AND THEN THERE WAS THE CHURCH! I must admit that it was of great benefit in my life, and especially during the war. Some of the comments that I write here were my opinions at the time, when I was growing up.
It was a small Pentecostal church, and the first thing that would freak you out every Sunday meeting was the speaking in tongues. I never argued that speaking in tongues was wrong, after all it is in the Bible. But it sure spooked me. And I was not the only one. When somebody "interpreted" sometimes there was an interesting message, but most of the time it was just plain nonsense. How do you tell the difference? I decided I would sort it out later, but for then I would file it away for future reference.
Sunday school, no, I did not like Sunday school. Every Sunday at the end of the session the teacher urged you to confess something or other, or re-dedicate your life! I "accepted " Jesus into my heart lots of times, and I will tell you why: Before you were out the door to walk home everybody knew what you did, and everybody was extra nice to you. Just play along and you are a great kid. And the teachers were telling everybody about the glorious results of the day, I even overheard the pastor discussing (not without some pride) how successful his ministry team was. Really, and by the way, I had started all that...or at least some of it. I really believe that in those days the adults had the one-track mind and the kids had the tact.
Later on I joined the Boys-Club. Same thing. Since my mom and dad had seven boys, they were a sought-after commodity in those circles. They could literally walk into a meeting and triple the attendance. In the early days dad was the logical choice (with all his experience) to lead the boys club. I didn't like this. Whatever he had to say, I thought, I can hear at home.
I just had to get out of there, I thought, and eventually I noticed that the Baptists seemed to be nice people too. And, even more important, the girls were a lot prettier! I would eventually marry one of them, but that is another story.
Posts
3 comments:
Yes and the girls in the Baptist church wore make-up and up-to-date clothing, what a plus!
I am truly enjoying reading all of these posts. I read all of them tonight. I couldn't get enough. It was like I was reading a good book at the best parts.
Gee, However your sons left the Baptist church and went to the pentecostal church because the girls were prettier there!
...how things have changed...
-Paul
Post a Comment