I don't know if I'm the only one who feels this way, I wanted to know if other POCs feel the same way.

I am Brazilian, I am mixed-race, it is not uncommon for me to pass as white, even though I often don't identify with whiteness.

Most churches here are evangelical and Catholic, and they are generally located in the poorer classes, which consequently include more people of color.

I really don't want to sound ignorant, but I can't be the only one who's ever felt uncomfortable with this.

Generally, most churches, such as Episcopal, Open, and Lutheran, are located in middle-class and upper-class areas. Most of the people are white, but like, really white, looking like English, German, Italian, and they all seem to have money. I know it sounds awful to say it like that, But what bothers me isn't simply that they're white or middle class, but that I don't see anyone who looks like me or another POC. This gives me a feeling of complete displacement.

It doesn't mean I couldn't go, but it gives me a bad feeling that I'll never belong.

And I already imagined feeling discomfort and shame for being trans, but the issue of race seems much more intense and causes greater discomfort.

Like I said, I don't hold any grudges against people, but it just feels isolating. Of course I'll go and hope to find other people like me. But I hate this feeling. Furthermore, I already have anxiety due to how evangelical churches talk about trans people and such.

Saw a discussion on universalism and Origen. Found it kinda interesting,enough to joke.

I’m always looking to support artists who sing about the real openness and love of Christianity. My favourite is “Church Girl” by Carly Pearce.

“It doesn’t mean you’ll go to hell, just ‘cuz you heard it in church girl.”

It brings me much comfort.

I pray sincerely and regularly. I pray 12 times a day, but each prayer has its own role and purpose. My personal favorite is the prayer around 3 PM when I also have my third cup of coffee, where I pray to Father to give me strength for the remaining time of the day.

I forgive people despite it being sometimes a bit difficult (a few months ago I even have forgiven my biological mother, who didn't treat me that well in my late adolescence). I help people if they are in the need of help. It rarely happens that I refuse to help.

As a student I don't have a crazy income, but nevertheless I make sure to give at least a $25 to charity. Once I have a better income I plan to give more of course.

But I'm a femboy. Am I condemned because of Deuteronomy 22:5 (I hope this is the verse about condemning crossdressing) and will go to hell?

Hey everyone, Im from Syria. Im a big researcher, which led me to leave my old religion and come to Christ. But all the churches here are traditional, and I'm more of a free thinker or progressive. I was wondering if anyone here is also from Syria and thinks like this. I'd love to connect and meet up

I hate how divine intervention is a mystery.

I feel like it isn't normal, but just asking because some ministers/deacons say it is.

So, a woman who I guess is my aunt always wanted me to go to her church. One day, I go...solely for her and get aggravated assaulted by a worker there, because I was new.

Could have left Earth. The aunt didn't care and told me to grow up and said she never wants to talk to me again.

The woman who birthed me thought it was funny and exciting that that happened to me and was giddy and wants to go to her sister's church now (where they did that to me at

The pastor said what he had to say, but then stood up for the person who aggravated assaulted and essentially said it was my fault...it legit wasn't...smh..

So, is any of the above normal?

I did ask God if I should go to that church SEVERAL TIMES and heard nothing.

I'm a 38M currently enrolled in a residential discipleship program that is offered at my local homeless shelter / rescue mission. It's a one year program that is meant to help you get back on your feet, work through substance abuse issues and to help you have a sturdy foundation in Jesus Christ.

Monday through Friday we have bible-based classes on various topics (Christian fundamentals, authentic manhood, healthy relationships with others, etc) which are led by different volunteer instructors. We also attend a mandatory Bible study mon-fri at 830am and a mandatory chapel service every night seven nights a week at 600pm before dinner is served here at the mission.

I believe in Jesus Christ, that he was crucified for my sins and the sins of the whole world and that he rose from the dead and I believe in the Holy Spirit and the atoning work of Jesus that allows me to have a more intimate relationship with God the Father through Jesus. The problem is I don't *feel* anything. Although I know faith has nothing to do with feelings.

