I just got back from taking my mother to visit a new church which is
Southern Baptist. The pastor spent forty five minutes talking about
marriage. The last church we attended was pretty much the same thing,
designed to minister to married couples. Anyway, on the way out the
door I asked the pastor if there was a place in his church for a family
made up of me, my mother and my daughter. He looked stunned and said of
course there are single adults there too. His sermon made it seem like
only a man and wife could have a relationship with God and all divorces
were a failure before God. I had a clear Biblical reason to divorce my
wife. Am I wrong to feel left out of this and other churches?

No, I don't think you're wrong to feel as you do. I'm interested to
hear what next week's sermon contains. The stunned look leads me to
believe either A: He didn't realize how he was coming across regarding
his divorced members.
B: He was surprised anyone actually heard his sermon and commented on
it one way or the other. I'm sure there are more possibilities for his
reaction, those were the top two I could think of.

The second class status of divorced members is nothing new. I have a
feeling he has a need to continually preach on the sanctity of marriage.
He introduced his wife to me as his "first wife" and I know he did it to
make a point. If only he could walk a mile in my shoes.

They mainly stick to the rigid rules of their churches.
Try to find one on the internet that is more liberal and still suits
you. I'm sure there are many out there.

I will grin and bear it if my mother can sing the hymns she loves and
knows for a few more years. I just needed to vent.

I'm sorry imkeys that you had to experience that. Some of these churches
are so rigid and strict that they forget to treat others with respect.

That is absolutely ridiculous they acted like that. Please find a better
church. My folks are divorced, it's a reality and if that pastor doesn't
realize that then that church isn't for you.

The bible makes it clear that being signal or being married is our
choice and he smiles on both.

I know many religious people who are divorced and yet dedicated
Christians. Pastor of TV programm "Quick Study" himself said he is
divorced and remarried so he never condemns divorced or single people.
God is LOVE.

I doubt very much that I would ever go back to a place that made me feel
that uncomfortable or unwelcome.
Way too many churches like that. WTF is it? A popularity contest?
I went to a number of different churches when I was younger because I
was curious. Neighbours, friends of the family and some others seemed to
be right in to this religion thing, so I wanted to know more about it
all.
I came away with the feeling that with such beautiful architecture these
buildings would be better suited for displaying antique cars and hot
rods.

did you ask where the second wife was? If there is a first that would
lead me to believe there may also be a second third and so on.

Paul said it is better to marry than to burn. We all burn in our own
way. Just my opinion.

I saw show on TV where one religious guy said lots of people are
dropping out of churches but they do not turn their back on religion.
They pursue the religion on their own. Many Christians do so. There is
also some very cool religious stuff on internet - internet churches, the
stream tv etc. And no one will make you feel bad lol

My mother wants hymns and they sang them, not praise songs. The worship
part was very well done, very reverent, and beautiful. When I want my
needs for a non-traditional family addressed I guess I'll go Saturday
nights to the big church down the road where it's a multi-media and
rock'n music service. I'm sure my daughter will feel more comfortable
there too.

i feel you my brother.
That is the biggest mistake of most christian churchs, having bias
against those who according to them live in SIN.
The sinner is going to be judge by God himself, we as human beings the
only thing we can do is show understanding and love for those who are
not in the "right track."
Therefore, anybody should be allowed to go to church and not to feel
discrimination

Regards

TLW

Divorce is not a sin. Thats why its in the Bible. The rules,
requirements and procedures are all there. Obviously, the BigMan
realized that such things would be required. Sure, Jesus said that God
"hates divorce". Who doesnt? I think it makes it clear that divorce is
part of life, it happens, and we have responsibilities and rights even
in the hell of 'divorce'.

Seems like wisdom to me.

And, it seems to me that if you really value the sanctity of marrige,
you HAVE to allow for divorce. You have to allow for situations where
the continuance of the marrige is blasphemy to the idea of love. Even
the holy Temple needed periodic cleanings!

An honest man should walk proud.

mike divorce in the Bible is acceptable under 2 circumstances

1. If mate committs adultery
2. If mate dies

How do you divorce a dead person?

kidatheart think before you post.I do need to CLARIFY If your
mate dies then it's okay to move on is what i meant. You can remarry if
you spouse dies it's not considered adultery

Divorce, remarriage and adultery are three different things.

I'd suggest that you take your own advice before dispensing it!

kidatheart70,

Jesus taught that anyone who got a divorce, for any reason other than
adultry, was commiting adultry. So Bored is 100% right, from Bible
believing Christian perspective.