All of us should have mentors, spiritual directors, supervisors or whatever to guide through difficult times.

I actually think we all need others to show us how to live from time to time. This is why community is so important and the shared journey that it brings.

Yep, I share your insights Rev. Many a time I’ve been reminded of bible verses that mention our human weakness and the times when we are strengthened by others and by our faith. We simply do not have all the answers. That is what I miss at times by being without a church. That can change of course …

avennbrown wrote:Anyone who needs others to tell them how to live is a child….not an adult.

Hi all

avb, in respect to your comment above: That’s precisely how many fundamental churches are set up – to tell believers what to do and for them to need this and follow! It’s very much part of the culture. And I know, having been to quite a few. Of course not all denominations are quite so directive, but in my experience of pente/charasmatic and evangelical churches, leadership told members how to live and members were expected to seek advice about every little thing rather than think for themselves! I really don’t think that’s how we are meant to live. Rather, each person is meant to work things out with much inner reflection. Oh and some guidance along the way is also good.

I think mrg’s description of mentorship and community is lovely. I agree: we all need a helping hand in various ways at different times, and this is a sign of strength not weakness. This is very different to being spoon fed though which is what I’ve witnessed and was describing in the previous paragraph.

Meg, you are so right. We are not meant to be judging or telling others what to do. We are also not meant to be yoking people with unnecessary rules. And even when ethical guidelines are needed, and I think they would be helpful on this subject of sexual morality, humans end up turning them into somethig legalistic and deathly. Sad that.

avennbrown wrote:If a person had three/five monogamous relationships in their life time would they be labelled immoral, promiscuous, licentious, depraved, wicked ( >)

Sadly, the church I went to did make us renounce previous relationships prior to marriage. I regret doing that since all those partnerships helped me learn and grow. They were all incredibly valuable.

Blessings,

Ann Maree

Hi Sandy

Always good to have your input.

I think there’s a distinction to be made between being child-like and being childish/immature. And being a child of God is not the same as being childish.

I personally don’t need the church or anyone to tell me how to choose what’s right and wrong. That’s already been given as a gift by God. All I have to do is look within to find that. So I don’t need to be dictated to, not by God or anyone else.

Blessings,

Ann Maree