Christian but What Kind? Questions about searching and solidifying ones beliefs (Quaker?)

[eastkygal]

I was raised, saved, baptized, and have attended some form of Baptist church (First Baptist, Old Regular, Freewill, Missionary, Bible, Acts 29) since childhood. I have also attended some Full Gospel or Pentecostal (Holiness) churches as a visitor. DH is the same. We both have always considered ourselves non-denominational. However, I have come to a point in my life where I'm not sure that I agree with all the doctrine of the Baptist churches... or I'm not sure what I believe. I was saved at age 6. I asked to get saved, but can barely remember it. I do remember being baptized. I have read a lot of the Bible (mostly in the New Testament), but not it's entirety. I have shied away from Revelation and a lot of the Old Testament.

So, here is what I know I believe.
1. God is personal, but incorporeal living within and without each of us and in heaven.
2. Jesus was the incarnation of God and the Messiah.
3. I definitely believe that Christ died for our sin and is a mediator between us and God, and to be reconciled with God is to believe on Him.

Here is what I am unsure about:
1. The Trinity are they 3 separate beings or God in 3 persons.
2. This statement from another place states a lot of what I question.
"That is a fairly loose translation of the foundational Quaker perception known as "The Doctrine of the Light," one of the few perceptions that are stated as "doctrine." The one that struck me most is the idea I first heard in an Episcopal community that the well-known statement of Jesus that "I am the Way, the Truth and the Light..." was never intended EXclusively, or requiring belief in the name of Jesus to have "Truth," but INclusively, or that anyone who has "come to the Father," HAS come in the Way embodied and taught by Jesus."
This would indicate that one could be of another faith or go another path, find God (they believe), but still have done that by the teachings of Jesus and accepting them without being "saved" in the Baptist belief of the word. In a way, they have still come to God through Jesus??? Like the Dali Lama or Ghandi... or someone like Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa. It is hard for me to believe that they are not "Holy" human beings as much as a person can be Holy. Yet, they aren't Christian. How does one figure this out. DH and I were talking about this and he thinks it is all about intention. What are you motivated by? It's about your heart.
3. reincarnation

Some things that I believe that other in the churches I attend don't/or don't necessarily:
1. conscientious objection
2. Revering nature and the environment (I have heard too many times Christian people refer to tree-hugging devil worshipers over the strip mining issue. It makes me so mad. I believe that we are to use the land much in the way the Native Americans did - in harmony... not seek and destroy consumerism.
3. Living simply (not necessarily in poverty, but not putting an emphasis on acquiring material possessions)

I took the beliefnet quiz and every time it has come up Orthodox Quaker 100%. There are no Quaker churches here and I'm not even sure what that means. Though it is of great interest to me. I am very believing in the Holy Spirit guiding each of us to an understanding of the Word. So, I suppose that is the place to start. That and prayer. I'd love to hear from other Christians or non-Christian (with Christian leanings) about my thoughts. I feel like I am coming closer to God than I ever have been in my life, yet I have a lot of questions. To share my spirituality with others, I need to know what it is I believe. YKWIM?

[kangamitroo]

I am not a christian. however, I have worshiped with unprogrammed Quakers (silent meetings)—not orthodox, but "liberal" or universalist in view. I think you may find that a Mennonite congregation would be a good fit, a supportive place in your seeking. Mennonites and Quakers often work together on social justice issues that you mentioned--healing the earth, living simply, peace making. You will find that among Quakers there is a very wide range of beliefs about Jesus, but as far as I know, the view you stated above fits with Mennonite teaching.

best wishes on your journey.

[eastkygal]

There is a very strong Mennonite community in the area. However, I don't know if I am ready or even believe in some of the things that would be required to be a part of that community. Women wear only dresses and cover their heads. I'm not even sure their policy on outside visitors. I have always been under the impression that they may not be inclusive where other religions are concerned, and sometimes even other Christian denominations. However, if you are right... I'd love to visit. I may have to check into it.

My biggest question is "Is the path taught as doctrine in most Christian churches the only Way to God?" I have even asked this of our pastor where Jews are concerned. If they abide in the "law", can they make it to heaven? (This is based on a loose knowledge of what Jews even believed based on what is taught to Christians about the Old Testament. I am not meaning to offend anyone here. I just really want to understand.) The answer has been (from others) that yes, they can, but that is pretty impossible for a human to do. We need a savior. I believe we need a savior, for sure. I'm just uncertain about the bolded section in my original post. I am seeing so much in other beliefs that jive with the teachings of Jesus and it is hard for me to say they are wrong. I've been practicing Kundalini yoga and finding such healing there both mental, physical, and spiritual. I feel I am hearing God's voice on so many things, and yet I feel like the newness of it is causing questions. Before, I suppose I just listened to convincing orators (pastors) and based my beliefs from the variety of sermons I've heard, instead of my own reading.

