Comments on: The Better Way! http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/ It's more wonderful than you can imagine! Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:57:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Kiara http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2335 Kiara Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:23:39 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2335 Michelle, I totally understand what you mean by church feeling like a chore. That is one of the main reasons I plan to take a break from organized church soon. This doesn't necessarily mean I'll absolutely never set foot in a church setting again or not associate with people who do go to church. I just need time to break free from organized religion and really get a desire to love God. I feel bad in admitting this but sometimes I genuinely don't feel that desire. It's more like a duty. Even though it's been two years since I've broken away from my Southern Baptist upbringing changing views about God is still quite difficult. Michelle, I totally understand what you mean by church feeling like a chore. That is one of the main reasons I plan to take a break from organized church soon. This doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll absolutely never set foot in a church setting again or not associate with people who do go to church. I just need time to break free from organized religion and really get a desire to love God. I feel bad in admitting this but sometimes I genuinely don’t feel that desire. It’s more like a duty. Even though it’s been two years since I’ve broken away from my Southern Baptist upbringing changing views about God is still quite difficult.

]]> By: Cliff http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2328 Cliff Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:51:49 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2328 John T....your point is well taken and so true. Face to face does give you so much more in the area of communication. And please understand that it really takes a great deal to offend me because I understand the complicated nature of our discussions and where each of us are coming from. I really appreciate all that you have to bring to boldgrace. John T….your point is well taken and so true. Face to face does give you so much more in the area of communication. And please understand that it really takes a great deal to offend me because I understand the complicated nature of our discussions and where each of us are coming from. I really appreciate all that you have to bring to boldgrace.

]]> By: John T. http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2326 John T. Sun, 06 Apr 2008 13:30:26 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2326 Cliff One of the drawbacks of communication on the web is that we have very little data to go by. I cant see if youre eyes are twinkling or if you are frowning, I cant hear the inflection in your voice. I am therefore limited to what I can discern from these blogs. This one inparticular. So I based my "assumptions" on your words, nothing more, nothing less. So sorry if I assumed too much. Cliff

One of the drawbacks of communication on the web is that we have very little data to go by. I cant see if youre eyes are twinkling or if you are frowning, I cant hear the inflection in your voice. I am therefore limited to what I can discern from these blogs. This one inparticular. So I based my “assumptions” on your words, nothing more, nothing less. So sorry if I assumed too much.

]]> By: Michelle http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2323 Michelle Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:27:54 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2323 Yeah, i never thought i would become one of those parents who wants their kid to believe everything i believe. But i know that i need to just focus on the love and everything else will fall into place. Thanks guys! Yeah, i never thought i would become one of those parents who wants their kid to believe everything i believe. But i know that i need to just focus on the love and everything else will fall into place. Thanks guys!

]]> By: Mindy http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2321 Mindy Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:39:54 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2321 Michelle, I am no expert on this subject, but I am pretty proud of my 8 year old little girl and we have never and will never raise her in church, but we talk about God a great deal. I often tell her that religion is a man made thing. I tell her that people created religion out of fear, but that God is not something to fear because he lives inside of our hearts. I tell her that all we ever need to know about God is in the depths of our hearts and soul and she will have her own relationship with God as long as she follows her heart. I tell her to respect herself and others and to do her best each day not to judge others and even though she may make some decisions that might cause her pain God is with her every step of the way. Through the good and the bad he will be with her just like her Mommy and Daddy will. I want her to have the freedom to take what I give her and do as she pleases with it. If she decides to conform to religion some day then that is her decision. What ever she decides to do I will support her because I believe God will be with her every step of the way. Michelle,
I am no expert on this subject, but I am pretty proud of my 8 year old little girl and we have never and will never raise her in church, but we talk about God a great deal. I often tell her that religion is a man made thing. I tell her that people created religion out of fear, but that God is not something to fear because he lives inside of our hearts. I tell her that all we ever need to know about God is in the depths of our hearts and soul and she will have her own relationship with God as long as she follows her heart. I tell her to respect herself and others and to do her best each day not to judge others and even though she may make some decisions that might cause her pain God is with her every step of the way. Through the good and the bad he will be with her just like her Mommy and Daddy will. I want her to have the freedom to take what I give her and do as she pleases with it. If she decides to conform to religion some day then that is her decision. What ever she decides to do I will support her because I believe God will be with her every step of the way.

]]> By: Cliff http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2320 Cliff Sat, 05 Apr 2008 22:48:54 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2320 Michelle, Trust your heart and it won't lead you wrong. Show them by your example of love, kindness, and acceptance of all. Let them know how God loves us all not just the church folk and remember at the end of each day that a heart established in bold grace IS SUFFICIENT. Michelle, Trust your heart and it won’t lead you wrong. Show them by your example of love, kindness, and acceptance of all. Let them know how God loves us all not just the church folk and remember at the end of each day that a heart established in bold grace IS SUFFICIENT.

