I have now lived in the south for 15 months. I have had an opportunity to see the bible belt in all it's glory and there is one thing I have found to be true about it:
Around here, christianity is about RELIGION NOT FAITH.
People are judged by the frequency in church attendance, not the spirit in which they go. Their medal of honor are their Sunday clothes which they proudly display at every local restaraunt in town. And what if you are not wearing Sunday clothes on Sunday? Well, it's the sunday scowl for you. Their focus is centered on the flowery church jargon they speak about with such conviction not the sincerity of heart in which they speak. The messages preached are that of judgement, guilt and conviction; not compassion, grace, and love. And Sunday morning seems more like a funeral than a celebration.
So how does one survive in this desert? Through prayer, and careful consideration of spirit. Perserverence is a neccessary evil here, there are no friends to be had, no songs to be sung, only the quiet and gentle whispers of a God who is absolutely real, if only in our hearts.
People are judged by the frequency in church attendance, not the spirit in which they go. Their medal of honor are their Sunday clothes which they proudly display at every local restaraunt in town. And what if you are not wearing Sunday clothes on Sunday? Well, it's the sunday scowl for you. Their focus is centered on the flowery church jargon they speak about with such conviction not the sincerity of heart in which they speak. The messages preached are that of judgement, guilt and conviction; not compassion, grace, and love. And Sunday morning seems more like a funeral than a celebration.
So how does one survive in this desert? Through prayer, and careful consideration of spirit. Perserverence is a neccessary evil here, there are no friends to be had, no songs to be sung, only the quiet and gentle whispers of a God who is absolutely real, if only in our hearts.
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