I go to church regularly. Even when I don't feel like it. Which, I admit, is often these days.
The reason I am less than enthusiastic about church has to do with all the bullshit I see and hear at church these days.
The worst example is how women are chastized for any extramarital sex issues, while the men get off (pun definitely intended). If a man screws around, he gets a little private talking to in the pastor's office. A little chat just between two guys. Then he gets a dose of forgiveness and a free pass to "go and sin no more". The women get a sort of trial in front of tribunal of three men, who ask detailed questions about her "lapse into sin". Then she has to do go through a year long punishment period where she can't take the sacrement, and she's excluded from any church activities. They might as well make her wear a scarlet letter.
What a fucked up double standard!
Second complaint I have is how they always ask for more and more money. I know they have to keep the heat and lights on in the church and the pastor's residence. I know they have a mortgage on the church property. And I am aware that the church helps the poor.
All of that is great and I know that's where my "tithe offering" money goes and its ok by me. I wish they could just for once spit it out and admit it that GOD does not want the money - the church needs it to keep going.
So please, for the love of God, treat men and women equal and be honest about what our money offerings are for. And no BULLSHIT!!!
AMEN