In some of the Christian Churches that I have been a member of, they truly believe in being a baptized believer before being able to be considered “a part of the congregation” (as in a voting member of the church). Here is my question, The Christian Church has the availability not to grant you membership of the church if they are aware that you are living in Sin. I.E. : someone is living with someone of the opposite sex, who is not their spouse, they would be considered, (by the Christian Church) to be living in Sin, and not “Allow” that person membership. I have witnessed this first hand. So my question to you is, is it right for the church not to grant membership to a person due to “someone’s interpretation of sin” or do you think the church is being judgmental, which is also a sin. Is there any type of center-ground here?So my sister would like to know my thoughts on whether or not a Church is 'right' in making this sort of stand. This one might be interesting.
My simple answer is: 'Yes, any Church is justified in establishing their own qualifications for membership.' A Church in the legal and secular world is simply an organization of people centered around a common set of ideas/principles. From a legal standpoint they aren't much different than a book club, or a square dancing group, etc. With the obvious exceptions of tax status and requirements as a non-profit organization. However the bible defines a church as something a little different. From the biblical perspective the Church is a community of believers who worship and fellowship together. In my opinion in GOD's eyes the only qualification for a 'Church' is when people get together in his name, and in his honor.
So with two very different perspectives on what a Church actually is it lends one to consider how can this question be framed when viewed in different lights. Anyone who's read my blog before knows that I very much support the idea of a personal relationship with GOD and that no man, government, or anything of this world can prevent you from experiencing that loving relationship. With that perspective I reconsider my previous answer and amazingly enough draw the same conclusion. "Yes, they can choose to exclude whomever they want." The reason I draw this conclusion is simply because NO ONE can interfere with your personal relationship with GOD. Therefor if a group of people calling themselves a church decides to exclude someone for whatever reason they are not reflecting GOD's love, and you may not be able to get the fellowship you want from that 'church'. GOD loves us all. Some believe his love is conditional based on your actions, whether you maintain the sacraments, if you follow the laws, etc but *I* personally believe that GOD loves us all, regardless of us returning that love. The Catholics are especially guilty of this. Though a non Catholic may attend mass they REFUSE to allow non-catholics to participate in communion. Hell even Catholics have to meet the criteria, have to be in state of grace (recently told a priest about all their naughty actions, etc) and some other pointless bullshit. As I said this is their 'right' but I would argue it isn't 'right' if you define right as what GOD intends. Regardless of your faith or beliefs in my opinion you are not acting as a conduit of GOD's love when you don't 'love thy neighbor'.
If your religious beliefs require you to believe that 'living in sin' should prevent you access to a community of believers and is an affront to GOD then that is your right. What I will do is pray that you will feel GOD's unending, and unconditional love and be the conduit by which others can experience that love. GOD wants us to love each other as he loves us, and we should love him. Though it is not 'wrong' necessarily by the standards of this world to pick and choose whom you spend your time with it is my firm belief that this is not GOD's intention and regardless of an individuals situation you should love and accept them, as GOD loves and accepts all of us sinners.
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