SoulPancake

@poseidon_6 There are not enough facts in the world to satisfy all of our questions as humans. So, when the facts run out we seek truth.

I think many "born again" Christians are taught, constantly,
to not entertain any thought process that would cause them to
question their faith, or how they worship.
I would guess that is what's at work re the young man you "don't get".
They belief that any conversation in that arena is spurred by satan,
to point them in a direction away from church, Christ, etc.

I work with a couple people that have this mindset.
It is very difficult to have any kind of an intelligent conversation
without one of them being offended by it.
Which is kind of funny, because they are usually the ones being
most offensive. In that they tend to attack personally.

It's o.k. though, It gives me an oppurtunity to be tolerant, kind,
and to practice hearing what I am not comfortable with, with an open mind.

Truth is a point of view. They should be more accurately called Fact Finders.

@PopeSkippyXVI Ah, another person who is owned by a Dachshund! :) I love mine and I love that picture. I also have a red dappled. She's a pistol. But back on topic, good luck with your search. I'm outside a major city myself and just started going back to church after, geez, four, five years? I went Episcopalian and so far so good.

Well, I feel that people look for something to be disciplined by, they want some type of good foundation to build there personality on. Unfortunately, this often leads to delusion. A true seeker does not try to fit a deified personality into a box, or become a cookie - cutter seeker.
A true seeker opens themselves up - through prayer and meditation, to experience an enlightened ( or ' christed' ) raising of soul level. There are many aids available to guide seekers along this path. There are many paths for you to choose from.

@constantevolution no, I appreciate your input. I think my major issue these days is my location outside a major city. I'm afraid there's a limited selection around here. But I'll find something, and I agree that the evangelicals are not that promising an option.

And besides, in my opinion, anyone who appreciates a Dachshund (mine's a black, tan, and white rescue dog) is obviously spiritually enlightened...

@PopeSkippyXVI I know you're not asking me, but I had to go outside the evangelical circle to find a congregation that supported those beliefs.

Many of us "just don't get it." Is it possible that you are the true seeker is this scenario? It sounds like you're the open minded one of the group. Seeking truth, whatever that may mean to you, requires a degree of open mindedness. How can you find answers unless you're willing to ask the questions?

Truth Seekers are not really Truth Seekers if they are not continously seeking. When the seeking ends, they are no longer Truth Seekers. They are what I call "STUCK". A true Truth Seekers is always changing (evolving) coming to new "heights" of understanding. The "friends" you are referring to are religious people; not Truth Seekers.

@PopeSkippyXVI
"Have you been able to find a congregation somewhere that shares these beliefs? I did once, but as it grew larger, it crumbled into factions, and...Since then, not so much luck, but I'm still looking."

I've found one that is united on the essentials and tolerant on the non-essentials. They are growing more and more open to ideas that are a departure from the "traditional" and are even starting to recognize some of the "traditional" teaching may have been in error or fostered wrong attitudes that hurt everyone in the long run.
It's still baby steps. But it's encouraging.

And it's one that's already seen the "crumbling into factions" routine a few times and are on guard against it.