I Saw Beyond It All

Articles, I Saw Beyond It All, in particular, with the odd poem.




Too often we knock something because we're sceptical of it, or because we've had a bad experience regarding it, thus throwing the baby out with the bath water. And hence the first article I Saw Beyond It All.

And sometimes we even think that a certain thing is a good idea when it's not. And hence the second article
Why Church And State Should Always Remain Separate.



Hence this page with the following four articles. 

1)  I Saw Beyond It All.
Regarding gripes some have with Christians and Christianity.
Contains a related page called Foes Of Humanity which relates to and is accessed via number 20 of this article.
2)  Why Church And State Should Always Remain Seperate.
Includes quotes against Church and State.
3)  Why Is God Allowing It All?
Suffering and evil.
4)  God, War And Violence.
Getting the right perspective on things.

Links to the second, third and fourth articles are on the right.



But first, why Christianity?

Because Christianity is about:

WORTH
We are children of the king and ruler of the universe, God. In fact, we’re made in His image. All why our worth is found in Him alone, and why we’ll always be restless and unfulfilled until we personally find Him.
PURPOSE
We were both purposely designed and created for a purpose:
To share in the joys and wonders God has prepared for us.
To bring glory to Him and prove a blessing to others.
To creatively use and look after the habitat that He has created for us.
DIRECTION
We’ve been given a guide book (Bible) whereby we can learn how everything went wrong and how it will all be put right one day, thus gaining an understanding of our origin, Earth’s chequered history, and the future.
Whereby we can learn how principles, morals and standards work in the best interests of both us and others. All why that book provides us with a code to live by that protects and blesses all.
Whereby we can learn from the mistakes and good and bad experiences of others who’ve gone before us.
Whereby we can learn of a fallen angel (Satan) and other angels who joined him in rebellion against God, thus being aware of their cunning, cruel and nasty, lying intentions for both us (personally and collectively) and this planet we’re on.
RENEWAL
A change within the mind and heart, thinking and behaviour. Becoming Christ-like. The eradication of self.
Genuine sorrow for wrong doing, and the desire to put things right.
Working for the betterment and eternal good of others.
ACCOUNTABILITY
There will come a day when the likes of Putins and Hitlers will get their deserved comeuppance and be no more, all who’ve acted cruelly and evilly, all who’ve chosen to remain in rebellion.
HOPE
No matter what happens to us on Earth, we have a new and happier life to come. A forever life (though only upon our acceptance of Christ and genuine repentance).
Death, pain, hurt, sin and sinning will cease with the return of our Creator Jesus.

1)
I decided not to become a Christian because Christians seemed a bunch of hypocrites,
but then I discovered that Christians aren’t Christianity but Christendom;
that Christians aren't magically made perfect when they're baptised;
that many Christians are still having to deal with personal issues and trauma, be such from child abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, rape, violence, and so on;
that many Christians have only just found God after a life that had them become hard, callous and foul;
that old habits can be hard to break, the old ways often fighting against the new ways;
that many Christians haven't been fully educated like they should've been regarding Christian conduct, and the fault lying at a number of doors, one being people being baptised too quickly, and another being the neglect of new converts;
that there can be people attending churches who're not actually members — in other words, they may not be a Christian (yet), and hence their opposite behaviour;
that Christians can become discouraged for various reasons and slip;
that it’s God that we’re supposed to keep our eyes on, not others;
that we're all at various stages of growth;
that fallen humanity will always err;
that we all have our bad days;
that we should look at how far others have come, and not at how far they've yet to go;
that there are certain personalities that will always rub;
that there are some Christians whose over zealousness for God can unfortunately become very in-ones-face;
that there are always those who're not truly converted, and the disgruntled in whom a devilish spirit can arise;
and yes, that it's not just Christians who act hypocritically or hurt others.

