@creatr, Your insight that many (perhaps, even most) in the visible churches have forfeited the core message of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is my view as well. I am a Christian anarchist (but, I think that is redundant -- Christians must necessarily be anarchists). Having said that, I think the true Gospel is still carried within Scripture and the traditions of the various Apostolic churches (for sure, Orthodox and Catholic, but also Anglican and Lutheran and even many other protestants like Baptists). While many adherents (pastors inclusive) don't recognize those truths or preach them, they are still present, and that is encouraging.
Also, you might be encouraged to learn that I am living in one of the most liberal cities in America (and the world). Even here, my experience now shows that growing a network of 30 (and growing) of free-thinking, agoristic, liberty-inclined people (many who are also Christian) is possible. I am shameless and persistent when it comes to reaching out and befriending and I don't take a few initial rejections or cold shoulders or lack of enthusiasm personally. Asking people to change their social circle is a huge ask of their time and energy and social capital -- I am patient and gently persistent and it seems to be paying off.
Thanks for replying, @paulvp!
I find your experiences powerfully encouraging. Also very thought-provoking. I am and have been attempting to "bring the good news" of the Kingdom within a local congregation that my wife and I have been a part of for about three years now, and I continue to have hopes of success in that endeavor. However, your writing and comments have encouraged me to try to widen the net I am throwing, and to see if I can find more likeminded who are not necessarily part of the particular congregation I am in.
I would love to have a conversation with you sometime, brother? Perhaps over Signal Private Messenger, or over Wire, for the sake of (relative) privacy? :)
Hi @creatr, I just saw this message. I love Signal. I think we can connect on another medium first -- on a popular big-tech Messenger, you will see that I am 'Paul Varkey Parayil'. Let us exchange Signal numbers there.