[CherryBomb]

They may be Old Order Mennonites (much more like traditional Amish). The PP is likely referring to New Order Mennonites, who are pretty difficult to distinguish from "average" Americans in their appearance.

[cappuccinosmom]

There is a very strong Mennonite community in the area. However, I don't know if I am ready or even believe in some of the things that would be required to be a part of that community. Women wear only dresses and cover their heads. I'm not even sure their policy on outside visitors. I have always been under the impression that they may not be inclusive where other religions are concerned, and sometimes even other Christian denominations. However, if you are right... I'd love to visit. I may have to check into it.

Just a note, I think technically "New Order" Mennonites is the name of one of the very conservative branches, with dress codes, etc. They're basically the same as the Beachy Amish group. They drive cars and evangelize, and maybe even listen to tapes and CD's and have cell phones, but they're still pretty traditional.

However, there is a whole segment of the Mennonite denomination that is socially and theologically *very* liberal. If there are conservative Mennos in your area, there are also probably liberal ones where you would fit in. There have been some splits and re-allignments, but I think they would be called General Conferance Mennonites, or something like that.

[jojoboy]

Well, I read your post yesterday, but didn't get a chance to respond. Your story resonnated with me so much!! I'm from a pretty conservative background. Then became maybe even more conservative in a charismatic church and now have swung back over to what I consider to be more liberal theology.

I'm not sure I have much to say on the theology questions.

So, here is what I know I believe.
1. God is personal, but incorporeal living within and without each of us and in heaven.
2. Jesus was the incarnation of God and the Messiah.
3. I definitely believe that Christ died for our sin and is a mediator between us and God, and to be reconciled with God is to believe on Him.

I guess I agree with 2 and 3. I'm not sure I have strong feelings on #1.

When I started to become more liberal in my beliefs, I really walked away from the idea that I should spend my spiritual energy trying to find the "right" answer. In honesty, I just felt like I spent lots of time in my non-denominational years searching the Bible, and studying, having daily devotions, always trying to find some hidden truth. Or put together ideas so that I could understand the Bible better, or know how to be a better Christian, or how to grow closer to God. I really don't think God is a candy machine, and if I put just the right tokens in, I'll get the purple gumball that I always wanted.

So, I spend more of my time praying and meditating on ways to practically live out the truths that I KNOW God wants me to be living. In my own mind, I think most of God's truths are pretty obvious in the Bible, and I already know what they are: love my neighbor, give to the poor, be gentle, be a peacemaker, etc. These are ideas that are easy to understand and hard to implement. And, for myself, I found in my "studious" years, I spent more time trying to find the answers to the hard to understand questions (Trinity, is Jesus the only way, etc), than I did feeding the homeless, or showing grace to someone in pain.

I'm not sure if I'm making sense, or this will come across as just rambling. For myself, I'm not sure about the trinity, but I'm not sure it makes a big deal of difference in my own daily life.

The "Is Jesus the Only way" question, I lean towards, he's the way, but maybe he's still the way even if people don't know he's the way. I think for me this is outlined by Old Testament people who were saved even though they didn't know it was Jesus who was saving them. I mean, Abraham never would have imagined a Messiah like Jesus - God Incarnate - who would come down to earth, live a perfect life, and die on the cross. I'm pretty sure Abraham walked with God and is with Him now, so...

I treat people I know with respect, and share honestly about my own religious beliefs and practices. I don't feel any pressure to convert, or get people to see things my way. I kinda feel like that's all God asks me to do - be open and honest about the relationship I feel I have with God.

reincarnation: I don't think I believe in it. Either way, it is one of those things that won't affect the way I live my daily life.

When looking for a church home, I just was looking for people who would encourage me in that daily walk of simply trusting God, and trying to do the things that I know he has set forth as "good". I don't agree with all of my church's theology, but again, I would say that the people there encourage me in the practical parts of my Christianity that I want to pursue. We currently attend a Lutheran congregation - the Evangelical Lutheran Branch. There is another branch of Lutheranism - the Missouri Synod - that is more liberal than the Evangelical one.

You might be finding churches to be more conservative just because of where you live in the US. I'm in Maryland, so in general, it's more liberal out here. If you're in a red state, or just a more conservative area, you might find most of the churches around you to be more conservative.

Another organization you might be interested in is Sojourners. Just google them.

Wow, I wrote a novel! Please let me state that the above is just my feelings about things. I do think searching, praying and thinking about your beliefs is important, and I applaud you for doing so.

Hope you're enjoying the journey.

jojo

[eastkygal]

I also don't feel like trying to convert anyone is proper for me. However, we hear all the time in church that witnessing and winning people to the Lord is something a Christian should do. I wish I could just chalk some of this up as well, I don't know and it doesn't really matter, but in many ways it does. Some of the things I mentioned, especially the bolded part, is crucial to my understanding of God's Word. I also feel like if I am to practice Christianity, I need to read and study God's Word for myself.

