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Originally Posted by tpdncr4christ
Your post kinda made me really happy. Not that I enjoy your tribulations, but that I completely agree and understand what you say when you say your tired of being an infant. Awesome post man.
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Can I say a big AMEN to this?
I'm so proud of Austin for being light years ahead of where I was at his age. Unmasked is way ahead on the learning curve as well. it was years before I figured out how so many of the fundie/eveangelical churches continued to feed their flocks nothing but infant formula!
I recall a service that took place about 10 years ago in a church for which I played organ. A guest speaker had been invited to preach in the the Pastor's absence. She (the guest speaker) was quite emotional, very passionate, and offered an "altar call" at the end of her sermon. Many people responded. Since I was at the organ and had a good view of the people who came forward, I noticed that those who had come forward had something in common: they all were very sensitive about living a godly life, they had a strong desire to be all that God wants them to be. These were not "new" converts, they were not sinners turning to God for salvation. Instead, they were people well on their journey, but having been fed only baby food, still responded to hellfire and brimstone. They knew it was important to move on spiritually, but had no idea how to do that. I remember my conversation with the church secretary the next day. She was impressed with the response to the altar call. I pointed out that most of the people who had moved forward were people who had already declared their intent and desire to live a life that is pleasing to God. There were no "sinners" saved that day. the secretary had to agree with me that this speaker had played on the emotions of people who were attuned to spiritual growth.
That leads to the difference between fundie/evangelical churches and other moderate or progressive churches: the purpose of gathering together in a sanctuary is to worship God, NOT to evangelize and bring people to Jesus. For progressive christians, church is for worship and evangelism is done outside of the church.