Criteria

Most people attend their place of worship because they are continuing the same faith they were raised to accept.  Other than finding people with like views, most people don’t put much thought into finding place to worship.  Nevertheless, when seeking such a place, shouldn’t we have some criteria?  (At least criteria that is more encompassing than whether they share doughnuts afterwards.)  For myself, such criteria include devotion to truth, not about finance, focuses on making personal improvements, attendees are respectful and polite, and the preacher instills love and compassion.  Let me explain these.

Truth.  All religions have placed value on truthfulness.  Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped some from lying.  For example, Catholicism has been caught red handed with their pants down.  Several priests were found guilty of pedophilic conduct.  While that is wrong, what I find just as disturbing is how the church hid this from the community, the news, and their congregations.  They lied and the people who attend by sustaining this institution continue to support the lies.  It’s wrong and shameful –for all Catholic parishioners.  

Truth is also about acceptance of the world knowledge.  As we continue to learn more about how the world operates, our views should change accordingly.   Religions shouldn’t be trying to wage war upon science or trying to redefine scientific insight.  If that means our view on religion evolves, embrace the change for the pursuit of truth.

With a full embrace of truth, we should shun practices that are hypocritical.  Let’s not sing about peace while cheering on war.  Let’s not picket abortion clinics while forgoing helping children in need. Don’t tell me about your vows of celibacy while pedophiling children.

Money.  When you go to worship, do they ask for money?  Do they pass a basket or insinuate a tithe? Like the light of the sun, God’s love and his messages are free.  No one should ever have to pay.

It seems anyone with a gospel and the willingness to speak has the potential of ministering.  Instead it should be limited to masters of faith.  They should seek an honest living –working.  They’re passion and love should be of godly pursuits, which they should share freely.  No money from the congregation should be used to support them.  Being a minister should not be his job.  Being a minister should be his passion.

Should you tithe?  If you can, yes.  If you are struggling financially, you shouldn’t feel ashamed not to give what you don’t have.  If you are doing especially well, you can afford to give more than ten percent and you should do so.  However, you should tithe by helping your neighbor.  Give to the poor.  Buy the hungry food.  Help secure shelter for the homeless.  Giving to a minister isn’t charity.

Betterment.  Are you being challenged to improve yourself?  Are you seeking spiritual betterment?  Your place of worship should be inspiring you to improve.   Each year you should be making strides to being ever more spiritual, ever closer to God.  If you just attend with getting any better, why are you going?

Many religions have routes for forgiving sins. If the same sins are committed over and over, is the person truly learning anything?  It’s likely that being perpetually forgiven is being used as a spiritual crutch. 

Spirituality is a personal voyage.  Being stagnate deters such growth.

Besides making personal improvements, you should be encouraged to help others.  Volunteer to help make the world better, whether you’re helping the poor, your neighbor, some stray animals, or even an environmental concern.

Respectful.  You are influenced by the company that you keep.  If you hang around people who are rude, chances are high that you’ll think and act similarly.  Therefore it is important to seek people that will positively influence you. 

Do they gossip?  Do they show genuine empathy?  If you see them driving, do they cut other off?

Instill love.  There are a lot of people who can make fancy, eloquent speeches.  A minister shouldn’t be about this show of words.  The words should live up his actions.  These actions should grace you with awe and wonder.  You should sense his love and peace.  You should leave dancing with this love and peace.

To become part of a congregation that you didn’t give much consideration over makes little sense.  You should find that place that makes you a better person.  I did and I hope you will, too.