The previous three entries I exhibited my disgust with what I consider the dark side of Christian theology.  I came across the story on Blogs4God,  which I have found to be a pretty well-rounded representation (after all,  they accepted me , didn’t they?)  I have met some kindred minds via Blogs4God.   I do not oppose in any manner the aggregation of diverse Christian voices there.  It reminds me of what the Southern Baptists used to be like.   There was a representation of views from left to right.  That is probably still true,  but the difference today is that they are no longer allowing a voice to any view considered to be “off-right” (rather than “off-center”).  The ones who would provide that alternative voice are “quarantined” or they have left the denomination. 

I saw an article by AKMA a few days ago from his archives where he expressed his misgivings about writing that is oft critical of the Church.  I immediately felt rebuked.  AKMA and I have corresponded recently on a few matters we have written about,  and we see eye to eye theologically on a number of things.  So I took this criticism to heart,  since I have a tendency to be critical.  It seems that I should take this anomosity of mine,  which is based on an idealism about the Church and what I think it should be,  and seek to write more about how to further this through the likes of Web technologies,  like I was yesterday in my thoughts about Smart Mobs. 

Janet is still fighting a cold that seems to have generated a sinus infection,  and so once again the question of attending Church today seems to be in the negative again.  I long to find a community where I can feel confident and challenged.  Perhaps I should seek out CBF-affiliated Church (Co-operative Baptist Fellowship,  a sub-group of Southern Baptists who seek the diversity of fellowship of the original Southern Baptists.) 

I am a member of the Church.  I have been captured by Christ and the Gospel,  and by the commitment of such communities as Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC.  They have spoiled me.  I find little satisfaction with what I have encountered since.  I often find myself turned away by the ineffectiveness of the Churches in providing much sufficient Christian community;   any real caring about where I am on my journey,  or anyone else’s.  There seems to be less and less time “allotted” to the exploration of who we are,  knowing one another,  exploring and seeking our CALL,  and commitment to the idea of a radical community (radical in its devotion to the journey we share,  and our reponsibilities to one another to support each other — which brings with it the requirement that we know something about that which we claim to support.)