2)
I decided not to become a Christian because Christianity seemed to be all about do’s and don’ts,
but then I discovered that such were designed to protect, provide order, and ensure greater happiness whilst meantime bringing glory to a deserving God who would rightly get the credit for such love, thought and wisdom;
and that there's actually far more to Christianity than do's and don'ts, though those do's and don'ts proving a blessing both to individuals and society, and for example:
Christianity calling all to love one another,
it calling all to live in peace and harmony,
it calling all to renounce selfishness, vanity, pompousness and wrongdoing in general,
it calling all to live a healthier, disciplined, temperate and law abiding life,
it calling all to be honest, transparent and trustworthy,
it calling all to be faithful and thoughtful to their partner,
it calling all to uphold the rights of others,
it calling all to display compassion and mercy,
it making sense of our being here, providing explanations, insights and wisdom via its guidebook — the Bible — a book that has stood the test of time, that's prophecies haven’t failed yet, that’s predictions are coming true, that’s content is historically accurate and backed up by archaeological evidence, and that provides sound and loving direction, relevant and timeless truths, encouraging promises-cum-hope for the future, inspiring stories, good and bad examples, information that aids one in detecting error, and that shows me where I came from, why I’m here, where I’m headed, what’s gone before, and what’s beyond,
and Christianity also seeking to spare us from folly, error, pain and an early grave,
it promoting the sanctity of life, protection of women and children,
it having our wellbeing, happiness, maturity and future in mind,
its principles, standards, values and Ten Commandments working for and not against us,
it promising a day of reckoning when justice will have its rightful say,
it giving us hope beyond our three score years and ten, death, suffering, oppression and chaos, and promising eternal life in a paradise if repentant, committed and faithful.

3)
I decided not to become a Christian because some people made me feel that Christianity is simply a crutch for weak people,
but then I discovered that the committed Christian walk actually requires much strength of character given that it calls for considerable discipline, restraint, patience, fortitude, vigilance, faith and trust, and this being because much in the world has always been the opposite to what Christianity's all about, and thus has been, and is, working in opposition to it;
given that Christianity is being unfairly ridiculed and ferociously attacked today by many agencies;
given that far from being a crutch, Christians are told to take up their cross;
and because given all this, and their stand, Christians may at any time suffer greatly as a result.

4)
I decided not to become a Christian because I couldn’t understand why God had or hadn’t done certain things; allows all that suffering that we see,
but then I discovered that such is hardly surprising given that I’m looking at things from a human perspective;
that my understanding of His Word and ways is so incomplete;
that God's hands are somewhat tied given that we're in the midst of a great controversy where Satan's ultimate plans must play out so that forever more there'll be no doubts about God's love, mercy and justice;
that trials build character, produce empathy and sympathy, and soon sorts out those who aren't genuine;
and that God's hurting over it all as much as we are, and this being why He can't wait to end it all.

5)
I decided not to become a Christian because there seemed to be so much disagreement between denominations,
but then I discovered that one shouldn't worry so much about denominations but truth, and where that should lead us;
That many Christians are still clinging to false interpretations, inculcated error and pointless man-made traditions;
that many have made up their mind and locked it, or got to a certain point and simply stopped there;
that many find it hard to let go of things that they've always thought true, but that aren't true, and so there they stay;
that we grow by being challenged. It's only by being challenged that many actually discover that they've got things wrong;
that some people prefer to believe what they prefer to be true — the itchy ear syndrome;
and that unity is not uniformity. In fact, the proof of genuine Christianity is unity despite any differences.

6)
I decided not to become a Christian because they seemed no different to those who’re besotted with the world and all its harmful practices and influences,
but then I discovered that God had been dishonoured by the very same behaviour coming from His chosen nation (ancient Israel) that hankered after the forbidden and injurious and embraced the differing ways of its pagan neighbours, even entering into marriage with them despite their opposite and opposing path;
that God has therefore told Christians to come out of the world, (in the sense of contact without contamination, moving in the midst of evil but untouched by it — in other words, not isolated but insulated), and to not be unequally yoked with non-believers;
that the faithful and committed have always been a minority (and why the book of Revelation refers to God's true and last day followers on Earth as a "remnant," Rev 12:17, KJV);
and that many Christians have fallen for the erroneous teaching that once you've accepted God's grace you'll never be lost no matter what you do, and hence why many are still continuing to do what God has said not to do. Repentance meaning repentance! A turning away from.
Note texts in box below.

