A really lovely piece, Anna, and perfectly audible. I loved the you said The Bible is a Manual for Life as I have always believed that. I find, sometimes, I can just open my Bible randomly and it gives me a way forward.
Thank you, Denise 😊. I'm the end I was able to use some software to strip out the background whistle of the wind so it wasn't too bad. The Bible is a wonderful manual for life. It really is a living book.that speaks into our lives today. Yes, I love that whether you choose a passage to read or just randomly dip in, there's always some wisdom to apply to our life.
It should be for you to decide where you're most spiritually at home, Jeremy. Others can share opinions or insights but the decision must come from you. I always found RW academic and not relatable. I can't really comment.
There ya go! I am on the same journey - late to Christ (74); whilst brought up by devout post WWI atheists (both born 1919) the culture I was brought up in was Christian, and private schooling ensure 8 services a week. Methodist public school meant a solid recall of the hymns of muscular Christianity (where did THAT go?), Lord Soper was a governor, and would give a sermon now and again. Even then, engrossing even for a teenager.
My search now is for my Church. Default C of E, I love - and possess and read - the King James Bible, and the Book of Common Prayer; my Psalter the Miles Coverdale translation. But the C of E is lost, clearly no longer believes biblical truth. RC? Orthodox? I go on retreat at Buckfast Abbey on the edge of Dartmoor regularly - it feels like home, I love the Monks and their work for us all. Holy Week was almost overwhelming, the Abbey packed and peoples' hearts full of joy. Booked again for next year.
Orthodoxy - seems to be a direct line from the Apostles. There's a church in nearby Bath, so I must attend there.
I have always been a searcher. Freely admit to the use of sacred medicines in that quest, all my adult life - but this has also led me to understand that I am a Christian who believes in the Christ the Redeemer.
It seems we are not alone in what seems to be a religious revival in the West. Especially in the USA. And one might say - By God, this is what we need.
Thank you, Jeremy, for sharing your story of faith. I too went to a private school and as it was boarding we had Chapel most days and sometimes twice on a Sunday. Although it has shaped my life and undoubtedly contributed to my spiritual life, at the time I found it mostly quite dry, boring and irrelevant. I did move the music, though. Looking back I'm grateful for that influence even if I didn't appreciate it at the time.
I don't think it matters what type of church we go to as long as the Bible is faithfully preached. And that's surprisingly hard to find. The mainstream Anglican Church has lost its way but there are still a few good faithful ones around. Orthodox seems to be quite popular with some these days but I'd find it too rigid though I appreciate why people like it. I'm an Anglican at hear though I've recently found a church which has baptist roots. I go there because they preach from the Bible, are clearly Gospel-centred and the community is welcoming. It's early days but it feels like a spiritual home for now. I think while we try to find somewhere or if we can't, there are Christians we can connect with all over the place, there are some excellent online resources and YT videos and probably even online groups and we have our Bibles and can encounter God in many ways in the everyday. God knows the desires of our hearts and He knows what we long for and I believe He meets our needs one way or another on a daily basis. ✨️
All good; where we live is one of five parishes that has not had a vicar for three years. So very occasional services with a lay person. I have so enjoyed being at Buckfast - and I like the greater ritual in RC, so it’s quite possible that that is where I end up. Though not take with this - or the last - Pope.
Sounds similar to my little Anglican parish church setup. Similar with a vicar rotating around a handful of churches. I love the building and the presence of the church in the community but the services don't appeal though I go very occasionally. The other church I go to regularly is very different. Sounds like you are moving towards where you feel most spiritually at home. It can take time but I do think there's an 'I've come home' feeling you get when you find the right place for you for now.
Funny. At Buckfast I had quite long chats with one of the Monks on matters of the spirit. Then at at Belmont where he was seconded - he felt I was "at home" in the RC Church. He was at Oxford with Rowan Williams and they are still friends. Wonder what RW feels about his church now? His writings are good, for sure.
Harry, thank you for your heartfelt and thoughtful comment, insights and observations. You said all that beautifully and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Yes, churches are full of sinners, only there because of God's grace. You're spot in about good, biblical teaching being key, especially in building up the congregation. It can be surprisingly hard to find but is instantly recognisable when you hear it. That should be essential in a church. You're right, though, ultimately there is only one church. I love how you explain how a believer's relationship with the Lord starts and develops. Beautiful. I'm sure readers will find that helpful.
