable pastor once said, “A good sermon should give comfort to the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” I have not felt comforted or disturbed for years. So, I find myself, weekly, asking the question: “What am I doing here?!” It is not a question of my faith, but it is a question of faith. I hope it is a question that many others are asking.
I believe what I believe. I don’t quite fit any of the usual Christian molds—e.g., evangelical, fundamentalist, conservative, etc. I have preferred “Jesus follower” to “Christian” for quite some time—until reading The Family by Jeff Sharlett. I don’t like the idea of “Jesus plus nothing”. Increasingly, it seems that the sole focus is on the person of Jesus rather than the message of Jesus. It seems like the message coming from the pulpit (if there is a perceptible message) is “eyes on Jesus” rather than “eyes of Jesus”. It is a message of a “personal relationship with Jesus” with an emphasis on grace rather than a message of a “Jesus relationship with others” (including grace for our neighbor). I hear “what Jesus can do for you” more than “what Jesus can do through you”.
Jesus summed the Law in two commandments: “love God” and “love your neighbor”. I find these quite difficult—as, I believe, I should. Yet, the only message I hear in church is “believe”, as if saying a prayer and accepting grace is all there is to this life—now just wait to die and “go to heaven”.
I want my faith to be more. I want it to change my life, and, moreover, I want my life to be a catalyst for change in the lives of other.
I am asking myself the question “why here?” and the answer seems to be “if not here, where?” This is not a satisfying answer.
Inspired by the David Crowder song, I have taken to reading only the red letter verses in my bible. There is no clutter of (out of) context or interpretation. Only Jesus’ words. They speak a very different message. I put my faith in these words. I try to put these words into my actions.
“Jesus plus nothing”? I don’t think so. “Jesus plus everything”? Indeed. The latter of these statements is Spiritual.
Why church? I am still trying to figure that out. Experience tells me that church—the Church—is something more than what I am seeing.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
Jeff I find your blog always interesting, well thought out and written. Great stuff.
This one in particular struck a cord with me. I am spiritual but do not worship, attend any church or follow any religion. I like to think of my “church” as a daily, evolving way of how I live my life. I help others when possible, never intentionally harm or hurt anyone and apologize and atone for it if I do. Church is not a building to me. Years ago I started following a mantra of :
When I do good, I feel good.
When I do bad, I feel bad.
That’s my religion and church is everywhere I go.
Keep up the great writing. Making others think and question thoughts and ideas is important. Be well my friend.
Thank you, Tom!
Why Church? Is a good question, and for me as a spiritual seeker, the question might be better phrased, How do we practice what is preached at church? All religions, have three components. For example, there is a Goo, the gospels and the community. In Buddhism, there is the Buddha (Awakened One), Dharma (teachings) and Sangha (practioners). It seems like all are needed and the later offers the stimulation and feedback to make the more ethereal become a practice or way of life. Maybe exercise has the same, A belief, a theory and group to support the exercise?
May you be well and find that which inspires you and others to support your journey!
Jeff, this is the first time I saw your blog….good work! Also, good to include other dimensions beyond physical such as mental, emotional, social and spiritual!