7)
I decided not to become a Christian because at the end of the day there possibly wasn't a God at all,
but then I discovered that there’s so much evidence pointing to His existence and the Earth having been created;
that the theory of evolution is full of gaping holes, puposeless;
that it would surely be worse to not become a Christian and then find out that there was a God and a day of reckoning;
and that one is all the better off for living in accordance with those safeguards and benefits that are found in His commands, those biblical instructions.

8)
I decided not to become a Christian because I couldn’t imagine a loving God not saving everyone,
but then I discovered that He’d hardly be the kind of God that I’d want if He didn’t believe in justice and excused cruelty, evil and open rebellion, for that wouldn't be love at all but plain folly and sentimentality;
and that one Lucifer is enough without providing opportunity for another to arise.

9)
I decided not to become a Christian because too many Christian leaders (including pastors) abused their positions, 
but then I discovered how Christ condemned the Scribes and Pharisees, and even drove the money changers out of the temple;
that Christ, via His Word, has warned of false teachers who work from within — or to put it another way, that there are those who use the Church as a cover for ill;
that even among Christ's disciples there was that Judas;
that many who think that they've been called by God haven't been, and hence their unsuitableness;
that many noble secular organisations and institutions have their charlatans and ambitious, egotistical, power hungry,  agenda driven types too;
and that God isn’t happy about such people either, who, if they're Christians, give Him and Christianity a bad name, and this why there’s a day of judgment that many Christians will have to face too (Matt 7:22; 1 Peter 4:17).

10)
I decided not to become a Christian because the Church was all about fleecing its members of money,
but then I discovered that no organisation would be able to function, or at least fully and properly, without financial aid;
that Scripture says that Christians shouldn’t neglect assembling together (and for good reasons) which requires buildings and associated costs;
that time is short, many in darkness, currently doomed, and sadly, workers few, and thus paid workers able to devote more time and energy to preaching the saving Gospel, and of which Scripture speaks of us supporting, by the way (1 Cor 9:13,14);
that everything on Earth belongs to God (Psalms 24:1), including money (Haggai 2:8, KJV), because He is the source of Earth’s bounties and our abilities, and therefore, the least we can do is support His Church’s mission and operating costs via tithes and offerings, as did those of old (Lev 27:30; Mal 3:10,11);
that there will always be members in need of help themselves (1 Cor 16:1,2);
and yes, that there will always be bogus or Judas type people using Christianity for their own gain (Matt 24:24), those who unwisely misuse such money, or those who’re simply greedy and prideful, and why we’re to be watchful, though Christ dealing with such people at His return.

11)
I decided not to become a Christian because I didn’t want to be made to feel that I had to attend a church,
but then I discovered that Christ is the Head of the Church, and this being why He told His disciples to go about setting up places (churches) where Christians could assemble together inline with what it states in His Word, and that being, not to forget assembling together;
that such a coming together witnesses to society of the importance of the time, place and personage — and I meaning here, that God is a king, the king of kings, the creator of the universe, Earth and us, a redeemer, a saviour, and thus is deserving of regular worship, honour and glory, and hence that Sabbath day that He set apart from the other days via making it Holy, and thereby, no one forgetting Him and the fact that it was He who created this Earth;
that when Christians assemble together they can learn and grow via their interaction, and also achieve far more for their God via their pooled resources and greater presence;
that such a time, sadly, is often the only time that many nominal Christians get the spiritual food that they need;
that such a time of joining together with others of like faith gives focus and encouragement;
and that such a time provides an opportunity for many voices to pray in unison for specific things of concern and importance.

12)
I decided not to become a Christian because going to church just seemed like a boring affair,
but then I discovered that what we get out of church comes down to attitude and what kind of a relationship we have with God;
that a church is not an entertainment centre, nor a social club, but a set apart place for serious reflection, prayer, and the studying of God’s Word together in order to share and grow spiritually, receive encouragement;
that a church is a place for pastoral instruction and edification.
that a church is a place for the reverent, respectful worship of a majestic, holy, righteous, God — a conservative God given His no nonsense principles, standards, morals, commands, boundaries and demarcation lines that Christians are meant to live and witness by, thus reflecting the heavenly rather than the worldly, which imitation counteracts. All why worship should be free of that which defiles.