I also practice Kundalini yoga and it has helped me so much spiritually. I was spiritually dry before. I'm being led to verses again. I'm hearing God's voice through the Holy Spirit, but then come these questions.

[LynnS6]

You might want to investigate some of what are called "mainline" Protestant churches -- Presbyterian, Methodist, United Church of Christ, Lutheran -- and a couple of others that I forget. There's a wide range of theology within each of these denominations, but there's not much emphasis on evangelism and being 'saved'.

I was raised Catholic, and now attend an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) When I take the beliefnet quiz, I come up very high on Traditional Quaker too. I'm finding the ELCA to be a good fit. Our church as an active social justice ministry, an active 'green' ministry, and an active education ministry. All of those really appeal to me and help me feel at home. It's also accepted (and even expected) for people to have a wide range of ideas and interpretations of the Bible. That might be too out there for you, but there might be a mainline church (Methodist, Presbyterian?) that's closer to your heart than you think.

Originally Posted by eastkygal

I also don't feel like trying to convert anyone is proper for me. However, we hear all the time in church that witnessing and winning people to the Lord is something a Christian should do. I wish I could just chalk some of this up as well, I don't know and it doesn't really matter, but in many ways it does. Some of the things I mentioned, especially the bolded part, is crucial to my understanding of God's Word. I also feel like if I am to practice Christianity, I need to read and study God's Word for myself.

I have always been taught that there are many ways to 'witness' your religion. For me, witnessing has a lot more to do with how I live my life than to overtly evangelizing. It's not that I never discuss religion, but rather that I do so in the context of my life.

If you read the Gospels, Jesus spent a lot of time teaching. I don't see much 'saving' in the sense that I hear in more Evangelical Protestant churches.

Originally Posted by eastkygal

I also practice Kundalini yoga and it has helped me so much spiritually. I was spiritually dry before. I'm being led to verses again. I'm hearing God's voice through the Holy Spirit, but then come these questions.

I think this is very normal, and indeed healthy. I've struggled for a while as to what exactly I believe. I believe in God. I'm not so sure about the whole Trinity thing. There are many days when I wonder, really, whether Jesus wasn't just one heck of a prophet and not really the Son of God. (Culturally speaking, people claiming to be the son of a god, were fairly common during that time in history.)

I don't intend to have you take on my heresy, but to illustrate that struggling with these things is indeed common. As we move into middle age, it's a time to move from believing what we were told to believe (as children) or believing what everyone else believed (as adolescents) to making our faith our own. It's not an easy process.

[eastkygal]

Originally Posted by LynnS6

You might want to investigate some of what are called "mainline" Protestant churches -- Presbyterian, Methodist, United Church of Christ, Lutheran -- and a couple of others that I forget. There's a wide range of theology within each of these denominations, but there's not much emphasis on evangelism and being 'saved'.

I live in a very rural area in Appalachia. I have visited a lot of churches. Most that I have found around here are conservative even in Methodist and Presbyterian. You won't see a Lutheran or Episcopalian church anywhere near enough to where I live. So, that leaves me with not many options if I am not evangelical or conservative. However, I'm okay with going to a church that believes differently than I, but I just am not sure about some of the messages I'm getting and what I want my children to learn about God.

Originally Posted by LynnS6

I have always been taught that there are many ways to 'witness' your religion. For me, witnessing has a lot more to do with how I live my life than to overtly evangelizing. It's not that I never discuss religion, but rather that I do so in the context of my life.

If you read the Gospels, Jesus spent a lot of time teaching. I don't see much 'saving' in the sense that I hear in more Evangelical Protestant churches.

Thanks for this explanation. I agree. I totally agree.

Originally Posted by LynnS6

I think this is very normal, and indeed healthy. I've struggled for a while as to what exactly I believe. I believe in God. I'm not so sure about the whole Trinity thing. There are many days when I wonder, really, whether Jesus wasn't just one heck of a prophet and not really the Son of God. (Culturally speaking, people claiming to be the son of a god, were fairly common during that time in history.)

I don't intend to have you take on my heresy, but to illustrate that struggling with these things is indeed common. As we move into middle age, it's a time to move from believing what we were told to believe (as children) or believing what everyone else believed (as adolescents) to making our faith our own. It's not an easy process.

I do believe Jesus was the Son of God, and I do believe in the Trinity, but I'm not sure in what form 3 separate but equal beings or 3 facets of the one God. Those things I'm sure of. I appreciate what you have said here. I have been on this journey of tremendous emotional and physical healing since turning 30. I'm 31 now, and I feel like it is just getting stronger. I do want to know what I believe. I want to be able to live from a place of peace with that and not just satisfaction. I want to help my children on their own spiritual journeys from a place of compassion. YKWIM?

[EnviroBecca]

It sounds like, in your area, you won't find a church that's really right for you. Maybe you could go to one that fills some of your needs, while doing a lot of reading for yourself and reading to your kids.

I highly recommend Marcus Borg's books, especially The God We Never Knew, and also Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.