AT 5:46 THE PERSON IN THE VIDEO SAYS SHE NO LONGER BELIEVES IN A GOD - THUS, SAID PERSON IS A TRUE APOSTATE (HOWEVER, ONE WOULD CERTAINLY THINK THAT PERHAPS SHE NEVER BELIEVED IN GOD) - THUS I ASK:
"WHAT IS AN APOSTATE SUPPOSE TO SAY ABOUT """ANY""" CHURCH?".
WHATEVER AN APOSTATE WOULD SAY WOULD NOT BE POSITIVE! SHE SOUNDS HATEFILLED AND VINDICTIVE, LAUGHING OUT LOUD ABOUT HER BAPTISM AND HER E-MAILING SAID CHURCH.
I THINK WE CAN DISCOUNT HER AS A HOSTILE WITNESS - THANKS!
Wow what church did you go to, I am southern baptist and that sound nothing like the church. I have never seen or hear any of what she is saying. I guess some SBC churches are different than others.
Getting out of the church I was in was a simple matter of questioning doctrines and practices with rational arguments. Church leadership all but showed me the door. That probably had something to do with my popularity as an apologist who counseled others on how to argue with Jehovah’s Witnesses, atheists, ‘New Agers,’ et al.
"Most" southern baptists are really annoying when they tell me, I am going to hell, because I wear black, I listen to metal and love Halloween, ha ha and some will say I am going to hell and I say "But, that is where all the cool people go" lmao. I mess with them so bad and they get freaked out by me ;)
@KYKIN89 I'm not sure, it was the only one I had ever been a member of. I believe it was relatively in line with the Southern Bapitst convention, which is pretty conservative. It was Bible literalist, and I did hear some pretty wacky things from the pulpit. But at the same time there were no extremes like super-modest clothing and homeschooling. Quiverfull wasn't a thing. I'd say it was average for the time (80's).
I believe in God, but I disagree with the SBC's social control aspect. Private lives are private lives. Nothing gives anyone the right to invade someone's personal affairs.
God doesn't hate gay people He certainly doesn't want us to. Why is she so phobic and hateful and judgmental about the Southern Baptist Church? Oh yeah 20 yrs ago she went to a church and maybe had a bad experience. Ever hear of the pot calling the kettle Black?
I have to wonder to your standard of judging others. You tell me you had a single experience in a single church 20 years ago and you portray yourself as an expert in the field of Southern Baptist theology. Do you think you could stand up to anyone you insulted 20 years ago and is now posting what an evil wicked horrible useless person you are. You would be fine with that? I don't think so. The church never threatened anybody with anything about meeting with AIDS patients.
I'm not sure what "do everything you're supposed to do" means. If it means that we try to keep to the truth of God's Word I think you would be amazed that most churches around the world do the same thing. We are not nor have we ever claimed to be perfect. We do not claim to be better than anyone else. We know that God has come into our lives, but still the only good in us comes from Him so we can't boast.
Most churches tend to have this no sex before marriage, yeah? Also no S.B. Church I have ever attended (10 over last 25 years) has ever read a letter to the congregation like that. When someone requests to be taken off our member list,at business meeting we announce members coming off our rolls, not why just for membership numbers. We also don't "surprise visit our members" We are however family and caring for family is important wouldn't you say?
She said "Well, the bible says that all non-christians are going to hell & since they are not Christian they ARE going to hell." I asked her how she knew they weren't Christians & she gave me some crazy, nonsense answer. I then told her in front of everyone, "How arrogant of you to think you know the mind of God so well that you can make that determination about another human being. How dare you!" Everyone looked stunned that I dare question the all-knowing Sunday school teacher.
I also agree that many of them do not like it if you are an independent person of "different" from the mainstream. I was looked down on for being outspoken & daring to question certain things.
I remember my college Sunday school teacher ending a class by saying "Okay, boys & girls, remember, Catholics are not Christian & are going to hell!" While everyone else gathered their bibles & began to leave, I sat in my chair, stared her down, & said out loud "Oh, you're so sure about that!" Cont....
