You don't have to be religious to connect to God. In fact, religion doesn't connect you to God at all. And if you think or feel connected to God because of some religious ritual, you are living in a false comfort with extremely dangerous implications and consequences.
I have too many friends who have been told by the church that they aren't welcome or they can't connect with God because they are not following certain rules or have disobeyed church tradition or have not been practicing certain church rituals. I think specifically of the divorced mother who was told by the church that God won't accept her until she changes. Or the gay couple who was told they are not welcome in church until they change and start obeying church law.
I remember one specific instance where a woman was told she couldn't sing in the choir because she was wearing pants and only women in dresses were accepted! I remember the little boy who was told he couldn't play his toy drum in the Christmas play because drums aren't acceptable in church (which totally floors me because God encourages the loud beating of drums to praise Him!)
I AM TIRED OF THE CHURCH ACTING LIKE THIS! IT'S NOT RIGHT!
If you have been beat up or confused by religion - or know someone who has - you really need to come this Sunday to Meadow. I am starting a new teaching series called "Freedom FROM Religion". I will be talking about why religion is so attractive, the dangers of religion, and most importantly I will be talking about a better way to connect with God than religion.
I can't encourage you enough to come and bring EVERY friend you know who doesn't go to church. This will change the trajectory of your life and you will learn how you CAN connect with God without being religious!
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