Like the beliefs...not the church?

First of all, Im sorry to hear that this is happening to you.

It's likely not a cult, but a church with cliques is not the warm,family gathering that Christ intended for us.

I say, If you are not being fed spiritually, and are being mistreted, it's not a healthy environment for you. The will of the Lord is that you prosper and be in health....even as your soul prospers...This is not prosperity...it is poverty of spirit...

I'm sure you won't have any trouble relocating else where.

I recommend going onto http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ Keyword "spiritual abuse" and "toxic faith" or "toxic church," that kind of thing, and then look up some of those books at your local library. An example of a book is "Healing Spiritual Abuse: How to Break Free from Bad Church Experiences" by Ken Blue.

If a church is too controlling, it is unhealthy, and could possibly be a cult or be developing into one. It also doesn't sound very good that they are always putting down other churches. At my church, every week before the sermon, the pastor prays thankful blessings for another local church.

Churches obviously don't agree with each other on all the details, but we should agree on the basic tenets of the Christian faith, and act in love toward one another.

If you don't feel the love of God at your church, maybe it's time to start trying out other churches in the area. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." "The letter (of the Law) kills, but the Spirit gives life."

I pray for God's wisdom to guide you and your family in this decision. God bless you.

Do you realize that the beliefs are what cause the church to teach the way it does? Of course not, you are one of those Christians that pick and choose what you like out of the bible. Why don't you have a sit down and really read what it teaches in the bible. May be then you will be asking the right question. Should I get out of this violent religion that causes division between people, live my life by what I believe is morally correct and be a lot happier? That is what you should be asking.

If you're still in Texas, odds are there is another congregation of the same denomination within a short distance. I know around me it's a Spiritual Smorgasbord, with a church on nearly every corner.

If you're not finding what you seek at your church, and if the atmosphere and attitude of the PEOPLE at the church is detracting from your relationship with your GOD, then by all means find somewhere else to worship.

Your relationship with your God is more important than "offending" the bigots around you.

If you don't feel comfortable in your church, then you should really consider finding a new one. As a Roman Catholic, I would highly recommend you join the Catholic Church. You can take Adult Initation Classes for you and your husband. The Catholic Church is very holy, traditional, and always focuses on the Love and Teachings of Christ instead of attacking other faiths. God bless you and good luck!

Young Diva,

I would suggest that you and your husband visit a few other nearby churches. Find one that teaches the Truth. Measure it by using the Bible and Check what is taught against it. I hope that you are able to find one. Have a wonderful week.

Thanks,

Eds

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It sounds like you need to find a church where you feel more comfortable.

My husband always jokes that we need to find a church small enough that they know who we are and big enough that they don't notice if we miss now and again. Ha ha.

Good luck, sweetie.

Time for a new church.

yes

ask your self...

what is the purpose of church?

and would Jesus be happy with this church?

just because they are a church, doesn't make them right.

If it's a cult, runaway, next they'll be selling you Jesus juice enhanced with pot, and the body of christ stuffed with heroin. Cults always end badly...