I left the church and organized religion for many reasons, decades ago.

I can’t embrace my enemies.

I sometimes feel hatred (I try not to hold onto it, but it often persists).

I resent being scolded for not mourning those whom others think I should mourn.

When I don’t like folks, I don’t like them and I can’t pretend I care what happens to them.

I won’t harm people, even those I dislike, but I might not help them, either.

And it feels like hypocrisy to pretend otherwise.

The good news is that I don’t generally dislike people for no reason; that’s too much work. They have to really have earned it. 🤨

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

JustNik · 51-55, F

Even from childhood, church never felt close to god or even remotely spiritual to me. I’ve never felt judgment hang heavier in the air than inside a church.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@JustNik so sorry to hear. I won't east doubt or aspersions, but one side of your equation may be not right for the other. It is a very personal thing. I hope you have found some way to have empathy for others, appreciate nature, all things which I think of as spirituality, not needing a form of organized religion.

Apparently, I messaged you 6 years ago and we never connected. I said your photos were good, there are none now. Did I frightened you away?

bijouxbroussard · F

@JustNik That was true for me, too. Ironically, the only time the other parishioners’ presence didn’t feel oppressive was when there was music and everyone was singing.