TOTALLY GEEKED!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

RE: Not meant to devolve into a religious argument--just curious

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

huskerbb wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
That's a fair question Husker. We used to go but now we don't. I guess I am just tired. I never found the sense of community at church. Most of it has been superficial. And the drama . I don't have the energy to go through the motions. I don't feel any more connected at church than I do st home. And for our last Church when my mom was ill , we had dropped out for awhile. When we saw the Church members around town it as like they didn't know us. So you can say "oh its your fault" blah blah. Maybe it is. I just don't have the energy to start in a new church.
But then my question remains--what, if anything, would make you go back?

Maybe the answer is nothing.

Sometimes you just need to go out to the wilderness for awhile.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

lilyofcourse wrote:
My preacher will perform services, in acordance with the Bible, for any one. You don't have to be a member.

My former pastor would too.

They both, and all the pastors I know, consider it a way to minister. No they don't get preachy. But more of showing God's love.

And you will be asked if you know Christ as your Lord and Savior. But they won't get preachy about it.

I would have loved to bring my kids up that church environment.

But you all know my secret on the public board. I am in contempt of court.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Ohfour wrote:
Nice...lol! Peace and happiness and all that schitt...

-- Edited by Ohfour on Thursday 9th of July 2015 10:50:25 PM

Sweetie I am a hippie but with conservative fiscal values, so yeah. Peace out.

huskerbb · Guru

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I don't go ever. I used to, before DS was born and for a couple of months after. That was over 30 years ago. I grew up catholic, went to CCD, church every weekend, classes, etc. I was driven a huge blow when I went to have DS baptized. At the time I lived in the biggest Diocese in my area. Huge power. I was poor, worked retail including Sunday's for the OT. I wanted him baptized in the church I was, the one I was married in, it was in a different district. I had to get permission from the Diocese. They wanted money. I had heard the rumors about buying your way into things such as annulments when married a long time or such, didn't want to believe it. I had no money, but they insisted, I left disillusioned. DS was finally baptized at the age of 8 once I moved out of that district. I have not forgiven the church since. I've cried over it. I feel I am doing wrong by DD in not introducing her to religion. My scars are bad, they still hurt.
Most churches won't allow people to just show up and ask for services like weddings, funerals or baptisms. You have to be a member of that specific parish. Lots of people want to get married in the cathedral in my hometown, but unless you are a member of THAT parish and attend regularly, you can't get married there. I am not saying you were wrong to be hurt (I think you were spot on correct) I just would not have been as shocked as you were. It's pretty much a given in most any denomination.
I was a member of the congregation. They wanted money. Plain and simple.

Well, they all do. MM seems to think that is somehow a bad thing to pay the pastor and keep the lights on. It's not. They have to do those things--or they won't have a church.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
My preacher will perform services, in acordance with the Bible, for any one. You don't have to be a member.

My former pastor would too.

They both, and all the pastors I know, consider it a way to minister. No they don't get preachy. But more of showing God's love.

And you will be asked if you know Christ as your Lord and Savior. But they won't get preachy about it.
I would have loved to bring my kids up that church environment.

But you all know my secret on the public board. I am in contempt of court.

I grew up under the best pastor ever.

I was 4 when we started to that church. The pastor retired recently. 49 years of service in that one church.

I know his kids, his grand kids and great grand kids.

He did my dedication, was the one who said the prayer of salvation with me as a child, baptized me at 9, counseled me and stood by me when I got in so much trouble, performed my wedding, was at the hospital when I had each of my kids, did the dedication of each of my kids, said the salvation prayer with each of my kids, baptized Caitlyn, and has been there through sickness, death and disappointment.

