Joyce Meyer?

[jellyphant]

I came out of a cult but always believed I was Christian. Since I left I've found it really hard to fit in at any church I've attended - I've tried a few only because I honestly didn't know where I would fit after leaving the cult - mainly because church members are so disdainful of my former beliefs and quite derisive about my faith. Some have told me plainly I must be stupid. So although I've tried churches hoping to find one I can stay in and build relationships with people who attend, it's been rather fraught and stressful. I did not expect such hostility or rudeness from people who claim to be born again believers.

Main reason for my post is to ask about a bible teacher named Joyce Meyer. I've seen a few of her tv broadcasts and have been reading a bible I bought, and thought I was making progress until I attended a Christmas carol service tonight and several people told me I'm still wrong because 'she teaches erroneous doctrine' and is a 'prosperity preacher'. I was told I shouldn't watch her, or any Christian programmes on TV because they're all from the same (bad) source. This really seems paranoid to me. How are we supposed to learn? I told the women at church tonight that I'm not 'following' Joyce Meyer (which is what they accused me of), I'm reading the bible myself with some notes I bought to go with it, and have just watched some JM shows and enjoyed them and really can't see the problem.

Trouble is, I feel just as judged now for watching Joyce Meyer as I did when I left the cult and went to a Christian fellowship for the first time. Surely, people could help and support me rather than just criticise and judge? Is this really what the Church is like? If so, I don't think I want anything to do with it.

I myself left the cult, bought a bible, went to a Christian church. Is this not demonstrating a desire to continue to seek the Lord and belong to the family of god? Am I not showing my faith by continuing to read and study about him? I don't know what else to do but I don't know if I want to go back to this church again after the carol service earlier. My heart feels so heavy and I feel so sad because it's Christmas and all I want to do is get closer to God and share my personal experience of his goodness with other people. He lifted me out of a pit and he will do the same for others who need his help. At the moment I feel that every time I take a step forward, some unkind and unpleasant 'Christian' kicks me back and the strong inference is that I'll never be a 'true' Christian because I was stupid enough to believe the lies of a cult and turned my back on God.

Sorry for the length of this post, suppose I feel sadder then I realised.

PS. As an aside, can anyone tell me why I get a message asking me to log in first before I post even though I'm already logged in and have previewed the post twice before clicking 'Create Conversation'?

[mostlydrinkstea]

I don't know much about Joyce Meyer. I read a few of her books many years ago and what I remember is that she is kind. She is not a bible scholar but what she does do is acknowledge that life is very messy and that God is in it with us. That sounds like a good message for where you are right now OP.

I'm sorry that Christians have been unkind. There can be far too much judging of who is a proper Christian and what is right doctrine in some parts of the church. I get it directed at me and I've been a Christian for nearly 40 years but as an Anglican and priest who is a woman I'm just not the right sort of Christian for some.

It sounds like you are on that over used metaphor of a journey. Two suggestions. One is to try cathedrals. They can be wonderfully anonymous and you can just soak up the atmosphere and let God be God. The second is to find a wise companion for the journey. Have you heard of spiritual direction? These are mature Christians who have travelled on the road of faith and are trained in listening and helping people discern and work out where God is working in their lives. Maybe someone like this can help you. If you google the diocese you live in and spiritual direction you should either get a list of people or a contact name.

Blessings on your journey and courage in keeping on despite judgy Christians.

[jellyphant]

@mostlydrinkstea Thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it.

Having read some of JM's books and listened to her on her show, that was the impression I got too, that she is a kind lady relating to all of us in the shared experience that life is very messy and that God is in it with us. I've particularly learned about attitudes from this woman, because a lot of what she shares about her own attitudes before she 'got serious' about studying the Word, fits me too, so I've been able to talk to God about this and ask him to help me change.

I can imagine that you yourself are frequently hurt by painful comments and judgements as a female Anglican priest. I think you say it perfectly when you say that some of us are 'just not the right sort of Christian for some'.

Yes, I am on a journey and recognise it. I really appreciate your two suggestions, both of which are very helpful to me. There are no cathedrals near me but first opportunity I get, I will go and visit one. I love the principle of soaking up the atmosphere and letting God be God. I had not heard of spiritual direction so I did google the diocese for my area and there is a contact form on the page so I will use that. I was also able to download a Spiritual Direction/Directors Guidelines booklet as a pdf and it's really lovely, outlining all as you said, and explaining the principle of SD and welcoming all who wish to receive it. I feel really blessed by your suggestions as I now have a way forward with optimism and hope.

Thank you so, so much, and may God bless you richly on your own journey.

[Aldilogue]

It’s pretty inappropriate that people tell you who to read and listen to. I like Joyce Meyer, she doesn’t mince her words and understands the struggle of belief and people’s judgements. If you like her, then read her books. Keep reading your bible and if you read an author that teaches wrong thinking, you’ll know for yourself it’s not right. Her book Battlefield of the Mind is great.

[forkfun]

She's lied about her qualifications and credentials. I'd be very wary of her.

[MollyButton]

Christians just like all people can be judgey at times. Especially those who are insecure, so give themselves rigid rules to live by. Which doesn't help you much I know.

Now the person who criticised you were they a "leader" or just a "normal" person? If a leader and they were that blunt, then I'd look for another Church, if a "normal" person, then maybe try to talk to other people?

In my experience you can't always judge by reputation: in my life I have twice had someone give a "Word of Knowledge" over my life which was wrong - what they said did not apply to me (one was about me being a Doctor - which I am not). However what really sticks with me from those two examples was: the one that happened in a Church that has a reputation for being a "bit prosperity" was given with a lot of humility, and acknowledged they might be mistaken. Whereas the one I was given in a very reputable Anglican Church, which everyone thought of as very "sound" - was given with arrogance and the attitude that if I thought it was wrong then it was I who was in "denial" and wrong.

In your situation I would also see if there is a group for ex members of your cult - they may be able to give you support that others can't.

[thetwinkletoescollective]

I love her and many many many people - including myself have been helped by her writing. She just has odd plastic surgery. But I can look past that. Add in the amazing stuff that her charity has done.

Sorry you have encountered such judgementalism.