Quitting Christianity

[teebee]

Anne Rice leaves Christianity

Legendary author Anne Rice has announced that she’s quitting Christianity.

The “Interview with a Vampire” author, who wrote a book about her spirituality titled "Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession" in 2008, said Wednesday that she refuses to be “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat.”
Rice wrote, “For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a Christian ... It's simply impossible for me to ‘belong’ to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else.”

Rice then added another post explaining her decision on Thursday: “My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me," Rice wrote. "But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been or might become.”


So sad. Have you ever been here? Sounds like Ghandi's quote that he'd take Jesus but didn't want Christians. It sounds like she is not leaving THE FAITH as much as she is deciding not to attend church or actively fellowship with believers in an organized fashion. Perhaps a good small house church will work for her. Praying...

[keita]

Jul 30, 2010 11:20:34 GMT -5 teebee said:

she refuses to be “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat.”

“For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a Christian ... It's simply impossible for me to ‘belong’ to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else.”

"My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me.
But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been or might become.”



Have you ever been here?

YES, LORD.

In fact, I can totally identify, even if I don't totally agree.

I think many a sister/brother has found him/herself, at least once, in some version of the very place Anne Rice has come to on her journey in Christ.

I believe, a whole lot of others soon, or some day, will.

And I agree with you that Anne Rice truly does sound like

...Ghandi's quote....

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

[keita]

Here's another sister's voice:

Sunday Morning Confession
Jessica Davenport

SomethingWithin.com


It’s Sunday and the clock on my nightstand reads 11am. Typical church hour. I swiftly divert my eyes away from the clock and back at the novel I’m reading, pretending not to notice. “You ain’t missing nothin,” I grumble out of the side of mouth as I turn the page.

And there you have it: my Sunday morning ritual. Instead of squeezing myself into pantyhose and my “Sunday best” and rushing out the door like I once did, I spend the morning trying not to think too hard about where my relationship with the church went wrong.

But given that most 18-35 year olds are missing from Black churches across the nation, my absence isn’t really all that significant. Except that I’m a licensed minister.

I’m a minister who just spent 3 years in seminary writing papers attesting to the prophetic tradition of the black church, but who can’t seem to will herself to step foot in one these days.

And no, the reason I’m not in church is not because seminary, or rather the academic study of religion, somehow “took my Jesus away.” Actually it was the other way around. I gave up Jesus (or rather, my traditional, Baptist-bred beliefs about him) before I went off to seminary. It was seminary that kept me from giving him up altogether.

The major reason I’ve gone AWOL from pursuing ministry is because I’ve become ambivalent—wait, “ambivalent” is an understatement—I’ve become downright disgruntled with what it means to be a black woman in ministry these days. So, I’ve decided to take my work with young people, particularly black teenage girls, elsewhere.

Truth is, my frustration has been mounting for sometime. Perhaps the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back occurred at women’s conference I attended a year ago. This particular conference, organized by some senior women in ministry, was held on the heels of the Juanita Bynum beating and the torture of Meghan Williams. To my horror, there was no organized, intentional response at this conference to the rampant violence against black women that pervades this nation. In fact, not a word was spoken about either of the two cases, save a couple of panelists who had no other choice but to respond to a question about the incidents that was posed during an open Q&A session. That was enough to make a black woman in the church like myself snap her neck and wonder, “What gives?!” Have we really become so beholden to the same recycled conference topics that we can’t organize and speak out about urgent, relevant issues that are literally killing black women in mass numbers?

This is not to wholly dismiss the importance and impact of the topics that are typically talked about at these conferences, like our personal relationships with God and how to build wealth. But, honestly, how can we talk about such topics in isolation of the larger social and political issues of our day and still claim to be prophetic?

But let me be clear: This is not a rant against my immediate foremothers in ministry. At least not entirely. They have followed in the historic tradition of Julia Foote, Ida B. Robinson, Pauli Murray, Prathia Hall Wynn and other “Daughters of Thunder.” It is because of them that there is not only a gaping hole in the proverbial stained-glass window, but we are able to have annual meetings called “women’s conferences” because of their vision. In many ways, they were first to bring issues concerning women to a national platform within the black church. And for this, we should all be eternally grateful.

