Fundamentalist Christian Bible Churches

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know people want to, as a rule, crap all over other people posts on DCUM. But I believe that the OP has made a valid and insightful observation. I've read similar perspectives on the Christian megachurches -- the full-service ones, some even with Starbucks and gyms in them. The focus, in these churches, is personal gratification. It's feel good "religion" from the folks that subscribe to the so called "prosperity gospel." The preachers are "cool" young dudes with highlighted hair and there's a lot of me, me, me there. There's not much concern for others. Most of the people attending are republicans (shocker!) and they only care about themselves. Seems kinda far away from Jesus to me.

OP here: YES, this is exactly what I was trying to say! the focus is all wrong in my opnion.

The focus is supposed to be about maturing your walk with the Lord.
Learning and growing in your understanding of the Word, maturing in your faith.
I am sure there are some large churches that don't do this and some that don't.
And the pp who wrote about what other people's opinon...needs to find out about it for themselves..not go on someone else's opinion.
What is the message of Jesus that you think they are getting away from?
Frankly, I don't believe that every Sunday you should be preaching about how to get saved....you have to mature as a Christian.
You open the doors of the church of course -- have people come for salvation...but that should not be the focus of every sermon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The focus is supposed to be about maturing your walk with the Lord.
Learning and growing in your understanding of the Word, maturing in your faith.
I am sure there are some large churches that don't do this and some that don't.
And the pp who wrote about what other people's opinon...needs to find out about it for themselves..not go on someone else's opinion.
What is the message of Jesus that you think they are getting away from?
Frankly, I don't believe that every Sunday you should be preaching about how to get saved....you have to mature as a Christian.
You open the doors of the church of course -- have people come for salvation...but that should not be the focus of every sermon.

I agree
and that is why I got tired of going to church. Same thing just about every Sunday, and my financial situation changed so I felt guilty about attending without paying

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The focus is supposed to be about maturing your walk with the Lord.
Learning and growing in your understanding of the Word, maturing in your faith.
I am sure there are some large churches that don't do this and some that don't.
And the pp who wrote about what other people's opinon...needs to find out about it for themselves..not go on someone else's opinion.
What is the message of Jesus that you think they are getting away from?
Frankly, I don't believe that every Sunday you should be preaching about how to get saved....you have to mature as a Christian.
You open the doors of the church of course -- have people come for salvation...but that should not be the focus of every sermon.

I agree
and that is why I got tired of going to church. Same thing just about every Sunday, and my financial situation changed so I felt guilty about attending without paying

then find a new church

[Anonymous]

OP, it's simply a question of authority.

Catholics believe Jesus founded his Church with authority, and with a promise that the gates of Hell would not prevail against that legitimate authority. Therefore, we have the unbroken succession of popes and the ongoing authority of the Church in matters of doctrine and faith. Even corruption and heresy and scandal have not destroyed that authority in matters of faith and morals. The Church has seen even darker times than the past few years, by far, yet its teachings stand.

Christian churches began with the rejection of the authority of the Church, and now each denomination--or even each pastor or each individual--is their own absolute authority.

This seems ok at first--we are all decent people, right? But then you plow into a brick wall of moral chaos, and we are back to the problem Jesus came to solve: after the Fall, we were sheep without a shepherd, clouded consciences, trying to listen to God's word written on our hearts, but without the ability to see it clearly. Then the Word became flesh. And the absolute Authority that is God gave us His authority on earth.

Without authority, every church is a social group, nothing more. I would never, ever go to church if it were not the mass, because I go for the Eucharist, not the music or the donuts afterwards. The social stuff is important, but what is essential is the sacramental union with our Lord.

Our Christian brothers and sisters have a lot that is good, as do people of good will everywhere. But the issue of authority is the ultimate issue, and everyone needs to come to a decision about whether or not there is such a thing, and if so, does one submit to it or reject it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, it's simply a question of authority.

Catholics believe Jesus founded his Church with authority, and with a promise that the gates of Hell would not prevail against that legitimate authority. Therefore, we have the unbroken succession of popes and the ongoing authority of the Church in matters of doctrine and faith. Even corruption and heresy and scandal have not destroyed that authority in matters of faith and morals. The Church has seen even darker times than the past few years, by far, yet its teachings stand.

Christian churches began with the rejection of the authority of the Church, and now each denomination--or even each pastor or each individual--is their own absolute authority.

This seems ok at first--we are all decent people, right? But then you plow into a brick wall of moral chaos, and we are back to the problem Jesus came to solve: after the Fall, we were sheep without a shepherd, clouded consciences, trying to listen to God's word written on our hearts, but without the ability to see it clearly. Then the Word became flesh. And the absolute Authority that is God gave us His authority on earth.

Without authority, every church is a social group, nothing more. I would never, ever go to church if it were not the mass, because I go for the Eucharist, not the music or the donuts afterwards. The social stuff is important, but what is essential is the sacramental union with our Lord.

