In our last post we talked of people who had walked out doors to go further in! These are those who have been forced, by conscience or circumstances, to leave behind denominations, churches or groups whom they have considered to have abandoned Jesus and his teaching – but in so doing have been set free to climb to new heights in their Christian/Faith journey. However, there are others I see and listen to who have no desire to go further in – but have abandoned their faith all together. When I listen to folk like this, as sympathetically and as open mindedly as possible, most of the time I am left feeling that something has been fundamental misunderstood.  With a deep sadness I often suspect that from the very beginning of what they call their ‘Faith Journey’ or ‘Christian Conversion’ they have adopted a basic misunderstanding of what true ‘Faith’ or ‘Christianity’ is – or at least should be. And I am speaking here of some who, unlike me, are thologicall trained to a very high degree. Continue Reading

‘The more doors you go out of, the further you get in.’

The Raven in ‘Lilith’ – George MacDonald

We live in changing, perhaps monumental times. But I am thinking in particular again, as I mostly do in these posts, of the world of religion in general and the Evangelical Church, in which I was brought up, in particular.

Over the years I have walked out several doors – but never before had I considered that going out might in fact take you further in. I suspect that is because going out often feels like a death – an abandonment of places, and sadly, very often people, who have held a very special place in your heart on the journey of life. Of course it is not meant to be like this – but sadly people are very often more attached to their denominations and churches than to the people who inhabit them – and, if you leave them – well! Continue Reading