So, perhaps this confession is less about what my foremothers in ministry are (or aren’t) doing. This is more about how their legacy is being carried forward by those in my generation. I’m talking about those of us who find it relatively easy to navigate through the rough gendered terrain of ministry. And when it hasn’t been so easy, there have been enough women in ministry with us to have a strong support system to lean on. We have reaped the benefits of our foremothers’ struggle, but we have been slow on the uptake when it comes to making our presence in the pulpit a collective benefit for the women we minister to. Instead of making sure that social issues that impact black women and girls are central to conference agendas, we simply put a new twist on the same topics that have been talked about for the past 20 years. We allow men to continue to set the larger agenda for the black church while we act as if we are mute, content to just have a seat at the table. Instead of prophetically preaching against the systemic oppression of women in our communities and the silence that surrounds it, we preach prosperity gospel-laden sermons, afraid to jeopardize our growing celebrity on the preaching circuit.

It’s important to acknowledge that there are many older and younger black women in ministry who have been breaking with this mold. These are women in ministry who have chosen to walk off the beaten path and courageously cut themselves a new one by boldly tackling issues like HIV/AIDS, violence against women, and the sex trafficking of girls. But these women often do ministry in isolation and without the camaraderie and collective backing of other black women in ministry.

This morning I woke up wondering when the “Deborahs” among black women in ministry will come forward. Those observant, perceptive women who know instinctively what to do when there is an attack against their people. Women who know that these types of attacks require more than a workshop or a plenary session; they require sustained, organized, collective action and their willing to put their heads together with women community leaders and activists to come up with offensive tactics. I’m also wondering where the “Esthers” are. The women who have power, influence and a seat at the negotiating table. Women who are willing to speak up and use their influence to lay out a new agenda that includes issues that threaten the lives of black women. And as a young’un in ministry, I’m searching for the “Ella Bakers” (not a woman in the Bible, I know, but a fierce woman all the same). I’m looking for women who take seriously the voices and ideas of younger women in ministry and who are committed to helping us strategically channel our energy (albeit youthful angst) in constructive, empowering ways.

This wouldn’t be a full confession if I didn’t admit to being part of the problem. Instead of hanging in there, I’ve chosen to pick up my equipment and leave the field too soon. It’s hard to make a difference when you’re shouting from the sidelines. Not to mention, my critique sounds like a temper-tantrum when there are so many trailblazing black women in ministry who are faithfully remaining true to their prophetic work without collective support. Their witness compels me to prepare to gird my breasts, sharpen my game and get back out on the field.

But in the meantime, I’m offering these confessions. And for now going back to reading my novel.

[teebee]

Wow, Keita. Thanks for posting Jessica's story. She is right. There really is SOOO much for us to do--all of us. I get so annoyed that people seem to think the only "ministry" is standing in a pulpit on a platform somewhere. I think we blacks especially get caught up in this menatality because for so long being a pastor or preacher meant you were "somebody" even if your "day job" was a common laborer, pullman porter, domestic servant, etc. I think a lot of people still think having a title and standing up before people in your nice suit/dress on Sunday morning is what makes you special and more important than the church mother who fries the chicken and serves the saints or the laypeople who make it their business to visit the sick and shut in every week. If we can ever start to see ministry as SERVICE to people rather than standing behind a podium, we would TRULY change the world like Jesus commanded us to do. Bravo to Jessica for recognizing TRUE ministry and I pray that she will get back on track. I need to do more, too.

[anointedteacher]

You have to understand ppl have different calling... those who at the pulpit are called to be there and yes with the title.... That what God want them to be and that where God has placed them. Those conference have themes and some was actually give to them by God through prayer and some were their bright Ideal... Usually the theme is printed on the flyer and other advertisements. If you look for something outside of that, you'll may not get it.