13)
I decided not to become a Christian because many Christians didn’t fully or properly understand the Bible themselves, even discarded, challenged or ignored parts of it,
but then I discovered that such is due to a self-imposed ignorance;
the itchy ear syndrome (people who prefer to believe what they prefer to be so, and thus seeking those who'll tell them what they want to hear — people pleasers, that is);
insufficient teaching-biblical education;
a lack of commitment;
a predicted falling away from truth that has even affected the clergy;
and that the Bible condemns such a sad state of affairs, telling every Christian to fortify themselves with the Word of God lest they bring shame on its Author via not being able to contend for the faith (or not very well) lest they be led astray (even by errant leaders), or lead others astray themselves, lest they fail to see what God truly desires, lest they be ignorant of things to come via not understanding related prophecies designed to enlighten and warn, and lest they upset God further by adding to or subtracting from His Word. Hence why Christian leaders who don't teach and preach the straight word, and everything that's within God's Word, but simply what suits, what strokes and lulls, will have an awful lot to answer for.

14)
I decided not to become a Christian because Christians seemed intent on judging,
but then I discovered that there’s a big difference between being judgmental and making sound evaluations which I would be called to make myself;
that the Bible doesn't in fact say not to judge, but to judge rightly (John 7:24), and also after having taken the log out of our own eye (Matt 7:25);
and by the way, that every organized body needs its rules, and therefore, has to keep an eye on what its members are doing, lest it bring the denomination or local church into disrepute, cause issues for other members, affect the order of things, and because it's also one's duty as a Christian to expose and condemn wrong both within and out.

15)
I decided not to become a Christian because Christians were preaching an eternally burning Hell and saying that God hates homosexuals,
but then I discovered that such wasn’t so of all Christians, and that neither statement is actually correct (John 3:16), but simply the product of a faulty understanding and interpretation, and that things aren’t always as they appear, and here, given that it appears homosexuals can be born so, God simply condemning same-sex sexual acts (and Gay marriages), and "eternal fire" being mere figurative speech designed to convey permanent destruction.
(And hence the following texts as an example:
"The Lord is not slow about His promise [to return] as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" 2 Peter 2:9, RSV.
" 'Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,' says the Lord Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things," says the Lord Almighty" Mal 4:1-3, NIV.
Regarding the likes of any texts that speak of eternal fire and smoke that rises forever and ever, and the answers, explanations to such, see my page Untruths or the orange box titled: No One Burns Forever, Christian section, poem list page.
Regarding Homosexuality and the correct interpretation surrounding such, see my page Aberrant Attraction, secular section, second poetry garden).

16)
I decided not to become a Christian because of so many Christians having a "holier-than-thou" attitude,
but then I discovered how the Bible presents something rather telling, and that is:
that in the days of Elijah, there were many widows in Israel, but that when the famine came, God sent Elijah to stay with a widow in a different country;
that In the days of Elijah, there were many lepers in Israel, yet only Naaman of Syria was healed;
and I also discovering that the Bible says that Christians are meant to be humble like their Saviour;
that "holier-than-thou" attitudes are sinful;
that Christ chose the kind of men [disciples] He did [simple fishermen] because of the very fact that they were humble and teachable (had little to unlearn), unlike certain prejudiced and educated men who were clinging to traditions and wrong customs of their time;
that those who want to be first will come last;
that even leaders are there to serve, not rule;
that all have sinned;
and how there will be Christians that Christ (on His return) will say, " Depart from Me," to (Matt 7:22,23).

17)
I decided not to become a Christian because I felt that God was too demanding of me,
but then I discovered that He is my Creator after all;
and that if it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t even exist, wouldn’t have that freedom of choice that He gives everyone, wouldn’t have those joys that come with life, nor that hope of eternity in a Paradise.

18)
I decided not to become a Christian because I found that God wanted me to take up my cross on His behalf which might mean having to become unpopular or face persecution,
but then I discovered that the reward will be far greater than the suffering;
that one should always stand for what’s right, anyway;
that God will always be there beside me no matter what;
and that He had suffered and died on my behalf that I might live, and therefore, what kind of a follower would I be if I wasn’t prepared to be faithful to Him in return, come what may?

