Posted on 01/06/2010 9:00:17 PM PST by brianhumeck
So I was talking on the phone to a customer service rep at a major insurance company. I was dreading this ordeal because as I said, I was talking on the phone to a customer service rep at a major insurance company. Rarely is that a pleasant experience. But…this conversation was a good one. Most of all, I enjoyed it because this lady was a Chicago Cubs fan but she was also open to my overtures about church.
Being familiar with her area, I asked if she had heard of “So and So Church.” She was drawing a blank at first. Then I mentioned something unique about the church. “Oh yeah,” came her response. I actually went there for a while. The minister still sends me emails.” I asked if she’d like the minister to keep sending her the emails, knowing what she’d probably say. “I’d like him to stop since we won’t be going back,” she replied. I pried more into her personal decision not to go back. I was amazed she didn’t hang up on me. Here’s what happened to drive her away.
(Excerpt) Read more at btc.zachshouse.org ...
From my bible reading Mary was relunctant. I am sure it offended Muslims too, I guess we should make sure to call God “Allah” to placate them as well.
Sure, they should not turn a passion play into a comedy, but really, some people want to be offended. If she is a former Catholic, I assume she is now protestant? She does realize that God through Jesus is the ONLY way to be saved, right?
Praying to Mary is about as useful as building a Church to worship Grandma.
Do you have a lot of former Collyridians in your congregation?
It would be odd if you did, because that particular heresy died out in the eighth century in Arabia.
Well, both God the Father and Jesus his son liked her OK.
I guess we can live with the fact you don’t think much of her.
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the LORD: let it be done unto me according to your word."
Doesn't sound very "relunctant" to me.
From her words, this woman had become a protestant, but she may now just be one of the over 83% of the unchurched in America.
As for Mary being reluctant I looked in the Bible and read this: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. - Luke 1:38
Not extremely reluctant or childish sounding. Also, doubt there were any Muslims in the church building that night watching the Christmas play.
As to offending people, I even wrote in my blog post that churches can’t always worry about offending people, sometimes it just happens. I think it would be better if churches would offend people simply by preaching the Word and having it convict people of their sin.
I think you’re right, a play about the birth of Christ should not be a comedy.
I appreciate your reply,
Brian
duly noted and corrected in my blog post. Thanks for pointing that out.
Thanks!!!!
A few blocks away at a red light I spit my gum out the window and I noticed the same guy in the car next to me and he was looking at me all disgusted like I just hawked a big loogey in his Grandmas eye or something, and he never came back again.
Some people are just looking to be offended.
I go to a Lutheran church, I am definantly not Catholic.
I would have got up and left.
Very distastful to make light of this event.
GeronL don’t mistake Mary’s initial confusion with reluctance.
You are correct. Initially, Mary asks “How can this be since I am a virgin,” but this wonderment is not reluctance as evidenced by your correct recounting of her reply once the Angel explains about the Holy Spirit’s role in the conception of Jesus.
I’ve learned my lesson, I won’t post anything ever again concerning any Catholic/Protestant theological differences. I was just trying to make a point on how all people should be sensitive. Ooooops, guess that backfired. Maybe I’ll stick to posting about socialist Dems and drunk musicians. : )
I can tell you have a good and understanding heart.
Thanks,
Brian
OFGS (Oh, For Goodness Sake)
A pastor/Church cannot be all things to all people. Everyone doesn’t feel comfortable at the same church- probably why there are so many versions of the church.
I doubt that the producers/actors in the play were trying to purposefully blaspheme Mary (if it is even considered blasphemy).
No wonder Christians can’t just get along. Sheesh.
The only perfect One is Jesus. And He probably wouldn’t even go to a Christmas play.
I would not attend such a church either, and it has nothing to do with my particular background, but with fidelity to the Bible.
And then, another poster is correct that some people are actually looking for some point on which they will claim that they have been offended.
Nevertheless, I would not criticize anyone for not returning to a church that treats Bible accounts so flippantly.
lol.
That is not at all what I said.
I simply said she is not divine.
I would not disrespect anyone close to Jesus. Especially his mom. God chose her to bring Jesus into the world and God does not chose junk. Make fun of Mary and dis her at your own risk. :) I would not go there.
I did not make fun of her.
I should just keep my mouth shut sometimes. heh. Happy New Year and bless you too.
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