Grumble.

Oh wait. It's too late.

So I'm having a bad day. Sadly, this post will have nothing to do with my beautiful daughters or my fantabulous son. I have some good things to say about them too! But I have to tell you about today, and then ask for your input.

I've mentioned before our struggle to find a church here in our "new" town. For the last few months we've been going to a very small church where the biggest strength is friendliness. I've never been in a church that was so excited for the birth of babies! V and L are practically superstars! At other churches we tried before this one, no one talked to us! At all. So we've been attending this church where the regular attendance is about 20 people. There is no one X's age, and only recently has there been a couple close to Marvin's age. Not so much mine. ;)

A couple of months ago trouble started. Our pastor went away and one of the regular attenders preached. I wasn't there, which is a good thing. I'm not going to repeat anything he said, but after I got the synopsis of his message I had to pull out Dorothy L. Sayers' Unpopular Opinions for comfort. She's the best. You should read her. Especially her essays "Are Women Human?" and "Human not Human." Anywhooo, since then the church has been struggling with some very basic theology, and the concept of Christian maturity. Personally, I have been struggling with being part of a church where God is put into such a small box, and His call in some people's lives would not (and indeed is not) be honoured. For example: if there is a man to teach, women should not, even if God has called her to do so.

This is not what the Pastor believes or teaches in any way. Obviously I would have left long ago if that were so. Ever since these issues were brought to light, he has been bringing us messages trying to repair the damages done, and teach the basics again. Sadly, it's not sinking in. In fact he has been refuted and opposed many times; as has his wife who teaches the Bible study, and my mother who teaches the Sunday School lesson.

And then today. Boo. In an attempt to bring more fellowship into the church we had a potluck after service at my mother's new apartment. After we had eaten, somehow a conversation about TV shows on TLC turned into "Muslims are evil." I kid you not. It was disturbing. Three people were exchanging comments and stories about the "special treatment" Muslims get at their work places. Seriously, it sounded like children complaining about how much little brother has it easier. And then the E word came up. Evil. Really? Mom had enough. She asked them to stop being so intolerant in her home. She was told she is not saved. At this point I wanted to throw the offenders out. Mom, on the other hand said, "that's fine, but in my house, I, my friends and anyone I invite into my home will be treated with respect." And then she offered them more coffee. They left.

So here are my questions. How can someone read the Bible, profess to be Christ-like, and then adopt an attitude of such hatred and intolerance? When was Christ ever intolerant? When did He talk smack about any group of people? In other words, why are some "Christians" so dumb?

It comes down to this; do we want to stay in a church that could make a difference if all the ignorant, theologically backward people left? Or do we again go on the hunt for a church that is making a difference? I certainly do not want my children going to church and hearing hatred of any sort, but do I stay and hope that God will lift the veil of stupid? Or do I leave and pray that He will? It's possible I'm over-upset because my mother was so insulted in her home. I will talk it over with M and see what we come up with.

P.S. I talked with my dad about today's incident. Not only did he have good advice and offer great support, he also made me jealous of the services the Summerside Nazarene church has been having!!