I kinda did that. Jesus said if your right arm causes you to sin, you should cut it off. I figured churches were filled with backstabbing gossiping harpies, so I left.
What? Those backstabbing gossipers were causing you to sin?
Good one.
Next time, perhaps try this one... 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15
Works even better.
I understand what you are saying though, but for me personally, I think the prime thing that should determine if we stay or leave, is the teachings. That's why it is important to know if what is being taught is scripturally based.
Sometimes God may let - and he does all the time - bad grow among good, which allows us to build godly qualities, as we put up with, and endure bad. James 1:2-4
Remember, there can never be a perfect church, because it is made up of imperfect people. Even the apostles had to put up with backbiters and gossipers, and worst, but they stuck around. 2 Thessalonians 3:11
Remember how they were tested on one occasion?
John 6:60-69
60 When they heard this, many of his disciples said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?”
61 But
Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were murmuring about this, said to them: “Does this stumble you? 62 What, therefore, if you should see the Son of man ascending to where he was before?
63 It is the spirit that is life-giving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and the one who would betray him. 65 He went on to say: “This is why I have said to you, no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” 66 Because of this,
many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve: “You do not want to go also, do you?” 68 Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life. 69 We have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Jesus apparently used that opportunity to test their loyalty.
So as long as we have a fairly good understanding of the Bible, we would be able to know if someone is speaking something unscriptural, or if what they are saying is Biblical.
...and we stay put. When the gossipers are gone, or they shape up - either, or, we would still be there.