Originally posted by RBerman
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Discussion on matters of general mainstream Christian churches. What are the differences between Catholics and protestants? How has the charismatic movement affected the church? Are Southern baptists different from fundamentalist baptists? It is also for discussions about the nature of the church.
This forum is primarily for Christians to discuss matters of Christian doctrine, and is not the area for debate between atheists (or those opposing orthodox Christianity) and theists. Inquiring atheists (or sincere seekers/doubters/unorthodox) seeking only Christian participation and having demonstrated a manner that does not seek to undermine the orthodox Christian faith of others are also welcome, but must seek Moderator permission first. When defining “Christian” for purposes of this section, we mean persons holding to the core essentials of the historic Christian faith such as the Trinity, the Creatorship of God, the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection of Christ, the atonement, the future bodily return of Christ, the future bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, and the final judgment. Persons not holding to these core doctrines are welcome to participate in the Comparative Religions section without restriction, in Theology 201 as regards to the nature of God and salvation with limited restrictions, and in Christology for issues surrounding the person of Christ and the Trinity. Atheists are welcome to discuss and debate these issues in the Apologetics 301 forum without such restrictions. Additionally, there may be some topics that within the Moderator's discretion fall so outside the bounds of mainstream orthodox doctrine that may be more appropriately placed within Comparative Religions 101.
Forum Rules: Here
This forum is primarily for Christians to discuss matters of Christian doctrine, and is not the area for debate between atheists (or those opposing orthodox Christianity) and theists. Inquiring atheists (or sincere seekers/doubters/unorthodox) seeking only Christian participation and having demonstrated a manner that does not seek to undermine the orthodox Christian faith of others are also welcome, but must seek Moderator permission first. When defining “Christian” for purposes of this section, we mean persons holding to the core essentials of the historic Christian faith such as the Trinity, the Creatorship of God, the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection of Christ, the atonement, the future bodily return of Christ, the future bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, and the final judgment. Persons not holding to these core doctrines are welcome to participate in the Comparative Religions section without restriction, in Theology 201 as regards to the nature of God and salvation with limited restrictions, and in Christology for issues surrounding the person of Christ and the Trinity. Atheists are welcome to discuss and debate these issues in the Apologetics 301 forum without such restrictions. Additionally, there may be some topics that within the Moderator's discretion fall so outside the bounds of mainstream orthodox doctrine that may be more appropriately placed within Comparative Religions 101.
Forum Rules: Here
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WHY do you go to Church?
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Originally posted by RBerman View PostWhen someone says, "There are no good churches, so I don't go," in most places in North America that would reflect poorly on the speaker rather than the community. There may well be exceptions. But typically, when someone comes to my church with terrible stories about how bad all the other churches are, more likely than not they'll be telling bad stories about my church too somewhere else, next year.
On the OTHER hand, it has been the case numerous times that somebody is coming because they want to SERVE, and there was no place where they were formerly attending. Sometimes we get our committees and policies and procedures and polity all "locked down", and there's no room for "outsiders".
I like what Blackaby says --- (paraphrased) if you want to see where God is leading your Church, look at the people He is drawing to your Church, and their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities, because he is equipping your Church to be what He wants your Church to be.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
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Originally posted by Cow Poke View PostWe really do need that Amen button.
"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
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Originally posted by Cow Poke View PostPlease read your post over again, TM.... it really sounds quite bitter. I'm wondering if I have done something to you, or caused you to be angry at me.
Its another reason I don't want to go to church. I don't want to dump all this over some church that hasn't done anything. Certainly most pastors I've known aren't equipped to deal with this. For better or worse, I'm waiting out winter and then will try again.
By the way, if you wish to continue this discussion, could we go PM?"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
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Originally posted by RBerman View Post
When someone says, "There are no good churches, so I don't go," in most places in North America that would reflect poorly on the speaker rather than the community. There may well be exceptions. But typically, when someone comes to my church with terrible stories about how bad all the other churches are, more likely than not they'll be telling bad stories about my church too somewhere else, next year."For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
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Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View PostI'm not angry with you. The post hit my hot button not you. My apologizies for overacting and not thinking twice (or thrice) before posting.
Its another reason I don't want to go to church. I don't want to dump all this over some church that hasn't done anything. Certainly most pastors I've known aren't equipped to deal with this. For better or worse, I'm waiting out winter and then will try again.
By the way, if you wish to continue this discussion, could we go PM?The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
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Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View PostThanks for the thoughtful response. Did you see this article: http://www.americanbible.org/feature...-minded-cities. In my case, I think geography does make a difference. I see you live near rankings: 1, 2, 10, and 13. I live in ranking 83 and near 85; 95; and 99 (out of 100).
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Question: Why do you go to church?
Answer: For the Triscuits and Welch's.For Neo-Remonstration (Arminian/Remonstrant ruminations): <https://theremonstrant.blogspot.com>
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Originally posted by Cerebrum123 View PostYou are in the distinct minority.
On church, I go because I believe in the New Testament and that's what I see from beginning to end - a congregation of believers. It's nothing but churches and Christian community. It's easy to hold a grudge or get upset over first world problems, but that all comes with the territory. Many of them would go away if the church was persecuted. Those who don't really belong would leave and that would be the end of it. I'm not asking for persecution though, I'd rather have these problems and not have to fear arrest or death. In conclusion, being a part of a church is what Jesus wants, and he set the example of maintaining community despite friction and conflict.
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