church article
 

I read the article in the paper about how people choose a church and neither the pastors nor the people looking for a church mentioned the only reason for going to church. The only reason for choosing a church is the doctrine of the church and does it teach the word of God in its truth and purity. The church is not a social club and you do not follow the pastor, you follow the word of God.

I agree and my requirement is that a church must be bible based. This is what I found at the Chapel of Faith here in the Villages.

There is a thing here in this United States called THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION.

We are allowed to choose a church that suits us.

We are allowed to attend or not attend.

For me, the Bible readings and sermon must satisfy my Christian needs or I will come up with excuses not to go.

:clap2:

In current informal parlance, "Different strokes for different folks".

Logical
 

There is a great book out titled, "The Believing Brain" Author is Michael Shemer. It brings forth the theory that first a person decides what he wants to believe and then goes through the process of proving what he/she already believes. It is much more intense than this description but this provides a very brief idea of its contents. I was raised in the Parsonage and my mother would tell us we are what we are because we were raised that way. She was wise beyond her years. Who has actually studied the difference between a Methodist and Presbyterian? How many have actually studied all the religions and then decided on the one they dedicate their belief to? I would submit that in the majority cases the above theory is true. Once a Minister is given a church probably 99% accept his/her sermons, etc and a very few actually leave the church for another church. The ones that do most likely have a basic conflict with the Minister and in the process of changes churches pick a different religion? Just some opinions?:ho:

As a Catholic i do not have to go around searching for a church i like. as a teen i did study the tenets of many world religions and determined i believed as a Catholic. so no matter if the priest is a great orator or the music is entertaining (fortunately locally both are true) i go to church to receive the Body and Blood of Christ and to share community with my fellow believers. as they say "Bloom where you're planted!" I am at home all over the world when i enter into a Catholic church and attend Mass in any language.

I certainly believe the doctrines of my church, as well. That doesn't mean every pastor in my denomination is going to hit a home room. I'm glad there is freedom to attend where we wish, or not

As a Christian of the Roman Catholic variety, I recognize that there are a very few common beliefs that bind all Christians together. However, God's Word, or God's Truth as found in the gospels and other Biblical scriptures requires interpretation and understanding. This is why there are hundreds of differing denominations all claiming to be Christian and all claiming to be following the word of God. It is because we are human beings, not gods. And as human beings we make mistakes.

Just Of Interest
 

Just of interest is how many have the same religion as their parents? Using 3 basic categories, Catholic, Protestant, or of the Jew Faith? How many have moved to a different faith? If the same as the parent and studied that faith
it sort of confirms the theory that first accepting the faith and then going about proving to ones self they are right, (e.g. first belief then proving belief as opposed to first studying then accepting?).
Just to point out this is not restricted to religion but covers a spectrum of
life. Kind of mind stimulating?:ho:

It's perplexing to see the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers' heart-soul-mind ignored.

Ephesians 2:

17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 3

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage...02&version=NIV

Catholic Bible:
scripture


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I wish I had remembered: don't discuss politics or religion with family or friends

1. In my family we were required to discuss religion and politics with the caveat that you had to support your opinion with a reasonable rationale. what you didn't want to discuss in our family were family recipes that would get you in a really heated debate especially on the best recipe for pasta sauce

2. On a personal note I believe folks are drawn to a church/parish that fits their personality. I prefer quiet intimate moments reflection prayer vis a vis a folk mass or some rock and rolling service.

3. I am glad that there are many options open to people of faith because what is more concerting to me is that we are becoming a secular nation and a secular nation will replace God with government or some other idol


4. There is a direct attack on Christians in this country and around the world because they know that Christians respect traditional values and understand the importance and necessity of the moral imperative.

so please celebrate your Christianity

:BigApplause: :agree:

Very well said Rubicon.

What I am not crazy about is the folks that come to your door, ring the bell and hand you a pamphlet. I was told that unless you are one of them, you are lost. I was also approached at a family pool. I know they are not solicitors, but I still feel like I'm being sold a bag of goods.

missypie: Agree but one thing you can say about those door bell ringers they are committed to their belief.

I had a terrible medical mishap and was in the hospital for many days some years back. A nurse approached me and asked if she could lay hands on me and pray. Its not my thing but it seemed important to her so she did and I thanked her.

I believe having faith in God is what keeps this world of ours from coming totally apart Yes there are people who in the name of God do bad things and people point to this to denounce religion but it is a strawman argument

So true, so true.

