Philip Yancey talks about escaping a toxic church

[@carolynfuller777]

I too, was terribly hurt by legalism! Thankfully, I now understand how REAL Christianity makes a person behave! They are not prejudice, they are loving, they are kind, just like Jesus, and they radiate that truth through their actions/ how they live. Thank you for sharing your incredible gift for writing with us, Philip! I am now reading for the second time through, your book, "Vanishing Grace", what ever happened to the Good News?" I love your book, and can see God speaking to me through it by showing me how to be a more effective witness for Christ! Thank you, dear brother in Christ!

[@wadforward]

Yancy's book "what is so amazing about grace" save me from self condemnation

[@mowriter]

I learned of Yancey from my Writing Professor, Jack Leax, who assigned Yancey in his classes. A remarkable man, and very brave. His essay regarding the closing of his Church, which finished up as an integrated gathering, was lovely. I connect DEEPLY with his quest to fins God in spite of the organized Church, in spite of Legalism. It takes great moral courage to parse between the two.

[@flamingrobin5957]

shame is so insidious because it cuts you off from yourself and from others. its contageous when you look at someone and they dissasociate, look away or wear a mask

[@agathamccorklehauer2266]

Whenever you can prove to me that this god thing actually exists, then we can have a discussion. Having a sense of wonder and when there is no celestial cosmo-naut to thank for that only means you also realize that this god myth is exactly as silent and unresponsive as it seems. Atheists regularly experience feelings of amazement, wonder, ecstasy, and bliss. We don't need a cosmic sky-lecher to explain to us why we naturally feel these things. We feel them from our own integrity and intelligence. We feel them because we are human. We have functioning brains and we should have the self-respect to own our own feelings for ourselves. None of it is on account of a perfect sky-daddy who regularly fails his entire creation on a daily basis.

[@firstbornjordan]

If God fails you daily, what God are you worshipping? I like the point you make. I agree you experience wonder, awe, etc. because I myself experienced this independently of a God connection. I would say that you are possibly noble-minded and sincere of heart and of mind. For me what did it was the Gospel. I was undone when I tried to hide my sin and rebellion toward a holy and just God. When I surrendered to God, through belief in Jesus (the payment for my sin) I experienced His mercy and for the past 23 years had a peace beyond understanding in the midst of chaos and past unexplained injustices. There are three outcomes that transpire when we are reconciled to God through Jesus: 1. Righteousness, 2. Peace, and 3. Joy. No time to explain, but these are eternal and unbreakable. However, the way I knew God 23 years ago compared with now, cannot be compared, just as a child grows to understand and love a loving and wise parent. Peace to you, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (King) and Saviour (Redeemer).

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Agatha McCorklehauer And so what is your point? Go live your life as you please.

[@rickster348]

is that a fro-?