Belonging

Another long and painful conversation last night. Apparently my view of what Christianity is has been warped by the extremes I encountered in my first churches. I don't know if that's true, but the picture that I see in all of the churches I've been in has been remarkably consistent - God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and will judge us one day. The inconsistencies that brings are numerous.

J has moved her view of God to being more like a "Counsellor" who works alongside us, but who is constrained by the laws of reality - no longer all-powerful. I don't know whether she believes such a god is also her creator, or whether the Jesus story is important. I'm pretty sure she doesn't believe the Bible is true. But she seems to have decided that she does want to remain part of the small group, but not resume going until May (that's only 2 weeks away!). I'm not sure whether she's a Christian or a theist.

She recognises the hurt going will cause me, but asks me to consider what her not going would do to her. She feels that, if I prevent or resent her going, then she will resent me, and that will do greater damage to our relationship. Possibly true. I hope we can look at alternatives - such as inviting individuals round here to discuss things.