What's Wrong with the Presbyterian Church USA?
(blog series)

Ever since I have become a Presbyterian, I have sensed that something is not right with this denomination.

I became a Presbyterian a number of years ago while I was married. Why I moved from being a Methodist to a Presbyterian is a different blog for a different time. I can say that the reason I changed was not because I disliked the United Methodist Church or it's doctrine.

I think the best way for me to explore this topic is to make a list of my thoughts, feelings, perceptions and observations about the Presbyterian Church USA.

1. Tethers to Joy. I sometimes feel a sense of unrestrained joy about the Power and Love of Jesus Christ. I sometimes have lots of energy and would like to shout, "Let's take the love of Christ, go out and love folks as they are and where they are and change the world!" It is when I get to this point, I often hearing about the red tape of session approval and some talk about all the reasons why it isn't that easy. It is almost like I have to apply for license, fill out tons of paperwork, form a committee to appoint another committee to do a feasibility study on the whole idea.

There are a gang of "buts..." lurking in the shadows of my exuberant "Yes!"


2. Overt and covert disapproval of Contemporary Christian Music. I have sat in a number of meetings over the years about why contemporary Christian music and (gasp) modern praise music is unacceptable. I will continue later on this.

Definitions of Faith

Decloaked responds: I think Epydemic2020 is on to something regarding the clarification of the definition of faith that people are using in a conversation or debate.

Defining yourself by what you are not

I have been thinking of atheists lately. I run across a lot of atheists videos on YouTube. You've probably seen some of them. Many of of the videos are either about a particular person's breaking away from Christianity or some other faith. Many other videos are made with the intent of mocking the Bible or aspects of it. A few videos ( I wish there were more) are made with more of an atheist outlook or approach to life with no name calling, or other harshness against Christians or other beliefs.

As a Christian who has gone through a number of seasons in my own faith I have had my own doubts, questions and struggles. I think it is important that one respect others life journeys when it comes to faith or lack of it. 

I have engaged in many debates and I will not back away from one that I am interested in participating in. For me, right now, I would rather engage in a dialogue or honest conversation about differences and things we, as humans, may have in common. I will respect a person's lack of belief but in return, I ask that the glib criticisms, attitudes of superiority, and the atheist
ad homonym smack-downs be put aside.

It occurred to me there most of the atheists I have run across on YouTube videos and comments, are quick to deny that atheism is some kind of non-God faith or humanistic belief system. Atheists often define themselves by what they are not and nothing else.

The burden of proof is almost always laid at the feet of the religious person. The atheist's posture is one of offense and rarely defensive in nature.

If got me thinking that one of my prerequisites for engaging in an honest discussion or dialogue with an atheist would be that the atheist must offer up some positive identity of what who they are and what life philosophy to which that person ascribes. I don't mind that atheism is part of the conversation but there must be something more.

Imagine writing a personal resume where a person only refers to him/herself as what they are not.

John Doe

Education:

* Not a high school dropout.
*I did not drop out of college.

Work History
*Did not work at any fast food restaurants.
*2008 - 2010 Was not unemployed or  merely employed part time.
Did not get fired.  Did not do IT work.
Reason for leaving: I did not get fired.

I think that in order for a meaningful dialogue or even a debate to occur, both parties must include positive position rather than assuming a negative or hidden identity.

Lenten Reflections

Lent is actually one of my favorite times of the year. Starting with Ash Wednesday, I stood in line and waited for my turn to be marked with a cross of ashes on my forehead. Hearing the words (paraphrased), "From dust you were created, and to dust you will return.

Participants were then invited to speak the words, "I repent and I believe in the Gospel." I cannot remember when I actually said the words, "I repent" in public. I am reflecting now on what that means to me and what repentance will call for in my life. I think of repentance as purposefully turning in a new direction.

400 Superbowl fans denied seats near the last minute-seats not ready

Have you ever planned something very special, plan it to the hilt and pay big money for the event and then dreamed of how much fun it will be? Then on this special day, whether it be a big international trip, a long anticipated wedding, or the Super Bowl, things fall apart.

This is what just happened to several hundreds of fans at this year's Superbowl.

Are they angry? Many are yes, Hurt? I'm sure. Disappointed? That is an understatement.

Yet, unfortunately, stuff like this happens all the time. Reality check: We live in a broken and sinful word.

People make mistakes and people mess up. Sometimes people are put in the hot seat and have to make unpopular decisions.

Photo: Louis DeLuca/Staff Photographer/The Dallas Morning News

The lesson for me is I am reminded that this is only and imperfect world, this is not all their is and to count my blessings. I remember reading is scripture that Jesus warned his Disciples that they would have trouble in this world, but He has overcome the world. We as followers of Jesus have been given an amazing gift called Grace and everything on earth that is special, pales to that gift. Life does go on.

In Defense of the Bible