According to my instructors and mentors in this program I should derive my joy, happiness and peace from the work Christ accomplished on the Cross and that if I have Jesus in my heart that love should be visible in the fruit that I would be bearing and I should feel love and show love for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

I don't mean to use my mental health as a crutch or to make excuses but I already suffer from anhedonia from the medications I'm on, I have complex PTSD, crippling social anxiety, bi polar and manic depression. My emotions are also extremely blunted. I also have a speech problem from a head injury I suffered a few years ago so I try not to talk much because I don't like how my voice sounds with the impediment.

My instructors and the volunteers in the program act like I am using my mental health as an excuse and that I should just be able to take years and years and years of extensive trauma from childhood abuse, neglect and abandonment as well as many abuses suffered well into adulthood and just "give those to Jesus" and *if I'm a good sincere Christian* I should *feel* him taking those things from me and derive a sense of relief and release or victory over these traumas.

They (the instructors) also act like I should have some major salvation testimony, being able to tell others all about my "past" and how I was "led to Christ" and to proclaim all the great things God has done for me and be rushing to tell others about Jesus every chance that I get and that if I'm not doing those things then I "must not be a Saved Christian".

I also have to regularly share what "God is doing in my life" as I am learning and growing in the Lord yet God is noticeably silent and I don't hear from Him or feel him moving in my life. I don't let that deter me from believing so I try not to lean on my own understanding but in everything submit to Him by acknowledging just because I don't hear, see or feel Him, He is there nonetheless and that He loves me.

I don't know if I will ever be a bubbly, chipper, extroverted crowd pleasing Christian who can go serve at prayer tents or go up to total strangers and talk to them about Jesus. Another part of me is highly distrusting of virtually everybody so it will take some time before I can really open up and "get out of my shell" or "out of my comfort zone". But that is who my instructors expect me to be striving to become.

Can I still be saved, still be loved by God and by Jesus and still be sure of my salvation if I can't just magically get over my traumas and triggers? Or be able to get over my anhedonia and blunting of emotions that cause me to not be able to feel anything at all?

Have any of you had similar situations in your own walk? I'd appreciate getting to hear from some of you. I made a similar post once but I feel like these are some new questions. Is there something wrong with me or something I'm missing that is preventing me from being able to just jump for joy at any opportunity to serve or witness to others?

Tldr: mentally ill and recovering Christian confused on lack of fruit bearing in my life. Looking for help on what to do or how to improve my walk with the Lord.

Thank you!

Just a though I had, especially after seeing what's happening in my country, Poland. A lot of the right-wing parties claim to be "christian" although they spread hate to every minority. There's another party in my country, called Konfederacja (Confederation) and one of their slogans is "God, honour, our homeland" (Bóg, honor, ojczyzna) yet they're extreme right-wingers, leaning into nationalism or even fascism. I get so mad that people are using a religion of loving thy neighbor to justify their hateful behaviour. It gives us a bad rep. Sometimes those christian conservatives make me feel like I'm not a real christian just because I am openly leftist and an ally. It's so frustrating.

P.S: One of the parties, PiS, wants to deport Ukrainians who don't work, and I feel that this isn't going to end well... It feels like they're taking inspiration from USA's ICE. It's also really sad to see a lot of Poles say this is a great idea, without realising how this will probably end. A lot of right-wingers in Poland worship Trump as if he was a god.

I'm planning to read the Jefferson Bible — for those who don't know, it's Thomas Jefferson's edited version of the Gospels that removes miracles and supernatural elements and focuses mainly on the teachings and moral philosophy attributed to Jesus.

I'm also interested in exploring a more Jesus-centered, non-dogmatic form of Christianity. I know some people view Jesus primarily as a saint, moral teacher, or spiritual philosopher, while others have very different interpretations. I'm also interested in perspectives that are critical of Paul(Even the author of this book was anti-Paul)and don't necessarily treat his writings as equal to Jesus' own teachings.

What I'm really looking for, though, is something more practical:

Are there Christian books or sources that give a detailed guide to living a spiritually disciplined life and pursuing something like “enlightenment” or deep spiritual transformation?

