Interesting how you say, “10 is counterproductive” yet Jesus has only 12 Apostles and that was quite fruitful.

I think you might get something from my article, “Does Size Matter”

http://www.morethancake.org/2008/10/does-size-matter.html

Brother I am good with the “faith” as an objective standard, as a matter of fact I am pretty convinced theologically about what I believe, but like Joe said, some of those beliefs are hindering real community, as a matter of fact Joe I have a post coming about “allegiance”. Thank you for your wisdom Joe, though only through the internet, your words have always challenged me, even if we don’t agree sometimes

You said “I really do think that idolatry of the “perfect NT church” (generally speaking and not necessarily in reference to Lionel) is our most recent hurdle to genuine community.”

I think it has been a significant hurdle for me. I have also realized that 5 couples does not seem to be what Jesus or how Jesus wanted us to gather, I often think 500 loses sight but I also think 10 people is counterproductive.

I really do think that idolatry of the “perfect NT church” (generally speaking and not necessarily in reference to Lionel) is our most recent hurdle to genuine community.

peace.

He says, “I honestly wished and have been praying that I could just be the guy who doesn’t care. I wonder why do I have to be the guy to question and toil and read, and engage and disagree. I wished I was the guy who could just go on Sunday, listen to the sermon, help by being an Usher, or help with the parking lot, give my money and sit passively by and do it again next Sunday. I am frustrated that I am not that guy.”

Joe, is he saying he wishes he could be an unthinking, uncaring robot and put the issues causing him anxiety away? He seems to be anxious that there is “something wrong” with his questioning, engaging, and reading. I’m still unclear as to what his anxiety is over. Perhaps he feels like he will be judged if he is honest? My advice to him, for what it is worth, would be to find which one of his friends that would truly allow him to be authentic and allow him to say whatever he wants without the need to be “corrected.” And then, if I were him, I would “let er rip.” Get it out there and off his chest. How many people sit in church and do exactly what he is saying he wishes he could do- sit there and conform and accept. Then, he needs to understand that it is ok for him to feel like he does. He isn’t a bad person for his feelings.

I feel like Jesus isn’t looking for mindless conformists but REAL PEOPLE who come to him out of love not out of fear. I would say there is nothing wrong with your friend. Faith does not grow by going through the motions on Sunday morning and ignoring anxious thoughts. Doubt is not the enemy of faith. Mindless, unquestioning obedience is what followers of cults do and should not be what followers of Jesus do.

peace