aren't the people at church already the good and faithful...so what gives with the fire and brimstone messages...it's not like a lot of lost folks go to church...if they are at church they are probably Christians? Why don't pastors just challenge the flock to be good people and to love others....
2007-05-01 07:58:18 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Of course not! ... Theists have no lock on morality. They're as good and as bad as any group. To think otherwise is bigotry.
“Morality does not depend on religion.” -- John Ruskin
2007-05-01 08:00:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The people who go to church every week aren't always "good" or "faithful," believe me. When I was a seminary student studying to be a pastor, I preached in my home church frequently. I can't tell you how many people I knew of who were cheating on spouses, living together with girlfriends or boyfriends, or had kids out of wedlock, or whatever. The last sermon I preached there dealt with those who claimed to be Christians living like unbelievers. There is so much of this kind of thing happening that it's hard sometimes to tell believers from unbelievers. Some believers just get so complacent in their salvation that they forget that they are supposed to live as one who has been saved, rather than continuing in sinful behaviors. So, yes, it is sometimes necessary to preach fire and brimstone even to the choir, just as a wake-up call.
2007-05-01 08:11:21 · answer #2 · answered by Starfall 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Jesus said, "I come not to save the righteous, but the lost." The pastor preaches to everyone equally, to the saints to remind them of the consequences of their past should they backslide, and try to offer a way to the altar of repentance for the sinners in attendance. The pastors usually DO encourage people to be good and love each other. God even told us to "Love one another as Christ so loved the Church." But, loving one another simply isn't enough! We have to follow through with the plan of salvation, live a sanctified life and perform the scope of God's will.
2007-05-01 10:32:26 · answer #3 · answered by bigvol662004 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The people enjoy Hell Fire and Brimstone preaching because somebody like you may be in attendance at church. It could scare the Hell out of you and then you could be saved.
2007-05-01 08:06:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it is because the pastor knows the flock and he wants them to quit sinning. I'm just glad to hear you found a pastor preaching on sin.
2007-05-01 08:05:45 · answer #5 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All pastors should teach the Bible verse by verse. If hell happens to be in there then talk about it, otherwise move on. There is a lot more in the Bible than fire and brimstone.
2007-05-01 08:03:11 · answer #6 · answered by CaTcHmEiFuCaN 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pastors expose sin that is hidden and not recognized. Both in the congregation and the pastor.
2007-05-01 08:06:05 · answer #7 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure that they preach about sin in church ? Most sinning takes place in other dives, bed rooms, etc.
2007-05-01 08:03:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way to keep 'em in line is to continue the fire and brimstone routine.
2007-05-01 08:01:29 · answer #9 · answered by glitterkittyy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope, we are all sinners and therefore need to hear those messages over and over again. I have never felt that as a chriatian I am above anyone!
2007-05-01 08:02:27 · answer #10 · answered by Stylegirl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