Our Christian brothers and sisters have a lot that is good, as do people of good will everywhere. But the issue of authority is the ultimate issue, and everyone needs to come to a decision about whether or not there is such a thing, and if so, does one submit to it or reject it?

Woooooooo
So Pooes and Priests are infallible?
We all have acess to God thru Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.
The Church is the Body of Christ, which is us as Christians as a whole.
It is not some organization.
Christuan churches have communion, just not every service.
I am sorry, but what you are saying is just scriptural.
It is about what the Word says, you are to study and learn it "In Spirit and in Truth".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, it's simply a question of authority.

Catholics believe Jesus founded his Church with authority, and with a promise that the gates of Hell would not prevail against that legitimate authority. Therefore, we have the unbroken succession of popes and the ongoing authority of the Church in matters of doctrine and faith. Even corruption and heresy and scandal have not destroyed that authority in matters of faith and morals. The Church has seen even darker times than the past few years, by far, yet its teachings stand.

Christian churches began with the rejection of the authority of the Church, and now each denomination--or even each pastor or each individual--is their own absolute authority.

This seems ok at first--we are all decent people, right? But then you plow into a brick wall of moral chaos, and we are back to the problem Jesus came to solve: after the Fall, we were sheep without a shepherd, clouded consciences, trying to listen to God's word written on our hearts, but without the ability to see it clearly. Then the Word became flesh. And the absolute Authority that is God gave us His authority on earth.

Without authority, every church is a social group, nothing more. I would never, ever go to church if it were not the mass, because I go for the Eucharist, not the music or the donuts afterwards. The social stuff is important, but what is essential is the sacramental union with our Lord.

Our Christian brothers and sisters have a lot that is good, as do people of good will everywhere. But the issue of authority is the ultimate issue, and everyone needs to come to a decision about whether or not there is such a thing, and if so, does one submit to it or reject it?

Woooooooo
So Pooes and Priests are infallible?
We all have acess to God thru Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.
The Church is the Body of Christ, which is us as Christians as a whole.
It is not some organization.
Christuan churches have communion, just not every service.
I am sorry, but what you are saying is just scriptural.
It is about what the Word says, you are to study and learn it "In Spirit and in Truth".

I meant to say that what the first pp was saying was NOT scriptural.
In addition, the church I go to and others I know of the oastors Emphasize that God is the final authority in the Church.
We

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know people want to, as a rule, crap all over other people posts on DCUM. But I believe that the OP has made a valid and insightful observation. I've read similar perspectives on the Christian megachurches -- the full-service ones, some even with Starbucks and gyms in them. The focus, in these churches, is personal gratification. It's feel good "religion" from the folks that subscribe to the so called "prosperity gospel." The preachers are "cool" young dudes with highlighted hair and there's a lot of me, me, me there. There's not much concern for others. Most of the people attending are republicans (shocker!) and they only care about themselves. Seems kinda far away from Jesus to me.



Then don't join their church! Live and let live. They have no effect whatsoever on your life.

Oh, but they do when they try to get politicians elected who will advance their sexist, homophobic agenda on the rest of us.

I'd be more than happy to live and let live as soon as they do the same and stay out of my life.

Separation of church and state. Not just a bumper sticker.

[Anonymous]

PP - Here in lies the rub, as smaller demographic groups have become increasingly angry they have also become more exclusive. This phenomen is forcing formally christian-light individuals to gravitate towards larger churches that can provide spiritualism and an accepting social setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know people want to, as a rule, crap all over other people posts on DCUM. But I believe that the OP has made a valid and insightful observation. I've read similar perspectives on the Christian megachurches -- the full-service ones, some even with Starbucks and gyms in them. The focus, in these churches, is personal gratification. It's feel good "religion" from the folks that subscribe to the so called "prosperity gospel." The preachers are "cool" young dudes with highlighted hair and there's a lot of me, me, me there. There's not much concern for others. Most of the people attending are republicans (shocker!) and they only care about themselves. Seems kinda far away from Jesus to me.

Then don't join their church! Live and let live. They have no effect whatsoever on your life.

I'm wondering if you extend your "live and let live" philosophy to gay marriage? Abortion? Or is it useful only when someone's unpleasant insights are directed at you and yours?

To put it in terms you (perhaps) will understand: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know people want to, as a rule, crap all over other people posts on DCUM. But I believe that the OP has made a valid and insightful observation. I've read similar perspectives on the Christian megachurches -- the full-service ones, some even with Starbucks and gyms in them. The focus, in these churches, is personal gratification. It's feel good "religion" from the folks that subscribe to the so called "prosperity gospel." The preachers are "cool" young dudes with highlighted hair and there's a lot of me, me, me there. There's not much concern for others. Most of the people attending are republicans (shocker!) and they only care about themselves. Seems kinda far away from Jesus to me.

Then don't join their church! Live and let live. They have no effect whatsoever on your life.

