Church discrimination

[Antigone*]

This person is either a troll or incredibly selfish. What kind of a person would show so little respect towards the deeply held beliefs of their friends that they would want to join them in a holy ritual that they don't believe in?

I can understand where you are coming from but let's look at it a different way.

Would Jesus say you can't come to my table?

I realize this is not a legal issue and as far as the OP is concerned if the church he fancys does not fancy him, then he needs to know that lady liberty doesn't have a place at this table either.

 

[cyjeff]

At least the OP isn't lying to himself and the congregation by partaking.

It's not like those washed in the blood and the water are given a tattoo or something that proves their devotion.

 

[swalsh411]

I can understand where you are coming from but let's look at it a different way.

Would Jesus say you can't come to my table?

I realize this is not a legal issue and as far as the OP is concerned if the church he fancys does not fancy him, then he needs to know that lady liberty doesn't have a place at this table either.

Except his friends in this Church hold that it's only for believers. It's disrespectful of their beliefs to essentially defile (that is probably too strong of a word) the ceremony. Whether Jesus intended non-believers to partake is not the issue; the people in this Church do not want that.

 

[justalayman]

Whether Jesus intended non-believers to partake is not the issue; the people in this Church do not want that.

that I disagree with. A Christian church wants to follow what Jesus said to do so if Jesus would want them to allow this guy to set in, then that is what they should do.


I have no real problem with any person setting in Mass. The problem I have is his claim of discrimination that he is not allowed to partake of communion.


btw: if you go up to take of communion, unless the priest etc. refuses you for some reason (like knowing you are an acknowledged agnostic) you will be given communion. It simply will not have any meaning to you. You will not be cast into Hell as soon as it touches your tongue nor will Angels present them selves and point to you and name you to not be a believer.

It is simply disrespectful to argue you have some right to any aspect of their religious services under a discrimination claim.

If you aren't a troll and have any sense of respect for these people, you will not push yourself into their practices unless you accept them for what they are.

 

[>Charlotte<]

This exclusion makes me feel very uncomfortable and discriminated against.

You don't acknowledge Jesus Christ as your savior, but it's not being able to eat the crackers that isolates you in a Christian church. Right.

 

[cbg]

Communion is not just a meaningless ritual. It is full of very deep meaning that goes to the very heart of the Christian faith.

My church is open, meaning that anyone of any faith may partake. But there is also a qualifier; when the pastor gives the invitation, he includes that ANYONE WHO BELIEVES is welcome. It doesn't matter if you're UCC, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, independent, or what, but we do ask that you believe.

Now, we're not going to question you when we pass you the plate or you come up to the altar, but by accepting it you are acknowledging that you share our faith and our belief in Jesus Christ as Saviour. If you do not so acknowledge, then it is hypocritical and exceedingly disrepectful of you to demand that you be allowed to participate.

Because the law of this country keeps church and state separate, the church is permitted to "discriminate" against those who do not share our faith when it comes to participation in our most holy ritual. You will not find a law anywhere in this country that grants you the right to force a church to waive their beliefs and requirements in favor of your "comfort".

 

[1000Sparks]

this is a good one

why do you want to partake of something you don't believe in?


Why don't you walk down the aisle like the toddlers do with their parents and then just turn and go back to your seat. That might make you feel like a big boy.

What a weasel.

 

[jburke]

My family and friends are with me and I feel like the odd man out. Besides, by that time, I'm hungry and thirsty and could use a little bit to eat and drink.

 

[Antigone*]

I had given you the benefit of the doubt. Now I know for sure you are a troll

 

[Zigner]

I had given you the benefit of the doubt. Now I know for sure you are a troll

Agreed .

 

[jburke]

Agreed. A religious non-profit should not be given special benefits like tax breaks by the state, if there is such a thing as separation of church and state. Thanks for all the feedback. I'm surprised I got so many personal answers rather than straight up legal jargon.

 

[Zigner]

I'm sorry, I don't understand troll-speak.

 

[cbg]

You want legal? I'll give you legal one more time.

Religious groups are EXEMPT from discrimination laws when it comes to the practicing of their faith. It is LEGAL for them to discriminate against non-believers when it comes to who can and cannot participate in their sacraments.

Now, take your trolling to some other forum.