29 Jul [Commentary] 20 Lessons Learnt Since Leaving The Church
Here’s my opinion on a blog post that I stumbled upon a few days ago…titled 20 Lessons I’ve Learnt Since Leaving The Church.
Articles like this one, shed some light on challenges and issues that people face in the Church. Unfortunately, we must remind ourselves that we are all imperfect and allowing people influence our devotion is a grave mistake. We are all a work in progress and the church is a fellowship of all kinds of people needing God’s grace and mercy.
In reading this particular blog post, however, I am saddened by the perceived disenfranchisement within and from the church. This quote, in particular, touched a nerve, “I have decided to remove myself entirely from a system that claims to value my soul, but fails to show up for my Black body.”
…this is sad because such acts are preventable especially as the inability to set the records straight is a marked departure from the example set by Paul the Apostle for the early churches. Two names come to mind, ONESIMUS & PHILEMON. These two represented a cultural dilemma (a former slave and a slave owner) as well as an opportunity. One that Paul took full advantage of and provided clear guidance on how to handle within the church.
We (leaders) ought to get back to addressing the issues of our times with spiritual insight, clarity, and wisdom. Sometimes, our responses might be, I don’t know this particular issue well enough but I am willing to listen and learn. It is in such climes, an environment of surrender and openness that the power of God – healing, peace, joy etc is released.
This is not about arguing but…I wish I could have a chat with the author…My comments/rebuttals are in BLUE text below each of the 20 Lessons (READ ARTICLE HERE).
- God is not a man.
TRUE (Numbers 23:19) - There is no pre-determined path called “God’s will” that I must discover and adhere to in order to experience God’s grace, love, and favor.
SURRENDER. God’s will is revealed in the scriptures. - As a Black woman, I have the power and autonomy to make my own decisions.
YES to POWER & NO to AUTONOMY and this applies to both male and female – when one surrenders one’s life to Christ, that life is no longer yours. - Material success isn’t an indicator of God’s presence
CERTAINLY, Psalm 37:16 highlights the wealth of the wicked. The dangers of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL exist where the emphasis on money, seed, giving overshadows other pertinent issues of righteousness, mercy, grace, holiness etc. - God’s grace is sufficient, even when my works aren’t.
INDEED - I don’t need a church home in order to facilitate a relationship with God.
TRUE BUT…FELLOWSHIP IS A DIRECT OUTFLOW AND RECOMMENDED DIRECTIVE TO ALL BELIEVERS – Hebrews 10:25 - Accountability is often (but not always) used as an excuse for control and spiritual manipulation.
OFTEN, YES. Very Sad because the message of the cross is one of freedom constrained only by the love of God. - These pastors ain’t loyal.
MAYBE OR MAYBE NOT…I would need more context - My salvation is already solidified and there’s nothing I can do or say to separate myself from God’s love.
SLIPPERY SLOPE. Yes, Salvation is solidified in that the necessary work of redemption is completed in Christ, however, we are admonished to continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Yet, it is God at work in you…PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13 - Women are fully capable of leading churches, nations, and their families.
INDEED Women are capable. - Sexuality and spirituality aren’t mutually exclusive.
YES and NO. Too broad to address effectively. - God’s blessings were never dependent upon my willingness or ability to tithe.
INDEED! The theology on Tithing has always been confusing and complex because of the conditional clause that is preached all the time. This is a theology that should be grounded in LOVE such that our response to God’s love ensures our fulfillment of the law (tithes, offerings etc). - Jesus never mentioned most of the “sins” I was taught in church.
SLIPPERY SLOPE. The word of God contains instructions for living and if we are sons and daughters then we as disciples must adhere to the Lord’s commands. - Western Christianity is the farthest thing from what the original church sought out to accomplish.
MAYBE, but I need more context here. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:25 speaks of the unity of the body in Christ. - Spiritualized self-help is not the Gospel.
LOL, no it is not. The Gospel is the story of love and salvation revealed in Jesus Christ. I am certain there is more here but I’ll let this be for now. - Anyone claiming to have all the answers clearly doesn’t.
CERTAINLY, Mankind is a limited being (limited knowledge, space, time) hence why we depend on God who is omnipotent and omniscient - White evangelicals (and the Black evangelicals spouting the same white, patriarchal values) are modern manifestations of neocolonialism.
SLIPPERY SLOPE. There is a subtle association that is dangerous here. However, I am aware of the history where men used the guise of Christianity to enslave people (mentally, economically, physically etc). We must learn to spiritually discern the differences between the acts of men/women and God. - The people who condemn a particular sin the most are typically the ones struggling with it.
NOT TRUE COULD BE but it’s too broad a statement. - Heather Lindsey lied. About all of it.
DON’T KNOW ENOUGH To comment. - I don’t have to choose between being a woman, being unapologetically Black, and being a believer.
NOT AT ALL – ACTS 17:26, GALATIANS 3:28
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