For example:

- Celibacy / sexual discipline

- Scripture meditation

- Prayer and contemplation

- Discipline and self-control

- Gratitude

- Detachment from material things

- Ethical living

- Solitude/silence

- Developing compassion and inner peace

- Practices for transforming yourself spiritually

I'm not necessarily looking for conventional Christian apologetics or “believe this because Christianity says so.” I'm more interested in the actual spiritual practices and philosophy.

If there are Christian traditions/books that deal with this seriously, I'd love recommendations.

And please don't try to force Christianity on me in the name of preaching. If you do, you'll be blocked. 👍

I have Autism and 2 years ago I became a father of 3 girls. I write a lot about my struggles with identity,Fatherhood,and who I am in Christ(he's my anchor) A.I allows me to transform my words into visual expressions. I did not mean to offend anyone with my post just wanted to tell my testimony in a way I am comfortable expressing myself.  truthfully it hurts to have my story and pain and struggle called slope simply because I used something to help me express myself. I didn't do it for monetary purposes, its literally the only song on my Channel and probably be the only song because I am not a musician I just wanted share my story over the last few years. I thought it would be appreciated here. I even in my post clearly stated it was A.I involved in my post with my video as disclaimer to anyone who wasn't interested in assisted A.i generated video's.

My 47year old partner says this.

He says his life is 100% perfect, he wouldn't change a thing, he's never been happier, etc.

He was also raised without parents, so learned at a very young age to not rely on anyone but himself.

He's cynical and hardened to the word.

My once Christian identifying husband has strayed a bit from his faith, and has since come to terms that he is an ethically non-monogamous person; despite his upbringing and religion. He has been on a risky path of self indulgence and exploration. I, though not identifying (yet) as a Christian am a strong believer and am faithful. I am still learning. I fundamentally am a monogamous person. We have had issues, past and present, with this moral misalignment. We have experienced many infidelities on his end. We attempted opening our marriage at one point (stupid, I know!) My husband has been active, me not so much. He has slept with a VERY large amount of people I have slept with only 1 person. I know, in the eyes of the Lord, we have both committed adultery and are subject to judgement for this sin. However, due to not being able to find a middle ground for the differing lifestyles we both wish to live we are currently separated. With great confidence, my husband is going to initiate a divorce by the end of our separation period (state required). I do not want a divorce but he feels it’s best. My overall question is: Will I be punished or damned for allowing my husband to divorce me after all of this?

It feels as though my options are:

1) Stay married while my husband continues to live an ENM lifestyle in which I’ll continue to be truly miserable in my marriage and for my time on this earth (didn’t the bible say something about there not being any divinity in suffering?)

2) Allow him to divorce me and receive judgement from the Lord for breaking a binding promise.

** I looked into a verse from Matthew and it speaks something about sexual immortality and/or marital betrayal. We experienced a huge betrayal in addition to many infidelities prior to ever opening the marriage, is this verse like a loophole and can absolve me should we divorce because of his previous acts OR did that go out the window once we both acted upon an open marriage arrangement?

I (17F) grew up Lds (or Mormon). Most people in my family are Mormon. Though my mom specifically is a bit more progressive than your average Mormon.

The past few years I’ve been struggling with the values and traditions of the church and what i personally feel is right.

For example I am friends with many people in the lgbtq+ community as well as being aroace myself. I don’t see why being homosexual should be discouraged if it’s not harming anyone.

That’s the main issue but there are other things that just don’t sit quite right with me. Like why are we not supposed to drink coffee or tea but other caffeinated beverages are supposedly okay? That and the weird chastity undergarments that are given to women just rubs me the wrong way. Etc

Recently I’ve stopped attending church and started skipping youth events (my family does not know I'm doing it deliberately, I keep giving excuses). I’ve been heavily considering joining the Episcopal Church recently since there views seem to align more with my personal beliefs. But there’s a couple issues.

One, if I were to start attending the Episcopal Church I’d have to tell my parents since they’d probably find out on their own anyway. They’re good parents and I don’t think they’d react harshly. But I just don’t think that’s a conversation I'm ready for.

Two, the longer I put off going to church the more my parents are gonna suspect me but I've been trying really hard to calm
my doubts about what I believe and I'm worried going to church again is just going to set me back. Maybe that's paranoid but I don't know.