I was brought up Southern Baptist but I don't consider myself any denomination now. I do work for a local Baptist Church that I am not a member of & found out today that I will probably lose my job 'cause I took up for a fellow employee, who is African-american, who I & a few others have observed as repeated bullying of this employee by the pastor's wife due to his race. I can't believe this kind of Neanderthal behaviour still in exists in the church!
and dont take it out on God becuz of how people treated you... God sent His Son to die in your place.. God's love is perfect.. unfortunately some of His people aint so...
southern baptist, baptist, presbyterian, pentecostal ect... why does it matter??? its all about our relationship with Jesus Christ... when are Amercian Christians gonna wake up and focus on the real mission??? saving souls
@g1e2c3k4o all the stuff that i believe that makes me so conservative i can back up with a verse.. i understand that alot of people dont get why we are the way that we are but everything i do because of my faith or dont do is because what i have read in the bible.. other wise i wouldnt see it the way that i do
i am southern baptist and my church has never checks up on us or reads a letter of leaving rescind to the church... i am sorry for anyone in my denomination that hurt you.. or was rude to you.. yes my denomination has flaws because it is ran by humans.. i know im not perfect thats why i need jesus. i know we may seem crazy for being so conservative but we are just trying our best to live out the bible..
I walked out of a Southern Baptist church not because of theology, but because of religious right activism of the local church and denomination and an authoritarian pastor. I expressed discomfort at the attachment of the church toward the Republican party, and I was asked, "you aren't a member of God's Old party, and do you feel persecuted (very sarcastically)?" I also thought having pastor sanctioned voting registration in church during services was against separation of church and state.
I'm not sure what kind of Baptist church you attended, but this doesn't sound like any Baptist church I've ever attended. BTW. the"Letter" you refer to is nothing more but a request sent to a church to let them know someone wants to move to a different church or remove themselves from the rolls. There is no actual "letter" read to the church. the request is almost always granted 100 percent.
Glad you were able to free yourself from the clutches of that dreadful religion. I was fortunately never a Baptist, but many family members are. What a crazy, screwed up belief system--but then again, that sums up Christianity as whole, whatever denomination you're looking at--although I give credit to the Episcopal Church, the United Chruch of Christ, ELCA, and a few others for at least attempting to join the 21st century.
I'm an ex-Southern Baptist. All congregations are different but many of the things stated in this video happen even in moderate churches. Yes, changes in membership are at the least announced in church meetings. If you don't join another church or formally rescind, you will be carried as an "inactive" member. You are still counted in the total membership of the church. Any number of the 16 million members of the SBC could be "inactive" and not interested in being counted.
@BraidedLily Thanks for the comment. I do hope they accepted my e-mail request to be removed. I don't know for sure since I requested they not contact me. And yeah, I'm sure they read it aloud for the congregation.
The funny thing is, I'm not angry, which a lot of the commenters that were critical assume. They were nice people and I have no personal grudges. I just didn't want to be counted as something I wasn't anymore.
@amandazillah I commend you for making the video. Since the church I used to attend dissolved several years ago, I have no idea if there is a record of my membership within the larger association to which the church belonged. Your request for no contact from the church is probably the reason why you did not even get an email acknowledgement. I had good and bad experiences in church. I just don't care for their beliefs, either. My best to you.
im sorry that youve had such a bad experience with us Southern Baptists... i have never had any of these happen & no one that i know of has ever either. i hope you realize that not EVERY church is like this. God bless.
@nikkayx333 I will like to state that while I didn't like the practices or a lot of things that went on, I don't hold any grudges. Most Baptists are individually very nice people, and a lot of the congregants had kind hearts. But I believe we were misled. I don't wish any bad on them.
Madam, you have severely oversimplified the reason the Southern Baptists broke away from their Northern counterparts. The Northern churches were overly liberal for the tastes of the Southerners (as was the case in politics and all other walks of life).Had the South succeeded in becoming independent, the split would have been imminent anyway.It was more about politics than racism. I don't know what your qualm is or who hurt your feelings, but the church you were in doesn't reflect the rest of us.
Like this wonderful woman says, The only reason why the Southern Baptist Convention exists is because a bunch of old fat rich white southern guys thought it was God's will for them to own slaves and they broke from the northern Baptists. Stupid if you ask me. The SBC is infested with southern culture throughout the church and has absolutely NO tradition of early Christianity in it.
@Afterburner350Z IMO the SBC is a product of American Southern culture. It used to amuse and amaze me that this group is soooooooooo missionary minded...much of what they are spreading around the world, IMO, is that regional culture of the South.
