Arghh, gotta go to church

[rightsideout]

This is the church I've been going to since I was 5.

It's become a Conservative cesspool. Well it was when Bush was in office so I didn't go as often. But it makes my mom happy if I show up and the church is her family, so I go. My wife won't go there anymore after the previous pastor said he would have to bring his gun to church to wake up the sleeping folks in the congregation. LOL. She did go last month but disagreed with alot of what the new pastor said and almost walked out, twice.

But I go because my mom is in her 80's and she lights up when I show up. She's still very active and drives herself. The church keeps her going so I support that. And I've known many of the people there since I was a kid. Now I have to figure out what to do with my own salvation since I find myself at odds with the teachings of the Southern Baptist Church. At least this church isn't as crazy as the folks at Westborough (sp?)

[hrmjustin]

1. I skipped it this morning. I will go next week.

[Paulie]

2. Make a weekly visit night for dinner.

Separate the whackadoodles from your relationship with your mom.

[Mariana]

8. Then his mom will be upset

from worrying that he's going to go to hell.

[Paulie]

13. Then he tells her she can always call him

on the RED PHONE.

[marions ghost]

3. I remember when Southern Baptist used to be

more or less normal. When they actually understood the new testament instead of distorting it. I am not affiliated with any church, but understand the meaning and purpose it gives to many lives.

Support your Mom. At least you & your wife have seen the light.

Maybe you could write about this in some way. You have insight into exactly how the distortions are being sold. Journal it, along with your own misgivings and the emotions it brings up. You are compromising out of practicality but it can take a toll. Just be aware of your inner conflicts and be clear in your own mind.

[Turbineguy]

4. I'll go back when

Pat Robertson gets struck by lightning and turns into a smoking piece of pork rind.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

5. You need to find some other way to make your mom's face light up.

(Speaking as someone in a very similar situation, BTW.)

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Agreed.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Same as Westboro but tell youself anything you need to tell youself.

I wish those of you who attend anti gay churches would keep your church chat out of GD, which is supposed to be free of religion for a reason, according to the rules.

[marions ghost]

10. He expresses a dilemma with it

based on the politicization of churches, which seems to me is a GD topic. He is not supportive apparently.
Westboro is a good reason why it's a political topic.

This is not promoting any religion, this is dealing with the realities of living in these crazy times.

Hiding these things because we don't want to see them, I would think you agree, is not a good idea.

[TreasonousBastard]

9. I hear ya, and sounds like you've already decided that...

an hour a week suffering in that church isn't such a bad thing to keep her happy. In the grand scheme of things, it's a very small sacrifice.

There are a lot of Christians out there who think your personal salvation has less to do with what church you got to, or even if you go at all, but more about how you treat your mother and other living things.

[CincyDem]

11. Sounds like you're doing a great job being the good son.

Spend the time thinking about how happy she is in your presence and the time goes much quicker. Thinking about that makes it easy to ignore all the other hate floating around the room. At 80, she ain't changing (but you already know that). Been there, done that.

[bluedigger]

12. Only for weddings or funerals.

Haven't attended a Sunday service in about thirty years. My soul hasn't complained once.

[JNelson6563]

14. The long view...

There will come a day when your mom will pass away. Hopefully it's a long way off but, regardless of when that happens, when it does you will be glad you did this for her.

Easy enough to occupy your mind with other things while at church I should think,

Julie

[arely staircase]

15. just suck it up and keep doing it for mom

when she is gone you'll be glad you did, then you can find a tolerant, progressive place to worship.