There are many woman that are given the same burden she have and are working in that field. You will not find it at the pulpit or conference, it is in small group meeting and most of these small groups are part of a church. They are on the street and they are working directly with the homeless, victim of abuse, HIV/AIDS victims, etc. These ppl have a church and someone to cover them and they have their own facilties where they have a place to work directly with teen, to counsel and help them to become independent and direct them in the right career and future.... But you can not quit because someone else not doing it... The problem isn't the church pastor and leaders, it is those who sit their behind Sunday after Sunday in the pews and do nothing.... most are called to serve ppl, but it not given the Prophet title, and are not seen in the front of the church, it require commitments, love and work. They choose not to walk in that calling. Some are called to the pulpit and plateform... they are doing what God called them to do... The proplem is those who called to the street refuse to go.

I can relate to Jessica, I am not in church.... my church really is gone, so I am left without a church. It is really hard when you are used to a certian type of teaching and being under a certian type of anointing. Especially when you have disobeyed God when He told you to leave and you didn't move. Now Here I am a licensed minister, not knowing where God want me to be.... I feel like a square trying to fit into a small circle... I feel out of place every church I visit. I came from a Apostolic/Prophetic ministry that had a school of the prophet... and training in the apostolic anointing. I found one church that is A/P and teaches spiritual warfare, but I am not such if this is where God is placing me... I missed my season

[Nikkol]

AT... makes sense.

My thing is that no matter where you go, there will ALWAYS be issues. I have been at churches that I didn't want to be at...but I just made sure that where I was, I allowed the light of Christ to show.

It sounds like many ppl have the "I Quit" attitude. Things aren't going the way they want it to go and so instead of trying to be part of the solution they leave...some to start something totally separate on their own while others do nothing at all. Will there be issues with the church? Yes. Do husband's and wives have issues sometimes? Yes. And so what is the church to do? Deal with it and continue the work that God called them to...for when we get to see Jesus, the fact that "the church wasn't doing what they thought it should" is not a good excuse.

And of course, Christianity is much bigger than even ALL the churches that we know or have vistied. Ppl have different callings and just because one vineyard isn't working in a "specific" area, doesn't mean that they are "off" or that another church is better.

I do think like I said prior that with ppl having the "I quit" mentality that it hurts not only the individual but the church. Even when we look at marriage (which is an example of Christ and the church), many don't really see marriage as a life long thing...but rather something as long as it works and if times get hard, than it's time to "move on".... my prayer is that God grants us the power to endure....

And I'm not worthy enough to talk badly about the bride of Christ.....that I am also a part of......and the way to bring others to Christ is not by talking about how badly Christians are; but rather to show Christ in your life and point ppl to Jesus.

[keita]

Imho, sometimes, "I quit" is EXACTLY the right response, decision and action for a disciple of Christ.

I think it depends a lot on when/what/why/how/who, you're "quitting", as well as what you do, or don't do, after you "quit".

And that includes "Christianity", "churchianity", ..........
and marriages.

my prayer is that God grants us the power to endure....

Amen.

May God also grant us the wisdom to know when/what/why/how/who we need to endure...

and when/what/why/how/who we need to quit.

And the courage that each requires to live it out.


Because as I read the words of Anne Rice, Jessica Davenport and sis at, and as I hear some variation of the same words from many others, I'm reminded of this.

In so many cases, and as it was in my own, the very ones who are being called out, who were put out, who have been scattered about, and/or who just stomped on out, are the very ones who are to bring those very things for which they themselves, the Body of Christ and all of creation are now waiting, searching, longing, hoping, praying, fasting, crying out.......


So I'm comforted that at least none of the "quitters" we're talking about here is speaking at all of leaving Christ or His Body.

In fact, I hear a heart's desire for more of Him, for deeper relationship, for authentic connection.

I'm also encouraged that they are able to distinguish their commitment to following and serving Christ and being His Body, from "Christianity" and "The Church".

(Especially in Anne Rice's case since she was actually a Roman Catholic, and therefore that religion is what she's acutally "quitting".)

And I'm speaking as a born again, sanctified, Holy Spirit-filled, disciple of Christ and as a gifted, called, assembly-loving, fully fellowshipping, freely-giving, faithful member of His Body......

who, upon my Father's instruction, has left both "Christianity" and "The Church".