@Npixelvd People try to create narratives for their lives and others: it's part of being human. We tell stories. So it's human nature to think that life must have a meaning, an end purpose. But that doesn't make it true. So yeah, we are just here to overcome and solve problems-ours, other people's. the worlds. Nobody will reward us in the afterlife and we'll be lucky to get rewarded in this one. That's how it is.
@amandazillah People try to create narratives for their lives and others....... This answer just leads to emptiness. Well, everything around us do have a purpose and we see easily observe them. But to humans who longs to be with their love ones for eternity, it is basically not simple.
Not really enough space here and I hope someday you will find the truth.
The problem is that you are categorizing one church to be all Southern Baptist Church. The key of a Southern Baptist Church is the autonomy of the local church. Clearly you did not do your research before spouting off. Each church is allowed to do church however they wish. Each church is different because of that. Because your one church does one thing does not mean all churches do.
I love being part of the Southern Baptist Convention. I believe your are seriously mischaracterizing who Southern Baptists are today. God is using our convention to do marvelous works all over the world.
I can honestly say that in Mississippi there are racist Southern Baptist churches still. I have been to some churches in MS that are nothing but white, straight, middle class, etc. It was a lot like a KKK meeting (i assume, because I don't think they would like me ethnically) in that they are so stringent on who comes and who is welcome.
I hereby decree that your name will be removed fromt the role of any organization whether it be secular or religious in nature. You have been freed from having to wear a foil cap because I decree that the voices in your head cease. Also, do not fear any longer regarding nocturnal anal probing by aliens because I decree that extraterrestrials will no longer terrorize you at night. Oh by the way, Decacon Jones was a pro football player so don't worry cause he isn't trying to witness to you.
@pettyofficer30 - I hope you feel better since you got that off your chest. I guess you were out to sea when I left my comment four months ago. I have to go because I'm late to a ritual killing at the local baptist church.
But, as far I can tell, Southern Baptists have it wrong on quite a few things, any many of their social issue stances are far too unreasonable for me (and some of their theology too unscriptural). For example, how exactly is drinking alcohol "the Devil"? Also, why would even ballroom dancing be evil? And I cannot agree with them on things like premarital sex, as they (and others) wrongfully use the word "fornication" without knowing the meaning of the Greek root word "pornea".
Thank you for posting this. I wasn't aware of the need to send that "church" a letter, but now I'm thinking about doing it. I left Southern Baptistism when I was about 20, and have never looked back, nor can I go back to it. I am still very much Christian, and believe in the essentials (such as the Trinity, the Incarnation, etc.), but for a few years now also the two sacraments and the Nicene Creed.
@scourfish It is. It's also full of people who are very sweet natured and honestly do not know any better. My mom is still a Baptist, she's cried many times over my atheism. It's not a healthy religion, it fills people full of fear and then they operate from that position for the rest of their lives.
1. The reason baptist churches make the congregation aware of those who leave the church is because membership includes certain obligations between members, and its important to know who are members are who aren't.
2. I find it interesting that you complain that a deacon actually came to your house to check on you. Even if you found it to be odd, it seems that it is a caring thing to do. Would you also call them hypocrites if no one ever expressed care towards you?
You are afraid of a letter being read to the congregation? Why? They have a right to know about changes in the group. You are supposedly in a covenant agreement with the other members. If you change it seems fair for them to be told.
@ConfederateGypsy From that perspective, it would seem sensible not to be concerned. But what I said about boundaries holds true: I told them not to contact me because I did not wish to be witnessed to. But you're right, there's actually nothing they can do. What are they going to do, tell my mother?
@amandazillah I see it as a matter of protocol. it is a function of the elders /deacons of the assembly to inform it of an apostacy. It is also a duty to try and aid the one they see in error.It actually is them caring for you, though you may prefer they didn't.It is their job as they see it.
@ConfederateGypsy But I've been inactive for years, me breaking ties is really a formality at this point. I am just trying to stop being counting as a Southern Baptist, which might be tilting at windmills. They tend to count people until they die.
Also, randomly, I love the word "apostate" and it's other forms. It's such a strange, old-fashioned word and it hardly ever comes up in regular conversation. So although that probably wasn't your intention, it made me smile.
@amandazillah Well, if you've been inactive for years, that's another deal. Glad you like apostate. I guess I'm just an old-fashioned guy. I was raised Episcopalian and never formally left. Wonder if they still count me?
