Trying to be a Christian... any tips?

[HeroicMinute]

I've just started listening to the Hallowed app. The first thing I've come across is a Routines course, which is great for me as I am horrendous time waster, which probably explains why I haven't spiritually evolved.
I was raised loosely Christian and attended the village church as a child. I think I want to replicate this traditional experience, but with some slightly more intellectual content.
I've been thinking about Christianity for a few years, and have tried a few different churches, but nothing's stuck.
My reasons for not sticking at a church:
-I can't handle a church band, it all seems very nice and worshipful but it makes me cringe a bit. I love a choir.
-I am very opposed to modern identity politics and didn't go back when a vicar started talking about structural racism in the church.
-I stopped going to an evangelical church because the curate was sweet and excited about his Christianity but did lengthy sermons suitable for children with no analysis or intellectual stimulation.
-found a curate at another church a bit creepy.
-found the sermon in a big popular church on 8th October to be a bit antisemitic.

You get the picture; I'm a bit of a PITA and I'm obviously putting up barriers. Don't get me wrong; I'm not a particularly intellectual person but I am curious and I sincerely want to be a Christian. I don't yet believe properly, sometimes I do, well I suppose I usually do, but with varying levels of conviction.
Any tips would be very gratefully received.
Thank you in advance.

@Kdtym10 I think the Catholic Church has learnt some lessons regarding safeguarding and they are beginning to try and make reparation for some of their past wrong doings.

For the edification of those who will recieve:

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Cor 11:3 Be very aware that of a lot of what you have read on this thread: much of it is similar to the work of the serpent!

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe 1 Thess 2:13

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17

Thanks be to God for His Word. 🙏

Well that’s interesting. So if people aren’t following the church and are creating ther own version of Christianity why do they have such issues with another person doing the sane

Ah that’s ok then! Until the next issue. Speaking of which, when are we going to see a female pope?

I mean it’s not looking good re the Albegensian crusades.

www.newadvent.org/cathen/01267e.htm

Speaking of which, when are we going to see a female pope?

@Kdtym10, you'd have to have an in depth knowledge of The Magisterium to figure that one out...

@Kdtym10 just made me think of this quite terrifying scene from The Young Pope

are you asking me if I have issues with someone inventing their own version of Christianity?

Sorry this clip shows more of the speech:

People generally on this thread appear to have issues with me not adhering to the orthodox view of Christianity- particularly regarding the position of Paul- so it was a question for all those people. Are you amongst that group?

@Kdtym10 the thing is it is possible for someone to invent their own version of Christianity both inside and outside of orthodoxy.

From within the orthodox Church it is possible for someone to twist Jesus' teachings to their own ends or not have a holistic enough appreciation of them and ignore/miss the promptings of the Holy Spirit to change direction. And this can gather momentum if groups are swayed by the same trains of thought. Power play within the hierarchy can also corrupt.

From outside of orthodoxy the same thing can happen regarding twisting teachings and not having a holistic enough appreciation and missing God's promptings. And if there is a group agreement, pthat group p's way of thinking can gather momentum, maybe even more due to the secrecy and isolation, the underground nature of it, since there are less opportunities for people to check and address dysfunctional ways of thinking.

We all are capable of missing God's leading on occasions in some respect due to a lack of understanding since we grow in understanding.

On this thread you have critiqued church orthodoxy. There has not been much criticism on this thread of more esoteric practices since there has not been much discussion over the particulars other than they are not orthodox.

Of course you’re absolutely free to believe anything you want, as we all are.

I do feel sad for anyone departing from the one true gospel and especially anyone who preaches or encourages others to follow their lead. (Galatians 1:8-9)

Why shouldn't someone invent their own version of Christianity to add to the thousands of versions already out there? It's better than sticking dogmatically to your own because you believe it's the only true one, but have nothing to back that up with.

Well I can’t control what points others make. I would say Paul was the first to twist the teachings of Jesus as it is his version of Christian the Orthodox Church is based on

@Kdtym10

Well I can’t control what points others make. I would say Paul was the first to twist the teachings of Jesus as it is his version of Christian the Orthodox Church is based on

I know, you have said that.

And I have said, I feel compassion and respect for Paul the apostle. Compassion because of his humanity and fragility which he didn't shy away from being open about. Respect because I believe God worked through him and still does, to me (and many others) at least.

Did you watch the speech (both clips I posted) about the narrow gate? Would you prefer the church to be like this and excommunicate Paul?

Of course anyone can invent any belief system that suits them. Everyone is free to believe whatever they like.

I was taught by the Holy Spirit to read and accept scripture as the final authority in my life and practice as a follower of Christ. He is Lord and therefore I obey Him.

That is what you believe. And that's fine. Other people believe differently. And that's also fine. Nothing is a matter of 'inventing a new faith' because ultimately it is a matter of belief and we cannot know. So we should all be humble and respectful of each other's beliefs.

I only framed my reply using the word “invent” because your question to me used the same word.

I quote:
“Why shouldn't someone invent their own version of Christianity to add to the thousands of versions already out there?”
(my highlight)

If you object to the reference to inventing in this context then perhaps you ought to avoid using it? Just a thought.

@pointythings & @LeaningOnTheEverlastingArms

The source of each of the thoughts that come into our head...It's an interesting thing to mull over.

I think whatever terms we use to describe how we arrive at our belief system the point is that everyone is free to believe whatever they want.
This surely is the crux of the matter…
and surely something we can all agree on.

I think whatever terms we use to describe how we arrive at our belief system the point is that everyone is free to believe whatever they want.
This surely is the crux of the matter…
and surely something we can all agree on.

@LeaningOnTheEverlastingArms, good to make an informed choice, though. Is an uninformed choice, made in ignorance, true freedom? Not sure. But anyway, if we choose to believe something Jesus Christ said we know He is the source. (Barring disputes over historical accuracy etc etc but that's where faith comes into it.)

@LeaningOnTheEverlastingArms

Also some scientists feel that we have no free will in that they see people beginning an action before their brain synapses show activity.

My personal belief on that is that subconscious actions are informed by the conscious brain and that the body can form habits.

An interesting thought to have in terms of Christian beliefs concerning the flesh and the spirit and ideas over becoming a 'slave to sin' and how 'faith comes by hearing'.

Absolutely good to make an informed choice. And from my perspective, absolutely necessary to make the Good News of Jesus Christ known to all, so that everyone may have the opportunity to believe in Him. These were and are the motivating factors of countless Christians who have tried, in their own ways, to fulfill the Great Commission our Lord gave to His church. Making the scriptures available as widely as possible is key in this.

@LeaningOnTheEverlastingArms yes, plus I think evangelism can take many forms. If people are not ready to listen to The Word initially maybe kind actions can speak louder, as Christ 'went about doing good', at least initially so that good relationships are developed.

But it would be a bit weird for Christ not to come through a Christian somehow if we are being changed to be more Christlike.

All we can do is be true to our Lord and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, in terms of what exactly He would have us do in any given situation.

Only He can convict people of sin, righteousness and judgement (John 16:8).