Posted January 16th, 2012 at 07:52 AM by Lois
There is a false sense of safety in never questioning or looking into what a church is teaching. The boat isn't rocked, everyone feels familiar and you know what to expect, even if you are unhappy. Yet if it is error being taught, then that nice sense of security is false. It means there really is no security.
That's really something to think about. You might liken it to some investment schemes. People have lost their life savings, or a good portion of it, by having a false sense of security in the investment plan offered by the scam artist. They truly believe their money is being wisely invested, with a guarantee of a profitable return. In the end, their security is shattered because what they placed their faith in ended up being false.
Some time ago, I read a book by Don C. Marler, former UPC member, entitled "Imprisoned in the Brotherhood." While I disagree with aspects of the book, he brought up some points worthy of consideration. In the introduction he shares about the pursuit of truth and how it can feel like the person is on shaky ground when they start this journey. Many people who are involved in unhealthy churches get caught up in religion instead of a relationship with God. When one starts to question if what their church teaches is true or not, it shakes this religious foundation and it can be quite scary. Let me quote from Don's introduction.
Quote:
"When one moves full tilt into pursuit of truth, he may find that the ground becomes shaky and his resolve to pursue truth wherever she might lead becomes tenuous. One learns that security based upon ignorance, prejudice, illusions, misinformation and blind tradition is a false security indeed. Old guideposts can no longer be relied upon. The prospect of seeking truth and following it fully then is often frightening. Not everyone can face it; some decide to keep their heads in the sand. The illusion of security is more tempting than the fearful journey into the unknown.
"Some individuals believe that pursuing truth wherever she leads is dangerous because it destroys or weakens belief and faith. Beliefs should be open to change and one would hope that truth should prevail over mere beliefs. Faith, of course, is different from beliefs and should be strengthened by truth. Does it not require faith to seek truth?
"A prerequisite for pursuing truth is the ability to be open and honest with self and the ability to recognize and accept that one doesn't possess all truth. Another is the ability and courage to assume individual responsibility for one's search and for the conclusion one reaches. The alternative to individual interpretation and definition of truth is an institutional definition and interpretation." End Quote
Why does the ground feel shaky when we start to question some teachings in unhealthy churches, whatever they may...
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