Don't come back, there are hypocrites and racists here who honor their chosen political stances more than they honor God or morality
Is there even a God like in the Bible, because everyone claims he's for them even when they are on opposite sides of issues
If there is a God, do I even want to follow a being who would allow this shit show, or is he just people's creation to control others

Think I just believe in nature and kindness and don't believe any diety defined in churches is real. Guess I've become agnostic.

I returned home. This was in the late 80s. Upon arrival I was told my mother was no longer a member of the oak harbor southern baptist church. She was, up until this time, a life long member.
That stopped when a family whose son was dying of aids, was denied entry to the church

A group of elders stood in front of them.

That was also my last time.

Lessons go unlearned all the time in churches everywhere. Sometimes, you just have to wonder what's being taught.

1. Watered down KoolAid is a lousy drink.
2. That odor you smell on Mrs T. When she comes in to give all the kids a hug is booze, and she is sloshed.
3. The damned Catholics from the cathedral across the street keep parking in our lot.
4. Homeless people who come into the church office during the week are to be expelled.
5. Offering envelopes make great drawing paper during long sermons.
6. The happy little songs in kids Sunday school are at odds with the sermons, which are about how we are all depraved sinners.
7. It is more fun to have a guest organist who is not accustomed to a massive pipe organ, so they pull out all the stops and the floor vibrates due to the volume.
8. They will call you a confirmand when Dad drags you into church, even if you aren't and don't believe any of the hooey.

I was maybe 13 when I did the lesson for the youth class using Genesis 38, the story of Judah, Tamar, and Onan. It was a bit racy even for a Methodist church. We were using the King James Version so things were not quite as explicit as with some of the more modern translations, but still ...

I was told that I didn't need to read the WHOLE Bible at my age. The Sunday School teacher never did answer my question about why Lot's daughters did that, really.

Onan spilling his seed upon the ground left a lasting impression on the class.

Don't get caught wearing pants or you will need them to hide the welts.
Shaving your head is NOT an appropropriate response to the above punishment.
Never, no matter how old you get, no matter how good you think your relationship is with your parents as an adult, NEVER go home again. When you leave, the church will punish your parents.

I hear you.

I recall learning the true depths of boredom and how slow the second hand on a clock could really move.

Perhaps others do not generalize from their own life history.

I do not know the experiences of most others. I did know that 14-year-old girl, though. Her experience was far worse. Bye, now.

I did not generalize. I related only my experiences. Please read for understanding.