I know that this may sound a little bit shocking, but I actually agree with a lot of what you say Tracy. Too often I have found out in the past that church attendance and those that I would consider to be 'decent people' in this world do not seem to be a one-on-one relationship. Many times it seems like people attend church these days for reasons other than the reasons stated in the Bible for why the church exists (Eph. 4:11-13). Jesus Christ did not come to bring another religion to the planet, he came to bring a changed heart (Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:26-27). I believe that people can get wrapped up in their religious activities, and yet miss the whole thrust of what they are supposed to really be doing in the first place.

It's interesting that you bring up the point that 'many of the so-called Christians were the unkindest judgmental people that you ever met'. Tracy, I'm sorry that you ever had to be treated that way, not only because it was totally wrong, but also because if these so-called Christians had ever opened up their Bibles and actually read them for themselves, they would know that undergoing God's judgment upon themselves is one of the most critical items concerning authentic salvation (Isaiah 1:27; Prov. 21:7; Isaiah 61:8; John 9:39-10:1; Matt. 23:23; 1 Cor. 11:31-32; Micah 7:7-9). Rather than pointing the finger at you or anyone else, the Christian should primarily be looking inward at themselves instead (Matt. 7:1-5; Luke 18:9-14; Romans 2:1-3).

Sorry to get on a soapbox about this. I just get kind of frustrated when I hear stories like yours Tracy (not frustrated at you--just frustrated at how you were treated), because it underscores the tragic damage that can be done to people's lives with the kind of behavior that you experienced first-hand. No one should ever treat someone else that way, especially when they take the label of Christian upon themselves. I'm not saying that people that go to church always display this kind of behavior, I'm just saying that I have run into it plenty of times myself, and it shouldn't be happening. Unfortunately, this is just one of the many things that can happen when churches begin to stray from sound doctrine--they become filled with people who really don't want to have anything to do with true Christianity (Jer. 51:51; Jer. 50:6-7; 2 Peter 2:1-3). I would say that in the end it sounds like you did the right thing Tracy in removing yourself and your kids from any church that allowed these kinds of activities to go on unabated (2 Tim. 3:5; 2 Thess. 3:5-7; Rom. 16:17-18). Not every church that hangs out a shingle falls under the category of proper fellowship that people should desire to be a part of (Heb. 10:25). Hopefully if you should find yourself open to the idea of a church again, you will be able to find one that will adhere to sound doctrine. It seems to be a rarity these days...

For what it's worth Tracy, I'm sorry that this happened to both you and your kids, and I hope that what you experienced won't leave permanent scars on any of your lives. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Jason