EXPLORE
THE CHURCH
How
can I find a religion most suitable for my beliefs?
You
might start by examining how you came to those beliefs. If it was
through a certain church during your childhood, then that church
(or its local affiliate) might be a good place to start. Our beliefs
change as we mature and experience more of life. It could be that
you have moved away from, or even outgrown, the church of your childhood.
But knowing where you were formed can be a helpful first step.
It
could be your beliefs were formed by exposure to preaching or reading
in a way other than Sunday worship. Such ways—pamphlets, articles,
books, television, and other—usually have a sponsoring denomination,
congregation or organization. If your beliefs were shaped by a certain
preacher on television, for example, you could seek out a local
congregation of his or her denomination.
Your
beliefs might have been formed by exposure to a certain missionary
work, such as Habitat for Humanity or feeding the hungry. You can
look for congregations that support those same missions. Watch for
articles in the newspaper.
Whatever
your first step, be prepared for a time of wandering. Every congregation
is different, and a healthy congregation is always changing.
If your beliefs are lively, then they are changing, too. In the
end, a faith community is about people, not doctrine. Finding a
perfect doctrinal match won’t matter as much as being among
believers whom you respect and to whom you are bound in mutual affection.
--Tom
Ehrich
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