19)
I decided not to become a Christian because I felt I would never make the grade,
but then I discovered that Christ knows this, hence why He has done it all on my behalf, and hence why it's holy intention and not perfection that carries the day;
that all God desired of me was my full commitment, a grateful response that revealed itself in genuine repentance and a willingness to obey Him and let the Spirit mold;
and that His grace is a gift that cannot be earned in any shape or form, and nor can our salvation be contributed to.
(However, God's grace can be voided by turning away from Him altogether, backsliding, or by willingly continuing to sin which shows we're still in rebellion, hence the following texts:
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins [God’s grace is made void], but [rather] a fearful expectation of judgment...” Heb 10:26,27, ESV.
“The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right
are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:10).
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to RENOUNCE ungodliness
and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and Godly lives in the present age”
(Titus 2:11,12, NIV).
“Thus you will recognize them by their fruits" (Matt 7:20, ESV).
No, we can't earn our way to Heaven, but we can sure sin our way to Hell — eternal loss, that is.
For further on this, see the likes of my orange box titled: Lawless Saints?, the purple box titled: Things About God's Law That We Need To Know, or the grey box where there's a page titled: Understanding God's Grace, Christian section, second poetry garden).

20)
I decided not to become a Christian because many Christians who were involved in religious activities or evangelical outreach fell short of the ideal and often disappointed,
but then I discovered that all God has to work with is broken vessels just like me;
that it's not Him who appoints them to a certain role or office, but us. And oh, how often we err. And let's remember that it was Judas' personal charm and appearance that led the other disciples to recommend to Christ that Judas would be a very real benefit to His work;
and that many who have their faults and failings are at least doing something, or are the only ones doing something.

21)
I decided not to become a Christian because of all those dreadful acts done in God’s name,
but then I discovered that such were the result of the following things:
a)
Impostors, satanically inspired or deluded men.
b)
that there will always be some fanatics in every religion.
c)
that such was due to Christians not going by the words of Christ, or having erred from the apostolic teachings (though, to be fair, many Christians were finding their feet again after hundreds of years of darkness, doctrinal error, that was forced upon them via Papal Rome).
d)
And speaking of Papal Rome, that such dreadful acts were almost entirely her doing, that enforced dogma, those inquisitions, and that atrocious cruelty that ran for hundreds of years, and that took the lives of many millions — in other words, the hi-jacked Christian Church, HENCE THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION.
“The Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind.”
W.E. Lecky, Rise and influence of rationalism in Europe, volume 2, p.32.
(This period of Papal persecution is often mistakenly referred to as the Christian Crusades given that Catholicism is not a Christian denomination but actually a hybrid and power thats adulterated form of Christianity mirrors ancient Babylon; the Christian Bible knowing nothing of purgatory, a virgin Mary who intercedes on our behalf, a Queen of Heaven, papal infallibility, celibate priests, a post-Calvary mediatorial priesthood—not that priests ever forgave sins—rosary beads, repetitive prayers, prayers for the dead, money for the forgiving of sins, indulgences, monasteries, nunneries, flagellations, an uninspired, error bound apocrypha, baptism by sprinkling, mystic nuns, stations of the cross, etc, etc, and hence the following from God's Word:
"But even if we [the apostles] or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" Gal 1:8, NIV.
And this text is worth noting too:
"This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" Matt 15:8,9, ESV.
All religions, except for Christianity, teach that one has to do something difficult in order to earn salvation. The Bible, of course, teaches no such thing:
"It's because of God's grace that we are saved through faith and not because of any goodness in us or any works on our part. It is a gift from God. It certainly has nothing to do with what we ourselves did to earn it or we would be able to brag about saving ourselves" Eph 2:8,9, NIV.
For further on this, see my page Things About God's Law That We Need To Know — Christian section, purple box, second poetry garden — which contains a section titled: Is History About To Repeat Itself, and as part and parcel of that section there's an article titled: Why I've A Problem With Catholicism, Not Catholics — many Catholics putting Protestants to shame. 
But hasn't the Roman Church made changes? Only cosmetically.
And all this being why pointing out the errors in any denomination or religion is very important.
Hence the following:
Because that information made public can help prevent others from embracing that same error.
Because that information made public can help those who’ve already embraced that error to see why it is in fact error.
Because that information should naturally be made available in order for people to not only make up their minds but truly have freedom of choice.
Because people often come up with opposite arguments from the very same source as us — the Bible, say — thus one not only having to find and present the correct position, the truth, but show and prove the error in any counter argument, which some people wrongly call knocking when it's really informing and aiding.
Because certain beliefs that some people are holding to are unhealthy, or very destructive — ISIS being one example. And such passing from generation to generation.
Because much that's been said and done in the name of God hasn't been of God at all).


