How can we get back to what Christianity really means, rather than letting culture dictate it? The Church is getting too caught up in catering to people and sidestepping the truth inorder to boost numbers. We've created a "Have it your way" system.
2006-08-01 10:29:09 · 17 answers · asked by mycathisses 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
McChurch=A church where people pick and choose, a place that is all about you and continues to appear less and less like Christ.
2006-08-01 10:34:55 · update #1
ahhhhhhhhhhh... I've heard it called "cafeteria style Christianity."
On one hand, I agree that in many ways the church doesn't hold fast to its truths. But at the same time, I think with the wealth of new information and perspective we have gained by the progress of the last 100 years or so, Christianity needs to re-examine its doctrines. This doesn't mean that suddenly things are all okay. It involves a long, hard, and serious methodology of exploring exactly what doctrines say, WHY they say that, and if our new prespective has any bearing on that rationale. Remember, the Church denounced science not so long ago.
Culture plays a huge part of the daily living of Jesus' calling, but as some modern (or should I say, post-modern) cultures are very mercurial, they should not dictate the doctrines of Christianity. But if we don't continue to question and doubt and learn and explore our faith and beliefs, our religion is dead.
2006-08-01 10:43:43 · answer #1 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm also confused about what a McChurch is. However, I agree with the essence of your feelings. The Bible does tell us in the last days people will be wanting to hear things that 'tickle their ears' rather than the truth. John the Baptist was beheaded because he spoke out against Herodias and Herod's immorality. Unfortunately too many in the churches would stay away unless they were told what they want to hear.
2006-08-01 17:40:09 · answer #2 · answered by Heidi 4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christ warned his disciples that they would not be popular, and that we should love the praise of God more than the praise of men. The church should never water down the truth to boost numbers.
On the other hand, what is wrong with playing contemporary music, if that attracts people? The Bible seems to allow some room for individual expression in worship styles. If it is not sinful, then what is wrong with being different?
2006-08-01 17:34:49 · answer #3 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People pick and choose and its not just today it has been going on for centuries. Once people where allowed to read the Bible for themselves, they started breaking into groups or *denominations* where people picked and chose what parts of scriptures they liked best and looked away from the ones they didnt (some even wrote their on pseudo bibles that left out specific verses or phrases because they didnt like what is said)
Now the only thing we can do is say to ourselves personally "Im going to take the Bible at it's word, if I dont like what it says, I can't change it so I have to live with it" and learn not to lean on our own understandings. If something doesn't make sense, don't twist it until it does just admit you don't understand it and trust God knows what He meant.
2006-08-01 17:41:16 · answer #4 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a church that teaches the bible. I'm not worried about churches that don't....I can't stop a church from bending God's word to suit the culture of the day. That's not my job anyway. God will be the judge of those churches. Calvary Chapel is faithful to God's word. That is a true bible-teaching church. They are not alone, there are others.
2006-08-01 17:48:21 · answer #5 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very good question, unfortunately the church is made up of people, people still make mistakes even though they are trying to serve God. Prayer is the key, in every thing you do. Pray for direction and understanding and He will guide you. Some people dont pray anymore. Its hard to keep the world out of church when what you are taking in is worldly people. But we have to all be in agreement, Its all about serving God!
2006-08-01 17:38:03 · answer #6 · answered by 777 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have raised an EXCELLENT point here. I do attend one of those McChurches (only 500 people), but the reason that this church grows is that it does try to reach out to people. For instance, when I was having problems, people in this congregation reached out to me.
But I do agree with you on the point that we need to get back to sound Bible teachings. So many churches fail to do this nowadays.
2006-08-01 18:11:05 · answer #7 · answered by Searcher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question... Christianity is supposed to be about a relationship with Christ not about things we do... The focus should be turned back to quality relationships... with Christ and with others...
We've come to focus on how we "do" Christianity rather than who we are Christians for and what it's about... pretty sad really...
I think one way to get back is to lead by example... we need to start doing what we are supposed to do... easier said than done though... A lot to think about...
Another way is to raise awareness such as you are doing with your question... Keep up the good work
2006-08-01 18:01:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you are very right about that. People get plenty of "culture" without needing it from church. Church should bring you away from popular culture and make you more grounded in what's really important.
2006-08-01 17:34:25 · answer #9 · answered by SeraMcKay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We were warned about this:
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Sound familiar?
2006-08-01 17:42:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