[Nikkol]

Aug 3, 2010 15:08:36 GMT -5 keita said:

Imho, sometimes, "I quit" is EXACTLY the right response, decision and action for a disciple of Christ.

I think it depends a lot on when/what/why/how/who, you're "quitting", as well as what you do, or don't do, after you "quit".

And that includes "Christianity", "churchianity", ..........
and marriages.

my prayer is that God grants us the power to endure....

Amen.

May God also grant us the wisdom to know when/what/why/how/who we need to endure...

and when/what/why/how/who we need to quit.

And the courage that each requires to live it out.


Because as I read the words of Anne Rice, Jessica Davenport and sis at, and as I hear some variation of the same words from many others, I'm reminded of this.

In so many cases, and as it was in my own, the very ones who are being called out, who were put out, who have been scattered about, and/or who just stomped on out, are the very ones who are to bring those very things for which they themselves, the Body of Christ and all of creation are now waiting, searching, longing, hoping, praying, fasting, crying out.......


So I'm comforted that at least none of the "quitters" we're talking about here is speaking at all of leaving Christ or His Body.

In fact, I hear a heart's desire for more of Him, for deeper relationship, for authentic connection.

I'm also encouraged that they are able to distinguish their commitment to following and serving Christ and being His Body, from "Christianity" and "The Church".

(Especially in Anne Rice's case since she was actually a Roman Catholic, and therefore that religion is what she's acutally "quitting".)

And I'm speaking as a born again, sanctified, Holy Spirit-filled, disciple of Christ and as a gifted, called, assembly-loving, fully fellowshipping, freely-giving, faithful member of His Body......

who, upon my Father's instruction, has left both "Christianity" and "The Church".

I find it difficult to say that I am a follower of Christ but yet I am distancing myself from his bride.....which I'm supposedly a part of.

Now, have I ever wanted to get away or not go to church anymore? Yes. But I didn't because when all was said and done, what I do is less about "me" and more about Him. My feelings being hurt or people doing things doesn't mean that now I can separate myself from his church/bride.

If anything, this is a humbling experience because if it had not been for Jesus......I could've been doing the same thing that others did. But the same way that Jesus loves and even died for us because of that love, I can't separate myself from him or his people....no matter how weird/bad/good they are.

[kitty]

Hey Guys,
Just the other day I listened to Anne Rice give an interview about her leaving "Christianity" on the radio. I also have her book called, "Called Out of Darkness" which I promise you is the ONLY book she has written that I felt God would allow me to read.

I feel that just as you all stated before that she left because some of the things that she saw weren't Christ like. However, it may also be that she is just in a place where she believes in God but doesn't really want to follow the bible per se.... For example, I think that she is especially sensative to the issues about homosexuality because her son is gay. In the interview that I heard she made some statements that lead me to believe that she is most definitely for gay marriage. She stated that she was upset that some religious orgs. that she was associated with made contributions to what she believed were "political agendas" against gays. Which I think was basically a move to probably support some canadiate that made it a point to oppose gay marriage.

I also believe that while Anne Rice may have grown up in the church and grew up in Catholic schools it appears that she knew very little about the bible. In her book, "Called out of Darkness" she describes the beauty of catherdrals along with the statues... She longs to be in God's presence but didn't seem to long for his word. She never seems to discuss the bible at all in the book.

So although I am disappointed that Anne Rice no longers considers herself to be Christian the truth is that she may not have ever really been a true believer.

By the way did anybody ever read her books that were supposed to be about Christ? Although I am a avaid reader I didn't get a good feeling in my spirit about them so I picked it up and scanned but felt in my spirit that I shouldn't read it. However I have remained curious....

Kitty

[anointedteacher]

Well, the Bible did says there would be a great fall away in the last days.... The bad part is when you try to get others to follow.... I understand Anne Rice having unconditional love for her son, but that love should overshadow the love of God and His Word.

She being used by Satan to deceive many, those are weak in church and those would have been future Chirstians... and bring into a false present of god, instead of the true living God.

[krazeeboi]

Let's keep in mind that everyone is a work in progress. Who knows what may happen in the future with Ms. Rice? I think she's voicing thoughts that a lot of us have had at some point, but didn't express.