@ConfederateGypsy Just for the record, references to "covenant" relationships is fairly recent and IMO is very much influenced by the religious right. Many Southern Baptists live in small towns. Rescinding your membership vs. joining another church while still living in a small town means that you can find yourself shunned and mistreated by all of those good people down at the church. Yes, it matters. And some people don't want to put themselves or their families through such nonsense.
Too me, any god that man speaks of is complete bullcrap unless they can prove it. Good for you, for leaving that brainwashing, guilttripping religion.
i like how you say how the southern baptists show up and check up on you...i was a Mormon for a brief time...and they check up on their followers the same way...they tell you little white lies to get you in their church and once your in there, they try to make you feel bad for leaving.
@Vicymorgan yep...i visited and got invited to visit many groups and religions....you meet a few nice people, but most of them are sheep being manipulated...and even the nice ones give you the cold shoulder and act funny when it gets around that you aint totally converted like a robot and willing to give up your whole mind.
Please don't associate all Southern Baptist with the ONE southern Baptist church that you went to. God will deal with them in His own way. But don't be a hinderance for other Southern Baptist who are really doing God's work.
@EqualAndFree With my old church? It's probably more like dozens. Also, it's Sunday night church so the "Sunday morning only" crowd will miss it. But yeah, I made sure to put in that I "did not believe in any Creator".
@ItsCoreyLynxxYall They still count you though! Yeah, I'm convinced that at least half the people on the books as SB's are like you and wouldn't set foot in one now.
AT 5:46 THE PERSON IN THE VIDEO SAYS SHE NO LONGER BELIEVES IN A GOD - THUS, SAID PERSON IS A TRUE APOSTATE (HOWEVER, ONE WOULD CERTAINLY THINK THAT PERHAPS SHE NEVER BELIEVED IN GOD) - THUS I ASK:
"WHAT IS AN APOSTATE SUPPOSE TO SAY ABOUT """ANY""" CHURCH?".
WHATEVER AN APOSTATE WOULD SAY WOULD NOT BE POSITIVE! SHE SOUNDS HATEFILLED AND VINDICTIVE, LAUGHING OUT LOUD ABOUT HER BAPTISM AND HER E-MAILING SAID CHURCH.
I THINK WE CAN DISCOUNT HER AS A HOSTILE WITNESS - THANKS!
jehovahuponyou 23 hours ago
Wow what church did you go to, I am southern baptist and that sound nothing like the church. I have never seen or hear any of what she is saying. I guess some SBC churches are different than others.
robrtarnold 1 month ago
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Getting out of the church I was in was a simple matter of questioning doctrines and practices with rational arguments. Church leadership all but showed me the door. That probably had something to do with my popularity as an apologist who counseled others on how to argue with Jehovah’s Witnesses, atheists, ‘New Agers,’ et al.
Cathmoytura 2 months ago
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Cathmoytura 2 months ago
"Most" southern baptists are really annoying when they tell me, I am going to hell, because I wear black, I listen to metal and love Halloween, ha ha and some will say I am going to hell and I say "But, that is where all the cool people go" lmao. I mess with them so bad and they get freaked out by me ;)
RidirichdFlann 2 months ago
So was amandazillah a member of a Fundie or Moderate SBC affilaited church?
KYKIN89 3 months ago
@KYKIN89 I'm not sure, it was the only one I had ever been a member of. I believe it was relatively in line with the Southern Bapitst convention, which is pretty conservative. It was Bible literalist, and I did hear some pretty wacky things from the pulpit. But at the same time there were no extremes like super-modest clothing and homeschooling. Quiverfull wasn't a thing. I'd say it was average for the time (80's).
amandazillah 3 months ago
I believe in God, but I disagree with the SBC's social control aspect. Private lives are private lives. Nothing gives anyone the right to invade someone's personal affairs.
