/// Ideas > Breaking News Comments [ 0 ] Likes [ 3 ] Recent Convert Rejects Organized Religion Stephanie Martin August 9, 2010 New Orleans -- Bestselling novelist Anne Rice, who made headlines when she converted to Catholicism a decade ago, now says she's "quit being a Christian." On Facebook, Rice posted, "I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being 'Christian' or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to 'belong' to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For 10 years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider." The church's stance on social issues gave Rice the most trouble. "In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay," Rice wrote. "I refuse to be anti-feminist…anti-artificial birth control…anti-Democrat…anti-secular humanism…anti-science…anti-life." Rice said it's "painful" to disappoint her Christian friends but adds, "My conscience will allow nothing else." As for what's ahead for her, the former vampire novelist said she won't return to atheism and pessimism. "I found God, but that doesn't mean that I have to be a supporting member of any organized religion." Religious leaders jumped on what they called Rice's contradictory statements. Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey wrote, "Christ is synonymous with Christianity. We only know Christ through his people, through the saints, through the scriptures, through the church." He added, "You cannot transform the world without one another." Others readily admit Christians are flawed but add that we're forgiven and called to love and serve our neighbors. "One can follow Christ as part of a community of saints," wrote pastor Gabriel Salguero. But it's up to Christians and their church communities to hold one another accountable, he added. Rabbi David Wolfe rejected the claim that someone can be spiritual without being religious. "Too often, spirituality is just a way of skimming the emotions off religion while disclaiming any obligation: I don't have to do anything because I feel so deeply." Wolfe wrote that spirituality is "song and soulfulness," while religion is action and sacrifice. Rice, meanwhile, said she now has a "new freedom to confess my fears, my doubts, my pain, my conflict, my alienation." Sources: npr.org, washingtonpost.com Discussion Questions: How do you feel about Rice's announcement? Do you think it's a cop-out? Do you think she gave Christianity enough of a chance? Explain. Is it possible to know and be committed to Christ without having anything to do with Christianity or the church? Why or why not? Why does "organized religion" have such a bad reputation, and why do Christians often give Christ a bad name? Is there anything you can do to help change that? If so, explain. What are the pros and cons of belonging to an organized group of Christians, in your opinion? Is it possible for people to transform the world for Christ on their own? Why or why not? How do you feel about people picking and choosing what they want to believe? Do you accept the church's authority as final, or do you question its teachings and decisions? Explain. What actions are you willing to take to prove your convictions and faith? What responsibilities do Christians have to one another and to the church? Are you willing to let other Christians hold you accountable-and to do the same for them? Why or why not? What issues cause you the most conflict with your own church or with the church in general? Does Christianity ever make you feel like an outsider? If so, explain. Do you feel free to express your doubts and fears within the church and to your Christian friends? Why or why not? What would you say to people who want to be spiritual but not religious? What do you think Jesus would say to them? Scripture links: Psalm 22:22; Matthew 18:19-20; Acts 2:41-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-20; Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15; and Hebrews 10:23-25. Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado. share this article 1 of 1 /// Related Articles Launching Into Third SpacePastor and small-group leader David Fisher offers a third way for small groups to develop and reach their world for Jesus. If I may use a broad brush stroke here, there seem to be two motivators for a church to (at least attempt to) develop a healthy... Likes [0]Comments [0] IslamBarbershop 2: Back in Business (PG-13) Theme: Islam and Christianity hold incompatible beliefs. Scripture: Genesis 16 Clip Location: 51:15 through 52:30 (DVD Chapter: 20) Preview All Clips Synopsis: Terri’s customer attempts to convince her to not... Likes [0]Comments [0] National Day of Prayer’s Future UncertainMay 10, 2010 Washington, D.C.—Now that a federal judge has declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, the future of the annual event is up in the air. The 59th annual event was held May 6, despite an April ruling by U.S. District Judge... Likes [0]Comments [0]
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