I love the body of Christ, have a deep appreciation for church, and an insatiable appetite for all things related to Scripture. That said, I’m going to share this experience for the benefit of the body in hopes that it will help others who lead and attend Bible studies.
After attending many services in and around my new community (we recently moved), I decided that the best way for me to get truly connected was to attend a women’s Bible study at a local church. This was one of those Bible studies where you read a chapter of an author’s Christian book, watch a video of the author speaking, and then break into small groups for further discussion about that chapter.
It was a 6-week study. I stopped attending after week 4. Here’s why:
- Sin-focused Curriculum: The book was only 208 pages. Yet, the word sin/sinful/sinning occurs more than 300 times in the manuscript. If I wasn’t focused on my shortcomings before this study, I sure would be after reading this one! I’d read a chapter and think, “Ummm…where is Jesus?”
- Sin-focused Discussion: The discussion focused on all the ways that we fall short, rather than all the ways we are overcomers in Christ. Again, Where is Jesus? At one point, I told the group, “Life in Christ is not this big game of whack-a-mole where we’re running around trying to bop sin the head.” Ain’t nobody got time for that—especially when this has been covered in Christ. What a waste of our power and energy!
- Limited View of the Holy Spirit: The focus was on the Holy Spirit’s ability to keep us from (you guessed it) sinning; as if that’s His only benefit. He also comforts us, teaches us all things, shows us what we don’t even know to consider. In addition to all that, He has an amazing sense of humor when we really get to know Him. (Got some weird looks for that comment.)
- Insistence that we (believers) are all still full of sin: I promise you, the conversation was as though the cross never happened—all this talk of how we’re displeasing to God, we’ve broken the relationship, others can’t see God because of us, we disgrace Him, etc. I said something to the effect that I tend to focus more on the goodness of God than on the areas where I struggle. I don’t even see “struggle” as the right word—it’s more about alignment. Wherever I’m out of alignment, there’s something I don’t know or haven’t fully internalized about God, and I trust that He will reveal Himself to me in those areas as I continue to seek Him and grow in Him, layer by layer. The leader basically said something to the effect that I might be perfect, but the rest of them aren’t. (Side-eye) In the words of Dr. Ebony Truss: It’s not arrogance; it’s agreement with God. [Note: This is not the first time I’ve been mocked by Christians for actually expressing my belief that all my sin (past, present, and future) is forgiven.]
After I dropped out of the Bible study, I talked with God some more about it. And I realized this wasn’t just about this one book, this church, or this particular women’s Bible study group. This is not even about sin, per se. Discussions about sin have their place, certainly. But I can’t keep going to church or Bible study or Women’s conferences and keep walking away feeling like my mother and my grandmother just sat me down and fussed at me the whole time. That kind of “teaching” does not grow me in the knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; it only makes me more self-critical. When I was less mature in Christ, it also made me question my secure salvation in Him.
Maybe some people need to be reminded of how sinful they used to be in order to grasp the goodness of God??? I don’t doubt that there are believers in full-blown combat with sin. But maybe it’s because they’re being taught to fight with sin rather than rest in and receive what Jesus accomplished at the cross???
I can’t say what everyone needs to hear at any given time; I trust the Holy Spirit to know these things and to intervene when one style of teaching is too far one way or another. I only know that, for me, it’s the goodness of God that brings about repentance and transformation in my life (see Romans 2:4). I need more of the gospel—the good news!—in order to grow.
I’m also happy to report that God has led me to another church that is helping me do just that.
I’m curious to know if I’m the only one who feels this way. Please share your comments in a loving, kind spirit.
You are not the only one who feels this way – I am so happy that you’ve articulated the sentiments I’ve also felt in such a real and moving way. So much confirmation – this is an excellent blog!
Excellent grasp of a terrifying and demeaning interpretation of Christianity found in way too many churches. How wonderful that you spoke your truth. Hopefully it uplifted others there who might have had the same thought and feelings you expressed. I’m so glad you’ve found a loving church community.
Thank you for putting this so beautifully, Michelle. I didn’t know that there were still those acting as though Jesus did not die for our sins. We’re now living under grace, not the law. Nowhere does it say sin until you’re satisfied, nor do most of us take it that way. I want to live to please and become more like the Christ who “thought I was to die for” as Anthony Brown sang in Worth. Worth. Our worth as Children of God. It is all too easy on my own to question myself. You’re a good one. I would have asked God to forgive me and help me grow if I am wrong and then chucked them deuces. ✌(imagine them sideways.)
Okay. Maybe I shouldn’t have chucked the deuces cause why don’t they look like how I put them here. ✌ Okay, there we go.
When the lesson is centered around one aspect of Christianity, there is no room for one to grow in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We all have to know what is required to mature in our faith. I’m glad that you know and choose to speak your truth.
Awesome for you !
Agreed. We need the whole story in order to grow!
Well spoken. I’have had a similar experience a time or two. Thanks for affirming what I have experienced.
I’m so sorry you experienced this. Studying God’s Word in community should be a time of sharing how Scripture spoke to you, flourishing in His Truths, encouraging one another, and rejoicing in His grace. Because of salvation, Christ has set us free. He rejoices over us. Jesus does not condemn us. I’m so glad the Lord directed you to another church.
You are not alone!
Thank you for sharing your experience. As a Bible Study teacher, you’ve given me much to consider. I will be doing some self-evaluation to be sure I’m not sin-focused.
I so agree with this. As a young believer I was taught more about not sinning than the finished work of Christ. I was always afraid of sinning. The condemnation was miserable. I am so glad I learned the truth. It definitely set me free. Keep speaking truth!