What I Want –

[Anonymous]

https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/03/12/the-church-of-not-being-horrible/?fbclid=IwAR2ECcgywmD0rAj-mSajUF9Fppbgjg7EtE7ZtmfbyP9H4oiCnJuPFi52MTs

[Anonymous]

I don’t think this would be effective for a few reasons:

-Horrible is a very strong word.

-Referring to other people horrible will never be productive.

-People do not recognize themselves as horrible, even when they do bad things.

-People are not intrinsically horrible. God does not see anyone as horrible. Actions, yes. People, no.

-It doesn’t seem very kind to the people the author specifically considers horrible. It feels judgmental towards them, despite the fact he wants them to be less judgmental of others. It will not win over any of those who disagree with him.

But things I do like:

-Focus on virtue over doctrine.

-Kindness and compassion.

-Charity, which I define as assuming the least alarming, least troublesome reason behind people acting the way they do.

If I were to start a church, it would be the “Church of Being Kind”.

[Anonymous]

I know the author is not literally starting a church but, for the sake of argument, the church that he is talking about might have trouble being successful.

No creeds, no doctrine, no financial donations? How is the church supposed to function?

No heavenly mansions, no escaping hellfire, no strong community of believers? Why would someone want to join such a church? What’s in it for them?

Someone said on another post (was it you Mom?) that the threads of religion need to be formed or woven into a fabric in order to be useful. Churches take the good of compassion and service and create a self-perpetuating structure and organization (subject to many of the same pitfalls and foibles of most organizations).

[Anonymous]

Good observations everyone.

I am in a dark spot. It’s obvious from all of my recent posts.

The dark got darker last Friday when someone amazing and dear, died unexpectedly.

I appreciate your keener insights.

I will take some time off for a while.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry to hear that, Mom. I hope you know it’s very understandable the way you’re feeling right now. You’re a wonderful person. I’ve got faith you’ll make it through.

[Author]

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