A really lovely piece, Anna, and perfectly audible. I loved the you said The Bible is a Manual for Life as I have always believed that. I find, sometimes, I can just open my Bible randomly and it gives me a way forward.
Thank you, Denise 😊. I'm the end I was able to use some software to strip out the background whistle of the wind so it wasn't too bad. The Bible is a wonderful manual for life. It really is a living book.that speaks into our lives today. Yes, I love that whether you choose a passage to read or just randomly dip in, there's always some wisdom to apply to our life.
It should be for you to decide where you're most spiritually at home, Jeremy. Others can share opinions or insights but the decision must come from you. I always found RW academic and not relatable. I can't really comment.
There ya go! I am on the same journey - late to Christ (74); whilst brought up by devout post WWI atheists (both born 1919) the culture I was brought up in was Christian, and private schooling ensure 8 services a week. Methodist public school meant a solid recall of the hymns of muscular Christianity (where did THAT go?), Lord Soper was a governor, and would give a sermon now and again. Even then, engrossing even for a teenager.
My search now is for my Church. Default C of E, I love - and possess and read - the King James Bible, and the Book of Common Prayer; my Psalter the Miles Coverdale translation. But the C of E is lost, clearly no longer believes biblical truth. RC? Orthodox? I go on retreat at Buckfast Abbey on the edge of Dartmoor regularly - it feels like home, I love the Monks and their work for us all. Holy Week was almost overwhelming, the Abbey packed and peoples' hearts full of joy. Booked again for next year.
Orthodoxy - seems to be a direct line from the Apostles. There's a church in nearby Bath, so I must attend there.
I have always been a searcher. Freely admit to the use of sacred medicines in that quest, all my adult life - but this has also led me to understand that I am a Christian who believes in the Christ the Redeemer.
It seems we are not alone in what seems to be a religious revival in the West. Especially in the USA. And one might say - By God, this is what we need.
Thank you, Jeremy, for sharing your story of faith. I too went to a private school and as it was boarding we had Chapel most days and sometimes twice on a Sunday. Although it has shaped my life and undoubtedly contributed to my spiritual life, at the time I found it mostly quite dry, boring and irrelevant. I did move the music, though. Looking back I'm grateful for that influence even if I didn't appreciate it at the time.
I don't think it matters what type of church we go to as long as the Bible is faithfully preached. And that's surprisingly hard to find. The mainstream Anglican Church has lost its way but there are still a few good faithful ones around. Orthodox seems to be quite popular with some these days but I'd find it too rigid though I appreciate why people like it. I'm an Anglican at hear though I've recently found a church which has baptist roots. I go there because they preach from the Bible, are clearly Gospel-centred and the community is welcoming. It's early days but it feels like a spiritual home for now. I think while we try to find somewhere or if we can't, there are Christians we can connect with all over the place, there are some excellent online resources and YT videos and probably even online groups and we have our Bibles and can encounter God in many ways in the everyday. God knows the desires of our hearts and He knows what we long for and I believe He meets our needs one way or another on a daily basis. ✨️
All good; where we live is one of five parishes that has not had a vicar for three years. So very occasional services with a lay person. I have so enjoyed being at Buckfast - and I like the greater ritual in RC, so it’s quite possible that that is where I end up. Though not take with this - or the last - Pope.
Sounds similar to my little Anglican parish church setup. Similar with a vicar rotating around a handful of churches. I love the building and the presence of the church in the community but the services don't appeal though I go very occasionally. The other church I go to regularly is very different. Sounds like you are moving towards where you feel most spiritually at home. It can take time but I do think there's an 'I've come home' feeling you get when you find the right place for you for now.
Funny. At Buckfast I had quite long chats with one of the Monks on matters of the spirit. Then at at Belmont where he was seconded - he felt I was "at home" in the RC Church. He was at Oxford with Rowan Williams and they are still friends. Wonder what RW feels about his church now? His writings are good, for sure.
Harry, thank you for your heartfelt and thoughtful comment, insights and observations. You said all that beautifully and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Yes, churches are full of sinners, only there because of God's grace. You're spot in about good, biblical teaching being key, especially in building up the congregation. It can be surprisingly hard to find but is instantly recognisable when you hear it. That should be essential in a church. You're right, though, ultimately there is only one church. I love how you explain how a believer's relationship with the Lord starts and develops. Beautiful. I'm sure readers will find that helpful.