LisaE

Hello Minstrelmanswife and Annie. I am a brand new member and like you both, I am searching. I'm not sure if my search will take me back to church. I have almost decided that organized religion, in general, is not the answer for me, though I don't discount the value of fellowship. My spiritual dilemma always seems to center around discomfort with very religious folks in general, and my inability to, well, like them. Much of my family, and some of my dear friends, are fundmental Christians. In recent years, I have found my relationship with them to be strained and the uneasy way that we avoid any meaningful dialogue around our differences leaves me with a sad feeling of emptiness. I try to approach others with compassion and non-judgement, but sometimes my efforts feel pretty inauthentic. I'm looking for some new insights, I guess! Look forward to hearing from you, Lisa

Thanks George. I think many UCC churches are more progressive. It probably has lots to do with demographics. The one I attended was in a pretty conservative community. However, I met some like-minded folks there.

Hello! I'm currently reading Why Christianity Must Change Or Die and ultimately found myself on this site. I sometimes find myself drowning in a sea of fundamentalism, and I must say discovering Bishop Spong has lifted my spirits considerably! I was raised Southern Baptist and my last vain attempt at any organized church was United Church of Christ. After deciding to bypass the Unitarians altogether I have taken the final leap and now fully recognize myself as a "believer in exile" Most of my family and friends right wingish in just about everything....so I am the acknowledged "black sheep" I am always searching for ways to balance authenticity in my relationships and not compromise my beliefs....but it is an exhasting endeavor sometimes. I enjoy the undying support of a delightful spouse and four extrordinary daughters...(thank God:) I am thankful to have found this forum and look forward to learning some new insights. In Peace, Lisa