ThePhantom135 4 months ago
God doesn't hate gay people He certainly doesn't want us to. Why is she so phobic and hateful and judgmental about the Southern Baptist Church? Oh yeah 20 yrs ago she went to a church and maybe had a bad experience. Ever hear of the pot calling the kettle Black?
waggs101 4 months ago
I have to wonder to your standard of judging others. You tell me you had a single experience in a single church 20 years ago and you portray yourself as an expert in the field of Southern Baptist theology. Do you think you could stand up to anyone you insulted 20 years ago and is now posting what an evil wicked horrible useless person you are. You would be fine with that? I don't think so. The church never threatened anybody with anything about meeting with AIDS patients.
waggs101 4 months ago
I'm not sure what "do everything you're supposed to do" means. If it means that we try to keep to the truth of God's Word I think you would be amazed that most churches around the world do the same thing. We are not nor have we ever claimed to be perfect. We do not claim to be better than anyone else. We know that God has come into our lives, but still the only good in us comes from Him so we can't boast.
waggs101 4 months ago
Most churches tend to have this no sex before marriage, yeah? Also no S.B. Church I have ever attended (10 over last 25 years) has ever read a letter to the congregation like that. When someone requests to be taken off our member list,at business meeting we announce members coming off our rolls, not why just for membership numbers. We also don't "surprise visit our members" We are however family and caring for family is important wouldn't you say?
waggs101 4 months ago
She said "Well, the bible says that all non-christians are going to hell & since they are not Christian they ARE going to hell." I asked her how she knew they weren't Christians & she gave me some crazy, nonsense answer. I then told her in front of everyone, "How arrogant of you to think you know the mind of God so well that you can make that determination about another human being. How dare you!" Everyone looked stunned that I dare question the all-knowing Sunday school teacher.
auntstacey123 4 months ago
I also agree that many of them do not like it if you are an independent person of "different" from the mainstream. I was looked down on for being outspoken & daring to question certain things.
I remember my college Sunday school teacher ending a class by saying "Okay, boys & girls, remember, Catholics are not Christian & are going to hell!" While everyone else gathered their bibles & began to leave, I sat in my chair, stared her down, & said out loud "Oh, you're so sure about that!" Cont....
auntstacey123 4 months ago
I was brought up Southern Baptist but I don't consider myself any denomination now. I do work for a local Baptist Church that I am not a member of & found out today that I will probably lose my job 'cause I took up for a fellow employee, who is African-american, who I & a few others have observed as repeated bullying of this employee by the pastor's wife due to his race. I can't believe this kind of Neanderthal behaviour still in exists in the church!
auntstacey123 4 months ago
and dont take it out on God becuz of how people treated you... God sent His Son to die in your place.. God's love is perfect.. unfortunately some of His people aint so...
jarcar101 5 months ago
southern baptist, baptist, presbyterian, pentecostal ect... why does it matter??? its all about our relationship with Jesus Christ... when are Amercian Christians gonna wake up and focus on the real mission??? saving souls
jarcar101 5 months ago
its not hard its called being a Christian it takes alot of work
but you can do it with Jesus
110joshdavis 6 months ago
Unfortunately "being so conservative" may have nothing to do with the bible, but may be more cultural.
g1e2c3k4o 7 months ago
@g1e2c3k4o all the stuff that i believe that makes me so conservative i can back up with a verse.. i understand that alot of people dont get why we are the way that we are but everything i do because of my faith or dont do is because what i have read in the bible.. other wise i wouldnt see it the way that i do
lovealways949494 7 months ago
i am southern baptist and my church has never checks up on us or reads a letter of leaving rescind to the church... i am sorry for anyone in my denomination that hurt you.. or was rude to you.. yes my denomination has flaws because it is ran by humans.. i know im not perfect thats why i need jesus. i know we may seem crazy for being so conservative but we are just trying our best to live out the bible..
lovealways949494 7 months ago
I walked out of a Southern Baptist church not because of theology, but because of religious right activism of the local church and denomination and an authoritarian pastor. I expressed discomfort at the attachment of the church toward the Republican party, and I was asked, "you aren't a member of God's Old party, and do you feel persecuted (very sarcastically)?" I also thought having pastor sanctioned voting registration in church during services was against separation of church and state.
g1e2c3k4o 7 months ago
I'm not sure what kind of Baptist church you attended, but this doesn't sound like any Baptist church I've ever attended. BTW. the"Letter" you refer to is nothing more but a request sent to a church to let them know someone wants to move to a different church or remove themselves from the rolls. There is no actual "letter" read to the church. the request is almost always granted 100 percent.
patrick9648 7 months ago
The Southern Baptists ASSUME that this WHOLE universe is ALL about them.