Sadly so, there are still those today, who, via similar mentalities, delusions, or faulty interpretations of Scripture, would take us back to those sad old days, and all this why much done in the name of God knows nothing of Him, and why the following page (tied in with numbers 20 and 21, and accessed via the following link) has become necessary:




Note the following by Jonathan R. Wilson:
"We Christians may not do as Americans something that we must not do as Christians. As we listen to and debate arguments about going to war, note how often our Christian identity is subordinated to our American identity. We have been so formed by the collusion of the Church with America that we find it difficult to even distinguish between Christian and national identity, and harder to subordinate our national identity to our identity in Christ."

22)
I decided not to become a Christian because of that grab of some Christians for legislative power whereby they could put their Christian stamp on all according to how they interpreted God's Word; that desire for a return to Church and State,
but then I discovered that Christ said, "My kingdom is not of this world," and by the way, to "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's," thus a clear distinction being made here between the Church and State;
that Christ would hardly set up His kingdom on a fallen planet, and that His kingdom would hardly be made up of  a mixed multitude, Christians and non-believers;
that God's no longer overseeing a theocracy like ancient Israel once was;
that the book of Daniel predicts the destruction of all earthly kingdoms at Christ's return (Dan 2:44), and therefore, that the only window of mercy that we have is as individuals, though accidental death could strike us at any moment, and hence why the Bible states that today is the day of our salvation. So no, neither America nor any other country will be spared, as some hope or think;
that Christ never had any political aspirations while here on Earth;
that He condemned Peter when Peter drew his dagger on His behalf;
that the Bible warns of a deceiving, persecuting, global, religious-political power that will be ruling just prior to Christ's return, one that eventually forces all to worship it, one that we're warned not to worship (Rev 13:11-18; 14:9-13), it also being a power that will be but a copy of a past persecuting one;
that the following text should be kept in mind: “For when they shall say, peace and security: then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.” (1Thess 5:3, Douay-Rheims Version);
and that Christians aren't here to provide an ethic for society or the State, but to clearly define an ethic for disciples of Jesus Christ.

23)
I decided not to become a Christian because Christianity is only one of many religions out there, and which one was right?
but then I discovered that Christianity is the only religion whose God is also a Saviour who left behind an empty tomb, a book full of promises, answers, prophecies, facts, truths and wisdom encompassed in love and sealed in blood, one that has stood the test of time — AND THAT SETTLED IT FOR ME!

Christians may wish to also check out my Concerned And Frustrated? page which can be seen in my Christian poem list section.

This article was added to on 3 March 2023.


And following on:

As for truth, here's what Carlyle B. Haynes (1882-1958) had to say:

"Truth is not what I believe. Truth is not even what I know.
Truth is fact. I may not believe it. I may not know it. That does not change it.
It is there nevertheless, waiting to be discovered and believed.
Truth does not depend on the unsettled and changing opinions of men.
It was truth before it was believed. It will remain truth, whether it is believed or not.
Reason does not originate or create it. It merely discovers it.
Consequently, reason is not a source. Truth goes back beyond reason.
Others would have us believe that the Church is the source of authority,
particularly in matters of theology. They are WRONG!
The Church is the product of truth. It does not originate it.
It came into being by accepting divine revelations. It is not the source of that revelation.
Truth goes beyond the Church, it is antecedent to it."

What Going To Church As A Child Taught Me:

That a set apart place solely for quiet, prayerful mediation, shared study, worshipful praise, and spiritual interaction is beneficial.
That a set apart place that one learns to look after, treat differently, and appreciate as something unique and special is beneficial.
That there’s a time and place where one should act with decorum, thoughtfulness and respect.
That a time and place where one's focus isn't on one's self is beneficial.
That a holy, righteous, majestic God and heavenly related things shouldn’t be treated in a flippant and common way.

