I read a Commentary by by Tom Ehrich, an Episcopal priest in New York. This is one of the best descriptions of what I personally dislike most about "religion" these days. Kudos to Tom!!
Too often, going to "church" means going to that place on Sunday morning where we are supposed to receive instruction on God's word, inspiration in our spiritual lives and comfort from God himself. Instead, way too often, this is certainly not the case. Let's take a look at getting ready for church on Sunday morning: what am I going to wear. OK - I lay out an outfit, get my shower, get dressed and look in the mirror only to think "My goodness, I can't wear this!" It is too tight, or it is too old, or "I just wore this Sunday before last and they will think I have no decent clothes!" Then, back into the bathroom to make sure my hair is "just right." Otherwise, those ladies in my Bible study class will wonder why I can't seem to be able to afford to go to the beauty shop and have "something" done with my hair. OK - now dressed and hair done - to find a pair of shoes. They have to match my outfit and, wait, I have to make absolutely sure there are no scuffs on them. OK - finally ready to go. Strange - why am I now in no mood to go to church?
OK - finally out the door to the car. Oh my goodness - I've got to clean some of the kid's trash out of the car - I can't possibly let people walking through the parking lot see all this mess in my car! What will they think? So another 15 minutes cleaning out the car to make sure it, also, is presentable. Rush back into the house to get my Bible - wait - I need to dust it off - How in the world does it accumulate so much dust in just one week?
Got to make sure I've got cash for the offering plate. Heaven forbid I have to pass the plate and have "everyone" see that I put nothing in this morning. Oh dear - I only have a five dollar bill - oh well I will just have to take time to run by the ATM. I can't possibly be seen only putting five dollars in the collection plate. I will be a social outcast.
Finally, here I am. I am dressed, car is cleaned out, Bible dusted, been by the bank and I have my twenty dollar bill safely tucked away. So I enter the church building, five minutes late for Bible Study. I "sneak" into the room, somehow hoping I am invisible. I immediately realize from the several "snide" looks I get that I am, in fact, certainly NOT invisible. Oh well, class is only 55 more minutes.
Now, to the sanctuary. Tired, I take the first seat I come to - only to quickly realize that I have sat down where Miss Emily and her "friends" sit. So, I get up and move. Somehow I make it through the service and now it is time to go. Not many folks speak as I make my way to the door, but that it OK. I am tired, emotionally spent and just want to get to my car and get home - yes back home - where I can feel comfortable.
Am I the only person who sees a huge problem with this scenario? Does everyone really think what you have read so far is an exaggeration? Come on people! This is NOT the exception - it is all too often the real scenario for many people every Sunday morning.
Tom Ehrich got it right for sure - it shouldn't be this hard! The church - the very body of Christ - should be our place of refuge - our place to refresh - our place to be comfortable - our place to get energized. Our church should be a place where we can heal our spirits - not have them further torn down. Torn down by the "cliches" in the church - let down by a sermon dictated by the "influential" folks in the church instead of one inspired by the Holy Spirit. Torn down by the judgment we feel from those around us in the congregation. Just simply torn down!
No wonder church attendance is declining - many churches are simply not what they were designed by God to be - our place of acceptance, refreshment, comfort, a place to feel loved, a place to feel close to God, a place to receive spiritual energy.
Anyone else agree? Tell me your story!!
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