Here are a couple email responses to my entry "where do we go from here":

From Brad Rasmussen:
I am sitting here on my couch, having been engaged by all of you at one point or another over the last few days, and feeling prone to respond!
Talon, as always, you have a great way of challenging the heart and writing words that cause me to ponder Christ. Thanks for that. I look forward to connecting through your blog.
... I have experienced much loss over the last few years as the Lord has stripped me things a held onto for safety and identity. The organized church held so many things for me that defined my identity. As I became more and more unsatisfied, I also become less and less convinced of my identity. This cause a huge crash in my life. It seems as though some of that might relate to where you are?
Mike, after reading your response, I felt as though I was peeking into a world within a world. So many of us have experienced hurt attached to relationships as we travel through the cutting away of the flesh. I talk with so many that are on this journey to find Christ outside of the confines of organized church and many of us long for healing of wounds. I have started to think of those wounds in the light of the military term "friendly fire." Battle causes wounding to occur that at times comes from our own ranks. It hurts and causes pain just like that of an enemy weapon, but rarely is the intention the same. Even in the heat of battle when one side experiences internal conflict, in the end it becomes easier to see that we are all on the same side. I guess I think of scripture that says our truest battle is not against flesh, but against spiritual forces in dark places. Having talked, laughed, prayed, and sipped wine with you, I know your heart is to see God and His kingdom established. Thanks for pouring out your heart in words.
Also, Mike, you talked about being instructed by the Holy Spirit. Part of why I have responded to all of you is in response to some verses I read this morning. 1 John 2: 18 - 3: 3 speaks to the very idea you mentioned, Mike. It starts off imploring readers to carefully identify the antichrists that come our way. But then, reassures us that we have the voice of the Holy Spirit that teaches us in all truth. The key verses that hit me were 1 John 2: 26 & 27. We do have the Holy Spirit who lives within us and we do not need anyone else to teach us the truth. WOW, this is hope! You can read the verses to get a fuller picture, but I was amazed at the clarity of the passage.
To all of you, I am encouraged to share our journeys together. Much of the process for me has been un-education. The un-learning of man made ideas and the re-learning of spirit led ideas is where I am in this journey. I am not really sure where to go from here, so I will sign off for now. Talon, look for me on your blog from time to time.
Searching and finding (Not always knowing which one is which)...

(From my Dad)
....Reading W. Jacobson's blog that Talon sent was very interesting. I think I understand how some of you feel. Trying to explain to family and friends why I don't go to church anymore is very difficult to put into words. Very few understand what I am talking about. In most situations I don't want to bring dissension or negativity to those who are still part of the institutional church.
We tried for about a year to attend church and I couldn't deal with all the "stuff" that goes on. The names and places may be different, but the same shame/approval game still prevails. And I really don't want to judge it or even talk about it. Until my attitude changes, it's better if I just stay away. Our close friends understand this and we openly talk about our frustrations with the organized church programs. Someone asked us several months ago, "How do I respond to people we know who ask me why you and Becky don't come to church anymore?" At first I said I don't really care, but that wasn't fair, so I said, "Tell them we are on a pilgrimage to try and hear God first hand. We want to hear directly from the Holy Spirit and keep our minds clear from any preconceived ideas coming from man-made values.
That really is what I have been doing these past few years. Allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me in all truth. I see scriptures in shades of light I've never experienced before - a very refreshing wind that has overwhelmed me in His Love. Seeing His Love for me. Knowing He really likes me - just as I am. I've hopefully become less judgemental of people outside the church and more tolerant and accepting in my views of people and politics. (might even say 'liberal') My emphasis has lately been on Truth. Not good or bad, right or wrong, but the truth as Jesus would apply it - and I'm finding His Truth may be different than what I've been taught in church. (Becky's insert: His Truth is Bigger and encompasses so much more than I ever thought it could. He is not nearly as concerned with me being "good" as He is about me just loving. Loving Him, and people in general, regardless of their values or beliefs. Even going so far as to say - He loves
me the same whether I go to church or don't. I hope I'm becoming more of a blank slate, allowing Him to rewrite the script on my heart. I long to be free and freer still. Maybe this is just a season for us, but whatever it is, it's OK. We trust Him to lead us.)
Mike again: The book,"The Shack" has helped my perspective greatly and confirmed many things to me.

(from anonymous)
...Talon mentioned his spiritual journey. Like his family, ours hasn’t attended church since I stepped down from pastoring five years ago. For a long time I searched, as he did, for some kind of spiritual community. I’ve also read dozens of books on this subject, and gone through quite a theological renaissance. But I think I have finally grown tired of what I call “spiritual hide and seek”, and have basically put my search on hold – or maybe even given up. It makes for a very different kind of Xmas, since all the religious symbolism has lost much of its meaning to me. Like Bono,”I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”