]]> By: Michelle http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2319 Michelle Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:36:19 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2319 Man I am so glad you brought this up! I grew up in evangelical christianity and i really did not like going to church. It was more like a chore. I have been thinking about this more now that I have my son. He is still a baby (he will be 7 months old on the 15th!) but I have worried about how I will teach him about God. When I was pregnant I had considered taking him to saddleback church (yes the one run by Rick Warren). But I realized this would not work for me. I went to a few services last year and I wanted to stand up and shout YUCK! I only went because two of my friends were being baptized, but it just reminded me as to why I stopped going to church to begin with. So how would a young single mom like me be able to teach my son about God? I have no idea!!!!!! Man I am so glad you brought this up! I grew up in evangelical christianity and i really did not like going to church. It was more like a chore. I have been thinking about this more now that I have my son. He is still a baby (he will be 7 months old on the 15th!) but I have worried about how I will teach him about God.

When I was pregnant I had considered taking him to saddleback church (yes the one run by Rick Warren). But I realized this would not work for me. I went to a few services last year and I wanted to stand up and shout YUCK! I only went because two of my friends were being baptized, but it just reminded me as to why I stopped going to church to begin with.

So how would a young single mom like me be able to teach my son about God? I have no idea!!!!!!

]]> By: Cliff http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2318 Cliff Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:38:42 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2318 John T, I couldn't agree more with your answer. I can and do associate with all people. I could even associate with someone from the KKK but that doesn't mean I support the organization. Associating and supporting is two different things. At BoldGrace we are willing to assoicaite with all because we truly believe we are ALL God's offspring. Paul the apostle associated with Peter and the Super apostles but he soundly rejected the other Gospel that they were preaching. You assume too much, but I welcome your comments. John T,

I couldn’t agree more with your answer. I can and do associate with all people. I could even associate with someone from the KKK but that doesn’t mean I support the organization. Associating and supporting is two different things.

At BoldGrace we are willing to assoicaite with all because we truly believe we are ALL God’s offspring.

Paul the apostle associated with Peter and the Super apostles but he soundly rejected the other Gospel that they were preaching.

You assume too much, but I welcome your comments.

]]> By: Cliff http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2317 Cliff Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:14:38 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2317 Connie Said: "I think it is important to teach children the principles Jesus lived and taught." I couldn't agree more Connie. I have watched my daughter Mindy & her husband do exactly that within their own home and the result is the most delightful little girl who has a wonderful perspective about this life. The difference is that they don't have the task of undoing all the negatives that a child will learn in Sunday School. I see their way as the BETTER WAY. Also, I constantly see children on my school bus who attend Sunday School make judgements about other children. I see the "I'm better because I go to church attitude" in their sweet little spirits and it makes me sick to my stomach that they are growning up with an automatic "US & THEM" perspective. And I also agree we can not and should not expect others to see things the way we do, but I sure wish someone had shared what we share at Boldgrace to me 35 years ago. Connie Said: “I think it is important to teach children the principles Jesus lived and taught.”

I couldn’t agree more Connie. I have watched my daughter Mindy & her husband do exactly that within their own home and the result is the most delightful little girl who has a wonderful perspective about this life.
The difference is that they don’t have the task of undoing all the negatives that a child will learn in Sunday School. I see their way as the BETTER WAY.

Also, I constantly see children on my school bus who attend Sunday School make judgements about other children. I see the “I’m better because I go to church attitude” in their sweet little spirits and it makes me sick to my stomach that they are growning up with an automatic “US & THEM” perspective.

And I also agree we can not and should not expect others to see things the way we do, but I sure wish someone had shared what we share at Boldgrace to me 35 years ago.

]]> By: john T. http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2316 john T. Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:12:22 +0000 http://boldgrace.com/2008/04/04/the-better-way/#comment-2316 Good Morning Cliff Ok heres goes. My answer is going to have a couple of points. 1. If we are here to learn and teach at the same time, then I guess its important that we associate with both groups of people. The ones who think they have the better way, and the ones who dont. Seems to me Christ didnt limit himself to only like minded people. In fact he saw the value in all and did his best to share with all. Actually, how are people supposed to learn a better way if there is no one to show them. 2. If I believe my way is the better way, what pretell makes me any different from the Fundamentalist who thinks he/she has the better or right way? I think Jesus had a word for that way of thinking. Hypocrite. 3. If we truly are all connected, dont think just because you dont physically associate with people who are judgemental and full of pain that you wont be affected by it. Reminds me of the person who sweeps it all under the rug. Eventually you will trip over it. 4. Salt and light hmmmm. Wonder if we can do that if everyone we associate with thinks like we do. 5. Love the discussions........... :) Good Morning Cliff

Ok heres goes. My answer is going to have a couple of points.

1. If we are here to learn and teach at the same time, then I guess its important that we associate with both groups of people. The ones who think they have the better way, and the ones who dont. Seems to me Christ didnt limit himself to only like minded people. In fact he saw the value in all and did his best to share with all. Actually, how are people supposed to learn a better way if there is no one to show them.

2. If I believe my way is the better way, what pretell makes me any different from the Fundamentalist who thinks he/she has the better or right way? I think Jesus had a word for that way of thinking. Hypocrite.

3. If we truly are all connected, dont think just because you dont physically associate with people who are judgemental and full of pain that you wont be affected by it. Reminds me of the person who sweeps it all under the rug. Eventually you will trip over it.

4. Salt and light hmmmm. Wonder if we can do that if everyone we associate with thinks like we do.

5. Love the discussions……….. :)

]]>