Should Christian ceremonies be reserved for belivers only?

Question

A R.E coursework question. I have done most of the essay but need to do the conclusion. Anyway, I was just wondering what other's views were, and if there are any ideas which I have not thought of whcih I can include in my essay.
Be debatable, hehe. And use a bit of Religious context please, don't just post "YEH!" or "NAAH". I'm actually interested in hearing your opinions.

Answer 1

Are you talking about ceremonies like weddings or the religious ceremonies like baptisms communion and such?

If you are talking about things like communion then how would that be enforced? Right now in most churches it is up to the individual to take it with a clear conscience.

I used to serve communion a lot when i was still a Christian and in the large churches you do not know everyone much less know if they are Christians or not. I have attended and served communion in churches with 800 people.
I also was in a church with only 20 people and this one man was not a Christian but I never refused it to him he just refused it himself, but one smart alek trouble maker accused me of refusing him and I had to get on to her and then she spoke up after service and he had to defend me saying I offered but he refused.

I my humble opinion churches do not need watch police.
BB

Answer 2

My personal opinion on this actually goes against certain teachings of my own church, but I believe that Christian ceremonies should be open to all. Let people see what is being done, and take part in it. I don't think that God pays as much attention to religious boundaries as mankind does. I've been invited to take part in ceremonies of religions other than my own, and I did it respectfully. I think that the rites, rituals, and services of Christianity should be opened up for all to see. Of course, some churches already do this. But many don't, and I think by pursuing an agenda of exclusion and separatism, they're losing an opportunity to show true brotherhood and openness toward others.

Answer 3

Much of Christianity has been removed from "religious" festivals, I personally have no problem with this, though I do see and recognise their significance. My view is that commercialism/capitalism has had a big hand in this.Add to this multiculturism and you are halfway to finding the answer. We (they) want people to buy trees/presents/send cards/ spend a fortune, but in order to do so they have to downplay the Christian element and turn it into a festival, a holiday. Look at our American cousins, they now wish everone a "happy holiday" as opposed to a "Happy Christmas" for fear of upsetting non Christians, or more accurately not getting their dollars? The same thing is happening in the UK. There was a letter sent in to a national newspaper where this person asked for some postage stamps. He was asked "do you want the real Christmassy ones or the ordinary ones"? When he queried this he was told that they were obliged to ask incase they offended non Christians! How stupid can it get? If a Jew, Muslim, Sikh or Buddhist et al wishes to come along and share in the joy of life with me, seeks nothing but peace and harmony with his fellow human beings, they are more than welcome. As I hope I would be welcomed in theirs. There is but one God, if you believe, your path is irrelevent. Hope this helps. x

Answer 4

This is ultimately a decision for Christians to make and I would certainly honor their wishes, but as a non-Christian I would find it unfortunate if I was unable to attend Christian weddings and funerals. I have no interest in attending Christian ceremonies more specifically God focused (Sunday services, etc.) but if Christians started saying "unbelievers aren't welcome" it would cast Christianity in a more negative light. It also wouldn't allow people to explore Christianity. My counter question would be: does it harm the believers' experience if non-believers are present?

Answer 5

Whatever a Christian does, He does it in the name of Jesus Christ and for the Glory of God.

In my opinion Christian ceremonies should open gates to others also (except remembering Jesus Christ through communion / bread breaking - It must be reserved for only believers)
We have to let others know about the Good News in Gospels, Love of Christ, His work of atonement on the cross on behalf of mankind.

Answer 6

Frankly I'd be happy if they kept themselves to themselves a bit more. To each, his own, I say. It's when they start trying to recruit you that they annoy me.

I hate the way people assume you're C.ofE. if you're English and not obviously part of some other religion. I hated being pushed into assemblies at school, I hate having to go to churches for weddings where nobody involved is religious.

Answer 7

Yes, along as they are purely traditional christian ceremonies. If they are ceremonies that have been hijacked by the church and converted into a christian festival then no, Christians should stop celebrating these events. (i.e Yule became christmas!)

Answer 8

No absolutely not. Christianity, if you are a true believer, and have your heart in the right place, and have truly accepted Jesus into your heart and life, you would want to share that with everyone you care about, and would not try to exclude them from ceremonies and functions.

Answer 9

I do not know of any christian ceremony that can not be seen by a non beliver. Anyone can be present and watch our ceremonies. However, to participate in the ceremony you have to check in the Bible for the requisites to do so.
Communion for example is definitively NOT for non belivers, they can be present and watch, but not participate in.

Answer 10

There is no reason a non-Christian shouldn't be able to participate in Christian ceremonies - with the exception of communion.
Though there is no way that anyone can tell you are not Christian, you shouldn't have communion due to it being such a sacred act.
However, it's between you and God.