Yea, I grew up in a large church but I really got connected when I switched to a small one. In a sense, I think both large and small communities play (necessary) different roles to achieve the same goal: winning the lost.
I really echo these sentiments -- not in atheism, but whatever floats your boat -- and hope this thread goes well. I'm pretty fatigued by the media's Christian-bashing in the past few years, even though there are significant problems within the ministry and how it enforces its polity and checks its power (or lack thereof). I was raised Roman Catholic, but if I were to ever return to the church (which is likely, just not right now), it'd be at an Episcopal/Anglican cathedral.
I don't think "mega-churches" are inherently bad. Mega-churches with the intent to acquire wealth (tell tale signs being "seed offering" requests) are certainly heretical. On the other hand, I wouldn't consider Hillsong, Bethel, or even Joel Olsteen's Lakewood church as being in the same class. These church's certainly have their problems (Bill Johnson's pre-election pro-Trump Facebook post was certainly a blow to his ministry from my perspective), but I ultimately I do believe they are winning souls. Discernment is a big part of Christianity, particularly in a country where being Christian means so little.
If what is being preached is authentic, then there's nothing wrong with mega-churches.
most chrisitian denominations preach against gay marriage. why even go to church if that bothers you?
I agree with LuxCommander's sentiment here that it's not so much either "Noah was a saint, in the church choir, and good at carpentry" or "Eh, this Noah guy will do, I guess; at least he's better than Enoch," and, likely, more that he at least tried to be a godly man, even if he failed at times. Remember, God was going to "wipe from the face of the earth the human race [He had] created [...] But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." Genesis 6:7-8 NIV
A big thing to consider regarding Old Testament characters and stories is the focus on obedience, not righteousness. Abraham (who took a mistress) obeys God and left his home, Noah obeys God and built the ark, Moses obeys God and returned to Egypt, and David (who committed adultery) obeys God and establishes God's kingdom in Israel. Further, characters like Abraham and Noah were pre-Judaic Law, and it's virtually impossible to really understand what the world was during those nearly pre-civilization times.
I believe it was written by people with good intentions but very outdated world views and should not be taken as gospel. The apostles put their own spin and interpretation on Jesus' teachings, for better and for worse.
I see. Not that I can think of the passages you might be thinking of, though. Especially the New Testament, I can't think of anywhere that actually encourages racism or hatred. Remember, we are called to love our enemies. It doesn't mean we have to be best friends with them or agree with them, but hatred is specifically called out as unacceptable (1 John 4:20-21, for starters). Unforgiveness, even, has some very strong words written against it (Matthew 6:14-15). Anyone who actually uses the Bible to back hate is twisting it to suit their own purposes, which, yes, there are are strong words against that as well (Deuteronomy 4:2).
If I may ask where in Texas are you living. I might know of some churches depending what city you are in or can ask around with my friends still there
Unfortunately my friend isn't all too familiar with that area of Houston
