"God is Awesome" is a charismatic clique'. So what's the name of the new Church Smurf? If it has any of the following cliche's in it's title, tread carefully - Word of Life Berean Church Fellowship Community Church Christian Center World Harvest World Outreach Christian Fellowship Fountain of Life Abundant Life Living Waters Vineyard Liberty Ministries International ....the list goes on. Smurf - God is awesome. Keep the focus on him. Just be cautious with the current stream of religious freakshows that pass themselves off as "Churches". Here is a great checklist of things to look for in a dangerous Church. More than one yes answer would make me look elsewhere. Does the Church display excessive zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law? Are questioning, doubt, and dissent discouraged or even punished? Are mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and debilitating work routines) used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s). Does the leadership dictate, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry— or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children, and so forth)? Is the group elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar—or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity). Does the Church have a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society? Is the leader accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations)? Does the eadership induce feelings of shame and/or guilt iin order to influence and/or control members? Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion. Is subservience (submission) to the leader or group required before you are allowed to join? Is the group is preoccupied with bringing in new members? Is the group is preoccupied with making money? Are members expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities? Are members encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members? Do the most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group? They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.
so if the religious type group has a notice saying words to the effect of: "having a cheque already made out when you arrive would make the session go much easier" i should tread warily?
If it is a religious group, yes. If it is a State licensed agency that makes it very clear up front that payment is expected for services rendered, no. Don't you have a chimney to clean somewhere?
Too late Barry...he's been summoned back to the H.Q. of The Abundant Fellowship of Lord God™ to pay homage (and whatever else he has) to the High Priest's holy staff and to comfort his mighty rod.
I think he joined the "Berean Christian Fellowship Tabernacle of the Abundant Life of Christ with Signs and Wonders Following Assembly Church." I wish him well. He should fit right in.
I'd gladly die at the stake as a card carrying Satanist than to proclaim my faith to the Catholic church; they are up there with the Scientologists, Mormons, Jehovahs Witnesses and all the rest of the organized Cults in my view.
Religions designed around the premise of worshiping their religion. Seems you tend to loose sight of what is important.
I lose sight of nothing. I believe what I believe, which happens to be private. Everyone else has that right, as well. Just don't start denigrating me for thinking outside of the box.
I think Joe was actually with you, not against you. Try re-reading his post with "Seems one tends..." instead of "Seems you tend..." See?
Well, I'd like to hear it straight from the Horses mouth. What power one word can hold, if used erroneously. You're so analytical, Chessy. I wish I had that gift; for me, everything is felt, sensed.
Correction: Religions designed around the premise of worshiping thier religion. Seems that this would have the effect of causing one to lose sight of what is important. Thanks Chester. For the record I never claimed to be an english major but I should have been able to get that right. I have been getting lazy lately.
Go back and read what I highlighted above. I am absolutely shocked that none of you recognize the Republican party when you see it.
