[sesack1]

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.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by sesack1

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.

[graciegirl]

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.

[Villager Joyce]

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

[manaboutown]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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.

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

[PennBF]

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?

[chachacha]

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.

[Villager Joyce]

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

[zonerboy]

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.

[PennBF]

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?

[sunnyatlast]

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


.

[Villager Joyce]

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

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by Villager Joyce

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

[kcrazorbackfan]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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.

[missypie]

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.