I didn't change my faith in Christianity but I have spent years both in seminary and outside of it trying to understand differing world religions. The Mystics in differing groups have no problem understanding each other while in many cases fundamentalists of one faith group war on against another. We have seen it in Some Christian groups irregardless of familiarity of "judge not! And put on the mind of Christ". My beliefs have changed since childhood, how could they not as Christianity is a deepening process. You understand at one level then if you stay with it, you get a glimpse of something deeper, something richer unlike rigid doctrines. I very much appreciate Christianity and my evolving relationship with Christ but I don't believe in churchianity per se. Does this answer the question?

why people choose a particular denomination or congregation to attend is as varied as why they choose a restaurant or a movie. we all have different tastes and needs and likes and dislikes.

I was raised Church of Christ, attended protestant chapel, played organ for a catholic church, became a southern Baptist, joined a fundamental Christian Church and presently do not attend church at all. I am open minded....i believe religion is very personal....and i try very hard to be non judgmental toward others.

why you choose to attend a church is quite frankly none of my business....and why i choose not to attend one is quite frankly none of yours.

My parents are extremely narrow minded, and judgmental and it sticks in my craw every time i hear them condemn someone who believes differently than they do. I can quote scripture and verse to prove my points just as well as they can....so what?

I am a person that believes that as long as what you do does not infringe on my rights...I don't care what you do....i expect the same courtesy from you.

I, too, think that religion and attending services at church is every bodies own decision. I do not discuss it in family or with friends. And????? I try to remember (just kidding) where I heard or read it:
"One nation under God.---- In God we trust" I would say it is very clear to each one's own to find out the right way.

To each their own in choosing a church, synagogue, temple, or whatever, but in my mind a religion is a basic belief which guides and effects your life, while a "church" is just a business.

The OP is talking about how people choose a church, he goes on to state how he thinks that should be done. The OP does not attempt to tell anyone how they should make their choices.

The OP also does not attempt to tell anyone which religion to choose.

Its not clear why you think the OP is attacking Freedom of Religion

Really?
"The only reason for choosing a church is the doctrine of the church and does it teach the word of God in its truth and purity. The church is not a social club and you do not follow the pastor, you follow the word of God."
Sure sounds like the OP is attempting to tell everyone the requirements of choosing a church.

I don't see any words like, "this is the only valid method" or "any other method is invalid". Its just a clear statement about his method.

Telling someone how it should be done when choosing a church is clearly telling someone how it should be done.

One may believe that the Bible alone can guide you and another will choose a church based on tradition with the Bibles teaching secondary to it's tenants of unbroken order back to the time of Christ. AND some may join the community of God for almost entirely social reasons. We can think any of these are right or wrong but the law of the land says we can choose to do what we think is right. Some may be only associated with an ethnic group and never attend Temple. These all are rights guaranteed to us by our Constitution..

But I am not offended. I think people are far better for having faith in God, but if they have none, perhaps God hasn't given it to them, or they are in a dark night of the soul or they are not searchers. Where they are in their journey is their personal business. And where I am is my personal business and that is what Freedom of Religion is. Some may think that seeking religion is pointless, and they are guaranteed not to be persecuted for that either.

It is not likely that one can change another's mind about religion by talking or typing. Occasionally one can change another's mind about religion by living an exemplary and caring life and never once saying the name of God or how to worship Him..

If I ever choose a church or religious group; I am intrigued with the ones that use a lot of tambourines. What a cool instrument, easy to take with you anywhere! I would be bored just wearing odd clothes and handing out flowers at airports and such, the tambourine, or maybe even a cow bell, would definitely liven things up.

I wouldn't mind being the leader (Pastor, Preacher, Minister, etc) and have everyone give me money, a place to live, and maybe a fancy car. I enjoy "making sweet love" to my wife, so I definitely would not be interested in any Catholic Father position (plus my Spanish is not so good)!

I could try to modernize the experience with a drive thru sermon (you could go thru any day, anytime you had a need!), just throw the money in the basket before you drive off.

Amazing
 

It is amazing that only one appeared to understand the note I sent in. IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH A PERSON'S RELIGION OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE.
It was testing a theory put forth by the book "The Believing Brain". This applies to almost every corner of a person's life and the various religion choices were only examples as to how it may/does apply. It could just as well be how a person chooses his or her car, doctor, village to live in, and many etc. It appears most of the readers did not understand the underlying question/theory and wanted to use the question to defend, discuss or pass on religious messages which did not belong in a response as they are not related to the original question.
I was amazed at the unrelated responses and their being inappropriate to the question. :ohdear:

... or personal finances. With anybody. That's how we were brought up. Otherwise I would be saying something on this thread.

