| Author | Message | ||
| Goose Registered user Username: Goose Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2011  |
Some months back, I happened upon this concise online presentation of "Toxic Religion" by Rich Vincent, Senior Pastor of Immanuel Church in West Bend, Wisconsin. It is a very interesting and enlightening read. Entering the “Rest” of the Gentle and Humble King "Though it often is given a “bad name” in our culture, religion is a good thing. The Bible is full of rituals, traditions, values, and beliefs intended to be shared and practiced together in an organized fashion. Although some suggest that Jesus was opposed to religion, Jesus was actually an active participant in it. He faithfully participated in Hebrew worship, rituals, traditions, and festivals. For this reason, we can confidently state that religion is good. It bears Jesus’ endorsement. Consequently, it is naïve and simplistic to suggest that Jesus was anti-religion. "However, religion, like all good things, can be corrupted. Instead of ennobling individuals, it can be a force of abuse and oppression. Instead of communicating health and wholeness, it can be a means of harm and division. "Religion can be liberating; it can also be oppressive. Religion can bring health and wholeness; it can also be toxic and destructive. True religion creates compassionate, loving, life-filled people. Toxic religion creates petty, demanding, legalistic people. Alan Jones illustrates the difference between the two possible expressions of religion: "A friend confided to me that there were difficulties with an upcoming wedding because the groom’s grandmother was “very religious.” I asked, “Is she lovingly ‘very religious’ or pain-in-the-ass ‘very religious’?” My friend confessed that Grandma was religious in the latter sense. People had to tiptoe around her, and she confused a spirit of condemnation with faithfulness." | ||
| Kelleigh Registered user Username: Kelleigh Post Number: 215 Registered: 7-2011  |
What makes a religion toxic? Is it the creed? The liturgy? Jesus prayer for the church was for unity, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you". The Apostle John declared that the sign of true believers is evidenced by their "love one for another". So how do toxic churches evolve? Churches are supposed to promote grace, 'yet too often the face presented to the world is one of ungrace'. How to find a healthy church? | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 1339 Registered: 7-2004  |
Bad beliefs contribute to toxic churches. People who like power and control over others create toxic churches. Neglecting God's Word and His call to the church results in toxic churches. You have to venture out and try churches to find a good one. A "good" name on the door doesn't mean that the specific church is "good". | ||
| Skeeter Registered user Username: Skeeter Post Number: 1699 Registered: 12-2007  |
"A friend confided to me that there were difficulties with an upcoming wedding because the groom’s grandmother was “very religious.” I asked, “Is she lovingly ‘very religious’ or pain-in-the-ass ‘very religious’?” My friend confessed that Grandma was religious in the latter sense. People had to tiptoe around her, and she confused a spirit of condemnation with faithfulness." that is familiar....  sounds like someone I know.... she means well, but seems to think setting people straight( her view / SDA view of things) is showing "love". | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 13137 Registered: 12-2003  |
I agree, Rick, that neglecting God's word and His call to the church results in toxic churches. I have heard it said that a mental health professional cannot help a client through therapy past the level of personal growth that the therapist him/herself has reached. Similarly, I believe that the healthiest churches are the ones where the pastors are the most honest and intentional about submitting their own lives to Scripture. While they may be able to explicate Scripture articulately, they lack the ability to "meet", counsel, support, and exhort the members if they are not allowing God's word to convict and change them ongoingly. A personal and active commitment to serving the Lord Jesus and living in submission to His word on the part of the pastors gives a church body depth and security and safety. Colleen | ||
| Goose Registered user Username: Goose Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2011 |
Colleen wrote: "While they [pastors] may be able to explicate Scripture articulately, they lack the ability to "meet", counsel, support, and exhort the members if they are not allowing God's word to convict and change them ongoingly." So, from what Colleen wrote, it sounds like that "religious in the wrong way" grandmother described in my OP has a pastor who is unable to help her. This really seems so tragic. One would have to hope that the "Good Shepherd" Himself would somehow intervene in this ladies life to turn her around. For she herself, like the pastor who does not submit to the Living Word, is spiritually injuring those within her sphere of influence. What do you think? In her present mode of operation, would she be considered "a wolf in sheep's clothing?" Or would that be to severe a description? Walt |
