Church versus Faith

[McCamy Taylor]

The Church tells us that heathens must be converted at the point of a sword---and their goods should be confiscated for the greater glory of King/Country.

Faith shows us that all people are brothers and sisters, and that the fate of others is linked, inextricably, with our own.

The Church tells us that natural sexual urges are sinful, and we must live a lie in order to be saved.

Faith shows us that if we are not true to ourselves, we can not love others---a necessary step if we are to become part of the world community.

The Church tells us that those who are blessed with the most material wealth, are the most beloved of God.

Faith shows us that wealth can not fill the hollow space where love should reside.

The Church tells us that the poor should be happy in their poverty, because God love’s them best----and He put them on the earth so that the rich could earn God’s favor by letting a little bit of their wealth trickle down

Faith shows us that none of us can be completely happy as long as our brothers and sisters are suffering.

The Church tells us that the world is black and white.

Faith shows us a rainbow hued world.

The devout believe that their Church is always right.

The faithful believe that humanity, with all its variations, is beautiful.

[el_bryanto]

1. Which church are you talking about?

Or just a generic church?

Bryant

[elocs]

2. In Christianity the believers are the "Church", not a building or organization.

The God, god, or gods of any religion are not responsible for what those who claim to believe in them do in their name.

[keith the dem]

3. For me, with my church, this is upside down...

I can't say that my "faith" is all that strong, I'm a bit agnostic really....but my church:

Is of all races and is open and affirming of gays and lesbians (We have a gay pastor);

Has a homeless shelter and a food and clothing cupboard, the poor and homeless are there for our services and often contribute with music and prayer;

Has a summer camp serving kids in the worst part of the city;

Does not have anything like a rigid church doctrine;

Has had a strong interfaith dialog with our Jewish and Muslim brothers.

I think that if a church does not meet the faith principles in your post, it is just a waste of time, perhaps only servicing a selfish need for spiritualism.

[DirkGently]

4. Yep. Religion works much better as philsophy than as politics Or science, needless to say.