I essentially became a Christian in 1996, while living in Germany. I was saved in a very small fellowship, with no "professional" clergy. It was very family-like, and close. I received an excellent foundation of bible in that setting.
Upon moving back to the States, I began attending a United Pentecostal Church, and I spent many years there. There were some wonderful families that I have the deepest respect and love for, but the institutional church setting was just not for me. I have always been one to "question everything." Some would think this to mean that I have a problem with authority, or that I am some sort of rebel. On the contrary, I have the greatest respect for our true authority, our Lord. I look to His word, and I use it as the litmus test for everything. Like the Bereans, I search the scriptures diligently and compare everything to it. (Acts 17:10) I think there are many readily accepted Christian traditions out there, that while very sincere, are simpy man-made traditions.
I highly recommend a few books in particular, that very clearly teach some amazing things about the history of the Christian faith. The first is "Biblical Church" by Beresford Job, and the second is "Pagan Christianity" by George Barna & Frank Viola. The third would be "The More Perfect Way" by Chad J. and Christopher B. McCoy,
And so I would refer to myself as an Organic Christian.
Pure faith, no filler, nothing artificial.
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2 comments:
THis is so cool. Very few people would refer to the Bereans when describing themselves! :-) Most would probably say, HuH?! I might have to check these two books out.
They are excellent books, but must be read with an open mind. They truly challenge traditional thinking. Biblical Church, I think, is the one to start with if you choose to read them.
But that is my opinion :-)
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