Anne Jackson: What You Can’t Say in Church

June 17, 2008

Anne Jackson recently asked: what is something you feel you can’t say in church, or around other christians?

So far, over 200 people have responded and it's even been picked up on an Australian radio station and responded to on an atheist platform.

Anne writes:

"I must admit, I was a little surprised at the response. It seems like believers have been holding in some of these thoughts for quite some time, and haven't felt comfortable to express them because they fear being judged or ostracized.

Faith has always been a volatile topic, and in some regions, it's considered a completely private matter. However, in the one place people should feel safe to ask questions, they're terrified instead.

As leaders, we are given the responsibility and privilege to create these environments. We also lead by example.

What are some things we should look at or start doing differently, in order to begin turning this problem around?"

Well, yeah ... what she said.

2 Comments »

I think the best step we can take as the Church is to start asking the questions and talking about those things ourselves- from the pulpit, in Sunday school, during coffee hour, or whenever the “Spirit moves.” We need to stop waiting for people to ask and just start talking!

I think the truth that we find in all this research and insight, besides some genuine and heart felt laughter, is that we are all really on the same page- afraid to be ourselves in the one place where ourselves is what we ought to be! I can’t imagine, though I dream about, what kind of impact the church would have if we would just start talking and being real!

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