The man is truly one of a kind. His whole family is amazing. And you know he just welcomed another great, great grand baby.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I don't go ever. I used to, before DS was born and for a couple of months after. That was over 30 years ago. I grew up catholic, went to CCD, church every weekend, classes, etc. I was driven a huge blow when I went to have DS baptized. At the time I lived in the biggest Diocese in my area. Huge power. I was poor, worked retail including Sunday's for the OT. I wanted him baptized in the church I was, the one I was married in, it was in a different district. I had to get permission from the Diocese. They wanted money. I had heard the rumors about buying your way into things such as annulments when married a long time or such, didn't want to believe it. I had no money, but they insisted, I left disillusioned. DS was finally baptized at the age of 8 once I moved out of that district. I have not forgiven the church since. I've cried over it. I feel I am doing wrong by DD in not introducing her to religion. My scars are bad, they still hurt.
Most churches won't allow people to just show up and ask for services like weddings, funerals or baptisms. You have to be a member of that specific parish. Lots of people want to get married in the cathedral in my hometown, but unless you are a member of THAT parish and attend regularly, you can't get married there. I am not saying you were wrong to be hurt (I think you were spot on correct) I just would not have been as shocked as you were. It's pretty much a given in most any denomination.
I was a member of the congregation. They wanted money. Plain and simple.

I guess I am confused. You said the church you wanted to have her baptized in was in a different district than the one you were a member of at the time. Or do I have it wrong ? If I have it correctly, you were a member of a different church parish than the one you wanted her baptised in right?

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Ohfour wrote:
Here's the thing... People think I'm a hard ass. I'm NOT. And the Geeks here that know me know that. I love my friends, no matter their religion, sexual orientation, outlook on life. Really, I'm a lover, not a fighter...

I believe this 100%.

WYSIWYG · Guru

I could only answer "Church? What's church?" because that was the closest one to "I never attend services". I've mentioned before that my faith is more in line with "What's between God and me, is between God and me".

What could get me to go back to church? That's an interesting question that I haven't really pondered. I'd likely consider it again if Christians united under one belief, and that belief was based on showing God's love, but didn't include any of the hate that we humans have infected Christianity with.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Mellow Momma wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
Here's the thing... People think I'm a hard ass. I'm NOT. And the Geeks here that know me know that. I love my friends, no matter their religion, sexual orientation, outlook on life. Really, I'm a lover, not a fighter...
I believe this 100%.

Good! Cause if you don't, she'll bust you right in the mouth! evileye biggrin

Sin City Girl · Member

Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.

Ilumine · Regular

We go sporadically, when we have time.

The reality is, weekends are the hardest time for our family. My DH teaches for the University of Phoenix and he has to grade his papers between Midnight Saturday Morning and Midnight Monday Morning. And while I am a SAHM, there are many things I need to do with my DH during the short free time he has on weekends.

Add to that, we live in the south, where most traditional churches are dying and full of gray hairs. And while I find stability in the traditional dogma of the Episcopal Church, I want a sermon that energizes my soul and a children's church that attracts my daughter, not bores her. I would rather keep her faith going at home vs turn her off by going to a church that doesn't fulfill her.

Finally and tied to my second reason, my DD goes to a religious private school (the only school that is NOT Common Core). After being inundated by religion at school, I don't want to overwhelm her by forcing more religion, especially when that church time is boring as all get out.

Now, if we had a community like we did in Virginia, we would be more apt to work it into our weekend plans.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Mellow Momma wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I don't go ever. I used to, before DS was born and for a couple of months after. That was over 30 years ago. I grew up catholic, went to CCD, church every weekend, classes, etc. I was driven a huge blow when I went to have DS baptized. At the time I lived in the biggest Diocese in my area. Huge power. I was poor, worked retail including Sunday's for the OT. I wanted him baptized in the church I was, the one I was married in, it was in a different district. I had to get permission from the Diocese. They wanted money. I had heard the rumors about buying your way into things such as annulments when married a long time or such, didn't want to believe it. I had no money, but they insisted, I left disillusioned. DS was finally baptized at the age of 8 once I moved out of that district. I have not forgiven the church since. I've cried over it. I feel I am doing wrong by DD in not introducing her to religion. My scars are bad, they still hurt.
Most churches won't allow people to just show up and ask for services like weddings, funerals or baptisms. You have to be a member of that specific parish. Lots of people want to get married in the cathedral in my hometown, but unless you are a member of THAT parish and attend regularly, you can't get married there. I am not saying you were wrong to be hurt (I think you were spot on correct) I just would not have been as shocked as you were. It's pretty much a given in most any denomination.
I was a member of the congregation. They wanted money. Plain and simple.
I guess I am confused. You said the church you wanted to have her baptized in was in a different district than the one you were a member of at the time. Or do I have it wrong ? If I have it correctly, you were a member of a different church parish than the one you wanted her baptised in right?