MrBeautifulba1 7 months ago
I go to a Black SBC. It's nothing like this...
alyssacroacia 7 months ago
@alyssacroacia I'm really glad to hear it.
amandazillah 7 months ago
@alyssacroacia
Not like the Southern Baptist Church I go to. Gods Free Will is alive and well and working in the hearts of many.
GlennBeckx 6 months ago
How is DANCING evil? WTH? I get it now! Fun is evil!
Vicymorgan 8 months ago
I'm doing my best to leave the LDS religion. I understand. Good luck to all of you.
Vicymorgan 8 months ago
Glad you were able to free yourself from the clutches of that dreadful religion. I was fortunately never a Baptist, but many family members are. What a crazy, screwed up belief system--but then again, that sums up Christianity as whole, whatever denomination you're looking at--although I give credit to the Episcopal Church, the United Chruch of Christ, ELCA, and a few others for at least attempting to join the 21st century.
jajohnson7809 8 months ago
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tickle2000 8 months ago
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tickle2000 8 months ago
I'm an ex-Southern Baptist. All congregations are different but many of the things stated in this video happen even in moderate churches. Yes, changes in membership are at the least announced in church meetings. If you don't join another church or formally rescind, you will be carried as an "inactive" member. You are still counted in the total membership of the church. Any number of the 16 million members of the SBC could be "inactive" and not interested in being counted.
BraidedLily 8 months ago
@BraidedLily Thanks for the comment. I do hope they accepted my e-mail request to be removed. I don't know for sure since I requested they not contact me. And yeah, I'm sure they read it aloud for the congregation.
The funny thing is, I'm not angry, which a lot of the commenters that were critical assume. They were nice people and I have no personal grudges. I just didn't want to be counted as something I wasn't anymore.
amandazillah 8 months ago
@amandazillah I commend you for making the video. Since the church I used to attend dissolved several years ago, I have no idea if there is a record of my membership within the larger association to which the church belonged. Your request for no contact from the church is probably the reason why you did not even get an email acknowledgement. I had good and bad experiences in church. I just don't care for their beliefs, either. My best to you.
BraidedLily 8 months ago
im sorry that youve had such a bad experience with us Southern Baptists... i have never had any of these happen & no one that i know of has ever either. i hope you realize that not EVERY church is like this. God bless.
nikkayx333 9 months ago
@nikkayx333 I will like to state that while I didn't like the practices or a lot of things that went on, I don't hold any grudges. Most Baptists are individually very nice people, and a lot of the congregants had kind hearts. But I believe we were misled. I don't wish any bad on them.
amandazillah 8 months ago
Madam, you have severely oversimplified the reason the Southern Baptists broke away from their Northern counterparts. The Northern churches were overly liberal for the tastes of the Southerners (as was the case in politics and all other walks of life).Had the South succeeded in becoming independent, the split would have been imminent anyway.It was more about politics than racism. I don't know what your qualm is or who hurt your feelings, but the church you were in doesn't reflect the rest of us.
vicfordham 10 months ago
Rely on the precious blood of Christ to live life as is required. The things outlined by you are all scriptural.
arniekyle 10 months ago
Like this wonderful woman says, The only reason why the Southern Baptist Convention exists is because a bunch of old fat rich white southern guys thought it was God's will for them to own slaves and they broke from the northern Baptists. Stupid if you ask me. The SBC is infested with southern culture throughout the church and has absolutely NO tradition of early Christianity in it.
Afterburner350Z 11 months ago
@Afterburner350Z IMO the SBC is a product of American Southern culture. It used to amuse and amaze me that this group is soooooooooo missionary minded...much of what they are spreading around the world, IMO, is that regional culture of the South.
BraidedLily 8 months ago
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Npixelvd 11 months ago
@Npixelvd People try to create narratives for their lives and others: it's part of being human. We tell stories. So it's human nature to think that life must have a meaning, an end purpose. But that doesn't make it true. So yeah, we are just here to overcome and solve problems-ours, other people's. the worlds. Nobody will reward us in the afterlife and we'll be lucky to get rewarded in this one. That's how it is.
Peace. It'll be okay.
amandazillah 11 months ago
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Npixelvd 11 months ago
@amandazillah People try to create narratives for their lives and others....... This answer just leads to emptiness. Well, everything around us do have a purpose and we see easily observe them. But to humans who longs to be with their love ones for eternity, it is basically not simple.
