Check out this poll. Reason #2 is pretty eye opening for some.

[Bagel and Creamcheese]

https://www.axios.com/2023/05/16/rising-number-americans-switch-religions

 

[Bagel and Creamcheese]

#fakenews
#Dominionmachines
#leftiewebsite

 

[Dan Gleesak]

pretty interesting polls. I was raised in an Episcopalian Church. My mom taught sunday school and I went to services on sundays. I enjoyed my time there but mostly stopped going when I got in to my teenage years. Even then, 20+ years ago the Rector (damn near killed her) of the church was a gay man. Everyone knew he was gay but no one really cared, so it was surprising to me as I got older to see how gays were viewed by other religions and churches across the country. My mom eventually left the church because she didn't get along with some of the newer people in charge after the rector moved on to another church.

I find the polls interesting because I've always viewed a church's strength by the community it keeps. Years ago it served an important purpose because it gave people a reason to congregate. Everyone has varying levels of how strictly they adhere to the "teachings" of each religion, but at the core I still believe it's greatest strength is the ability to bring people together. Modern times now have a near unlimited amount of opportunities for people to "congregate" and many churches are being left behind.

I view "religion" as a personal journey, while the "church" is for the congregation. People don't need churches the way they use to for practicing their religion.
Of course churches do not have to change their ways, however it's clear that many will have to change their ways a bit if they want to keep people interested.

 

[Bagel and Creamcheese]

pretty interesting polls. I was raised in an Episcopalian Church. My mom taught sunday school and I went to services on sundays. I enjoyed my time there but mostly stopped going when I got in to my teenage years. Even then, 20+ years ago the Rector (damn near killed her) of the church was a gay man. Everyone knew he was gay but no one really cared, so it was surprising to me as I got older to see how gays were viewed by other religions and churches across the country. My mom eventually left the church because she didn't get along with some of the newer people in charge after the rector moved on to another church.

I find the polls interesting because I've always viewed a church's strength by the community it keeps. Years ago it served an important purpose because it gave people a reason to congregate. Everyone has varying levels of how strictly they adhere to the "teachings" of each religion, but at the core I still believe it's greatest strength is the ability to bring people together. Modern times now have a near unlimited amount of opportunities for people to "congregate" and many churches are being left behind.

I view "religion" as a personal journey, while the "church" is for the congregation. People don't need churches the way they use to for practicing their religion.
Of course churches do not have to change their ways, however it's clear that many will have to change their ways a bit if they want to keep people interested.

Great post Dan.

Along the same lines, I used to say "It's not religion I hate, it's the church".

 

[Strandberg Junkie]

Of course churches do not have to change their ways, however it's clear that many will have to change their ways a bit if they want to keep people interested.

It's sad that many church leaders are going about it like politicians - adjusting their sermons
towards what their flock wants to hear rather than what the bible teaches.

 

[Dan Gleesak]

Great post Dan.

Along the same lines, I used to say "It's not religion I hate, it's the church".

Not to belittle the deeper meanings of religion, or to diminish the role a church i.e. a house of God plays in a religion…

BUT I see church kind of like an open mic blues jam. Everyone is there because they all love the same thing, music. But each person has different understandings and interpretations of how music should be played. Whoever is hosting the jam needs to lead the players enough to put together a cohesive jam, but also let them learn what works and does not work through personal experiences and breakthroughs.

 

[Bagel and Creamcheese]

Not to belittle the deeper meanings of religion, or to diminish the role a church i.e. a house of God plays in a religion…

BUT I see church kind of like an open mic blues jam. Everyone is there because they all love the same thing, music. But each person has different understandings and interpretations of how music should be played. Whoever is hosting the jam needs to lead the players enough to put together a cohesive jam, but also let them learn what works and does not work through personal experiences and breakthroughs.

Good analogy. It's the belittling and backstabbing between musicians scrambling for the most meager of gigs that ruins it...just like in a church.

A pro I know once said it best. "The infighting wouldn't be so vicious if the stakes weren't so small".

 

[Strandberg Junkie]

@Aynirar27

You got your A game going today man!
I'm saving your last two posts and quoting that shit as my own every chance I get.

 

[Dan Gleesak]

@Aynirar27

You got your A game going today man!
I'm saving your last two posts and quoting that shit as my own every chance I get.

It's been a shit week for me but I woke up today feeling pretty good. Clear head.
work is kicking my butt and my daughter broke her arm monday so it's been hectic. Today feels like it's evening out a bit.