Do you think the strictness(if thats a word) of religion is what drives alot of people from church?

Question

Ok, for example: I knew this guy who believed in God but he didn't really practice religion or attend services or anything. He was a drugatic and an alcoholic and got put into a rehab center by his parents (he was only 17) and the court that was a christian rehab center. But when he got there, they wanted him to give up everything that wasn't worshipping God, music for example. Now, he loved music more than anything...The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Tom Petty and so on. He played guitar and wrote lyrics all the time and flatly refused to give it up, which I don't blame him. So, he acted up and got sentenced to jail and 20 years later he died of a drug overdose. Do you think that maybe if these people weren't being so demanding this wouldn't have happened? I think so. I know many preachers who preach hellfire sermons and if you do anything ungodly (like listen to music that isn't like the Gaithers or whatever) you'll go to hell. I think this is the wrong way to go about it.......

....and don't think God will send you to hell for watching a tv show or whatever. I know not every christian is like that, its just the ones I'm around are. Don't get me wrong though, I'm a christian also....I just don't know what to think. What do you?

Xylo, that has nothing to do with it...I'm talking about religion in general

Answer 1

I think its the lack of love that drives people away. Having said that, I also believe Christian organizations and groups have a responsibility to withhold a Godly standard set before them. Deciding not to compromise Christs teachings is in no way wrong. How you described your friends situation in your question. It seems like He wanted things his way

Answer 2

Unfortunately, I believe that it is true that the Strict rules of the Church are what are driving the Youth away...for now. But it has been my experience that every other decade or so the you turn from the Church, but then begin to turn back. I work on a Catholic College Campus and even now after the last 10 years or so the students at the college are preferring the old Latin Masses, instead of the new contemporary services. The students from alternative religions also appear to be returning to the traditional style of church worship.

Your story about your friend is very regrettable.

Answer 3

Personally i think that humans have twisted and prodded at "religion" so much that sometimes the end result isnt even what God wants. We have taken our version of the Bible and made it into a denomination of our own. I think that what the Bible says is true, and it's the only guide line on how to live. If some religious nut is telling you something that he's gotten out of the Bible but taken it out of context and in tern changed it's origional meaning, that person is wrong. But if what they have to say goes right along with the Bible, then it is truth. Also, the Old Testiment had an old covenent that God made with his people. When Jesus came and died for us he made a new covenent with man. This new covenent is what we are to live by. We still need the Old testiment teachings, but some of the details were refined when Jesus died on the cross and became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Answer 4

Speaking as a person who didn't follow any religion until I was 34 I can say it was the fear of the unknown that kept me from practicing any religion. Like you I thought that if I started to go to a church I would have restrictions put on me and have to change and make a lot of sacrifices in my chosen lifestyle. Guess what , it doesn't work that way! Sure I have made changes in some of the things I do but they certainly aren't what I would call having to give things up. God loves us even before we love Him which includes even when we do things He might not like.

Answer 5

The bible tells us that our bodies are temples and the we need to treat them as such. The rehab center was right in wanting to get the guy off of drugs and alcohol. As far as giving up the music, no where in the bible does it tell us not to listen to music. In fact, in Gensis 31:25-27, it tells us to worship him through music. In a lot of religions, they try to control every aspect of your life and for some that works. However, there are more churches that actually want to work with you on getting closer to God.

Answer 6

yes I do, and its called legalism..it really makes me sick that your friend was subjected to that type of so called Christianity. Some people are so full of fear that they have to live by a list of rules and regulations to Work for there salvation. They do not understand God and are more interested in what people think of them than the Lord. I`m really sorry about your friend He is probably playing his guitar for Jesus now:)

Answer 7

Well, and also the fact that Christians force their religion on everyone and are synonomous with opression. Your question here is even implying that you want to solve the problem only to attract more people to Christianity. Why don't you just accept the fact that just because its your religion doesn't make it better than everyone else's?

Answer 8

1 Cor 10:23-24 is the only restriction for Christians.

Answer 9

I am not sure but I believe it could be the "rules" combined with human selfish and self centeredness. Such as "why should I" and I ought to be able to ____ if I want to." ANd I agree with you about the preaching and yelling. That is one reason I left the Baptist faith.

Answer 10

i think what drives most people from the church is the hypocrasy of the other church members and sometimes the pastors. the way so many church goers act toward other people isn't all that inspireing.