I'm wondering if you extend your "live and let live" philosophy to gay marriage? Abortion? Or is it useful only when someone's unpleasant insights are directed at you and yours?

To put it in terms you (perhaps) will understand: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Do you extend your "live and let live" philosophy in all aspects of life? I doubt it. We all have some sort of belief or disbelief system that affects our opinions and values.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know people want to, as a rule, crap all over other people posts on DCUM. But I believe that the OP has made a valid and insightful observation. I've read similar perspectives on the Christian megachurches -- the full-service ones, some even with Starbucks and gyms in them. The focus, in these churches, is personal gratification. It's feel good "religion" from the folks that subscribe to the so called "prosperity gospel." The preachers are "cool" young dudes with highlighted hair and there's a lot of me, me, me there. There's not much concern for others. Most of the people attending are republicans (shocker!) and they only care about themselves. Seems kinda far away from Jesus to me.

Then don't join their church! Live and let live. They have no effect whatsoever on your life.

I'm wondering if you extend your "live and let live" philosophy to gay marriage? Abortion? Or is it useful only when someone's unpleasant insights are directed at you and yours?

To put it in terms you (perhaps) will understand: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Do you extend your "live and let live" philosophy in all aspects of life? I doubt it. We all have some sort of belief or disbelief system that affects our opinions and values.

I don't profess to have a live and let live philosophy. I may be a meddlesome busybody, but I'm not a hypocrite about it.

[Anonymous]

IME none of the churches I know focus enough on charity. Catholic or otherwise. They certainly donate a lot to politics. Why not spend that money on single mothers in need instead? Put the money where the mouthpiece is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, it's simply a question of authority.

Catholics believe Jesus founded his Church with authority, and with a promise that the gates of Hell would not prevail against that legitimate authority. Therefore, we have the unbroken succession of popes and the ongoing authority of the Church in matters of doctrine and faith. Even corruption and heresy and scandal have not destroyed that authority in matters of faith and morals. The Church has seen even darker times than the past few years, by far, yet its teachings stand.

Christian churches began with the rejection of the authority of the Church, and now each denomination--or even each pastor or each individual--is their own absolute authority.

This seems ok at first--we are all decent people, right? But then you plow into a brick wall of moral chaos, and we are back to the problem Jesus came to solve: after the Fall, we were sheep without a shepherd, clouded consciences, trying to listen to God's word written on our hearts, but without the ability to see it clearly. Then the Word became flesh. And the absolute Authority that is God gave us His authority on earth.

Without authority, every church is a social group, nothing more. I would never, ever go to church if it were not the mass, because I go for the Eucharist, not the music or the donuts afterwards. The social stuff is important, but what is essential is the sacramental union with our Lord.

Our Christian brothers and sisters have a lot that is good, as do people of good will everywhere. But the issue of authority is the ultimate issue, and everyone needs to come to a decision about whether or not there is such a thing, and if so, does one submit to it or reject it?

Oh, so the Pope has been around since Jesus. That's funny because I thought the church came much later and without the blessing of Jesus who didn't want to be worshipped and warmed against worshipping false idols (the Pope).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IME none of the churches I know focus enough on charity. Catholic or otherwise. They certainly donate a lot to politics. Why not spend that money on single mothers in need instead? Put the money where the mouthpiece is.

You must be kidding! Ever hear of Catholic Charities?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know people want to, as a rule, crap all over other people posts on DCUM. But I believe that the OP has made a valid and insightful observation. I've read similar perspectives on the Christian megachurches -- the full-service ones, some even with Starbucks and gyms in them. The focus, in these churches, is personal gratification. It's feel good "religion" from the folks that subscribe to the so called "prosperity gospel." The preachers are "cool" young dudes with highlighted hair and there's a lot of me, me, me there. There's not much concern for others. Most of the people attending are republicans (shocker!) and they only care about themselves. Seems kinda far away from Jesus to me.

Then don't join their church! Live and let live. They have no effect whatsoever on your life.

I'm wondering if you extend your "live and let live" philosophy to gay marriage? Abortion? Or is it useful only when someone's unpleasant insights are directed at you and yours?

To put it in terms you (perhaps) will understand: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

I am the "live and let live" poster you refer to. I am an atheist and a liberal. I believe in gay marriage and I am pro-choice. Therefore, you are completely wrong in your assumption. I truly do have a live and let live attitude toward the fundamentalists because I disagree with them on everything, yet I support their right to have any sort of church they want as long as they don't break the law. They also have the right to try to get politicians elected that support their causes. Why are you so afraid of living in a free society where not everyone agrees with you? Being offended by the repellent views of others is the small price we pay for a free society. This idea that the christian right has an enormous influence over the future of country is silly. The 80's are over. Demographics are not on their side. If you are so worried, you should do the same thing that they do and try to get your own candidates elected. That is how a democratic republic works. Based on your incorrect assumptions about me, you seem to be as judgmental and close-minded as the fundamentalists are.