Yes, and I went to church in the one I grew up in, not the one that controlled the district I lived in when DS was born. They wanted me to pay them for the signed document giving permission. I've heard numerous similar stories about that church. I was devastated at the time. Years later, that same church was in the center of the catholic priest scandals.

Blankie · Guru

Church is not my primary place of experiencing God, and fellowship with other faithful folks.

I have other groups and places where I do that.

So I probably go to church maybe 6 or 8 times a year.

But I commune with God, pray, meditate and have spiritual fellowship with others just about every day. Just not in a church.

Church is by no means the only way to experience God.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

DH was raised Catholic but he became a Protestant in college before I met him. And, some of his family is still Catholic. We have gone to several Catholic funeral services and I really like the reverence of the Catholic Church. There is something comforting about it versus the Blue jeans rock n roll Protestant churches. I don't necessarily agree with all their doctrines, but neither do I agree with all the doctrines of anyone really. I am probably most closely aligned with Baptist theology when it comes right down to it.

burns07 · Guru

we go when we feel the need--personally, if I ever feel that I'm drifting and I need to reconnect with something that has always been there and will always be there, I will go--either with my lady or by myself--pray for myself very rarely ( the Almighty doesn't listen much to men like me ) and usually am there on behalf of someone else--have been many times in gratitude for my blessings but also with longing for peace and solace for my country or my loved ones

agree that He does not reside in one specific place only--He is all around us and He speaks to us in many ways--it remains for us to listen

Vette · Owl drink to that!

I have to go to church every Sunday to keep my feelings of worthlessness at bay. I have a very fragile emotional state and knowing God is there for me no matter what I do is very comforting. Also I teach Sunday school and run the kid's music program.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

VetteGirl wrote:
I have to go to church every Sunday to keep my feelings of worthlessness at bay. I have a very fragile emotional state and knowing God is there for me no matter what I do is very comforting. Also I teach Sunday school and run the kid's music program.

I've taught Sunday School before & I loved it.

Vette: Please know that you are NOT, in any way shape or form, "worthless."

flan

huskerbb · Guru

Sin City Girl wrote:
Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.

Everyone christian struggles to some degree to live the life God wants us to live, but, really, that is sort of the point of church. The righteous don't need church nearly as much as the sinners do. Whether you attend church or not, some of the struggles will be the same. Church reminds us that we are not alone in that struggle and that God will forgive us and carry that burden for us.

JPT · Senior Member

huskerbb wrote:
Sin City Girl wrote:
Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.
Everyone christian struggles to some degree to live the life God wants us to live, but, really, that is sort of the point of church. The righteous don't need church nearly as much as the sinners do. Whether you attend church or not, some of the struggles will be the same. Church reminds us that we are not alone in that struggle and that God will forgive us and carry that burden for us.

I'm glad that is YOUR reality. There are many of us who were not supported in times of need (like when my preschool son was seriously injured and hospitalized, and my mother died, all within a couple of weeks). My mother attended mass regularly,as did our whole family. They volunteered, did everything they were supposed to do. Sadly, on the day of her funeral mass, most of the folks there were not even Catholic, but friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.

I think that's what broke my family from Catholicism. My brothers drifted to the Lutheran church. And even there, my younger brother nearly had a nervous breakdown with all the things they asked of him (he's in a construction related field, and every single thing was put on him). I think he has changed churches twice, and probably only attended once since last Christmas.

My sister is gay. She knows darned well that "her kind" isn't welcome in church.

