I’m okay with the “faith” aspect of my decision. But there are several ramifications that I hadn’t thought about – ones I’m not so okay with.
For starters, I may have to find another job. I had to sign a statement of faith to take this job, and periodically they ask us if we can still sign that statement of faith. As of today, I can’t.
That sucks. I love my job. It’s the only thing keeping me in Colorado right now. And I’ve never had a “career” job that wasn’t in faith-based non-profits. I’ve done food service, retail, and faith-based non-profit work. What else can I do?
Every single dream I’ve had for my life is Christian related. I’ve dreamed of owning a bookstore – specifically, a Christian bookstore. I’ve dreamed of running a home for girls that would be faith-based.
Without those, who am I?
Well, given your dreams, I think it will take time for them to morph into what you want to become. I wouldn’t rush this — there’s an extremely valuable (albeit difficult) experience to be had here: savour it if you can.
Now, I’m not familiar with what is in your mind and heart right now, but I’m not certain that it’s absolutely necessary for you to leave faith entirely — is it? I follow Christ, not Paul. I think it’s a possibility that you may find suits you? I’m sorry if I’m making assumptions or being presumptuous. Please tell me if I am — it is NOT my place to tell you who to be. But this is the feeling I get. Can you draw closer to Christ himself, while shedding the trappings of religion?
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Without those, who am I?
Someone who values books and who has a heart to help young women in need? Neither of those are bad things, nor do they require you to sign a statement of faith.
By the way, I wouldn’t work for any organization that required me to sign a statement of faith as a condition for employment. These things (statements of faith) are the product of fallible men, not God, and I would feel that even the most modest of confessions, if a condition for employment, would violate my human dignity.
Let me ask you this: do you believe that the work you do is fulfilling, and that it makes the world a better place? If you say no, well, don’t wait for them to kick you out. Quit in good conscience.
Oh the other hand, if you say yes, and you think you could continue to work there without necessarily being certain of every line of dogma, then you should continue to work there.
If asked, tell them the truth: that you’ve signed it already, that you believe in the work you’re doing, but that you have doubts at times like everyone, but if you ever came to the point where those doubts would trouble your conscience, then you’ll quit.
If they can accept that, you’re golden. But if they can’t accept that, then good riddance. They don’t really value your liberty of conscience, and you’re not going to be truly free living under the threat of a loyalty oath.
Supportively…Scott
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I agree with Scott. If the SoF is more important than the work you do, they’re doing what they do for the wrong reasons. If they think that your doubts are a reason to get rid of you, then it wouldn’t have been a good place to work, anyway.
By the way, when I read “statement of faith”, I thought of this. Don’t do that to me. LOL
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I guess the question that you have to answer is what do you really believe. This is actually quite a simple question, but a majority of people do not live what they believe.
Think of how many people believe that there is a Hell, and that Jesus is the only way to be saved, but never share that truth.
So, figure out what you believe and stand on principle.
Personally, I mean to be blunt, but not to be mean
, but you need to sit down and ask the Holy Spirit what is it in your life that He’s wanting you to do that you aren’t doing. Because, frankly, this whole discussion has been you– and that’s pretty selfish.
What do I think?
What do I feel?
What do I want to do?
What are my dreams?
What are my feelings?
This is totally missing the point about being a Christian. As a quote I just read from Tozer said, it’s more important that God get glory than that I’m saved (paraphrase). The questions should be:
What does God say about it?
What does God want me to do?
What is His will for my life?
What have I done to separate myself from Him?
Seek the answer to those.
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If you love what you do and can’t work there anymore, there are plenty of secular non-profits you can work for.
As a tangent..it is possible to overdose on “christianity”. Think about this, your work is church-related, your real-time friends are church-related, the books you read are church-related(or about issues in christianity/faith/belief/disbelief)…you attend church at least once a week, maybe more. It’s too much.
Most of the first Christians couldn’t read. Even if they could, they weren’t wealthy enough to have copies of the Scriptures. They were not constantly being bombarded with preachers, televangelists and the internet. They were so busy working to sustain themselves that they didn’t have hours of free time to get trapped within their heads debating the finer points of theology.
In some ways, they were much better off. The expectations that we have as American, 21st century, technology-flooded Christians are too high and artificial.
I think stepping out into the larger world will help define some things for you. I don’t think that it will ruin or decimate your faith. I have found that taking in less “christian” material sometimes helps me to actually refocus on my beliefs and the validity of them.
just food for thought
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Sara -
I’m not positive what’s on my heart and mind right now. Mostly, I’m just tired of it all.
Scott -
Thanks for putting it into perspective like that. Like I said before, I absolutely love my job.
Berlzebub –
Well, it is something similar (just not nearly so detailed). The SoF here states:
I BELIEVE:
1. In the divine inspiration of the Bible and accept it as the only true rule of faith and practice (II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 1:21, John 17:17)
2. In the unique deity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-8, Isaiah 7:6-14)
3. In salvation by grace, through faith in the finished work of the cross and precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:24-26, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1-2)
4. In the responsibility and duty of every believer to live a Godly life in Jesus Christ and give the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15, Ephesians 2:10)
5. In the personal, visible, and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:9-11, John 14:3)
MIntheGap -
I have no response for you.
Terri -
I think you’re absolutely right. I’m completely overdosed and burned out on Christianity.
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Amanda, I just did a post concerning this, and I wanted to be sure you don’t mind my including you in it. If you don’t want me to, please let me know (email me at berlzebub[at]gmail[dot]com), and I’ll remove the references.
Thanks.
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