There's this reclusive, older man in his 50's or so that literally hunches over his Bible- reading it until he falls asleep every Sunday. I guess I want to ask him why he bothers going to church in the first place. The sermons are very interesting. We actually have a very good pastor that preaches some of the best sermons ever, but this old guy never listens and just has his face shoved in the Bible the whole time until he dozes off.
So, should I ask him? BTW, he stinks too. Should I tell him to take a bath? Well, I wouldn't tell him...but it's so distracting.
2007-09-20 08:33:28 · 42 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm getting good answers, but you don't have to be rude. It sounds like those that are being rude are judging. But, who am I to judge? :P
2007-09-20 08:43:20 · update #1
Guys: He's not poor. If he was poor, that would explain the smell. He appears to be clean and well-kempt except for the smell.
2007-09-20 08:45:34 · update #2
JULES, MY friend:
(This man is not "poor" as you say, but rich in heart. Someone I would like to know.)
He's reclusive and in his prime of life I would say.
Perhaps he has a sleep condition or does not get enough sleep, or could be he cannot hear very well, or that the sermon is so soothing it puts his very soul&being to sleep.
Or perhaps he is trying to reconnect with God, but this is his own way. He is God's child, too.
Jules, if he stinks who knows? Maybe he doesn't know the law of the deodarant. Next time when you see him extend the handshake "peace be with you, nice to meet you, sir." I've seen you quite a few times been a parishoner for long.
Really, if you can't stand his odor I suggest you can sit somewhere far away.
As long as his cell phone doesn't scream Barry Manilow, or he doesn't fart to oblivion, or starts a scene in church he is o.k. in my book.
God bless.
2007-09-20 08:52:15 · answer #1 · answered by Born Valentine's Day 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my dad got older he quite taking baths/showers and he was not homeless or anything wrong. Maybe it is so peaceful in church that his mind is finally at ease from a cruel world. I would just let him sleep and would also pray for him. You can practice the love of Jesus on him by loving him while he is there. You can give him a hug, he probably has not had one in a long time.
2007-09-20 11:37:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he works third shift and comes to church immediately after. That would account for the smell and the sleeping. I would rather have someone fall asleep in church and at least being making the attempt to come, then having then sit at home and not be there. If the spirit of God is moving in your church, at least it should still minister to this man's spirit. Get the facts from him before passing along any undo judgment.
2007-09-20 08:40:31 · answer #3 · answered by David 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Maybe hes not sleeping, maybe hes meditating. I would leave him alone. If he stinks he is either extremely poor and can't obtain a bath, or he is severely depressed. He may be homeless even and maybe the church is the only place he can get his rest. If you are a Christian would you really be doing Gods will if you were to cause more conflict or grief for this individual? That is what you should be asking yourself. ;-)
2007-09-20 08:42:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you try to strike up a pleasant conversation with him and get to know him as a person. He's there for a reason. It's unfortunate that he sleeps during service. Maybe he has a sleep disorder??? We as Christians can be too quick to judge and attack. Should a person sleep during services? Absolutely not! But, why approach him with condemnation? Approach him with Christian love. Ask him if there's something you can do to help him be alert. As far as his body odor, that also in unfortunate, but he still needs Jesus, doesn't he? And he still needs to hear the Word of God! Perhaps he has a mental condition, or is "slow"??? Perhaps he's a lonely widower looking for people to open their arms to him? Ask the Lord to help you know what to say and when to say it. Pray for this man. Seek the Lord about him. Don't you have leaders in your church who you can talk to about this? Ask them what you should do? But don't gossip...that's not pleasing to the Lord.
2007-09-20 08:46:52 · answer #5 · answered by Answer Annie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?)
Ask your self this question and then maybe show this man or find someone in your church to show this man some Christian and / or human compassion. Maybe he has been through or is going through some kind of crisis or tragedy.
OK?
Please?
Oh, for goodness sake, have some mercy now, will you?!?!?!?!?
Thanks, :)
p.s.
Relevant quote: "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, if you show a man how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." How is this relevant? If someone welcomes this man into your community, it may change his life, and your community's for the better.
2007-09-20 08:47:16 · answer #6 · answered by endpov 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He may have a night job or there may be more to the story... why don't you just try to get to know hem but I would not just run up and ask hem why he sleeps all the time in church. If do that it may make hem fell bad and he quit going to church. Your pastor may know why he dose it, I most pastors don't like it when people sleep like that.
2007-09-20 08:41:28 · answer #7 · answered by MadDog 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what religion you are but I'm catholic and i know that if in my church someone was sleeping they would get left alone unless the priest had a problem with that person sleeping! Plus that person may have some problems that he doesn't want to share with you or anyone else!and you may consider sitting somewhere else in church if his scent and sleeping bothers you!
2007-09-20 08:45:53 · answer #8 · answered by sh0rt86 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would talk the Preacher more than likely it's his fault the poor guy falls asleep. Then get him a bath, a good meal, and a few dollars for his pocket.
2007-09-20 08:44:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is exhausted because he immerses himself in the Bible. Mental work can be very exhausting! Maybe he is a fanatic about religion and he drains his brain from all the exhaustion of trying to decipher the small lettering in the Bible passages. Who is the true Christian here?
2007-09-20 08:46:52 · answer #10 · answered by Kamy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