The Church has made mistakes, the world needs an apology. It has not always lived up to what it should be; a example of Christ to the world. Some things need to be reconciled. I feel I need to play a small part of this reconciliation by apologizing to the lovely people of the Internet. But for me to speak for the Church, I must first ask for it's forgiveness.
You see, I have been a staunch critic of the Church. I called it a filthy rag and a dirty whore (which is true), but did not recognize that in myself as well. I tried to be like Paul, but instead was more like Saul, rather than encourage, I threw stones.
I began my formative years as a Christian condemning the denomination I grew up in. Eventually I learned the error of my ways, but rather than taking responsibility, I blamed the Church for why I criticized the Church. I said that I learned my critical ways from the Church and it therefor, is the Church's fault. And so, my criticism continued, directed at another group of the Church. I considered myself to be in the Church, but not a part of the Church.
But now I see. I see that in the chaos of Christendom are good individuals seeking the same goal, only in different directions. I see that while the Church has screwed up, so have I. I am the filthy rag. I have not lived up to what I should be. So here it is Church.
Will you forgive me?