I will say, my personal faith is nobody else's business. Nor is anyone's faith any of my business.

But Gracie said everything that needs to be said on the subject, IMO.

Re Focus
 

Lets refocus. The question was do you accept the theory that people first decide what they want to believe and then go about tying to prove their belief as opposed to first studying all aspects and then deciding on a belief? NOTICE: This does not refer to a religion, or your religious views. It addresses the more broad question of the development of all beliefs. Hopefully this will not be used as a soapbox to voice anything to do with religion. I guess I should not have used religion as an example of "beliefs". This was only an example and not meant to enter into a discussion on any religion. I should have used "cars". I hope this refocus the point away from anything to do with religion and back to the basic question!!:ohdear:

I would guess that most people don't know the answer to your question.

Madison Avenue studies why we choose what we choose a lot.

There are all kinds of marketing classes and textbooks that address the same issue.

Study
 

Going back to the original note. There is a book "The Believing Brain" being written by a very respected researcher and as mentioned in prior notes the question is raised regarding the theory that first a person decides what they
believe and then proceed to build support for that belief. . The book is meant to raise some interest in the subject and stimulate the brain to consider the theory. I guess the note was to pass on the question to readers and not to try to get a specific answer nor proposing anyone accept the theory. It is clear that most readers did and do not understand the purpose behind the note and misunderstood it as a means of trying to convince rather than stimulating thought.:ohdear:

You seem to be trying to abscond with Sesack1's original thread.

What faith is that?
 

[QUOTE=PennBF;1073732]Just of interest is how many have the same religion as their parents? Using 3 basic categories, Catholic, Protestant, or of the Jew Faith?

Is "Jew faith" a typo on your part? It's Judaism. And there are almost as many varieties of it as there are Chrisitian sects. Debating religion, like politics, is pointless. People believe what they believe and nothing, save for death, can change their minds.

That goes for the non-believers, too.

People with no religious affiliation make up the third-largest global group in a new study of the size of the world's faiths, placing after Christians and Muslims and just before Hindus. Incidentally, Hindus believe there are 330 million gods. Must be damned hard for them to pick a church to join. :undecided:

"There is a great book out titled, "The Believing Brain" Author is Michael Shemer. It brings forth the theory that first a person decides what he wants to believe and then goes through the process of proving what he/she already believes."

Nice theory to write a book on. It all boils down to the extent to which an individual is "intellectually honest." We all fall on a different place on that continuum . . . so the theory applies more for some than for others. In other words, you can't put everybody in that box.

The church one goes to doesn't matter as much as one's relationship with God. A church's primary significance pertains to the extent that it enhances that relationship. Other benefits are nice, but not of any eternal significance.

Also, although there are many churches and many religions . . . and everybody can believe what they want to and have their own truth . . . the fact is, there is only ONE TRUTH (by definition).

You should not be amazed, posters often only respond to questions they want to be asked, not those that are asked. I don't think it is a matter of reading comprehension, although, maybe in some cases. Maybe they just don't care what the question was, but they do care about their answer. This might be a good subject of another book!!

Last Note
 

This is the last note I will send on this subject. I continue to be amazed as to how many want to argue or be offended by positive thoughts. Is it just because of anger? I am not sure. Regarding the question of "hijacking" the subject. My intent was just the opposite. It was to provide some intellectual thinking as to the considerations for the basis for choices. On that I failed and should withdraw and allow the discussion to proceed by the ones who have and continue to want to have a more specific discussion on religion(s). I agree and subscribe to the individual who said to avoid discussions on Politics and Religion. He/She was certaintly correct. Had I thought I was getting into a "Religious" discussion I
would have honestly avoided that path. I would ask that my input to this grouping be totally disregarded as it will not be a value add to your religious discussions. It was meant to be much more broad and not religious in any way:popcorn:

PennBF, i believe the original post, not your later question, was what people were responding to, which is as it should be...the original post gave a direct opinion on why anyone should or would choose a church. thus the ensuing replies. as to how our brains coddle us into believing that which we want to believe, that probably has quite a bit of merit in most cases. :)

///

[quote=alwann;1074146]Alwann - good post.
I have no interest in knowing anyone's religious beliefs. I think it's a very private matter.
I'd like to think that we all try our best to simply follow the Golden Rule.