That a set apart day each week where one rests and recharges the mind and body is beneficial.
That a set apart day where all the family join together in a deep, noble, uplifting exercise is beneficial.
That such an early, positive, spiritual foundation is beneficial.
That the discipline required in order to get up early and be somewhere important on time establishes a worthy habit.

That I’m made in the image of a loving, benevolent, designer, creator God,
Who created this planet and the universe in which it spins (and why He's deserving of glory and honour);
Who created the opposite sex so that I could have a deep and intimate relationship with a lifelong companion, one whereby procreation could take place, and whereby I could understand His love for His children;
Who provided the marital institution whereby I as a child might feel loved and secure, learn by good example, be taught boundaries and how to get along with others via my siblings and parents;
Who provided me with a guide book in the form of the Christian’s Bible,
Whereby I could learn how everything went wrong and how it will all be put right one day;
Whereby I could learn from the mistakes and good and bad experiences of others;
Whereby I could learn how the path to happiness is found in a life that’s orientated towards the happiness of others;
Whereby I could learn how there’s hope and joy beyond the grave;
Whereby I could gain an understanding of my origin, Earth’s chequered history, and the future.
Whereby I could learn how principles, morals and standards work in one’s best interest, and in the best interests of all.
Whereby I could learn how taking care of my body would lead to greater longevity and much less pain;
Whereby I could learn that there’s a purpose for my being here.
Whereby I could learn that I’m the child of a King, and that in Him alone (and His love for me) is found my worth.
Whereby I could learn that I'm to look after His creation, planet Earth.
Whereby I could learn of a fallen angel (Satan) and other fallen angels who joined him in rebellion, and who I need to be aware of given their cunning, cruel and nasty intentions for both me and mankind in general;
Whereby I could learn that lawfulness is a virtue;
Whereby I could learn that there’s a day when all will be held accountable for any ill and evil that they’ve committed, unless genuinely repentant and walking differently.

Yes, what going to church as a child taught me; and I can’t see anything wrong with that.

Something Else For Christians To Consider:

Never use a paraphrase as your main Bible, but a bona fide translation (the greater the accuracy the better), remembering that a paraphrase is not a literal translation and more prone to personal bias, misinterpretation-cum-error.

Never go by the words or teaching of your pastor alone, but do your own research drawing from multiple sources and independent minds, remembering that the Bible warns of false teachers, prophets and even messiahs, that most of ancient Israel’s kings were bad and led the people into apostasy, that it was Jewish leaders who sought to have Christ crucified, that there’s the same potential for such abuse today, and this being why the Bible speaks of a coming apostasy and falling away from truth.

Never make the mistake of thinking that the majority must be right, but bear in mind how at one time there was only 7,000 faithful people left in Israel, and that (regarding end times) the book of Revelation talks of a remnant.

Never pay attention to any material that in any way downplays the importance of righteous living and sound Christian witness, but instead, emulate the example of Christ, making sure that your life and all you say and do is governed by those principles, standards and morals that declare the difference between the world and Heaven, the devil and Jesus, the old life and the new life.

Never make the mistake of thinking that any denomination will do, but rather seek the company of those who’re always seeking a clearer understanding and revelation of God’s will and teachings, those whose doctrinal beliefs are more in line with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, remembering that the nation of Israel only held to one set of beliefs (until apostasy took hold), that the apostolic Church also only held to one set of beliefs (until certain corruptions entered), and that God is the God of truth just as much as He’s the God of love.

Never make the mistake of thinking that healings, amazing signs and wonders reveal the bona fide, but thoroughly test all things, remembering that the Bible warns of a coming deception that will fool most via its amazing signs and wonders, and that this deception is actually tied in with the antichrist.

Never pay attention to any material or person presenting God as any different to what and how He actually is, but comb His authoritative Word, noting the cumulative witness and remembering that the devil has always sought to distort the character and true intentions of Jesus Christ.

1.  Beyond It All

2.  Life's Not About Avoidance

3.  Mind What You Expect