Starting Over

[composition man]

Hello,

Don't let the username put you off.  I couldn't think of anything and I noticed an ad in the Staples ad, so here I am.
I'm at a crossroads in my life.  Maybe it's a midlife crisis, I don't know.  I don't feel like I belong at the church I attend.  A "friend" suggested I go with him to a meeting for ex-members.  I discussed how some of the doctrines felt wrong.  I was confused.  I felt trapped.  He and the other members told me I had been brainwashed, that I had been part of a cult.  I left the church and began months of trying to get unprogrammed.  When I thought I had made a breakthrough, this "friend" did a complete turnaround and said I was wrong.  The church I attended, the church these ex-members used to belong to was not a cult, it was all me.
I felt crushed, abused, and misled. 

I don't know what to do.  I'm alone.  I don't fit in in either place.  I feel so betrayed by both.

I am a good Christian, a God-fearing man suckered in by the lies of man.  I love God, and try  to keep his commandments.  But right now I feel like I've fallen in the cracks.  I'm trying to find myself and untangle the lies.  I just want to belong somewhere while I sort this mess.

[LexKnight]

Then perhaps you're not meant to go to either? God could be leading you out. This friend doesn't sound like a good friend...

[chosenone]

What church did you go to?

[composition man]

Church of Christ.

[chosenone]

Church of Christ.

I am from the uk and have never known a C of C here, but from what I have read about it on this forum over the last 8 or so years there is NO way that I would ever go there. It seems very cultish, and they seem to think that are the only 'true' church.  They also have many unbiblical beliefs. I think you were very wise to leave, and if I were you l would seek another church in you area. 

[composition man]

Thanks.  You're on target with the church of Christ.  I grew up in it, and I have a lot of scars.

All I want to do here, if possible, is meet others who are Christians.  I'd like to learn about how others worship.  I'm not here to bash the church of Christ, but if one is interested, I'll share my horror stories.

I'm just a simple Christian man who's interested in talking and sharing with other Christians.  Thanks for listening.

[chosenone]

Thanks.  You're on target with the church of Christ.  I grew up in it, and I have a lot of scars.

All I want to do here, if possible, is meet others who are Christians.  I'd like to learn about how others worship.  I'm not here to bash the church of Christ, but if one is interested, I'll share my horror stories.

I'm just a simple Christian man who's interested in talking and sharing with other Christians.  Thanks for listening.

I hope that you find fellowship here. 

[geronimo]

I am a good Christian, a God-fearing man suckered in by the lies of man.  I love God, and try  to keep his commandments.  But right now I feel like I've fallen in the cracks.  I'm trying to find myself and untangle the lies.  I just want to belong somewhere while I sort this mess.

Take heart Brother C. The Lord is in the cracks of religion. He'll not be absent from anywhere you are. And He'll certainly be working with you through the sorting.
  Continued blessings.

[Noblemen]

Nothing can hurt and feel so bad as a betrayal of friendship seek the lord you can trust the leading of the Holy Spirit and he will direct your path. I am a newbie as well nice to make your acquaintance

[composition man]

Thanks everyone.  I appreciate your comments.  Forgive me, I'm still learning the ropes here.

[BabyCamelot]

Why not try my church?

I had to leave Vegas and move back home to help my sick family but I still attend weekly online.

You can watch services 24 hours a day here.  Click onto media, pick a series and jump in!

[youtube/]http://www.centralonline.tv/landingcentral[/youtube]

In Christ, Camelot

[geronimo]

Welcome to Grace Centered Forums BabyCamelot. I didn't see a introduction thread, but wanted to say welcome and hope you enjoy your time here.
Continued blessings.

[Johnb]

Former CoC preacher here.  I left the legalism years ago.  I would not in any way classify the CoC as a cult just not the case.  Fortunately it is changing in many areas.  Unfortunately not where I live.  We (several former coc folks) have started a house church.  Only about 20% still hold the old legalistic view.  Sad prt is the restoration movement started as a unity movement in rebellion to the concept that any one church was the exclusive realm of God's kingdom. 

[Johnb]

PS this site is owned and operated by CoC guys.  Would a cult allow all the different boards and views?  You just found the Parsee wing of the church of Christ.  Even in the legalistic wing they believe salvation comes only through Christ but get carried away on doing church right and attempting to re establish the "first century church"  some flawed theology but no cult.

[composition man]

Thank you. 

The drama continues.  My friend, I think, is using my confusion to get back at the church.  He used to be a deacon, but he left.  Today the preacher, a deacon, and three elders confronted me, a sort of intervention.  The preacher and deacon accused me of causing strife.  I caught them in a couple lies, and my heart sank.  I saw a guy I knew from the church the friend now attends.  He could see I was visibly shaken.  I thought he was going to comfort me but instead he ridiculed me.  Again, my heart sank.

Guys, I'm so shaken.  So drained ... physically, emotionally, spiritually.

[chosenone]

Thank you. 

The drama continues.  My friend, I think, is using my confusion to get back at the church.  He used to be a deacon, but he left.  Today the preacher, a deacon, and three elders confronted me, a sort of intervention.  The preacher and deacon accused me of causing strife.  I caught them in a couple lies, and my heart sank.  I saw a guy I knew from the church the friend now attends.  He could see I was visibly shaken.  I thought he was going to comfort me but instead he ridiculed me.  Again, my heart sank.

Guys, I'm so shaken.  So drained ... physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Stay away from them is my advise. Find another church.