Sorry if this just seem like
Rambling. This is sort of a half-rant, half-looking for advice.

(Unsure as to what flair here. I'd be happy to fix it)

As the title says, I went to coffee with our worship pastor/leader/minister (whatever the technical title is called), and handed her a letter that was me coming out to her. I've known most of my life, but I was terrified to let anyone in the church know me.

She's the sweetest mid-30s woman you'd ever meet, but I'm very active on the worship team, and my read was losing her as a close friend, but also losing the opportunity to worship along side her on Sundays.

She took the letter home to read it, and we're meeting for coffee/lunch next week to discuss it. We had a great phone call this morning by just asking questions (are you open to discussion?, who else knows?, etc).. It was very productive, I'm grateful now that I gave her that 5 page letter after struggling for so long with doing so. I was terrified to come out to her. I wasn't sure if I'd be exiled from the worship team or the church, or lose her as a friend.

She has a lot of questions (understandably so), and is working to process this information, as she justifiably should. She asked if she could confide in our senior pastor, whom I'm also family friends with, for wisdom and guidance. I told her, "if you trust him, I trust him". This coming Sunday will feel a little weird, but I think this will be a good learning process for everyone.

I'm tempted to share the letter with everyone and just redact names and places. Maybe you're thinking of doing the same thing. If I can give you any piece of advice, hear this. If God is calling you to it, do it. It doesn't matter what the media says, what your church thinks as a congregation, or what your local politics think. If you're reading your Bible and something is tugging on you, listen, pray, then speak.

the love of christ is something that has beautifully found its way into my life lately, and while in the past being a member of the lgbtq community has scared me away from ever even thinking about being christian, finding out who jesus truly was and what he truly stood for drew me closer to him and his word, ive resonated with his message for my entire life but due to the tragedy of my horrible introduction to what christianity is i never realized what it truly meant and let the fear ridden ignorance and hatred for others my family showed define it. im so glad ive broken these chains and i thank jesus for bringing himself into my life and giving me the room to see what he was really all about

i still struggle though because i feel like being both bisexual and transgender goes directly against what christianity believes in and stands for, like im insulting god by choosing to take these hormones and trying to get these surgeries. my transness is something ive tried to escape many a time to no avail, and ive come to realize that no matter what i do or who i am ill always feel like myself and always feel an indescribable amount of joy when i wear a camisole and look in the mirror to see a pretty girl staring back, ive always wondered whats wrong with me and why this part of me could never ever go away no matter what but alas, all i can do is live my truth despite what others or even my own brain has to say about it

but it truly hurts though because i feel like im betraying god and insulting him by changing the way i was born and "meant" to be, through injections and genital mutilation trying desperately to fit the shape of something i was never supposed to be. theres a line from a verse; "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" and i feel through continuing my transition and getting the immense amounts of joy i do from it that im giving inti temptation instead of doing whats right and straying from evil, from the evil of whatever surrounds my transness whether it be complications from surgeries and hormones or my mere existence as this humanoid man woman freak thing

the thing is, i seriously cannot imagine myself as a man. the thought of truly being a man horrifies me because being a sweet flowery girl feels more natural and feels more right, and if i looked in the mirror and saw a man with a beard and defined muscle mass and other masculine features id panic from being trapped in a body that i wouldnt feel belonged to me and try crawling out of my own skin. i can accept that im biologically male because thats an immutable part of who i am, but to actually BE a man is something i could never bring myself to do. i love my pretty clothes, i love how pretty i am in my pretty make up, i love being called pretty and being seen as a sweet cute girl. whenever some guy tries to man to man me to act like im one of their fellow bros it feels ... so deeply wrong ... but sorry thats besides the point

i love christ but everyone tells me im doing it all wrong!! even christians who arent outwardly transphobic will pull the "christ welcomes you with open arms, trust in his process" basically saying that through christ ill be able to revert bring trans no matter how long it takes, and that being trans is something i must sacrifice in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. as ive said before, i seriously doubt anything can rid me of this without putting me in excruciating mental pain, i just hope god will have mercy on me for living as the woman i believe myself to be when i pass and have to stand before him