So most of us probably had a church upbringing, and those of us who no longer attend (and in some cases, have lost the belief) had good reasons, and it's not because we wanted to "sleep in" on Sunday.

But then again, it's a nice perk!

huskerbb · Guru

JPT wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Sin City Girl wrote:
Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.
Everyone christian struggles to some degree to live the life God wants us to live, but, really, that is sort of the point of church. The righteous don't need church nearly as much as the sinners do. Whether you attend church or not, some of the struggles will be the same. Church reminds us that we are not alone in that struggle and that God will forgive us and carry that burden for us.
I'm glad that is YOUR reality. There are many of us who were not supported in times of need (like when my preschool son was seriously injured and hospitalized, and my mother died, all within a couple of weeks). My mother attended mass regularly,as did our whole family. They volunteered, did everything they were supposed to do. Sadly, on the day of her funeral mass, most of the folks there were not even Catholic, but friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.
I think that's what broke my family from Catholicism. My brothers drifted to the Lutheran church. And even there, my younger brother nearly had a nervous breakdown with all the things they asked of him (he's in a construction related field, and every single thing was put on him). I think he has changed churches twice, and probably only attended once since last Christmas.
My sister is gay. She knows darned well that "her kind" isn't welcome in church.
So most of us probably had a church upbringing, and those of us who no longer attend (and in some cases, have lost the belief) had good reasons, and it's not because we wanted to "sleep in" on Sunday.

But then again, it's a nice perk!

It's not "my reality", it's the reality. Are you going to church for other people, or God?

JPT · Senior Member

huskerbb wrote:
JPT wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Sin City Girl wrote:
Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.
Everyone christian struggles to some degree to live the life God wants us to live, but, really, that is sort of the point of church. The righteous don't need church nearly as much as the sinners do. Whether you attend church or not, some of the struggles will be the same. Church reminds us that we are not alone in that struggle and that God will forgive us and carry that burden for us.
I'm glad that is YOUR reality. There are many of us who were not supported in times of need (like when my preschool son was seriously injured and hospitalized, and my mother died, all within a couple of weeks). My mother attended mass regularly,as did our whole family. They volunteered, did everything they were supposed to do. Sadly, on the day of her funeral mass, most of the folks there were not even Catholic, but friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.
I think that's what broke my family from Catholicism. My brothers drifted to the Lutheran church. And even there, my younger brother nearly had a nervous breakdown with all the things they asked of him (he's in a construction related field, and every single thing was put on him). I think he has changed churches twice, and probably only attended once since last Christmas.
My sister is gay. She knows darned well that "her kind" isn't welcome in church.
So most of us probably had a church upbringing, and those of us who no longer attend (and in some cases, have lost the belief) had good reasons, and it's not because we wanted to "sleep in" on Sunday.

But then again, it's a nice perk!
It's not "my reality", it's the reality. Are you going to church for other people, or God?

Well, most churches don't really have a separate section for "I'm here only for god, the rest of you keep your distance"

The few times I tried, I was smothered with "you must come for bible study on Wednesday, or you must come for women's fellowship on Monday, or whatever craziness they have going every day of the week."

And, no it's your reality. My reality is no god. I'm good with it.

huskerbb · Guru

The reality in the end will be the same for everyone.

JPT · Senior Member

huskerbb wrote:
The reality in the end will be the same for everyone.

Imagine, husker and JPT, facing off after we're dead, and one of us will say "Told ya so"

biggrin

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

JPT wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
The reality in the end will be the same for everyone.
Imagine, husker and JPT, facing off after we're dead, and one of us will say "Told ya so"

I know where my $$$ is!

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

We go every week unless there is a reason to miss - like vacation, illness, or this last weekend we didn't go b/c we were moving.

huskerbb · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
We go every week unless there is a reason to miss - like vacation, illness, or this last weekend we didn't go b/c we were moving.

How'd that go?

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

huskerbb wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
We go every week unless there is a reason to miss - like vacation, illness, or this last weekend we didn't go b/c we were moving.
How'd that go?

