Redesigning church
I eventually want to make the argument that going to church can easily turn into a stale habit that is separated from the actual act of “building a relationship with God” (however you define that).
I’ve found the practices of writing and meditating to be far more helpful in becoming aware of my insecurities, facing death, giving up control, forgiving, detaching from obsessions, re-aligning, etc. Church done right would require everyone to do these practices, in a group. Currently, I see it as a form of theological broadcasting, where tradition, ritual, and dogma are the core unifiers—but without an element that is vulnerable or ego-shattering, I think it’s limited in its potential effects.
I’m not saying we should not go to church. I’m saying we should redesign church. It’s also possible that these elements, groups, sub-practices exist and I’m just not aware of them, and so it’s on me to find them.