Not really enough space here and I hope someday you will find the truth.
Npixelvd 11 months ago
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gethsenamane 11 months ago
The problem is that you are categorizing one church to be all Southern Baptist Church. The key of a Southern Baptist Church is the autonomy of the local church. Clearly you did not do your research before spouting off. Each church is allowed to do church however they wish. Each church is different because of that. Because your one church does one thing does not mean all churches do.
crf07d 1 year ago
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gethsenamane 11 months ago
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pettyofficer30 1 year ago
Southern Baptists scare me.
sisterberthabangers1 1 year ago
I love being part of the Southern Baptist Convention. I believe your are seriously mischaracterizing who Southern Baptists are today. God is using our convention to do marvelous works all over the world.
baptistfundi 1 year ago
I can honestly say that in Mississippi there are racist Southern Baptist churches still. I have been to some churches in MS that are nothing but white, straight, middle class, etc. It was a lot like a KKK meeting (i assume, because I don't think they would like me ethnically) in that they are so stringent on who comes and who is welcome.
warickii 1 year ago
I hereby decree that your name will be removed fromt the role of any organization whether it be secular or religious in nature. You have been freed from having to wear a foil cap because I decree that the voices in your head cease. Also, do not fear any longer regarding nocturnal anal probing by aliens because I decree that extraterrestrials will no longer terrorize you at night. Oh by the way, Decacon Jones was a pro football player so don't worry cause he isn't trying to witness to you.
Rockhound16 1 year ago
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pettyofficer30 1 year ago
@pettyofficer30 - I hope you feel better since you got that off your chest. I guess you were out to sea when I left my comment four months ago. I have to go because I'm late to a ritual killing at the local baptist church.
Rockhound16 1 year ago
@Rockhound16 Have a blast buddy!
pettyofficer30 1 year ago
But, as far I can tell, Southern Baptists have it wrong on quite a few things, any many of their social issue stances are far too unreasonable for me (and some of their theology too unscriptural). For example, how exactly is drinking alcohol "the Devil"? Also, why would even ballroom dancing be evil? And I cannot agree with them on things like premarital sex, as they (and others) wrongfully use the word "fornication" without knowing the meaning of the Greek root word "pornea".
rjky1986 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this. I wasn't aware of the need to send that "church" a letter, but now I'm thinking about doing it. I left Southern Baptistism when I was about 20, and have never looked back, nor can I go back to it. I am still very much Christian, and believe in the essentials (such as the Trinity, the Incarnation, etc.), but for a few years now also the two sacraments and the Nicene Creed.
rjky1986 1 year ago
You are one proud atheist. How would one leave the atheist religion if they are so inclined to do so?
Quantanthead 1 year ago
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pettyofficer30 1 year ago
thanks this is helpful, i would like to ask more questions maybe.
tenaciousharmonizer 1 year ago
They use those numbers for political power....they have to be under 10 million as actual people in the pew once a year.
Aslanspal 1 year ago
Most religions basically sum up to the golden rule: Don't be a douche bag. The baptist church is very much full of douche bags.
scourfish 1 year ago
@scourfish It is. It's also full of people who are very sweet natured and honestly do not know any better. My mom is still a Baptist, she's cried many times over my atheism. It's not a healthy religion, it fills people full of fear and then they operate from that position for the rest of their lives.
amandazillah 1 year ago
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pettyofficer30 1 year ago
@scourfish You got that right. Only a couple denominations fit that criteria but the Baptist is the worst one.
Peugeot908HDIFAP 1 year ago
A few points:
1. The reason baptist churches make the congregation aware of those who leave the church is because membership includes certain obligations between members, and its important to know who are members are who aren't.
2. I find it interesting that you complain that a deacon actually came to your house to check on you. Even if you found it to be odd, it seems that it is a caring thing to do. Would you also call them hypocrites if no one ever expressed care towards you?
elderaps 1 year ago
BTW I am a former atheist who became a Christian at age 20.
ConfederateGypsy 1 year ago
You don't have a problem with Southern Baptist. You have a problem with the word of God. Well many problems sounds like.
ThePastorTrav 1 year ago
You are afraid of a letter being read to the congregation? Why? They have a right to know about changes in the group. You are supposedly in a covenant agreement with the other members. If you change it seems fair for them to be told.