Still going - but the furniture is in and the new house is great. Of course we are finding little quirks like wierd light switch placement, but we really like it. The playroom is fabulous! I shocked myself on the hot water heater trying to turn the water down - I think they liked to boil people in the bath. We still have to go to the old house and clean out the basement and garage. That's what happens when you don't have a deadline to be out.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

JPT wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Sin City Girl wrote:
Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.
Everyone christian struggles to some degree to live the life God wants us to live, but, really, that is sort of the point of church. The righteous don't need church nearly as much as the sinners do. Whether you attend church or not, some of the struggles will be the same. Church reminds us that we are not alone in that struggle and that God will forgive us and carry that burden for us.
I'm glad that is YOUR reality. There are many of us who were not supported in times of need (like when my preschool son was seriously injured and hospitalized, and my mother died, all within a couple of weeks). My mother attended mass regularly,as did our whole family. They volunteered, did everything they were supposed to do. Sadly, on the day of her funeral mass, most of the folks there were not even Catholic, but friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.
I think that's what broke my family from Catholicism. My brothers drifted to the Lutheran church. And even there, my younger brother nearly had a nervous breakdown with all the things they asked of him (he's in a construction related field, and every single thing was put on him). I think he has changed churches twice, and probably only attended once since last Christmas.
My sister is gay. She knows darned well that "her kind" isn't welcome in church.
So most of us probably had a church upbringing, and those of us who no longer attend (and in some cases, have lost the belief) had good reasons, and it's not because we wanted to "sleep in" on Sunday.

But then again, it's a nice perk!

Amen sister!

And to husker's question "do you go to church for other people or for God?" In my experience, most people go to church for other people. To see and to be seen, in order to elevate their standing in the community. Those that go for God are usually the very very young and the very very old. And, since we all agree that God is everywhere, it isn't reay necessary to go to church for God.

huskerbb · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:
JPT wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Sin City Girl wrote:
Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.
Everyone christian struggles to some degree to live the life God wants us to live, but, really, that is sort of the point of church. The righteous don't need church nearly as much as the sinners do. Whether you attend church or not, some of the struggles will be the same. Church reminds us that we are not alone in that struggle and that God will forgive us and carry that burden for us.
I'm glad that is YOUR reality. There are many of us who were not supported in times of need (like when my preschool son was seriously injured and hospitalized, and my mother died, all within a couple of weeks). My mother attended mass regularly,as did our whole family. They volunteered, did everything they were supposed to do. Sadly, on the day of her funeral mass, most of the folks there were not even Catholic, but friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.
I think that's what broke my family from Catholicism. My brothers drifted to the Lutheran church. And even there, my younger brother nearly had a nervous breakdown with all the things they asked of him (he's in a construction related field, and every single thing was put on him). I think he has changed churches twice, and probably only attended once since last Christmas.
My sister is gay. She knows darned well that "her kind" isn't welcome in church.
So most of us probably had a church upbringing, and those of us who no longer attend (and in some cases, have lost the belief) had good reasons, and it's not because we wanted to "sleep in" on Sunday.

But then again, it's a nice perk!
Amen sister!

And to husker's question "do you go to church for other people or for God?" In my experience, most people go to church for other people. To see and to be seen, in order to elevate their standing in the community. Those that go for God are usually the very very young and the very very old. And, since we all agree that God is everywhere, it isn't reay necessary to go to church for God.

that has never been my experience. I think you are looking for the wrong things in church and expecting to get the wrong things out of it.

Also, God commands us to go to church, and while ypu can find God outside of church--very, very few of those people who are staying away from church on Sunday mornings are even looking.

Domestic Engineer · Guru

Ohfour wrote:
Here's the thing... People think I'm a hard ass. I'm NOT. And the Geeks here that know me know that. I love my friends, no matter their religion, sexual orientation, outlook on life. Really, I'm a lover, not a fighter...

And I just have to add, I'm so glad to be able to call you my friend. You've helped me so much since my sister died. Love ya!!

