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We don’t see these types of attacks when someone goes from Presbyterian into Methodism, or even Catholicism into Assembly of God.

Actually, I saw a worse one in Iowa, it was ugly then too. I really don't want to go into details, but when one minister (Who was supposed to be celibate) in a small town has an affair with the wife of another minister of another church, the results are not small nor are they over with quickly.

Christians are Christians...unless of course they are Mormon, then one is not allowed to deviate in any way or they face the risk of ostracism.

I am not aware of any religion that allows someone to "Leave" and start up opposition to them while allowing them full access to the facilities and records of that church. The Catholics for example used excommunication as a ploitical lever for centuries.

That said, I believe (academically for I have never experienced it) that the worst pressure comes from friends and family who thoughtlessly apply pressure to someone, Like CC, to "toe the line". I believe the heart strings that are pulled are the most painful part of leaving any church the rest of the family belongs to and the amount of pain is "controlled" by that family of the person leaving whatever religion. CC, I truly commend you for following your heart on this, and I do know how hard it is for you. However, I wish you could deal with your pain in some way other than posting here to people about what "Bad guys" we are.

God bless you and help you to heal your wounds even as thoughtless people from within and without your family are opening them afresh.

DU

Actually, I saw a worse one in Iowa, it was ugly then too

I don't believe your post about the Iowa debacle concerning the minister had anything at all to do with him changing denominations but actually had to do with the sin and pain that is caused from adultery. Christians recognize that we all sin. It wreaks havoc on everyone in their own due time....even you Delphi.

There really are no "wounds" that you speak of when a Baptist girl marries and moves to a town outside her hometown then chooses to attend the local Presbyterian congregation. Your examples aren't relevant in the least.

Any Christian reading these posts knows very well that thier own families or parents don't really care if they are attendind a Evangelical Free congregation or a Mennonite Brethren Church or Southern Baptist as long as their child is a follower of Christ, the flavor of denomination is really unimportant. That makes us Christian.

Mormons however demand total adherence to the Prophet and to total adherence to Mormonism. If a child of Mormonism grows up to become a despised Methodist, they are ostracized from the community and the family.

We have seen that evidence on this very thread regarding me (who has left behind belief in Mormonism and now attends several different denominations and non-denominational Churches)