Why do Christians keep building churches?

Question

We are supposed to believe that Christianity teaches Christians to help the less fortunate and to give until it hurts. Yet there are still many children in the world today dying of starvation. In spite of this, I have seen some impressive churches being built in North America. Some of these churches easily run into the millions of dollars to build. This, in spite of the fact that there are plenty of churches around that are underutilized and even abandoned. That same money could build a school and hire teachers in a 3rd world country to teach the children about agriculture and how to develop their own economy. All I see them getting from these Christians is a tent and some worthless teachings from the bible, teaching them not to use a condom so they can make more starving children more dependant on the "Charity" of the church. Why do Christians keep building their expensive yet worthless churches, instead of building real schools in the 3rd world?

It's not just churches; they also spend hundreds of thousands, if not millions, on TV and radio stations, as well as media outlets. You would think that the internet combined with secular community centers, schools, libraries, and arenas would serve their purpose of staying connected and gathering. Yet they continue to build these monsterous churches which serve no useful purpose. There's potentially billions of dollars wasted that could really be used to make the world a better place for humanity.

Answer 1

to keep business rolling

Answer 2

First, remember what Christ said when the woman used the expensive oil on him. He said there would always be poor, but the role of Christians is to not try to change the world, but to promote God's Word. This life may be terrible for many, but it is just a short life, compared to the thousands of years ones will be living in a Paradise Earth.

As for building the big, elaborate churches, that is because many Christians think they have to put on a big show to demonstrate their faith. They don't realize that faith is found in the heart, not in things. The other reason for the big churches is the lack of interest Christians have in being preachers of God's Word, as Christ instructed us to do. And, those who do, want to be paid for it, so they need large congregations to support them in their chosen life styles.

A church never needs to be larger than what can hold a congregation of 200 people. Anything larger and it should be split to form a new congregation. The new congregation can meet int he same building, but at different times and days. Since every adult in the congregation is suppose to have an equal knowledge of the Bible, and has the knowledge and experience to preach and teach, any one of them can lead the new congregation.

A single church building can hold up to four congregations, than when a fifth is formed, everyone gets together and builds it. Since children are taught by parents, there is no need for a Sunday school.

Answer 3

Your ignorance of the Christian religion is typical and unfortunate.

The building of places for worship has been a part of every major religion. This does not contradict their concern for charity any more then the fact that you live in something grander than a tent instead of giving all your money to 3rd world causes does not make you a moral degenerate.

While I think too that most of the church structures in North America are worthless, I do so for more aesthetic and architectural reasons. We live in a culture that has no concept of sacred space or objects.

Answer 4

I can tell you why Jehovah's Witnesses continue to build Kingdom Halls, we do not build buildings that run into the millions of dollars to build. Ours are economical, strictly build for teaching and learning.

Since November 1999 when the construction program in lands with limited resources began, 11,700 Kingdom Halls have been built. As of right now, 40 Kingdom Halls are being build each week of the year. In many areas, once a hall is finished, meeting attendance soars and halls are soon filled to capacity.

Last year 2005, 247,631, became Jehovah's Witnesses and everyone of these had to change their minds pertaining to the false teachings that they had been taught, these were people that used their own Bible, King James, etc., 28,384 were from the United States.

Answer 5

To answer your actual question - because the members keep increasing..What Christian church teaches christians to help the less fortunate and to give until it hurts....I thought they always taught to keep your faith in the Lord, try to do your best to follow the bible and do the "right" thing. To address your issue with how the churches spend their money..I think your're right, some churches over-indulge in less important matters

Answer 6

Do you have written permission from community individuals to stay the place you're residing? Your question is "trollish" and does not do something to enhance truthful communicate in usa. to study what befell in usa one hundred-350 years in the past with the bloodbath of 3000 individuals 9 years in the past, a bloodbath that replaced into perpetrated interior the call of Islam is cheating on your area and it quite is obvious that your in basic terms motivation is to bash Christians. enormous marvel! positioned your head back into the sand, certainty is obviously something which you do no longer prefer to handle.

Answer 7

Excellent question. It's even worse when we realize that the church is least the church when the Christians are gathered together inside the church building. The church is most the church when Christians are strolling the streets and highways trying to convert people with sword and battle axe. ;-)

Answer 8

Well since christianity is the oldest and largest religion they need more churches to house the followers of that faith. Christianity is the unity of people spreading the word of peace. How could we spread the word if we don't believe?

Answer 9

there is far to much money wasted as you stated. and I am thinking we should take care of our own before we begin to even think about the 3rd world countries. there are many here in the U.S. who we need to take care of before anyone else.

Answer 10

You are right about some places having too many churches. Probably believe they will get to heaven if they have more.

Answer 11

It makes you wonder if those elaborate churches are built on the rock of Jesus or the sand of satan doesn't it?