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

huskerbb wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
JPT wrote:
huskerbb wrote:
Sin City Girl wrote:
Interesting question. Last time was Grandma's funeral almost three years ago. I think maybe once since then, but not sure. I grew up going to church and in the beginning took my kids every Sunday. Now I just don't. In my head and heart I know I would be better off if I went back. I feel so out of favor with God it sounds crazy, but I am embarrassed. I know that I live a life that does not honor him, but I don't always want to change it. I am not catholic, but I feel the guilt.

Plus football.
Everyone christian struggles to some degree to live the life God wants us to live, but, really, that is sort of the point of church. The righteous don't need church nearly as much as the sinners do. Whether you attend church or not, some of the struggles will be the same. Church reminds us that we are not alone in that struggle and that God will forgive us and carry that burden for us.
I'm glad that is YOUR reality. There are many of us who were not supported in times of need (like when my preschool son was seriously injured and hospitalized, and my mother died, all within a couple of weeks). My mother attended mass regularly,as did our whole family. They volunteered, did everything they were supposed to do. Sadly, on the day of her funeral mass, most of the folks there were not even Catholic, but friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.
I think that's what broke my family from Catholicism. My brothers drifted to the Lutheran church. And even there, my younger brother nearly had a nervous breakdown with all the things they asked of him (he's in a construction related field, and every single thing was put on him). I think he has changed churches twice, and probably only attended once since last Christmas.
My sister is gay. She knows darned well that "her kind" isn't welcome in church.
So most of us probably had a church upbringing, and those of us who no longer attend (and in some cases, have lost the belief) had good reasons, and it's not because we wanted to "sleep in" on Sunday.

But then again, it's a nice perk!
Amen sister!

And to husker's question "do you go to church for other people or for God?" In my experience, most people go to church for other people. To see and to be seen, in order to elevate their standing in the community. Those that go for God are usually the very very young and the very very old. And, since we all agree that God is everywhere, it isn't reay necessary to go to church for God.
that has never been my experience. I think you are looking for the wrong things in church and expecting to get the wrong things out of it.

Also, God commands us to go to church, and while ypu can find God outside of church--very, very few of those people who are staying away from church on Sunday mornings are even looking.

I fully believe that hasn't been your experience. But it has been mine. The people in church want to be seen, quite a few use church offices as a "resume builder" and a way to network primarily and the church's work is secondary. I have been to some churches where the people would tell you what services to avoid because "no one goes to that one". Well why does it matter if others are there or not?! When I asked why that matters they would say things like "well you want people to know you actually attend right?" Um, no. I don't care what other people think.

WYSIWYG · Guru

Are you going to church for other people, or God? - huskerbb

__________________________

Other people is a reason why I don't go to church anymore. Isn't God everywhere, not just at church? There are many other opportunities to be with Him.

huskerbb · Guru

WYSIWYG wrote:
Are you going to church for other people, or God? - huskerbb

__________________________

Other people is a reason why I don't go to church anymore. Isn't God everywhere, not just at church? There are many other opportunities to be with Him.

God is everywhere--but no one is looking for him. They aren't spending that hour or two on Sundays in prayer or Bible study, or pondering on the spirituality found in nature. They are sleeping in, mowing their lawns, and doing whatever else they would do the rest of the weekend OTHER than anything to do with God.

In short--people can worship anywhere--but they don't.

WYSIWYG · Guru

In short--people can worship anywhere--but they don't. - huskerbb

________________________________

Yes, they can. And I agree that most don't. In my experience the problem is that they don't do so in church either.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

WYSIWYG wrote:
In short--people can worship anywhere--but they don't. - huskerbb

________________________________

Yes, they can. And I agree that most don't. In my experience the problem is that they don't do so in church either.

Bingo!

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
WYSIWYG wrote:
In short--people can worship anywhere--but they don't. - huskerbb

________________________________

Yes, they can. And I agree that most don't. In my experience the problem is that they don't do so in church either.
Bingo!