ConfederateGypsy 1 year ago
@ConfederateGypsy From that perspective, it would seem sensible not to be concerned. But what I said about boundaries holds true: I told them not to contact me because I did not wish to be witnessed to. But you're right, there's actually nothing they can do. What are they going to do, tell my mother?
amandazillah 1 year ago
@amandazillah I see it as a matter of protocol. it is a function of the elders /deacons of the assembly to inform it of an apostacy. It is also a duty to try and aid the one they see in error.It actually is them caring for you, though you may prefer they didn't.It is their job as they see it.
ConfederateGypsy 1 year ago
@ConfederateGypsy But I've been inactive for years, me breaking ties is really a formality at this point. I am just trying to stop being counting as a Southern Baptist, which might be tilting at windmills. They tend to count people until they die.
Also, randomly, I love the word "apostate" and it's other forms. It's such a strange, old-fashioned word and it hardly ever comes up in regular conversation. So although that probably wasn't your intention, it made me smile.
amandazillah 1 year ago
@amandazillah Well, if you've been inactive for years, that's another deal. Glad you like apostate. I guess I'm just an old-fashioned guy. I was raised Episcopalian and never formally left. Wonder if they still count me?
ConfederateGypsy 1 year ago
@ConfederateGypsy Just for the record, references to "covenant" relationships is fairly recent and IMO is very much influenced by the religious right. Many Southern Baptists live in small towns. Rescinding your membership vs. joining another church while still living in a small town means that you can find yourself shunned and mistreated by all of those good people down at the church. Yes, it matters. And some people don't want to put themselves or their families through such nonsense.
BraidedLily 8 months ago
Too me, any god that man speaks of is complete bullcrap unless they can prove it. Good for you, for leaving that brainwashing, guilttripping religion.
SkepticsUniverse2 1 year ago
@SkepticsUniverse2 I'm glad I did it. It was good closure.
amandazillah 1 year ago
i like how you say how the southern baptists show up and check up on you...i was a Mormon for a brief time...and they check up on their followers the same way...they tell you little white lies to get you in their church and once your in there, they try to make you feel bad for leaving.
CowboyBebop444 1 year ago 5
@CowboyBebop444 I can back this up. It's true.
Vicymorgan 8 months ago
@Vicymorgan yep...i visited and got invited to visit many groups and religions....you meet a few nice people, but most of them are sheep being manipulated...and even the nice ones give you the cold shoulder and act funny when it gets around that you aint totally converted like a robot and willing to give up your whole mind.
CowboyBebop444 8 months ago
Please don't associate all Southern Baptist with the ONE southern Baptist church that you went to. God will deal with them in His own way. But don't be a hinderance for other Southern Baptist who are really doing God's work.
SeparatedServant 1 year ago
What's the difference between a Southern Baptist and a roman Catholic Baptism? 3 years difference in age.
In all fairness, you would be wrong in one thing. Most southern baptist churches will keep dead persons on the roles and will pad the numbers.
jgrig2 2 years ago
I'm glad I was never baptized.
ChuckMeIntoHell 2 years ago
Keep us updated if they are back in touch :-)
Tsanuri 2 years ago
@Tsanuri Oh Definetely. I might have to e-mail them again to be sure they took me off the rolls, so there might be something there.
amandazillah 2 years ago
@EqualAndFree With my old church? It's probably more like dozens. Also, it's Sunday night church so the "Sunday morning only" crowd will miss it. But yeah, I made sure to put in that I "did not believe in any Creator".
amandazillah 2 years ago
well i was baptised church of england (protestant, the queens our pope :P) but i havent set foot and i dont plan to go in a church again.
MadMrm 2 years ago
I was baptized in a southern baptist church at 10 but I don't consider myself to be a part of their church simply because I say I'm not :)
ItsCoreyLynxxYall 2 years ago
@ItsCoreyLynxxYall They still count you though! Yeah, I'm convinced that at least half the people on the books as SB's are like you and wouldn't set foot in one now.
amandazillah 2 years ago
I sure wouldn't. Not even for a funeral.
ItsCoreyLynxxYall 2 years ago
@ItsCoreyLynxxYall Baptist funerals suck anyway. I'm getting cremated, that's all there is to it.
amandazillah 2 years ago
Excellent!
nuclearnight 2 years ago