Attorney and church membership

Jerry C. · #1 10-07-2002, 06:50 PM

I'm starting to reconsider nudism (see my thoughts under "Religion", thread: "Can someone be a nudist and be hired as a church pastor?") and was considering my worst case scenario: I loose all my church positions AND my church membership. I can stand losing church positons (deacon, church photographer, bulletin coordinator, and sub. Sabbath School teacher), but I couldn't stand losing my membership.

Supposing I come out in the open and brazingly proclaim that I'm a nudism (if I re-accept it). So I lose all church positions AND church membership. Are there any nudist-friendly attorney who also understand the Christian persective? I can use some help here.

I've considered using a attorney to sue my church in order to get my membership back (if I should lose it). But I don't have a lot of money. Would I have a case? Is it strong enough? Any referals or advice would help. Thanks

Jerry C. · #2 10-07-2002, 06:50 PM

I'm starting to reconsider nudism (see my thoughts under "Religion", thread: "Can someone be a nudist and be hired as a church pastor?") and was considering my worst case scenario: I loose all my church positions AND my church membership. I can stand losing church positons (deacon, church photographer, bulletin coordinator, and sub. Sabbath School teacher), but I couldn't stand losing my membership.

Supposing I come out in the open and brazingly proclaim that I'm a nudism (if I re-accept it). So I lose all church positions AND church membership. Are there any nudist-friendly attorney who also understand the Christian persective? I can use some help here.

I've considered using a attorney to sue my church in order to get my membership back (if I should lose it). But I don't have a lot of money. Would I have a case? Is it strong enough? Any referals or advice would help. Thanks

luvnaturism · #3 10-07-2002, 07:56 PM

Your approach to this matter is becoming less and less helpful to yourself or to your church.

Courts are rightly reluctant to involve themselves in issues that are specifically religious. Churches have broad latitude to set and enforce their own membership requirements, particularly where decisions are based on Biblical beliefs. Merely by filing a lawsuit against your church you provide Biblical grounds for your own dismissal. Considering that you have already been counseled on the church's attitude toward naturism, it's hard to see what argument you could bring to a court of law.

This approach would be guaranteed to put an end to your hope to become a minister in your present denomination, and it would probably follow you to any other body to which you might apply.

Maybe others will see another option, but it seems to me that your ethical choices really come down to two:

1. Live within the limits of your church's behavioral expectations.

2. Find another church.

Option #2 would present you with two additional choices.

A. Find a church that is respectful and accepting of your desire to be a naturist.

B. Settle in your own conscience that this is a legitimate matter for your own personal choice as a responsible Christian, so in your new church only share your naturist views with people whom you know and trust.

californiabare · #4 10-09-2002, 09:21 AM

Luvnaturism, do you go to a church that is naturist/nudist sympathetic? I notice you live in northern California--where would that be? I live in Modesto, and would appreciate some naturist/nudist Christian fellowship. Any advices? Thank you.

God bless you.
Tom

luvnaturism · #5 10-09-2002, 10:19 AM

Californiabare, I sent you a private message.

barebody · #6 11-09-2002, 12:00 PM

Jerry,

I encourage you to examine your heart to find out who and why you are truly going to church for. Beware, most churchs these days are like the one Isaiah prophesied about: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. (Isaiah 29:13) It sounds like you're losing membership based off THEIR rules. The main concern should be "How does God feel/want?"

As for all those positions, again, make sure your motive/desire for them is correct (Mat 7:21-23)
Don't fear the people, fear GOD! You don't need an attorney; because, remember who the judge is.

Amen I'm with a group that makes the Bible the standard to live by. Even asking others who aren't in nudism, they feel it's O.K. as long as the motives are pure and it isn't done around those who dislike it- making them feel uncomfortable. I'm out to look out for the needs of others, not just my own; and putting theirs first.

nudistwheelchair · #7 11-10-2002, 12:21 AM

What is the name of it? I go to the Horizon Christian Fellowship

Frank R · #8 11-10-2002, 05:52 AM

As a Christian, you must remember that Paul instructed us not to take other Christians to the world's courts because if we do, we are already defeated. If you really wish to follow the teachings of the Bible, you could not sue and still claim to be a good Christian. I would suggest you try it and find out. Worse case? You may have to find a real Bible believing church which may not be the one you are currently in.