We have a winner !!!!

huskerbb · Guru

WYSIWYG wrote:
In short--people can worship anywhere--but they don't. - huskerbb

________________________________

Yes, they can. And I agree that most don't. In my experience the problem is that they don't do so in church either.

And that has never been my experience. If that is what you are seeing in church, then I think you are looking for the wrong things.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

There is a book called Jesus > Religion. It talks about how people can be turned off from attending church. I'm also attending a home group that is studying this. It's a good read.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Southern_Belle wrote:
There is a book called Jesus > Religion. It talks about how people can be turned off from attending church. I'm also attending a home group that is studying this. It's a good read.

Thanks, SB.

flan

huskerbb · Guru

While I do agree that sometimes people, and even entire denominations can get too caught up in the "dogma" and ritual of "church"--people, especially those who don't want to go to church--seem to think that Jesus Christ and church are somehow two completely different things. They are not.

Jesus Christ, himself, established his church on earth and gave to his church the power to forgive sins and the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 16:
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven.”

and further, from Ephesians 5:
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Clearly, Christ died for all sinners, individually, who repent of their sins--yet in the Ephesians passage Paul says that Christ died for his "church". Church doesn't mean the physical building--but the community of all believers--but Christ clearly means for believers to meet in his name for a community is not a bunch of individuals scattered about. A community is a bunch of individuals who come together for a common purpose.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

The book isn't meant to justify not attending services. It just puts a lot of perspective on how we are all sinners and that's ok.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

huskerbb wrote:
WYSIWYG wrote:
In short--people can worship anywhere--but they don't. - huskerbb

________________________________

Yes, they can. And I agree that most don't. In my experience the problem is that they don't do so in church either.
And that has never been my experience. If that is what you are seeing in church, then I think you are looking for the wrong things.

Well, that's her experience. And, I would assume she was looking for God and fellowship when she attended church. So, somehow I don't think that is looking for the "wrong things".

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Yes, Christ is the Church and vice versa. But, "church" doesn't necessarily mean the building on 5th avenue. And, as you see in the end times there are plenty of wayward churches.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

It took me a LONG time to find the right church. It was a difficult transition coming out of the Catholic Church. I finally chose a non denominational church that was 2nd cousin to a Baptist church. I do miss a lot of the Catholic traditions and have a hard time accepting everything doesn't have to be blessed by a priest. For once in my adult life I'm going to church every week and loving it. I also serve at church every week.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Southern_Belle wrote:
It took me a LONG time to find the right church. It was a difficult transition coming out of the Catholic Church. I finally chose a non denominational church that was 2nd cousin to a Baptist church. I do miss a lot of the Catholic traditions and have a hard time accepting everything doesn't have to be blessed by a priest. For once in my adult life I'm going to church every week and loving it. I also serve at church every week.

Good for you!

flan

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Here in the south we have a lot of "family" churches. The same families have been running them for 65 years and that's how it's going to be. They refuse to bring any new ideas in and newcomers usually just leave after they see this. The youth just stop going. The churches will die off with the members.

WYSIWYG · Guru

And that has never been my experience. If that is what you are seeing in church, then I think you are looking for the wrong things.
- huskerbb

______________________________

Finding what is there is not the same thing as going there seeking what is found.

In going to churches, I was seeking a place to be with others in getting closer to God. What I found while there was anything but that.

huskerbb · Guru

WYSIWYG wrote:
And that has never been my experience. If that is what you are seeing in church, then I think you are looking for the wrong things.
- huskerbb

______________________________

Finding what is there is not the same thing as going there seeking what is found.

In going to churches, I was seeking a place to be with others in getting closer to God. What I found while there was anything but that.

There's more than one church in the world.

WYSIWYG · Guru

There's more than one church in the world. - huskerbb

______________________________

You must have missed the "s" at the end of the word "churches" when I said "In going to churches, I was seeking a place to be with others in getting closer to God."

I am well aware that there is more than just one church. Thank you for clearing that up for everyone though.