Having a high level of education and knowledge of many religious things, not just Christianity but also the other major religions such as Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and the like, I find it almost impossible to go to a church and feel comfortable. There are so, so many inconsistencies that I hear and the fact that I have a hard time not calling people out on them, often finds me being.....what's the word; branded as a troublemaker in a way.
I found this to be especially true when you sit with the pastor and question something he was talking about in a sermon. Sure, they are pleasant enough and answer the questions but you can just tell that they would rather you not be there, questioning them so I usually end up leaving that church and looking for a new one with the same results.
I certainly do not mean to be problematic but I would like to know what the correct things are so my faith stays as strong as possible but apparently many people seem set in their ways in the little church communities they have developed and do not want that disturbed by some outsider.
Perhaps it is me that is the problem although I do not think so but my question is this; are there other forms of fellowship a Christian can seek or is it ordained that we must attend a church even if we cannot find one that seems to agree with us. I ask because I am quickly running out of churches in my area and driving for 2 hours for a service seems a bit much.
I found this to be especially true when you sit with the pastor and question something he was talking about in a sermon. Sure, they are pleasant enough and answer the questions but you can just tell that they would rather you not be there, questioning them so I usually end up leaving that church and looking for a new one with the same results.
I certainly do not mean to be problematic but I would like to know what the correct things are so my faith stays as strong as possible but apparently many people seem set in their ways in the little church communities they have developed and do not want that disturbed by some outsider.
Perhaps it is me that is the problem although I do not think so but my question is this; are there other forms of fellowship a Christian can seek or is it ordained that we must attend a church even if we cannot find one that seems to agree with us. I ask because I am quickly running out of churches in my area and driving for 2 hours for a service seems a bit much.